Tarot of A.E. Waite - The classic system in a compact format
About the Tarot of A.E. Waite
The Tarot of A.E. Waite forms the foundation of almost all modern tarot. This Pocket Premium Edition by AGM Urania includes all 78 cards with the original illustrations that Pamela Colman Smith created in 1909. The small format of 57 x 89 mm makes the cards comfortable to handle, even if you have smaller hands or limited table space for spreads. The included 96-page guidebook is entirely in Portuguese and contains commentary by Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig on every card. Because nearly every tarot course and book is based on these images, this set works well as both a study tool and a daily reading companion.
Imagery and themes
Every card in this set shows a fully illustrated scene. Pamela Colman Smith did not only illustrate the 22 Major Arcana cards. She also gave each of the 56 Minor Arcana cards its own narrative image. This is what makes the system so readable: you can often understand a card just by looking at it. The colours stay close to the original 1909 palette, bright and clear. The back of every card shows the classic brown pebble pattern, taken directly from the first printed editions of this tarot.
The creators
Arthur Edward Waite was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. He designed the symbolic structure of the cards with the aim of connecting esoteric knowledge to everyday life. Pamela Colman Smith, known as 'Pixie', drew all the illustrations. Her decision to fully illustrate the Minor Arcana changed the course of tarot history. Together they created a system in 1909 that remains the standard reference point to this day.
Using these cards in practice
The small 57 x 89 mm format fits easily into a bag or pocket. The cards are comfortable to shuffle and work well for complex spreads in a small space. The 96-page Portuguese guidebook by Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig gives clear explanations for each card. Because so many tarot study materials are based on these same images, you can pair this guidebook with other books or online resources without confusion. A single daily card draw is a natural fit for this compact format.
Carry these cards with you for a few days before your first reading. The small size makes this easy, and you will quickly feel at home with them.
Features of the Tarot of A.E. Waite
- Number of cards: 78
- Language: Portuguese
- Guidebook: 96 pages, Portuguese, with texts by Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig
- ISBN: 9783038194668
- Publisher: AGM Urania
- Weight: 205 g
- Dimensions: 57 x 89 mm
- Edition: Pocket Premium Edition
- Back design: Classic brown pebble pattern, referencing the original 1909 first editions
Expert FAQ about the Tarot of A.E. Waite
Is this Portuguese edition good for someone who has never used tarot before?
Yes. The Rider-Waite-Smith system is the most taught tarot system in the world. Almost all beginner books and courses are built around these exact images. The 96-page guidebook by Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig gives a solid starting point. You can also use this set alongside any English-language tarot resource, since the imagery is identical.
How does this pocket version compare to a standard-size Tarot of A.E. Waite?
The illustrations and the number of cards are exactly the same. The only difference is size: 57 x 89 mm instead of the standard format. This makes the cards easier to shuffle if you have smaller hands, and more practical for reading on the go or on a small surface.
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