Tarot of A.E. Waite Standard Deluxe Spanish version - the 1909 original in Spanish edition
There are dozens of Rider-Waite variants on the market. This edition goes back to the first printing from 1909. That means the original colours, the original card back, and the imagery exactly as Pamela Colman Smith drew it.
Naipes Heraclio Fournier, a Spanish publisher with over a century and a half of experience in printing playing cards, handles the production. The cardstock is sturdy enough for daily use without wearing down quickly. The finish is smooth and matte, which makes the cards shuffle easily.
Why this deck remains the standard
Most tarot books, courses and guidebooks refer to this deck. There is a practical reason for that: the symbolism is clear and consistent. Every minor card tells a story through human figures, landscapes and actions. That makes the deck more accessible than older decks such as the Marseille tradition, where the minor arcana show only wands, cups, swords or pentacles.
The colours are softer than in many modern reprints. That is because this edition replicates the original printing technique. No bright hues, but earthy tones that support the symbolism without shouting.
What the guidebook contains
The Spanish guidebook runs to 96 pages and is written by Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig. Pollack is considered one of the most influential tarot writers of the past fifty years. Fiebig has worked with the symbolism of this deck for decades.
The text includes basic meanings for each card, an introduction to the structure of tarot, and a few spreads. The focus is on interpretation, not esoteric theory.
If you do not read Spanish, this deck is still usable. The images are universal and there are hundreds of Dutch and English sources based on this deck.
About Pamela Colman Smith
Pamela Colman Smith drew all 78 cards in 1909, commissioned by Arthur Edward Waite. She worked quickly: the entire deck was finished within six months. Her style is recognisable by the flat colours, the Art Nouveau influences and the theatrical compositions.
Smith received little recognition for her work at the time. Only decades later did it become clear how great her influence has been on the development of modern tarot.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 70 x 120 mm
- Card language: Spanish
- Guidebook language: Spanish
- Guidebook pages: 96
- Guidebook authors: Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig
- Illustrator: Pamela Colman Smith
- Publisher: Naipes Heraclio Fournier
- Finish: Sturdy cardstock, smooth matte finish
- Packaging: Solid storage box
Questions we often get
What is the difference between this edition and other Rider-Waite reprints?
This edition uses the original colours and card back from the first printing of 1909. Many other reprints have bright, saturated colours or a modified back design. In addition, the cardstock quality is higher than in many standard editions.
Can I use this deck if I do not speak Spanish?
Yes. The images are the same as in every Rider-Waite edition, and the numbering is universal. You can use any Dutch or English tarot book as a reference.
