The Knight-Waite Tarot

The Knight-Waite Tarot - photography instead of illustrations

Where most tarot decks are drawn or painted, this one works with photography. People in contemporary settings, not stylised characters from another era. That choice changes how you look at the symbolism.

The Knight-Waite Tarot was developed by Michele Knight-Waite, a British astrologer and psychic. The deck follows the structure of the Rider-Waite tradition, but translates the archetypes into images that are deliberately diverse. Different ages, backgrounds, body types, skin tones. The aim is for more people to see themselves reflected in the cards.

What photography does differently

Photography is more concrete than a drawing. The emotion on a face, the posture of a body, the way light falls in a space. All of it feels more tangible, closer to your own experience. For some people, that makes the step into tarot easier.

The images are composed cinematically. Not snapshot aesthetics, but directed compositions with attention to colour, light and environment. The symbolism of the Rider-Waite remains intact, but is moved into contexts you recognise from daily life.

The deck contains three additional cards beyond the usual 78. These cards are designed to address themes that get less space in traditional tarot. The guidebook explains what they are for and how you can use them.

Who this works for

If you are used to the Rider-Waite, you can work with this deck immediately. The order, meanings and structure remain the same. The difference lies in the imagery.

For people new to tarot, photography can be a lower threshold. You do not have to learn to decode symbolic language before you feel something when you look at a card. The quick start guidebook gives basic meanings and a few short instructions.

Look at the person on the card first, before you look up the meaning. What do you see in their face, their posture, the space around them? That gives you an initial intuitive way in.

About Michele Knight-Waite

Michele Knight-Waite has worked for years as an astrologer and psychic in the United Kingdom. Her background lies in making spiritual practices accessible, free from dogma or exclusivity. This deck fits that line: a tool that speaks directly, without requiring you to study a whole tradition first.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 81 (78 traditional tarot cards + 3 additional cards)
• Card size: 86 × 135 mm
• Language: English
• Guidebook: Quick start guidebook in English
• Weight: 658 grams
• Publisher: John Murray Learning
• ISBN: 9781399807333
• Author: Michele Knight-Waite

Questions we often get

Why 81 cards instead of 78?
Michele Knight-Waite added three cards to highlight modern themes that receive less attention in classic tarot. The guidebook describes what those cards mean and when you can use them.

Can I use this deck if I am used to the Rider-Waite?
Yes. The structure, order and basic meanings are identical. The only difference is that you are looking at photographic images instead of drawings.