The Modern Way Tarot - Rider-Waite reduced to colour and form
There are decks that follow the Rider-Waite structure and there are decks that simplify it. This deck does the latter, consistently. The Modern Way Tarot by J. Bindels and N. Fernando removes as much detail as possible and leaves the symbolism to blocks of colour, simple lines and white space.
The result is something that is both familiar and different. The Fool still walks towards the cliff, but the background is a solid flat colour. The Magician has his four symbols, but they are reduced to simple shapes in bright colours. It is Rider-Waite without the noise.
What you see on the cards
Flat colours dominate. Lots of yellow, red, blue. Little to no shading or gradients. Figures are drawn with clear, clean lines. No textures, no furniture, no background details to distract from the central image.
The cards are 70 by 120 mm, printed on 350 gsm cardstock. They feel sturdy, not flexible. The cardstock is smooth and shuffles easily. The colours are printed matte, not glossy.
Each figure stands in a noticeably empty space. That makes the card quieter, but also more abstract. You have to fill in what happens around the figure yourself.
Who this deck is designed for
The 194-page guidebook describes each card with a short text and keywords. The text is aimed at beginners: clear, without much esoteric reference. There are spreads and explanations on how to combine cards.
The deck works well if you already know a Rider-Waite-based deck and are looking for something visually less overwhelming. It is also useful if you want to follow classic symbolism but do not like the Victorian style of the original.
Draw a daily card and notice which colour dominates. That often gives you a first direction before you look up the meaning.
About J. Bindels and N. Fernando
J. Bindels wrote the texts and developed the concept. N. Fernando designed the visual style. Their shared goal was to make Rider-Waite symbolism more accessible by removing everything that is not strictly necessary.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78 (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana)
- Card dimensions: 70 x 120 mm
- Cardstock weight: 350 gsm
- Guidebook: 194 pages
- Language: English
- Author: J. Bindels
- Designer: N. Fernando
- Packaging: sturdy storage box
Questions we often get
Does this deck follow standard Rider-Waite meanings?
Yes. The symbolism is simplified, but the structure and traditional meanings remain intact. What you have learned with a classic Rider-Waite deck applies directly here.
Is this suitable if you have never worked with tarot cards before?
Yes. The guidebook explains everything and the cards are visually clear. It is a deck designed not to intimidate.
