Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

The Rider-Waite-Smith was born from the collaboration between Arthur Edward Waite, an occultist of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and Pamela Colman Smith, an artist also initiated into this order. Published in December 1909 by the London publisher Rider — hence the 'Rider' in the name — it radically breaks with the Marseille tradition. Waite oversaw the symbolic system based on Kabbalah, astrology, and Western hermeticism, while Smith designed the illustrations, giving each minor arcana a narrative scene for the first time. Smith's name, long omitted, was later reinstated in recognition of her fundamental creative role. The original edition is now in the public domain.

The structure follows the 78 classic cards: 22 major arcana, from The Fool (0) to The World (XXI), and 56 minor cards in four suits — wands, cups, swords, and pentacles. Its uniqueness lies in the complete illustration of each card, including the ten numbered cards of each suit, which tell a micro-visual story making the reading accessible and intuitive. A Celtic cross spread — ten cards exploring a situation from multiple facets — is particularly associated with it. The rich iconography allows for multi-level readings, from the most literal to the most symbolic.

Often recommended for those discovering tarot, its illustrations speak immediately, before any theoretical learning. It remains relevant for experienced readers due to its symbolic depth. Pentacles evoke the material and professional, cups the emotional register, swords the mental challenges, and wands the momentum and creativity. Used as a tool for personal reflection, it invites a fresh look at a situation, in a spirit of entertainment and introspection.