Guide to the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck
The Rider-Waite Tarot deck, created by A.E. Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith, is perhaps the most popular and influential tarot deck in the world. Serving as the inspiration for thousands of new decks, it’s the go-to choice for tarot teachers and students alike. However, the origins and purpose of the Rider-Waite deck reveal a deeper, more intriguing story.
The Purpose Behind the Rider-Waite Deck
A.E. Waite, the mastermind behind this deck, was the head of his own secret society, which was an offshoot of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. These societies thrived on mystery and exclusivity, raising an interesting question: how do you attract new members to something that’s meant to be secret? Waite’s answer was to create a tarot deck that would stir curiosity and invite seekers to dig deeper.
Through deliberate mystification, omission of details, and a dash of esoteric allure, the Rider-Waite deck was designed to pique the interest of students. The idea was simple: offer just enough information to intrigue, while subtly suggesting that true understanding could only be gained by joining the Order—and, of course, paying the required dues. Waite carefully balanced this by leaving clues within the deck and its accompanying guidebook, hinting at the Golden Dawn’s influence without explicitly revealing its secrets, thus honouring his vows of secrecy.
The Influence and Legacy of the Rider-Waite Deck
Despite its hidden agenda, the Rider-Waite deck has become the foundation of modern tarot. Its imagery and symbolism are so deeply embedded in the tarot tradition that familiarity with this deck offers a key to understanding many others. Whether you’re new to tarot or an experienced reader, the Rider-Waite deck provides a solid base for exploring the mystical world of tarot.
Structure of the Rider-Waite Deck
The Rider-Waite deck consists of 78 cards, divided into three main groups:
- Major Arcana: The 22 cards that represent significant life events, spiritual lessons, and archetypal energies.
- Minor Arcana: The 56 cards that depict the day-to-day aspects of life, divided into four suits:
- Fire or Wands: Representing creativity, action, and ambition.
- Water or Cups: Symbolising emotions, relationships, and intuition.
- Air or Swords: Associated with intellect, conflict, and communication.
- Earth or Pentacles: Relating to material wealth, work, and the physical world.
- Court Cards: These cards represent people, personality traits, or situations, and include the King, Queen, Knight, and Page of each suit. The Aces, often seen as the root of each suit’s energy, are grouped with the Court Cards in this guide.
To deepen your understanding, interpretations from other renowned tarot scholars such as P.D. Ouspensky, Thierens, Etteilla, and Paul Foster Case are also included, offering a broader perspective on the Rider-Waite deck’s rich symbolism.
The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is more than just a tool for divination; it’s a gateway to the esoteric knowledge that has captivated seekers for generations. By studying this deck, you not only gain insights into your own life but also unlock the mysteries that have intrigued tarot readers for over a century.