Rider-Waite Tarot
The Rider–Waite Tarot is a popular deck for tarot card reading, first published by William Rider & Son in 1909, based on the instructions of academic and mystic A. E. Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, both members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
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Browse the Major Arcana
1 - 3 of 22
The Fool
The Magician
The High Priestess
Coins
The suit of Coins represents material matters, money, and career.
1 - 3 of 14
Ace of Coins
2 of Coins
3 of Coins
Cups
The suit of Cups represents emotions, relationships, and spirituality.
1 - 3 of 14
Ace of Cups
2 of Cups
3 of Cups
Swords
The suit of Swords represents thoughts, communication, and conflict.
1 - 3 of 14
Ace of Swords
2 of Swords
3 of Swords
Wands
The suit of Wands represents creativity, inspiration, and growth.
1 - 3 of 14
Ace of Wands
2 of Wands
3 of Wands
Overview
The Rider–Waite tarot deck has 78 cards: 56 Minor Arcana, and 22 Major Arcana. The Minor Arcana generally correspond to the suits of Spanish or Italian playing cards. The Major Arcana, corresponding to the trump cards of gaming tarot, have unique designs numbered from 0 (The Fool) to 21 (The World).
Symbolism & Design
While the images are simple, the details and backgrounds feature abundant symbolism. Some imagery remains similar to that found in earlier decks, but overall the Waite–Smith card designs are substantially different from their predecessors. Christian imagery was removed from some cards, and added to others.
Historical Influence
The symbols and imagery used in the deck were influenced by the 19th-century magician and occultist Eliphas Levi, as well as by the teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
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