The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tarot system represents a foundational framework within modern divination practices. Developed through the collaboration of Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith, and first published in 1909, this system has established itself as the modern standard for tarot study and practice. The deck comprises 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). Unlike earlier tarot traditions that featured abstract imagery on the Minor Arcana, the RWS system introduced fully illustrated scenes for these cards. This narrative approach significantly enhanced the accessibility and interpretive potential of the cards, making the system particularly valuable for beginners and experienced readers alike. The structure and symbolism of the RWS deck are deeply rooted in the esoteric traditions of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, blending ancient wisdom with practical storytelling.
The Major Arcana cards serve as the pillars of the RWS system, representing universal laws and significant spiritual themes. These 22 cards, often referred to as the "Greater Mysteries," depict a journey of spiritual evolution and life milestones. When a reading features a predominance of Major Arcana cards, it is generally interpreted as indicating that the situation at hand carries significant karmic weight or relates to profound life lessons. Conversely, the Minor Arcana reflects the nuances of daily life, addressing relationships, emotions, struggles, and successes through the lens of four elemental suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Understanding the distinct roles and symbolic language of both the Major and Minor Arcana is essential for a comprehensive grasp of the RWS tarot system.
The Major Arcana: Spiritual Themes and Universal Laws
The Major Arcana constitutes the core narrative of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, chronicling a journey from innocence to fulfillment. These 22 cards are designated as "Keys" to esoteric mysteries, each bearing a number in Roman numerals to denote its position in the Fool's Journey. This narrative structure, while popularized in the 1970s by tarot author Eden Gray, is based on the perennial philosophy taught by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The cards represent the turning points, awakenings, and transformative events that shape an individual's path. When these cards appear in a reading, they ask the querent to consider the larger picture and the deeper spiritual currents influencing their circumstances.
The Hermetic and Esoteric Origins
The term "Major Arcana" was coined in the 1800s by Jean-Baptiste Pitois (writing as Paul Christian) to describe ancient esoteric concepts regarding the universe's creation, cycles, and laws. Arthur Edward Waite adopted this terminology, though he rejected the popular theory of Egyptian origins. Instead, Waite designed the RWS Major Arcana to reflect the teachings of the Golden Dawn. Each card is a symbolic tableau intended to convey hidden truths to the initiate.
For example, Key 0: The Fool contains specific symbols that point to the mystery of incarnation. The Fool wears clothing adorned with 8-spoked wheels, which alludes to the fifth occult element of Spirit (Quintessence). This element transcends the four classical elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) associated with the Minor Arcana suits. The presence of this symbol on the Fool’s attire suggests the soul’s journey into matter to gain experience. Additionally, the barking dog at the Fool’s heels represents the doubt and noise of the lower, instinctual self. The card as a whole emblematically points to the cycle of reincarnation and the spiritual initiation required to escape the bonds of matter.
The Fool's Journey
The sequence of the Major Arcana cards depicts a progression of spiritual development. The journey begins with the innocence of The Fool and moves through various archetypal experiences, culminating in The World, which represents fulfillment and completion. This progression is not linear but spiral, reminding the seeker that life involves repeated cycles of evolution. The cards mark significant turning points and ask the querent to identify the defining moments of their path. The numbering of the Major Arcana in the RWS system follows the Golden Dawn tradition, placing Strength as VIII and Justice as XI, a distinction from the Marseille deck which often reverses these positions.
Interpreting Major Arcana in Readings
The appearance of multiple Major Arcana cards in a spread suggests that the reading concerns highly significant themes. These themes are often fated or relate to important lessons on the spiritual path. The cards encourage the querent to look beyond immediate material concerns and consider the deeper meaning of their experiences. They serve as reminders that life’s most profound moments—breakdowns, breakthroughs, and awakenings—are part of a larger evolutionary process. The imagery is designed to speak directly to the unconscious mind, providing doorways to deeper self-understanding and potentially offering insight into future trajectories.
The Minor Arcana: The Elements of Daily Life
While the Major Arcana addresses universal spiritual laws, the Minor Arcana provides a detailed map of the human experience in the physical world. The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana are grounded in the everyday realities of relationships, work, emotions, and material resources. Waite and Smith elevated these cards by infusing them with symbolic depth and elemental balance, transforming what were once abstract playing card pips into vivid narrative scenes. This innovation made the tarot a more effective tool for storytelling and practical divination.
The Four Elemental Suits
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, each representing a specific element and area of life. These suits form the symbolic backbone of the tarot system:
- Wands: Associated with the element of Fire, these cards typically relate to passion, creativity, career, and action.
- Cups: Linked to the element of Water, these cards deal with emotions, relationships, intuition, and matters of the heart.
- Swords: Corresponding to the element of Air, these cards address the mind, communication, conflict, and challenges.
- Pentacles: Tied to the element of Earth, these cards focus on the material world, including finances, health, work, and home.
Each suit contains cards numbered from Ace through Ten, along with four Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). The Court Cards represent personalities or types of people, while the numbered cards depict the unfolding of events and situations within that elemental domain.
Narrative and Symbolism
The illustrations in the Minor Arcana are narrative and readable at a glance. Unlike earlier decks where the Ten of Swords might simply show ten swords, the RWS Ten of Swords depicts a figure lying face down with ten swords piercing their back, telling a clear story of betrayal or painful realization. This narrative approach allows the reader to access the card's meaning intuitively. The Minor Arcana reflects the "inner and outer worlds" of daily existence, showing how the elemental forces interact to shape our reality. Whether it is the struggle represented in the Five cards or the completion found in the Tens, the Minor Arcana offers a mirror to the querent's immediate life circumstances.
Practical Considerations for RWS Tarot Practice
For those engaging with the Rider-Waite-Smith system, several practical aspects define the experience. The system is designed to be accessible, yet it contains layers of depth that support a lifetime of study. The consistency of the imagery and the clarity of the symbolism make it an ideal starting point for learning tarot, while its esoteric roots provide ample material for advanced practitioners.
Deck Variations and Editions
While the structure and core meanings of the RWS system remain constant across different editions, variations do exist. Different publishers have released versions with distinct color palettes and line work. For instance, the "Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot" features vibrant recoloring with shaded artwork that differs from the original bright coloring, introducing more blues, golden yellows, and purples. Another edition, associated with the book "Pamela Colman Smith – The Untold Story," uses a palette of sky blue, bright yellow, and grey. These visual differences can subtly alter the "feel" of a reading, though the underlying symbolic meanings remain largely consistent with the original 1909 publication. Some editions may also include additional cards, such as promotional cards for related books, but the core 78-card structure is the standard.
Reversals and Numbering
A common question among new readers is whether to use reversed cards (cards drawn upside down). In the RWS system, the use of reversals is optional. Many readers choose to skip them entirely, especially when starting out, to avoid complexity. The consensus is that consistency in practice is more important than adhering to a specific technique. Therefore, a reader may choose to read only upright cards or adopt reversals later as their practice evolves.
Another point of distinction is the numbering of Strength (VIII) and Justice (XI). The RWS deck follows the Golden Dawn ordering, placing Strength as the eighth card and Justice as the eleventh. This differs from the Marseille tradition, which often swaps these positions. This numbering is a specific feature of the RWS system and is taken into account when studying the sequence of the Fool's Journey.
Learning and Progression
The RWS system is structured to support progressive learning. The Major Arcana is often studied as a sequence of 22 lessons or "Keys," representing the spiritual path. The Minor Arcana is typically broken down by suit and number, allowing the student to understand the elemental dynamics of daily life. Many resources suggest pulling a single card daily to familiarize oneself with the imagery and meanings. As proficiency grows, more complex spreads and the interplay of cards can be explored. The system's design—specifically the scenic Minor Arcana—makes it significantly easier to learn and teach compared to systems with abstract pip cards. This accessibility has cemented its status as the standard for tarot apprenticeship and study.
Conclusion
The Rider-Waite-Smith tarot system is a comprehensive tool for divination and self-reflection, structured around the interplay of universal spiritual themes and specific elemental experiences. Its creation by Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith introduced a narrative depth to the Minor Arcana that revolutionized tarot practice. The Major Arcana provides a framework for understanding life's significant milestones and spiritual lessons, while the Minor Arcana offers insight into the everyday challenges and successes that define the human journey. The system's roots in the esoteric traditions of the Golden Dawn add a layer of historical and symbolic richness. By understanding the distinct roles of the Major and Minor Arcana, the elemental suits, and the specific features of the RWS deck—such as the numbering of Strength and Justice—practitioners can access a profound system of wisdom. Whether used for daily guidance or deep spiritual inquiry, the RWS tarot remains a vital and accessible gateway to the unconscious mind and the mysteries of life.