The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) Tarot system stands as a foundational pillar in the study and practice of modern tarot. Its structure, imagery, and symbolic framework have influenced countless readers and deck creators since its publication in the early 20th century. Unlike earlier tarot decks that relied heavily on memorization of abstract suit symbols, the RWS deck introduced a pictorial language designed to be "read like a picture." This approach made the wisdom of the cards more accessible, allowing the unconscious mind to engage with the imagery directly. The system is not merely a tool for fortune-telling but a complex map of human experience, built upon esoteric wisdom and psychological storytelling. It offers a pathway to explore significant life themes, spiritual lessons, and the cyclical nature of existence.
The creation of this deck was a collaborative effort between the mystic Arthur Edward Waite and the artist Pamela Colman Smith. Waite, a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, sought to create a deck that diverged from the Egyptian origins theory while still honoring the "Greater Mysteries" or Major Arcana. He commissioned Smith to illustrate a deck where even the Minor Arcana cards would feature full scenes, a departure from the pip cards of historical decks like the Tarot de Marseille. This innovation allows users to interpret not just what is happening, but why it is happening and what it means for one's personal journey. The deck’s structure is carefully crafted to mirror the human experience, making it a timeless tool for introspection and guidance.
The Structure of the Rider-Waite-Smith System
The Rider-Waite-Smith deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Understanding this structure is essential for interpreting the cards' messages and the flow of a reading.
The Major Arcana
The Major Arcana comprises 22 cards, numbered 0 through 21. These cards represent universal laws, significant spiritual themes, and major life cycles. They are often viewed as the "Greater Mysteries" of life. When a large number of Major Arcana cards appear in a reading, it is generally interpreted as a sign that the situation at hand is fated or relates to an important lesson on the spiritual path. The imagery in the RWS Major Arcana depicts a perennial philosophy based on the teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
- The Journey: The sequence of the Major Arcana tells a story of spiritual evolution, beginning with The Fool (0) and culminating with The World (21).
- Universal Themes: Cards such as The Wheel of Fortune represent the idea of fate and cyclical change, while The Magician signifies initiation and the power of manifestation. The Judgement card illustrates the concept of spiritual regeneration.
- Historical Context: The term "Major Arcana" was coined in the 1800s by Jean-Baptiste Pitois, reflecting ancient esoteric ideas about the universe's creation and laws. Waite adopted this terminology to align with the esoteric community's exploration of tarot origins.
The Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards, divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit contains ten number cards (Ace through Ten) and four Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). In the RWS system, the number cards are not merely abstract symbols; they are scenic illustrations that provide context and narrative.
- Wands: Associated with the element of Fire, these cards typically relate to action, ambition, creativity, and passion.
- Cups: Linked to the element of Water, these cards often deal with emotions, relationships, intuition, and the subconscious.
- Swords: Connected to the element of Air, these cards represent the mind, intellect, communication, and conflict.
- Pentacles: Aligned with the element of Earth, these cards focus on the material world, finances, health, and practical matters.
The Court Cards
The Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King) within the Minor Arcana serve specific roles in readings. They can represent personalities, attitudes, or types of people involved in a situation. They can also indicate a particular approach or energy that needs to be adopted.
The Visual Language and Symbolism
The genius of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck lies in its visual language. Pamela Colman Smith’s illustrations are rich in symbolism, designed to trigger the intuitive mind.
- Scenic Minor Arcana: This is the deck's most significant innovation. For example, instead of just showing five cups, the Five of Cups card depicts a figure mourning over three spilled cups while two full cups stand behind, symbolizing the focus on loss while overlooking potential blessings. This narrative approach allows for deeper, more intuitive readings.
- Consistent Symbolism: Symbols are repeated throughout the deck to create a cohesive language. For instance, the figure of the Fool is seen in the background of the Magician card, linking the beginning and the "magician" stage of development.
- Color and Composition: The use of color and the composition of the scenes guide the emotional and psychological interpretation of the cards. The RWS deck uses specific color palettes to evoke certain feelings and highlight key elements.
Variations and Lineages of the RWS Deck
While the original RWS deck is the standard, several variations have been published over the years, each offering a slightly different aesthetic or feature set while retaining the core system.
The Original and Rider Versions
The "Original" deck and "The Rider" deck are early iterations. The Original deck features a brown background on many cards, while The Rider features a grey background. These versions laid the groundwork for the modern RWS decks.
The Centenary and Borderless Editions
The Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless Edition is a modern variation that removes the card borders. This edition is significant because it finally acknowledges Pamela Colman Smith on the deck box, addressing the historical oversight of her contribution. This version is described as a cross between the Original and the Rider, with improved skin tones on the figures. It also includes five additional cards featuring Pamela Colman Smith’s non-tarot artwork, offering a deeper look into the artist's vision.
The Radiant Wise Spirit Tarot
This is another borderless version of the RWS deck. Like other modern iterations, it aims to present the classic imagery in a fresh format, often with enhanced color vibrancy.
Guidebooks and Learning Resources
Most RWS variations come with guidebooks. For example, the Borderless Edition includes a guidebook with a similar introduction to other US Games versions, followed by the same card meanings. The font size and layout may vary between editions. The Radiant version is noted for having a larger font and more white space on the pages compared to the Borderless edition.
Learning and Using the RWS System
The RWS system is widely recommended for beginners for several reasons.
Why Start with RWS?
- Universal Language: The RWS deck is the "pictorial language" that many other deck creators translate into their own artistic style. Learning this base language allows a reader to understand and interpret any RWS-inspired deck more easily.
- Resource Availability: Most learning resources, tutorials, and online communities assume the RWS system. Websites like OneCardTarot use RWS as their default because it is the most accessible for new learners.
- Intuitive Reading: The scenic nature of the cards allows beginners to "read the picture" rather than having to memorize abstract meanings for each card.
Reading the Cards
When consulting the RWS Tarot, the process typically involves shuffling the deck while focusing on a question. A card is then drawn to provide a description of the current situation and an answer to the question. The imagery on the card serves as a doorway to the unconscious, helping to reveal the psychological and spiritual dynamics at play.
The system is structured to help interpret not just the events, but the underlying reasons and their meaning for one's soul story. This is what makes the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot System so enduring; it is structured enough to study, intuitive enough to trust, and mythic enough to inspire.
Comparing RWS to Other Systems
While RWS is the standard for beginners, other systems exist, such as the Tarot de Marseille (TdM) and the Thoth Tarot.
- Tarot de Marseille (TdM): This historic system uses a woodcut style, and its Minor Arcana are "pips" (arrangements of suit symbols) rather than scenes. It is often favored by readers who enjoy numerology and traditional aesthetics. Its numbering system is also different, typically swapping Justice (VIII) and Strength (XI) compared to RWS.
- Thoth Tarot: Created by Aleister Crowley, this deck is known for its abstract, richly symbolic paintings and dense esoteric correspondences with astrology, Kabbalah, and alchemy. It is generally recommended for more advanced students of the occult.
The bottom line for those beginning their journey is that starting with an RWS deck or an RWS-inspired modern deck provides a solid foundation. One can always explore other systems like Thoth or Marseille once comfortable with the basics.
Conclusion
The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot system is more than just a deck of cards; it is a comprehensive tool for psychological exploration and spiritual guidance. Its unique structure, combining the universal themes of the Major Arcana with the narrative scenes of the Minor Arcana, allows for a reading experience that is both intellectually sound and deeply intuitive. The vision of Arthur Edward Waite, combined with the artistic genius of Pamela Colman Smith, created a timeless map of the human experience. Whether one is seeking clarity on a specific question or exploring the deeper currents of their life path, the RWS system offers a reliable, symbolic language to facilitate that journey. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness and its ability to serve as a mirror to the soul.