The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck stands as a monumental tribute to the original Rider-Waite Tarot, celebrating one hundred years since its transformative debut in the early twentieth century. Released in 2009 by U.S. Games Systems as part of the Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set, this deck is a faithful reproduction of the artwork created in 1909. It serves not only as a functional tool for readings but also as a collector’s item designed to preserve the pristine integrity of the full commemorative set while allowing practitioners to engage with the cards directly. This edition is specifically crafted to honor the original aesthetic chosen by the artist, Pamela Colman Smith, often known as "Pixie," ensuring that modern readers experience the deck exactly as it was envisioned over a century ago.
The historical significance of this deck cannot be overstated. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Rider-Waite deck revolutionized the world of Tarot. Prior to its release, Minor Arcana cards typically featured simple pip designs, such as repeated symbols of swords or cups. However, under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite, a mystic and member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Pamela Colman Smith illustrated the Minor Arcana with full-fledged pictorial scenes. This innovation provided a visual narrative for every card, making the symbolism more accessible and the deck easier to read intuitively. While Arthur Edward Waite and the publisher William Rider have historically lent their names to the deck, the Centennial Edition specifically elevates the contribution of the artist, acknowledging that the memorable images and cultural impact are largely the result of Smith’s creativity and intuition.
The Centennial Edition distinguishes itself through its commitment to historical accuracy. Over the decades, the Rider-Waite deck underwent numerous reprints, during which the artwork was frequently adjusted. Colors were often brightened, lines were cleaned up and aligned, and small details were sometimes lost to suit changing printing technologies and market tastes. The Centennial Edition reverses these alterations. It recreates the original appearance of the 1910 cards, utilizing the soft, muted color palette that Pamela Colman Smith originally selected. This vintage aesthetic is a defining characteristic of the deck, offering a stark contrast to the vivid, often glossy reproductions found elsewhere. By stripping away the modernizations, the deck restores the subtle nuances and atmospheric depth of Smith’s original illustrations.
Understanding the structure of the deck is essential for any practitioner. The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana comprises 22 cards that represent life’s karmic and spiritual lessons. These cards, ranging from The Fool to The World, tell a story of transformation and enlightenment. When these cards appear in a reading, they often signal significant life events, turning points, or overarching themes that require deep reflection. Key figures such as The Magician and The High Priestess guide the querent through powerful messages regarding their personal journey.
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, each corresponding to a specific element and area of life. This structure allows for a nuanced exploration of daily experiences and challenges.
The suit of Wands is associated with the element of fire. This suit represents ambition, inspiration, creativity, and the spark of life. It is the realm of action, enterprise, and the energy that drives personal projects and spiritual growth. The imagery in the Wands suit often depicts dynamic scenes of movement and interaction, reflecting the fiery nature of its influence.
The suit of Cups corresponds to the element of water. It focuses on emotions, relationships, intuition, and the inner world of feelings. Cups represent the heart and the flow of connections between individuals. The cards in this suit often illustrate scenes of joy, sorrow, and communion, reflecting the fluid and often deep nature of emotional experiences.
The suit of Swords is linked to the element of air. This suit examines the intellect, thought processes, conflict, and communication. It represents the power of the mind, the clarity of truth, and the adversities that challenge one's perspective. The progression within the Swords suit, from the curiosity of the Page to the mature judgment of the King, reflects the journey of harnessing the mind's power with ethics and intellect.
The suit of Coins, also known as Pentacles, is oriented toward the element of earth. This suit pertains to material wealth, career, physical health, and the tangible aspects of life. It is rich with imagery reflecting practicality, resource management, and the nurturing of one’s earthly environment. The Ace of Coins heralds prosperity and potential, while cards like the Ten of Coins celebrate the culmination of sustained success and stability.
The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck is ideal for beginners due to the clarity provided by the pictorial Minor Arcana, yet it remains a primary tool for experienced fortune tellers and collectors. Its inclusion of two additional cards depicting Pamela Colman Smith’s other works further cements its status as a tribute to her artistic legacy. Despite the historical context where Waite initially failed to mention Smith by name in his accompanying book, referring to her only as a "young woman artist," the cultural impact of her work is undeniable. The characters and graphics of the deck have become recognizable cultural images, influencing artists, writers, and moviemakers for generations. The Centennial Edition ensures that her specific vision remains the standard for Tarot practice.
Conclusion
The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck offers a unique opportunity to engage with Tarot history in its most authentic form. By faithfully reproducing the original 1909 artwork and the muted color palette chosen by Pamela Colman Smith, this deck preserves the subtle symbolism and atmospheric depth that revolutionized divination. Whether utilized for personal insight, spiritual growth, or professional readings, it serves as a bridge to the foundational wisdom of the Rider-Waite tradition, honoring the artistic genius of "Pixie" and the structural guidance of Arthur Edward Waite.