The Smith-Waite Tarot Deck, also known as the Rider-Waite deck, holds a significant position in the world of divination as one of the most popular and widely used tarot decks globally. Renowned for its rich symbolism and detailed artwork, created by Pamela Colman Smith under the direction of Arthur Edward Waite, this deck has served as a cornerstone for tarot enthusiasts for over a century. A modern interpretation of this classic deck, the Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless, offers a unique presentation of the traditional imagery. This edition removes the borders from the card art, allowing for an uninterrupted view of the intricate illustrations. This article explores the history, design features, and practical applications of this borderless edition, drawing exclusively from the provided source materials.
The original Smith-Waite deck was published in 1910, illustrating the 78 cards of the standard Major Arcana. The deck was constructed by combining the traditional Major Arcana and the traditional court cards. Arthur Edward Waite, an American-born British poet and scholarly mystic who wrote extensively on occult and esoteric matters, served as the co-author of the Rider Waite tarot deck. Pamela Colman Smith, also nicknamed Pixie, was a British artist, illustrator, writer, publisher, and occultist. She is best known for illustrating the Rider Waite deck for Arthur Edward Waite. This tarot deck has become the standard amongst tarot card readers and remains the most extensively used today.
The Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless is a modern interpretation of this traditional deck. The 78 cards of the Borderless edition were chosen based on the original 78 cards. The deck was then constructed by combining the traditional Major Arcana and the traditional court cards. This specific edition, published by U.S. Games Systems Inc. on August 14, 2017, is described as a beautiful new tarot deck. While the source text attributes the design to Arthur Edward Waite, it is understood that the underlying imagery is the work of Pamela Colman Smith. The deck comes with instructions and is available in English.
A defining feature of this deck is its borderless design. The borderless feature allows for the artwork to be displayed in its full glory without any distractions. The images are based on the iconic Rider-Waite tarot deck but with a modern twist. The illustrations are rich in symbolism and detail, making it easier to interpret and connect with each card. For readers, this design offers distinct advantages. With traditional decks that have thick borders, eyes are often drawn to those borders instead of focusing on the imagery and symbolism within the card itself, which can be distracting and take away from the overall message of the reading. However, with a borderless deck, attention is solely on the card itself, allowing the reader to fully absorb its meaning without any distractions. Furthermore, a borderless deck offers more flexibility in terms of interpretation, as certain elements or symbols within a card are not cut off by borders.
The quality and durability of the Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless are noted as high. The cards are made of thick, durable cardstock, ensuring they withstand frequent use without getting damaged or worn out easily. The cards also have a smooth finish, making them easy to shuffle and handle during readings. This physical quality is appreciated by both beginners and experienced readers. Testimonials from users highlight that the deck is easy to shuffle without worrying about damaging the borders. The miniature edition of the deck is also available, offering the same borderless design and quality in a convenient, smaller size suitable for travel.
The Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless is described as an excellent choice for beginners. The images are based on the traditional Rider-Waite deck, which is often recommended for beginners due to its clear symbolism and meanings. The borderless design eliminates any confusion caused by traditional borders that may differ from other decks. It allows beginners to focus on the beautiful illustrations and their meanings without feeling intimidated by intricate borders. The deck comes with a guidebook written by renowned tarot expert Barbara Moore. This guidebook provides detailed interpretations of each card as well as tips on how to conduct readings effectively.
In addition to the standard 78 cards, the Borderless edition sometimes includes additional non-Tarot art prints. For example, one set contains four additional cards, including two watercolor paintings, "Catch Me" and "Duet"; illustrations of lovers in Deirdre’s works; and sheet music illustrations for Christmas carols. These additional items enhance the artistic value of the deck.
The Major Arcana forms the heart of the tarot deck, comprising 22 cards that reflect life’s karmic and spiritual lessons. Each card tells a story with its own unique symbolism and insights. Key figures like The Fool, The Magician, and The High Priestess guide us through the powerful messages of transformation and enlightenment. These cards can reveal turning points or pivotal life themes, often prompting deep reflection and personal growth. When drawing a Major Arcana card, the emphasis is typically on a significant lesson or event in one’s life. The Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless allows these profound messages to be viewed without visual interruption, facilitating a deeper connection to the card's energy.
The four suits—Wands, Cups, Swords, and Coins (or Pentacles)—complement the Major Arcana. They represent specific areas of life and energies. While the source materials provided do not detail the specific meanings of individual cards within these suits, they emphasize that the Smith-Waite deck provides a comprehensive system for understanding these various aspects of existence. The rich symbolism embedded in Pamela Colman Smith's illustrations serves as a visual guide for interpreting the nuances of each suit.
The use of the Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless extends to various scenarios. Users have reported using the deck for personal daily guidance, in-depth readings, and even social gatherings. The borderless design allows for laying out multiple cards side by side, enabling readers to dive deeply into the narrative of a spread without visual barriers. The aesthetic appeal of the deck is also frequently mentioned; the uninterrupted artwork is considered visually pleasing and contributes to a more immersive spiritual practice. For those seeking a fresh take on tarot while maintaining a connection to tradition, this borderless edition offers a modern twist on the classic Rider-Waite imagery.
In the context of holistic energy balancing and spiritual well-being, tools like the tarot deck serve as a means to access intuition and explore subconscious insights. The Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless, with its clear, unobstructed imagery and high-quality construction, supports this process. By removing physical barriers between the reader and the artwork, the deck aims to facilitate a more direct and intuitive flow of information during readings. Whether used by a seasoned reader looking for a new perspective or a beginner seeking an accessible entry point, this deck provides a reliable and aesthetically engaging tool for exploring the mysteries of the tarot.
The legacy of the Smith-Waite deck is continued through this Borderless edition, preserving the essential symbolism established by Pamela Colman Smith and Arthur Edward Waite while adapting the format for contemporary users. The deck stands as a testament to the enduring power of these archetypal images and their capacity to offer guidance and reflection. Its design philosophy prioritizes the visual narrative of the cards, inviting users to engage directly with the rich tapestry of symbols woven into each illustration. This focus on the core imagery helps maintain the integrity of the traditional meanings while offering a fresh visual experience.
Conclusion
The Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless represents a thoughtful modernization of a classic divination tool. By removing the borders from Pamela Colman Smith's iconic illustrations, this edition enhances the visual impact and interpretive flexibility of the cards. It retains the rich symbolism and structure of the original 1910 deck, comprising 78 Major and Minor Arcana cards, and makes it accessible to a wide audience. The deck is characterized by high-quality cardstock and a smooth finish, ensuring durability and ease of use. It is particularly noted as an excellent choice for beginners due to the clarity of the imagery and the inclusion of a comprehensive guidebook. For experienced readers, it offers a fresh perspective on familiar imagery, allowing for a deeper immersion into the card's meaning. Ultimately, the Borderless edition serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the profound insights of the tarot through a lens of unobstructed beauty and traditional wisdom.