The Rider-Waite deck, originally published in 1909, was created by Arthur Edward Waite, a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. Prior to this deck, many tarot cards featured only simple pip designs for the Minor Arcana, making it more difficult for readers to interpret meanings without extensive knowledge. However, Smith’s full illustrations of all 78 cards revolutionized tarot reading, providing imagery rich in symbolism, color, and esoteric wisdom.

Waite’s goal was to create a deck that embodied both the mystical traditions of tarot and the teachings of the Golden Dawn, making it accessible yet deeply profound. The deck was originally published by Rider & Co., which is why it became known as the Rider-Waite Tarot—though modern scholars often advocate for giving more credit to Smith, referring to it as the Smith-Waite Tarot instead

My First Tarot Deck: The Rider-Waite Found Me

When I first started reading tarot, the Rider-Waite deck was my introduction to this world, but the way it came to me was nothing short of magical. The first time I went to a tarot reader—who would later become one of my mentors—she told me I needed to get my own tarot deck. It wasn’t just a suggestion; it felt like a mandate, a calling... it was destiny.

After the reading, I decided to walk home, contemplating what she had told me. I called a very special friend to share my experience, and in a moment of pure synchronicity, he told me he had a tarot deck he had been looking to pass on to someone. Everything aligned so serendipitously that I knew this was my sign—the Rider-Waite deck had found me.

From that moment, my tarot journey began. It wasn’t just about learning the meanings of the cards; it was about understanding that tarot had always been a part of my path. The Rider-Waite deck became my gateway into my inner self, my connection to something greater, and the start of an intuitive practice that continues to evolve. It was the begining of Persephone Kore. 

Modern Variations

Over time, artists and tarot enthusiasts have reimagined the Rider-Waite deck in different styles, adjusting its color schemes, artistic influences, and even symbolism. Some of the most well-known variations include:

• The Smith-Waite Centennial Edition – A softer, muted recoloring of the original deck that closely resembles Smith’s watercolor artwork.

• The Radiant Rider-Waite – A more vibrant and colorful version of the original deck.

• The Universal Waite – A recolored version with softer shading, making the imagery feel more fluid and dynamic.

• The Black and Gold Wyspell Tarot – A stunning, high-contrast version with deep black backgrounds and radiant gold linework, offering a luxurious and modern take on the classic imagery.

Why the Rider-Waite System Endures

Despite the countless tarot decks available today, the Rider-Waite system remains the backbone of modern tarot reading. Many contemporary decks, even those with unique aesthetics or entirely new themes, still follow the Rider-Waite structure—meaning if you learn on this deck, you can easily transition to almost any other.

For me, the Rider-Waite Tarot is like an old friend—always there when I need clarity, always reliable when I want to connect deeper with my intuition. And while I love exploring different decks, I always recognize the wisdom and foundation this deck provides.

A friend for beginners and experts

If you’re starting your tarot journey, the Rider-Waite deck (or one of its many variations) is a fantastic place to begin. And if you’ve been reading for years, revisiting this deck can be a grounding experience—reminding us of the core wisdom that tarot offers.

No matter which deck I use, I always carry a piece of Rider-Waite with me. Whether it’s the classic edition or my current favorite, the Black and Gold Wyspell Tarot, its magic will forever be connected to any reading I'm blessed to give.