Rider Waite Tarot Cards
Tarot has seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years and the Rider Waite Tarot cards remain one of the most popular of all the available Tarot decks. Perhaps because they have been around for so long or more likely because of the simplicity of interpreting the symbolism of each of the images.
The images of the Rider Waite tarot cards were drawn by Pamela Colman Smith, but they were drawn according to the instruction of Arthur E Waite. The deck was first published in 1909 by the Rider company and hence named the Rider Waite deck. No reference was made to the artist, though the deck may sometimes be referred to as ‘Waite-Smith’; ‘Rider Waite Smith’; and ‘Waite-Colman Smith’.
Whatever name is given to this deck, it still remains one of the most popular of all the Tarot decks, especially among those who are just starting out to learn the Tarot. However, even experienced and professional Tarot readers are more than likely to still have and use a copy of the Rider Waite deck.
Because of their popularity, it is extremely easy to find books/CD’s/Guides on how to use the Rider Waite Tarot cards, and often at very competitive prices. This makes it even easier for those new to learning the Tarot to find the right kind of information they need to help them develop their skills quickly and easily.
The Rider Waite deck consists of 78 cards, made up of 22 Major Arcana cards, and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The Minor Arcana cards are divided into suits, just like a normal playing cards deck. These are named:
Cups – also referred to as Vessels. This suit is related to the element of water and ususally deals with emotions, relationships, romance and creativity.
Wands – also referred to as Batons. This suit is related to the element of fire and deals with work, travel, and negotiations.
Swords - also referred to as Spades. The suit of swords is related to the element of Air and is associated with troubles, setbacks and surgery.
Pentacles – also referred to as Coins. Pentacles are linked to the element of Earth and deal with money, property and material possessions.
Court Cards are also part of the Minor Arcana and are made up of:
Pages – most closely associated with youth and innocence.
Knights – these suggest the entrance of new people and experiences into your life.
Queens – often symbolize women of power and are linked to such traits as nurturing and creativity.
Kings – father figures who represent mature male individuals. These cards are most likely to relate to traits such as leadership and authority.
The Rider Waite Tarot cards are ideal for anyone who is interested in reading the Tarot cards, whether for their own personal use or in a professional capacity. If you are just starting out on your own personal Tarot journey, you can download a free, printable set of Tarot cards, along with a short, but detailed guide to the Tarot from Rider Waite Tarot Cards.