Cards
The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot cards, also known as the RWS Tarot, are a highly popular and influential tarot deck widely recognized in the Western world. Created in 1910 by occultist A.E. Waite, with artwork by Pamela Colman Smith, this deck holds immense significance.
Comprising 78 cards, the RWS Tarot deck consists of two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana encompasses 22 cards representing powerful archetypal symbols like The Fool, The Magician, and The World. Pamela Colman Smith's artwork beautifully portrays these symbols, surrounded by rich and meaningful imagery.
The Minor Arcana consists of 56 cards divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. These suits represent elemental aspects of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth, respectively. Each suit includes numbered cards from Ace to Ten, as well as court cards like Page, Knight, Queen, and King.
The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck gained immense popularity due to its accessible and visually captivating illustrations. Pamela Colman Smith's artwork incorporated detailed scenes, vibrant colors, and profound symbolism, making the cards both aesthetically pleasing and easily interpretable. A.E. Waite's companion book, 'The Pictorial Key to the Tarot,' provided comprehensive explanations for each card, establishing it as a valuable resource for tarot enthusiasts.
The impact of the RWS Tarot deck is evident in its influence on subsequent tarot designs. Many contemporary decks draw inspiration from its innovative approach, setting a new standard in tarot symbolism. As a result, it remains a favored choice for beginners and experienced readers alike, owing to its profound symbolism and intuitive imagery.
In summary, the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, created by A.E. Waite and Pamela Colman Smith, revolutionized tarot with its accessible artwork and deep symbolism. Comprising the Major and Minor Arcana, it continues to be widely admired and serves as a foundation for numerous contemporary tarot decks.
