The Original Rider Waite Tarot is one of the closest representation of the original Rider-Waite Tarot which was published in 1909. I wanted to do my own Original Rider Waite Tarot Review and go into this deck and how I found it, the quality and the guidebook information.
You will likely see me reference the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (RWS) all the time and this is based on this tarot deck which has been with us for over 100 years now.
Many tarot decks of today are based on the typical RWS system, which is different from the Tarot De Marseille (Marseille tarot) tarot system. These are the 2 most popular tarot systems but overall, the majority are based on the RWS system.
The version I have is the one that comes with a more comprehensive guide book in a little box and it’s really well made.
So, let’s get into the Original Rider Waite Tarot Review, shall we?
The Original Rider Waite Tarot Review – A Review Of The Most Famous Tarot Deck
About the deck
This is a replication of the original Rider Waite tarot which was published in 1909 by William Rider & Son of London. Hence where the ‘Rider’ came from. I’ve seen a few times people asking about where ‘Rider’ came from as you only see many things about Arthur Edward. Waite and Pamela Colman Smith.
Arthur Edward Waite was part of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and known as a mystic with his knowledge of the occult and esoteric matters. He created the written works of the Rider Waite Tarot and asked Pamela Colman Smith to create the artwork based on his requirements.
Between them, they created the ever-popular tarot deck, the Rider Waite Tarot and there are many versions of this, but also even more tarot cards created using the concept of the RWS tarot.
In recent years, the name changed to Rider Waite Smith with newer versions coming out, also dedicated tarot decks to Pamela Colman Smith. Who, was left out of the naming process back then but signed every card with her signature. A small, sigil style thing. She has an autobiography that is on my list, which deep dives more into this.
About the packaging, quality and booklet
The version I got is a pack with a small ‘The Key to The Tarot‘ book and a deck of tarot cards. Beautifully presented in a thick, cardboard box and has the cards on one side, then on the other, a piece of cardboard that boosts the height of the book to the same level as the top of the tarot cards, keeping them safe and secure through transport.
There is also a piece of paper that has the Celtic Cross Spread on and has the layout numbered, later in the book, it explains how to use this spread.
Let’s talk about the guide book. The Key To The Tarot is a very popular book for learning tarot. RWS decks usually have a very small guide book with a couple of keywords for each card. However, this deck really goes into the meaning behind the deck, deep on the tarot cards and gives a lovely explanation per card. As well as this, there is also information on the meaning of numbers, repetitive cards and also how to read the cards. Not forgetting the reversal meanings for the cards too.
You can buy The Key To The Tarot separately if you already have the cards or you are not interested in the cards. This is a larger book with a bigger font, so if you struggle reading small fonts, you might want to consider the stand-alone book.
Now the cards can be sold without the guide book, The Rider Waite Tarot Cards are sold in a cardboard sleeve and like your typical U.S. Games tarot, with a white basic guide book.
The quality of the cards is fantastic, thick, smooth and very easy to shuffle. Unlike the Radiant Rider Waite Tarot, these are darker and not as clear but they are over 100 years old so I don’t expect them to be like the tarot cards of today.
Overall, the quality and guide book is amazing and highly recommend this deck. Especially the tarot pack.
The Original Rider Waite Tarot Review
Given the quality of the cards, packaging and guide book, I really enjoy these cards overall!
The very first tarot deck I owned was the Gilded Tarot and then I purchased the RWS Pamela Cole Smith Tarot and these were the 2 decks I used for around 10+ years. It’s only recently I started buying more tarot decks and expanded my collection.
Anyway, I purchased this as I had seen it everywhere and wanted to expand my RWS collection and eventually, have the majority that I can get my hands on.
I really love the artwork of the RWS decks and enjoy reading the book. The colour scheme for this particular deck is darker and richer with The Original Rider Waite Tarot and the back of the cards are light blue and looks beautiful.
Using them is very easy, they are a typical standard tarot card size and as they are quite thick cards, they last a while as I shuffle them and use them for my readings. Plus the book is a really good read and has loads of information throughout the book. Even outside of the card meanings.
Whether it is sharing anecdotes to the history of the cards, you are transported back to the start of the production of the Original Rider Waite tarot.
How I got on reading the cards
The connection was instant, I felt I could read with clarity and sincerity right from the very start. Whether I was delving into someone’s love life or seeing what might be in their future, it really did hit the spot and the feedback I received was correct.
I’ll admit that The Original Rider Waite Tarot are requested frequently, out of all the decks I own. So it’s nice to see they are popular!
I feel a lot of wisdom and connection with these cards, they are really lovely to thumb through and look at everything from tragedy to love, happiness and desire. You can really get a feeling for the reading using these and do honestly recommend them!
Final Thoughts
I really do enjoy using these cards and wanted to include in my The Original Rider Waite Tarot review that I feel I gravitate towards them more often than not. Well with their weight in gold and if you are looking for simple, easy to use cards, then these are your bet! The Original Rider Waite Pack is perfect for someone who is starting their tarot journey, or if you want to learn more than the keywords in most tarot decks.
The only issue I have is the lack of appreciation to Pamela Colman Smith, but that is another post on its own I think.
What do you think of these tarot cards? Would you purchase these?
There are different kinds of tarot cards available and I have also the Raider Waite deck. You did a very good review about it. I too like to use these cards with the nice artwork.
Thank you
Erika