The History of Tarot Cards and the Rider-Waite-Smith Deck: Origins, Meaning & Legacy
Tarot cards have fascinated spiritual seekers, mystics, and curious minds for centuries. From their origins as a card game in Renaissance Italy to their modern use in divination and spiritual guidance, tarot cards carry a rich history and deep symbolic meaning. Among all tarot decks, the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck stands as the most iconic and widely used. But how did tarot cards begin, and what makes the Rider-Waite deck so influential?
What Are Tarot Cards? A Brief Overview
Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards used primarily for spiritual insight, personal growth, and fortune telling. The deck is divided into:
22 Major Arcana cards (representing major life themes and archetypes)
56 Minor Arcana cards (depicting everyday events and situations)
Modern tarot readers use these cards for self-reflection, meditation, and psychic readings, but their story starts in a very different place.
The Origin of Tarot: From Game to Esoteric Tool
The history of tarot begins in 15th-century Italy, where the earliest tarot decks were created for a game called tarocchi. These early decks, like the Visconti-Sforza Tarot, were hand-painted and richly decorated.
It wasn't until the 18th century that tarot became associated with mysticism and occult philosophy. French occultists such as Antoine Court de Gébelin and Etteilla began to interpret tarot as a tool of ancient wisdom, connecting the cards to the Egyptian Book of Thoth, astrology, and Kabbalah.
The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck: A Revolutionary Creation
The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, also known as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, was first published in 1909. It was created by:
Arthur Edward Waite, a mystic and member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
Pamela Colman Smith, a visionary illustrator and occultist
This deck changed tarot history forever and remains the most popular tarot deck for beginners and professionals alike.
Key Features of the Rider-Waite-Smith Deck
Fully Illustrated Minor Arcana
Unlike earlier decks, every card in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck contains a unique scene. This made tarot reading more accessible and intuitive for newcomers.Rich Esoteric Symbolism
Waite embedded the deck with Christian mysticism, numerology, and Golden Dawn principles—allowing deeper interpretation and spiritual exploration.Pamela Colman Smith’s Iconic Art
Smith’s illustrations are now legendary. Her images—especially cards like The Fool, The Magician, and The High Priestess—remain among the most recognized in tarot today.
Why the Rider-Waite Deck Is the Best Tarot Deck for Beginners
If you’re wondering what tarot deck to start with, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is considered the best tarot deck for learning. Its familiar imagery is used in most tarot books, courses, and apps. The straightforward symbolism makes it easier to memorize card meanings and connect with your intuition.
Legacy and Influence in Modern Tarot
Today, nearly all modern tarot decks draw inspiration from the Rider-Waite-Smith system. Whether you’re reading with a modern deck or a classic one, you’re likely interpreting Waite and Smith’s original structure and symbolism.
The deck's enduring popularity proves its power—not only as a spiritual tool, but as a cultural icon.
Final Thoughts: Why Learn the History of Tarot and the Rider-Waite Deck?
Understanding the history of tarot cards and the significance of the Rider-Waite deck deepens your appreciation for this mystical art. Whether you’re using tarot for spiritual growth, daily reflection, or intuitive guidance, knowing where these cards come from enhances your connection with them.