The Original Rider-Waite Tarot Deck: Restored Edition with Full Guidebook by Pamela Colman Smith

Own a piece of occult history with The Original Rider-Waite Tarot Pack. This is the definitive edition of the world's most popular tarot deck, restored to the authentic vision of its creators, A.E. Waite and Pamela Colman Smith. Unlike the bright, primary-colored versions often found on shelves today, this set returns to the subtle, muted palette of the early 20th-century Arts and Crafts movement, offering a vintage aesthetic that is both beautiful and historically accurate.

Why This is the "Gold Standard" of Tarot

Whether you are a complete novice or a professional reader, the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system is the foundation of modern tarot.

• The Classic Imagery: This is the deck that introduced fully illustrated "pips" (Minor Arcana), making it infinitely easier to read than older decks. If you can read this deck, you can read almost any deck.
• Restored Aesthetics: This edition ditches the modern "checkerboard" back for the original Tudor Rose and Lily design in pale blue. The card fronts feature the original, softer color tones intended by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909.
• Complete Instruction: This is not just a deck; it is a full study kit. It includes an updated edition of "The Pictorial Key to the Tarot," A.E. Waite's 160-page scholarly guide to the symbolism and meaning of every card.

Metaphysical Significance & Usage

Why start with Rider-Waite?

• Archetypal Language: The imagery is deeply rooted in the Golden Dawn tradition, Western Hermeticism, and astrology. It speaks the universal language of the human subconscious.
• The Hero’s Journey: As noted in the foreword by Liz Greene, these cards map out the archetypal human life journey, from the innocence of The Fool to the completion of The World.
• Divination: The included Celtic Cross guide and book provide immediate access to powerful spreads for predicting the future and analyzing the present.

Product Specifications

• Creators: A.E. Waite (Author) & Pamela Colman Smith (Artist).
• Contents: 78-Card Deck & 160-Page Paperback Book (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot).
• Card Backs: Original 1909 Pale Blue with Tudor Roses & Lilies.
• Card Size: Standard Tarot Size (approx. 2.75" x 4.75").
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Who Is This For?

• Beginners: This is the textbook deck. Almost all tarot learning resources are based on these images.
• Purists & Collectors: Those who dislike the harsh coloring of the standard yellow-box edition will love this vintage, muted restoration.
• Students of the Occult: Essential for anyone studying the symbolism of the Order of the Golden Dawn.