The Rider-Waite Tarot, also known as the Rider Tarot or simply the Rider
deck, is one of the most popular and widely used tarot decks in the world.
It was first published in 1909 by the artist Pamela Colman Smith and the
occultist Arthur Edward Waite.
The Rider-Waite Tarot consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana
and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards that depict
archetypal characters and themes, such as The Fool, The Magician, The High
Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The
Chariot, Strength, The Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man,
Death, Temperance, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun,
Judgment, and The World.
The Minor Arcana consists of four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands.
Each suit has 14 cards, including ten numbered cards (Ace through 10) and
four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King). Each suit corresponds to a
specific element and represents different aspects of life, such as emotions,
finances, communication, and creativity.
The Rider-Waite Tarot is known for its vivid, detailed artwork and the
inclusion of symbolic imagery that has become widely recognized and used in
other tarot decks. It is also known for its accessibility and ease of use,
making it a popular choice for beginners and experienced readers alike.