tarocchi
Rider-Waite
The Rider-Waite is the most widespread tarot deck in the world. Published in 1909 by the London publisher William Rider & Son, it is the work of the occultist Arthur Edward Waite (1857-1942) and the illustrator Pamela Colman Smith (1878-1951). It is the first deck in which the 56 minor arcana are also illustrated with full narrative scenes.
Structure
Seventy-eight cards: 22 major arcana (from the Fool to the World) and 56 minor arcana divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles). Each suit runs from ace to ten with four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). The iconography draws on Rosicrucian, Kabbalistic and Christian-esoteric symbolism.
Pamela Colman Smith
The illustrator of the deck, known in her family as Pixie, was paid a flat fee and never received royalties. Her work has been re-evaluated in recent decades; today the deck is often called Rider-Waite-Smith. Pixie s tiny signature appears on every card. The 78 illustrations are in the public domain in many countries.
FAQ
Is it the "best" tarot deck?
It is the most widespread and the one usually used by beginners, but "best" is subjective. For classical French style there is the Marseille; for concreteness, the Lenormand.
Is it in the public domain?
The original 1909 illustrations are in the public domain in many countries. Modern editions (Rider Tarot, US Games Systems) may hold copyright on their own versions.
Can I use other cards inspired by the Rider-Waite?
Yes, there are hundreds of derivative decks that keep the basic iconography. They are the so-called "RWS clones".