Jan 2 - Welcome to the RWS

A brief, slightly irreverent introduction to the deck you probably already own

You know it. You’ve seen it. You might even have three versions of it already.
Let’s talk about the deck that launched a thousand readings: the Rider-Waite-Smith.

(Or, as some of us lovingly call it: the “RWS” or “The One With All the Yellow.”)

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🎨 A Very Quick Backstory

The deck first appeared in 1909, born of a curious trio:

• Arthur Edward Waite – a mystic and scholar who wanted to make tarot less fortune-teller and more symbolic.

• Pamela Colman Smith – the brilliant artist who illustrated all 78 cards (often overlooked, but not here, thank you).

• William Rider – the publisher who put it out into the world.

So yes - Rider-Waite-Smith is kind of like calling Harry Potter “Publisher-Boy-Witch.” But we digress.

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🔍 What Makes It Special?

• All the Minor Arcana are illustrated.
  That was a game changer at the time. Before this, most decks looked like numbered playing cards.

• Symbolism for days.
  Every little gesture, colour, and background element is intentional (and sometimes wildly esoteric).

• It’s the default “language” of tarot.
  Most modern decks - even wildly artistic or niche ones - still reference RWS meanings and structure.

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💛 Why People Still Use It

• It’s readable.
  If you’re just starting, it tells stories with its images.

• It’s versatile.
  Works for intuition, structure, journaling, or waving around dramatically during Mercury retrograde.

• It’s classic.
  Like a little black dress. But with swords.

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😬 The Downsides?

• Pamela Colman Smith rarely got the credit she deserved.
  That’s slowly changing - but we’ll say her name again: Pamela. Colman. Smith. Icon.

• The art style doesn’t vibe with everyone.
  (That’s okay! Tarot isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s one-size-finds-your-weird.)

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🧙‍♀️ Final Thought:

The RWS isn’t the only deck - but it’s a great one to know. It’s foundational, flexible, and full of Easter eggs.

Think of it like the original flavour of tarot. You don’t have to like it best, but it helps to have tasted it at least once.

✨ Bonus Prompt:
Pull a card from the RWS (or your RWS-based deck).
Ask: What part of me is ready to see this image in a new way?