The Rider Waite Tarot Deck is the most popular Tarot deck in use today in the English-speaking world. Over the years it has also been known as the Rider-Waite-Smith, Waite-Smith, Waite-Colman Smith or simply the Rider deck. The images were drawn by artist Pamela Colman Smith, to the instructions of academic and mystic Edward Waite, and published by the Rider Company. While the images are deceptively simple, almost child-like, the details and backgrounds hold a wealth of symbolism. The subjects remain close to the earliest decks, but usually have added details. Significantly, Waite had the Christian imagery of older tarot decks cards toned down—the Pope card became the Hierophant, the Popess became the High Priestess. Waite considered symbolism of prime importance, so the cards of the Rider-Waite deck were created to communicate esoteric principles through symbols. Waite's deck is good for both beginners and seasoned readers - it's easy enough to start with, but complex enough for those who wish to dig deep to find more and more meanings in it.

 (Includes: The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, by Arthur Edward Waite, an explanation of key tarot terms and spreads)