Smith Waite Tarot vs Rider Waite Tarot: Uncover the Key Differences

The world of tarot is vast and filled with various decks, each offering its unique perspective and artwork. One popular comparison that often arises among tarot enthusiasts is the Smith-Waite Tarot vs Rider-Waite Tarot. This article will delve into the key differences and similarities between these two iconic decks, their respective pros and cons, and situations where one deck might be more suitable than the other. Let’s begin our journey into the Justice vs Rider Waite Tarot debate.

What is Smith Waite Tarot and what is Rider Waite Tarot?

The Smith-Waite Tarot, also known as the “Pamela Colman Smith RWS Tarot” or the “Centennial Edition,” is a commemorative edition of the Rider-Waite Tarot. It was published in honor of Pamela Colman Smith, the artist behind the original illustrations of the Rider-Waite Tarot. The Smith-Waite Tarot is characterized by its vintage look and slightly muted colors, staying true to the original artwork created by Smith.

The Rider-Waite Tarot, on the other hand, is one of the most well-known and widely used tarot decks in the world. Published in 1909, the Rider-Waite Tarot was a collaboration between occultist Arthur Edward Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith. The deck’s vibrant colors and detailed imagery have made it a popular choice for tarot readers of all levels.

Key differences between Smith Waite Tarot and Rider Waite Tarot

1. Color Scheme: The Smith-Waite Tarot uses a more muted, vintage color palette, giving the cards an antique appearance. In contrast, the Rider-Waite Tarot has bright, vivid colors, making the imagery pop and easy to distinguish.
2. Cardstock and Finish: The Smith-Waite Tarot features thicker, sturdier cardstock with a matte finish, providing a more luxurious feel. The Rider-Waite Tarot typically has thinner cardstock and a glossy finish, which may be less durable and more prone to wear and tear.
3. Artistic Style: While both decks are illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, the Smith-Waite Tarot remains truer to her original vision. The Rider-Waite Tarot, however, has undergone several revisions, with some editions featuring updated artwork that deviates from Smith’s initial illustrations.
4. Symbolism: The symbolism in both decks is nearly identical, but the Smith-Waite Tarot has subtle differences in some cards. These changes may impact the interpretation of specific cards for some readers.
5. Editions and Packaging: The Smith-Waite Tarot is available in limited editions and often comes with additional materials, such as commemorative booklets or premium packaging. The Rider-Waite Tarot has various editions, including mass-market versions, making it more accessible and affordable.
6. Historical Context: The Smith-Waite Tarot provides a more authentic representation of the original Rider-Waite Tarot, as it stays true to the initial artwork and coloration. This historical accuracy may appeal to tarot enthusiasts interested in the deck’s origins.
7. Availability: The Rider-Waite Tarot is more widely available and easier to find, while the Smith-Waite Tarot may require a bit more effort to track down, especially for specific editions.

Key similarities between Smith Waite Tarot and Rider Waite Tarot

1. Iconic Imagery: Both decks feature the distinctive artwork of Pamela Colman Smith, which has become synonymous with modern tarot. The scenes and symbols on the cards are easily recognizable and have inspired countless other tarot decks
2. Structure: The Smith-Waite and Rider-Waite Tarot decks both follow the standard 78-card structure, with 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards divided into four suits – Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands.
3. Interpretation: Since both decks share the same imagery and symbolism, the interpretation of the cards remains consistent between the Smith-Waite and Rider-Waite Tarot. Readers familiar with one deck will likely have no trouble reading the other.
4. Influence: Both decks have significantly influenced the development of modern tarot, with many contemporary decks drawing inspiration from the artwork and symbolism found in the Smith-Waite and Rider-Waite Tarot.
5. Origin: As mentioned earlier, the Smith-Waite Tarot is a commemorative edition of the Rider-Waite Tarot, created to honor Pamela Colman Smith. Therefore, both decks share the same origin and creative collaboration between Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith.
6. Accessibility: While the Rider-Waite Tarot is more widely available, both decks cater to a broad range of tarot readers, from beginners to experienced practitioners. The clear and detailed imagery makes both decks easy to understand and interpret.

Pros of Smith Waite Tarot over Rider Waite Tarot

1. Vintage Aesthetic: The Smith-Waite Tarot’s muted color palette and antique appearance may appeal to those who prefer a more vintage, nostalgic feel in their tarot decks.
2. True to Original Artwork: The Smith-Waite Tarot stays faithful to Pamela Colman Smith’s original artwork, making it an excellent choice for collectors and tarot enthusiasts who value historical accuracy.
3. Cardstock Quality: The Smith-Waite Tarot’s thicker cardstock and matte finish provide a more luxurious feel and increased durability, ensuring the deck withstands frequent use.
4. Unique Editions: The Smith-Waite Tarot offers limited and unique editions, appealing to collectors and those who appreciate exclusive items.
5. Comprehensive Booklets: Some editions of the Smith-Waite Tarot include detailed booklets or other supplementary materials, providing additional insights into the deck’s history and symbolism.
6. Subtle Symbolism: The subtle differences in symbolism between the Smith-Waite and Rider-Waite Tarot may provide experienced readers with new layers of meaning to explore in their readings.

Cons of Smith Waite Tarot compared to Rider Waite Tarot

1. Availability: The Smith-Waite Tarot can be more challenging to find, especially specific editions, making it less accessible for those looking to purchase a deck quickly.
2. Price: Due to its limited availability and unique editions, the Smith-Waite Tarot may be more expensive than the mass-market versions of the Rider-Waite Tarot.
3. Learning Curve: For beginners, the subtle differences in symbolism and imagery in the Smith-Waite Tarot may make the learning process slightly more challenging compared to the Rider-Waite Tarot.
4. Recognition: The Rider-Waite Tarot’s widespread popularity means that it’s more widely recognized and accepted in the tarot community. Some tarot readers may be less familiar with the Smith-Waite Tarot.
5. Color Vibrancy: The muted color scheme of the Smith-Waite Tarot may make it more difficult for some readers to discern the details and symbols on the cards, especially in low-light settings.
6. Limited Mass-Market Appeal: The Smith-Waite Tarot’s focus on historical accuracy and unique editions may make it less appealing to the mass market, as some people may prefer a more modern and accessible tarot deck.

Pros of Rider Waite Tarot over Smith Waite Tarot

1. Widespread Popularity: The Rider-Waite Tarot’s immense popularity means that it is widely recognized and accepted by tarot readers and enthusiasts around the world, making it an excellent choice for those new to tarot.
2. Accessibility: The Rider-Waite Tarot is readily available, making it easy to find and purchase both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
3. Affordability: Due to its mass-market appeal, the Rider-Waite Tarot is often more affordable than the Smith-Waite Tarot, especially when considering limited editions.
4. Vibrant Colors: The vivid color palette of the Rider-Waite Tarot makes it easier to distinguish the details and symbols on the cards, which can be particularly helpful for those new to tarot reading.
5. Adaptability: The Rider-Waite Tarot’s updated artwork in some editions may appeal to those who prefer a more modern and contemporary aesthetic.

Cons of Rider Waite Tarot compared to Smith Waite Tarot

1. Cardstock Quality: The Rider-Waite Tarot’s thinner cardstock and glossy finish may be less durable than the Smith-Waite Tarot, especially with frequent use.
2. Deviation from Original Artwork: Some editions of the Rider-Waite Tarot have updated artwork that deviates from Pamela Colman Smith’s original illustrations, which may not appeal to purists and collectors.
3. Mass-Market Appeal: The Rider-Waite Tarot’s widespread popularity and mass-market focus may deter those looking for a more unique and exclusive tarot deck.
4. Historical Authenticity: The Rider-Waite Tarot may not provide the same level of historical authenticity as the Smith-Waite Tarot, which stays truer to the original artwork and coloration.
5. Subtle Symbolism: The Rider-Waite Tarot may lack some of the subtle symbolism and nuances found in the Smith-Waite Tarot, which could limit the depth of interpretation for experienced readers.

Situations when Smith Waite Tarot is better than Rider Waite Tarot

1. Historical Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the historical context and original artwork of the Rider-Waite Tarot will find the Smith-Waite Tarot more appealing.
2. Collectors: Tarot collectors who value limited editions and unique items will appreciate the Smith-Waite Tarot’s exclusive offerings.
3. Aesthetic Preference: People who prefer a vintage, antique aesthetic may be more drawn to the Smith-Waite Tarot’s muted color palette and design.
4. Deeper Interpretations: Experienced readers seeking new layers of meaning and symbolism in their readings may find the subtle differences in the Smith-Waite Tarot beneficial.
5. Durability: For those who prioritize the quality and durability of their tarot decks, the Smith-Waite Tarot’s thicker cardstock and matte finish may be more appealing.
6. Learning the Original Symbolism: Beginners who want to learn tarot based on the original artwork and symbolism of the Rider-Waite Tarot may find the Smith-Waite Tarot to be a better starting point.

Situations when Rider Waite Tarot is better than Smith Waite Tarot

1. Budget-Conscious: Those looking for an affordable and easily accessible tarot deck may find the Rider-Waite Tarot more suitable.
2. Tarot Beginners: The Rider-Waite Tarot’s widespread popularity and clear symbolism make it an excellent choice for beginners who are just starting to learn tarot.
3. Vibrant Colors: People who prefer bright, vivid colors in their tarot decks will likely appreciate the Rider-Waite Tarot’s color palette.
4. Modern Aesthetic: Those who are drawn to a more contemporary look may find the updated artwork in some editions of the Rider-Waite Tarot appealing.
5. Widespread Recognition: The Rider-Waite Tarot’s popularity ensures that it is widely recognized and accepted in the tarot community, which can be beneficial for those seeking guidance or mentorship from experienced readers.
6. Familiarity: Since the Rider-Waite Tarot is the basis for many modern tarot decks, learning to read with it can make it easier to transition to other decks that follow similar symbolism and imagery.

Smith Waite Tarot vs Rider Waite Tarot Summary

The Smith-Waite Tarot and Rider-Waite Tarot are both iconic decks, each with their unique strengths and characteristics. While they share many similarities, the key differences lie in their aesthetic, historical accuracy, and availability. Ultimately, the choice between the Smith-Waite and Rider-Waite Tarot comes down to personal preference, budget, and the specific needs of the tarot reader.

Whether you are drawn to the vintage charm and historical authenticity of the Smith-Waite Tarot or the widespread popularity and vibrant colors of the Rider-Waite Tarot, both decks offer rich symbolism and insights to enhance your tarot journey. By understanding the key differences and similarities between these two decks, you can make an informed decision on which deck is the perfect fit for your tarot practice.

Feature/Aspect	Smith Waite Tarot	Rider Waite Tarot
Differences
Color Scheme	Muted, vintage	Bright, vivid
Cardstock and Finish	Thicker, matte	Thinner, glossy
Artistic Style	Original vision	Some editions updated
Availability	Harder to find	Widely available
Price	More expensive	More affordable
Pros
Aesthetic	Vintage	Modern in some editions
Artwork Authenticity	True to original	Varies by edition
Cardstock Quality	Durable	Standard
Cons
Availability	Limited editions harder to find
Learning Curve	Subtle differences for beginners
Recognition	Less recognized	Widely recognized
Situations
Preferred by	Historical enthusiasts, collectors	Beginners, those preferring vibrant colors