Universal Waite Tarot Deck vs Rider Waite: Discover the Key Differences

Embarking on a tarot journey can be both an enlightening and challenging experience, particularly when deciding which deck to use. In this article, we will delve deep into the world of tarot and explore the key differences between the Universal Waite Tarot Deck and Rider Waite. By understanding the similarities and differences between these two popular tarot decks, you will be better equipped to choose the right deck for your unique tarot journey.

Who is Universal Waite Tarot Deck and who is Rider Waite?

The Universal Waite Tarot Deck and Rider Waite are both modern interpretations of the classic Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) Tarot deck, which was created by A.E. Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith in 1909. The Rider Waite deck is published by the Rider Company, while the Universal Waite Tarot Deck is published by U.S. Games Systems Inc. The Universal Waite Tarot Deck is a collaborative effort between renowned tarot artist Mary Hanson-Roberts and Stuart R. Kaplan, who sought to enhance the original RWS imagery with more vibrant colors and softer, more detailed illustrations.

Key differences between Universal Waite Tarot Deck and Rider Waite

1. Artwork and Illustrations: One of the most noticeable differences between the Universal Waite Tarot Deck and Rider Waite is the artwork. While the Rider Waite deck features the original illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith, the Universal Waite Tarot Deck showcases the reimagined artwork of Mary Hanson-Roberts. The Universal Waite deck’s illustrations are softer, more detailed, and more vibrant than those in the Rider Waite deck.
2. Color Palette: The color palette of the Universal Waite Tarot Deck is richer and more varied than that of the Rider Waite deck. Hanson-Roberts used softer pastel shades, which give the Universal Waite Tarot Deck a more visually appealing and inviting appearance.
3. Card Stock Quality: The Universal Waite Tarot Deck is known for its high-quality cardstock, which is thicker and more durable than the Rider Waite deck. This makes the Universal Waite deck less prone to wear and tear, ensuring that the cards remain in good condition for a longer period of time.
4. Card Size: The Universal Waite Tarot Deck has slightly smaller cards than the Rider Waite deck, making them easier to handle and shuffle, especially for those with smaller hands.
5. Symbolism: While both decks follow the RWS system of tarot, the Universal Waite Tarot Deck features some minor changes in symbolism. These changes are subtle and do not significantly impact the overall meaning of the cards, but they may be of interest to those who are well-versed in tarot symbolism.
6. Accessibility: The Universal Waite Tarot Deck is considered to be more accessible for beginners, as the softer and more detailed illustrations make it easier to connect with the cards and interpret their meanings.

Key similarities between Universal Waite Tarot Deck and Rider Waite

1. Rider-Waite-Smith System: Both the Universal Waite Tarot Deck and Rider Waite deck are based on the Rider-Waite-Smith system, which is one of the most widely recognized and popular tarot systems in the world. This ensures that both decks share similar imagery, symbolism, and meanings, making them highly compatible for tarot readings.
2. The Major and Minor Arcana: Both decks contain 78 cards, divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, while the Minor Arcana contains 56 cards, divided into four suits: Cups, Swords, Wands, and Pentacles. These suits and card meanings remain consistent between both decks.
3. Traditional Tarot Imagery: Despite the differences in artistic style, both the Universal Waite Tarot Deck and Rider Waite deck maintain the traditional tarot imagery and symbolism that is closely associated with the RWS system. This ensures that both decks can be used interchangeably in tarot readings without causing confusion or misinterpretation.
4. Card Names and Numbers: Both decks use the same card names and numbering system for the Major and Minor Arcana cards. This makes it easy for tarot practitioners to switch between the two decks without having to relearn card names and meanings.
5. Guidebooks: Both the Universal Waite Tarot Deck and Rider Waite deck come with accompanying guidebooks that provide an overview of the tarot system, card meanings, and instructions for conducting tarot readings. These guidebooks can be helpful resources for both beginners and experienced tarot readers alike.

Pros of Universal Waite Tarot Deck over Rider Waite

1. Enhanced Artwork: The Universal Waite Tarot Deck’s artwork is considered to be more visually appealing, with softer lines and more vibrant colors, making it easier for readers to connect with the cards and interpret their meanings.
2. Improved Card Stock Quality: The Universal Waite Tarot Deck is printed on higher-quality cardstock, which increases the durability and longevity of the cards.
3. Smaller Card Size: The slightly smaller card size of the Universal Waite Tarot Deck makes it easier to handle and shuffle, especially for those with smaller hands or limited dexterity.
4. Greater Accessibility for Beginners: With its more detailed and inviting artwork, the Universal Waite Tarot Deck is considered to be more accessible for beginners, helping them develop a stronger connection with the cards.
5. Subtle Symbolism Changes: The minor changes in symbolism found in the Universal Waite Tarot Deck may provide additional layers of meaning and interpretation for experienced tarot readers.

Cons of Universal Waite Tarot Deck compared to Rider Waite

1. Less Traditional Artwork: Some tarot practitioners may prefer the original artwork of the Rider Waite deck, as it is more closely aligned with the traditional RWS imagery.
2. Higher Cost: The Universal Waite Tarot Deck is generally more expensive than the Rider Waite deck due to its higher-quality cardstock and printing.
3. Availability: The Rider Waite deck is more widely available and easier to find than the Universal Waite Tarot Deck, which may be a consideration for some tarot enthusiasts.

Pros of Rider Waite over Universal Waite Tarot Deck

1. Traditional Artwork: The Rider Waite deck features the original artwork of Pamela Colman Smith, which is considered more traditional and closely aligned with the RWS system.
2. Lower Cost: The Rider Waite deck is generally less expensive than the Universal Waite Tarot Deck, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget.
3. Wider Availability: The Rider Waite deck is more widely available and easier to find than the Universal Waite Tarot Deck.

Cons of Rider Waite compared to Universal Waite Tarot Deck

1. Less Visually Appealing Artwork: The artwork in the Rider Waite deck may be considered less visually appealing and inviting compared to the Universal Waite Tarot Deck’s more detailed and vibrant illustrations.
2. Lower-Quality Cardstock: The Rider Waite deck is printed on thinner, less durable cardstock compared to the Universal Waite Tarot Deck.

Situations when Universal Waite Tarot Deck is better than Rider Waite

1. For beginners: The Universal Waite Tarot Deck’s enhanced artwork and greater accessibility make it an ideal choice for beginners who are just starting their tarot journey.
2. For those with smaller hands: The slightly smaller card size of the Universal Waite Tarot Deck makes it easier to handle and shuffle, especially for those with smaller hands or limited dexterity.
3. For readers seeking a more visually appealing deck: The softer lines and more vibrant colors of the Universal Waite Tarot Deck may be more appealing to those who value aesthetics in their tarot practice.
4. For experienced tarot readers interested in subtle symbolism changes: The Universal Waite Tarot Deck offers minor changes in symbolism that can provide additional layers of meaning and interpretation for experienced tarot readers.

Situations when Rider Waite is better than Universal Waite Tarot Deck

1. For traditionalists: The Rider Waite deck features the original artwork of Pamela Colman Smith, making it a preferred choice for tarot practitioners who value tradition and historical accuracy in their tarot practice.
2. For those on a budget: The Rider Waite deck is generally less expensive than the Universal Waite Tarot Deck, making it a more affordable option for tarot enthusiasts who are budget-conscious.
3. For readers seeking wider availability: The Rider Waite deck is more widely available and easier to find than the Universal Waite Tarot Deck, making it a more convenient choice for those who want a deck that is readily accessible.

Universal Waite Tarot Deck vs Rider Waite Summary

The choice between the Universal Waite Tarot Deck and Rider Waite largely depends on personal preferences and individual tarot reading needs. Both decks are based on the popular Rider-Waite-Smith system and share many similarities in terms of card meanings and symbolism. However, they differ in terms of artwork, color palette, cardstock quality, and accessibility for beginners.

By considering the key differences, similarities, pros, and cons of each deck, as well as the specific situations in which one deck may be more suitable than the other, you can make an informed decision about which tarot deck is the best fit for your unique tarot journey. Ultimately, the most important factor is choosing a deck that resonates with you personally and allows you to connect with the cards on a deeper level.

Criteria/Deck	Universal Waite Tarot Deck	Rider Waite
Artwork and Illustrations	Softer, more detailed, and vibrant	Original illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith
Color Palette	Richer and more varied, softer pastel shades	Traditional
Card Stock Quality	High-quality, thicker, more durable	Thinner, less durable
Card Size	Slightly smaller	Standard
Symbolism	Minor changes in symbolism	Traditional RWS symbolism
Accessibility	More accessible for beginners	Traditional and widely recognized
Pros over the other deck	Enhanced artwork, improved card stock quality, smaller card size, greater accessibility for beginners, subtle symbolism changes	Traditional artwork, lower cost, wider availability
Cons compared to the other deck	Less traditional artwork, higher cost, less availability	Less visually appealing artwork, lower-quality cardstock
Situations better suited for	Beginners, those with smaller hands, readers seeking a visually appealing deck, experienced tarot readers interested in subtle symbolism changes	Traditionalists, those on a budget, readers seeking wider availability