We’ve talked about a lot of different tarot decks and styles here on Astrologybay. From new-age tarot to the classic ancient illustrations, tarot has been around for centuries. However, there is one deck in particular that has made a significant impact in the world of tarot. And that is the Latin Tarot Rider Waite deck.
Rider Waite is a pretty big deal when it comes to the tarot world. And today, we’re going to talk about why.
What is Latin Rider Waite Tarot?
To start, the Rider Waite Tarot can best be summed as the go-to deck for all tarot readers. First designed by Arthur E. Waite in the 1900s, through the decades, this deck has been the inspiration for the vast majority of decks on the market, and you can tell purely by its artwork.
Even if you don’t know Rider Waite by name, you know it by its classic style on its cards. This style features a medieval theme, with red, yellow, and green as its main colors. It’s classic, traditional, and not one that is easy to forget. In fact, the informative and unique artistic contributions on each card and suit are perhaps the biggest reasons this deck hit the spotlight.
You can learn more about tarot card meanings, symbolism, and illustrations in: “Tarot Card Meanings.”
When did it originate?
With how popular this deck is today, you’d think it has been around for hundreds of years. But believe it or not, the Rider Waite deck actually didn’t first come into the picture until 1909 with the idea created by Arthur E. Waite and the illustrations done by Pamela Coleman Smith.
For more information on the Rider Waite deck and it’s origins, be sure to check out “Tarot Mythology: The Surprising Origins of the World’s Most Misunderstood Deck” for more information.
Why is it so popular?
Now, the big question: why is this deck so popular? It seems like Rider Waite became popular simply because of its in-depth symbolism. This deck went deeper with its artwork, meaning, and correspondences, and this is something that people really loved. The biggest part of the cards for many people was the illustration. This was the first card deck that truly illustrated the meaning behind each card, as well as included its suit signs. This made it an easy deck to learn from, as well as one packed with information for readers of all levels. So, to put it simply, it’s popular because it is packed full of information and symbolism that other decks just can’t match.
Not to mention, the Latin Rider Waite tarot is also believed to be the cause of the spike of occultism in the early 1900’s. This could be yet another reason why this mystical deck is so well-known and favored today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with how unique and informative the Latin Rider Waite tarot deck is, it is definitely one to add to your collection. It’s mystical, classic, and one-of-a-kind. While the exact reason it became so popular may remain a mystery, it is a great deck to work with for beginners and expert readers alike.
Are you interested in learning more about tarot for beginners? We have a few tarot spreads that might help you out. Check out our article “5 Powerful 3-Card Tarot Spreads for Beginners” for more information.