The occult revolution that transformed a simple playing card game into a global phenomenon

Cultures · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Over 100 million copies of this deck now circulate worldwide. But it wasn't always the symbolic powerhouse we recognize today. Originally a set of simple gaming cards, a 1909 collaboration between a mystic and an artist fundamentally rewrote the language of human symbolism.

In December 1909, William Rider & Son published a deck that would change occult history. Created by A. E. Waite, a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, the deck—often called the Waite–Smith—moved far beyond its predecessors. While earlier decks featured simple designs for the Minor Arcana, Smith introduced elaborate, allegorical scenes that imbued every card with deep, hidden meaning.

The deck's architecture consists of 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. Waite utilized the deck to encode the astrological teachings of the Golden Dawn. This required structural innovations, such as swapping the positions of Strength and Justice to align them with the zodiac signs Leo and Libra. He also reimagined classic imagery; for instance, 'The Lovers' was transformed from a medieval scene of a blessed couple into the biblical depiction of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Ede.

The evolution of the deck's physical form is as storied as its symbolism. The very first printing was extremely limited, featuring a rose and lily pattern on the card backs. By March 1910, a larger, higher-quality printing emerged with a 'cracked mud' design. While A. E. Waite provided the foundational guide, 'The Key to the Tarot,' modern scholars and readers increasingly emphasize Smith's vital role, often referring to the deck as the 'Smith–Waite' to honor her artistry.

Today, the original deck resides in the public domain in many nations, including the UK. While companies like U.S. Games Systems hold copyrights on modern additions like new box designs, the core imagery remains a shared cultural heritage, continuing to inspire countless variants across more than 20 countries.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

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