RIDER WAITE TAROT & ME

My relationship with the Rider-Waite Tarot http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/rider-waite/ has always been one of respect but it has never resonated with me, I dislike the basic lines and colours of the deck but that is just a reflection of my artistic taste and nothing else. The sheer fact that this deck has inspired hundreds of other decks and has been the “sun in the tarot universe” that most people learn with (or a variation of) does not escape me.

However over the years of learning about the tarot and reading for others, I have become to appreciate the Rider-Waite and enjoy the art work.

A new found reverence for the deck took hold when I read about Pamela Colman Smith or Pixie – the artist who was commissioned in 1909 by Arthur Waite to paint the 78 famous tarot cards for the deck. Her life and her work made the deck personal for me and opened the symbols, including her use of colours up for me in a new light. I think if she knew what an impact on the world she would contribute the meagre amount that Arthur Waite paid her at the time may have been upped.

The colours of the items in the cards are purposeful, there are small details such as the patterns on the fabric of the Court cards and the back ground for each suit or theme make this deck really ideal for people to learn with or have in their collection.

Other Rider-Waite variations – Raidant Rider-Waite http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/radiant-rider-waite/ or the Universal Rider-Waite http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/universal-waite/details.shtml have been developed with softer lines, brighter and more detailed colouring and artwork and nicer backs!

I probably won’t read for a Client with these cards, preferring other decks such as the Spiral Tarot http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/spiral/ or the Gilded Tarot http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/gilded/ to read with.

WHERE DO I BUY TAROT & BEST RESOURCES

This is a question I get a lot!

Here is the short answer

http://www.amazon.com/ is great, even with shipping (and guess what they calculate in AUD now) it is cheaper than Australia and you can buy thousands of decks.

http://www.catandcauldron.com.au/ locally owned shop with other great Witchy stuff and the owner actually is a working Pagan – shock horror!

http://www.tarotopia.com.au/ if you don’t like buying from America – here is another option! I do not know the owner but they have a great selection.

Don’t even bother with your local Dymocks or Angus and Robertson, they have terrible choice and are usually expensive.

Borders has a massive collection, are like a walk in Amazon but are not the cheapest, I still love the place and if you sign up for the email newsletter you get weekly vouchers which equals cheaper decks!

The best resource ever is http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/ – I love this site with a passion and have found the most amazing decks from here, when you are choosing your first deck this is a invaluable resource, as you can see samples of the cards before purchase. There are reviews, forums, and shopping options linked to the site.

SUPPORT LOCAL AND INDEPENDENT ARTISTS

Here are some of my favourite independent and local decks

http://www.farsighttarot.com/ – is a stunningly detailed, original tarot deck from Australian artist Helen Meinicke. It has 22 major and 56 minor Arcana cards, which are large in size. When I bought mine it came with a book, signed by the artist and a lovely hand made pouch. This deck will require a little study and is not a “Waite” deck. I love it though and highly recommend a purchase.

http://www.steelewizard.com/ – Is an 88 card deck by a very talented Canadian artist Pamela Steele. The size of the deck is large. I was so excited when this deck became available to purchase from her site direct. It safely got here to Australia and comes with a lovely box and book. Great set!

http://www.ciromarchetti.com/tarot.htm – The Tarot of Dreams is stunning, comes with a CD packed full of information. The size of the deck is large. The deck also comes signed. I can’t wait for his third deck *grins ear to ear* The Gilded Tarot is widely available with the Easy Tarot – Highly recommended to beginners and the Gilded box set. The Tarot of Dreams

http://www.soul-guidance.com/tarotdecks/index.htm#Illuminated – There are a few decks here, including Illuminated tarot and Chakra tarot of which I have both. I love the pictures on the Illuminated and you receive a hand made pouch with the image of a card of your choice on the front. They are not the thickest cards but you can shuffle them. You also choose the size of the deck you want.