Universal Waite Tarot Deck & Guide Book (NEW)

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.