The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) System
Published in 1909, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck was created by A. E. Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith.
Key characteristics:
Fully illustrated Minor Arcana
Strong narrative imagery
Golden Dawn correspondences
Accessible symbolism
Because the Minor Arcana are illustrated as scenes rather than suit patterns,
RWS encourages intuitive and emotional interpretation.
It is the most widely used system today and forms the foundation of many modern decks.
If you have learned tarot through storytelling or imagery-based interpretation, you are likely working within the RWS tradition.
The Marseille Tradition
The Marseille tarot predates RWS and reflects earlier European decks.
Key characteristics:
Illustrated Major Arcana
Minimalist Minor Arcana (pip-style suits)
Less overt esoteric layering
Greater emphasis on numerology and suit symbolism
Because the Minor Arcana display repeating suit symbols rather than narrative scenes, readers rely more heavily on:
Number meaning
Suit energy
Positional interpretation
Marseille often feels more structured and less emotionally theatrical than RWS.
It invites a more abstract and symbolic reading style.
The Thoth System
Created by Aleister Crowley and illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris in the 1940s, the Thoth deck is deeply esoteric.
Key characteristics:
Complex symbolism
Strong astrological and Kabbalistic layering
Abstract, vibrant artwork
Renamed court cards and some Arcana titles
The Thoth system integrates:
Astrology
Alchemy
Elemental theory
Occult philosophy
It often appeals to readers who enjoy intellectual structure and symbolic depth.
However, it can feel overwhelming to beginners due to its density.
Which System Is Right for You?
There is no universally “correct” system.
Ask yourself:
Do I prefer visual storytelling? (RWS)
Do I enjoy number symbolism and abstraction? (Marseille)
Am I drawn to esoteric correspondences and complexity? (Thoth)
Many modern decks blend systems, but most still trace back to one of these three traditions.
Understanding your foundation helps you interpret consistently and confidently.
Practical Application
How to work with this
If you switch between decks without understanding their system, interpretations may feel inconsistent.
Knowing your deck’s lineage allows you to:
Interpret court cards accurately
Understand renamed cards
Recognise elemental assignments
Avoid mixing conflicting correspondences
Clarity creates confidence.
Related Links
Card
0 The Fool
Card
I The Magician
Card
Five of Cups
Suits
Pentacles
Suits
Wands
Suits
Swords
Suits
Cups
Spreads
Yes / No / Maybe (3 Cards)
Spreads
Mind / Body / Spirit (3 Cards)
Spreads
