The Rider Tarot Deck is a great choice for those just starting out with tarot. It's considered a classic and has been popular for beginners since it first appeared in 1909, created by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. What makes it stand out is the detailed scenes on all the cards, both Major and Minor Arcana, which was quite a breakthrough back then and has influenced many decks that followed.
From what we've found, the deck's straightforward imagery is a big plus for beginners. The illustrations are not just colorful and interesting, but they also have clear symbols that make interpreting the cards a bit easier. This can help new tarot readers connect with the cards more naturally and learn at a comfortable pace.
As for the quality, people have generally praised the deck for being durable. The cards are nicely finished and feel sturdy yet flexible, so they're easy to shuffle and can handle a lot of use, which is handy when you're just getting started.
The deck also comes with a concise guidebook that gives basic explanations for each card. This can be a good starting point, though some may feel it's a bit brief and look for additional resources to dive deeper into card meanings.
We did come across some feedback about printing issues like blurriness or missing details on some cards, but these aren't widespread. Overall, such minor flaws don't take away from the deck’s strengths.
All in all, the Rider Tarot Deck is a respected and valuable tool for both beginners and experienced readers. Its combination of historical importance and beginner-friendly design makes it a solid option for anyone starting their tarot journey.
