Why do you love the RWS Deck?

[Rodney]

I wouldn't say that I love it, but I have come to appreciate it in my 28 years with tarot.  When I first started out, I thought the USG yellow box RWS was fugly. Some of the more recent recolorings are definitely more pleasing to my eye as are some of the older non-USG printings. I definitely prefer my Pam B and Pam D to the yellow box. I'm pretty sure none of my first five decks were the yellow box, but I believe one of the next five was.

 

In America, at least, the imagery is ubiquitous, both in pop-culture and as images to illustrate books. Without even looking, I'm sure I have hundreds of tarot books that use the RWS for illustrations. If I'm helping someone with a reading and they don't mention what deck they used, the RWS images are the first to pop into my head and it's those images I use for my interpretations.

 

The RWS is like an old comfortable pair of shoes as opposed to my favorite pair of shoes.

[Grizabella]

2 hours ago, Rodney said:

I wouldn't say that I love it, but I have come to appreciate it in my 28 years with tarot.  When I first started out, I thought the USG yellow box RWS was fugly. Some of the more recent recolorings are definitely more pleasing to my eye as are some of the older non-USG printings. I definitely prefer my Pam B and Pam D to the yellow box. I'm pretty sure none of my first five decks were the yellow box, but I believe one of the next five was.

 

In America, at least, the imagery is ubiquitous, both in pop-culture and as images to illustrate books. Without even looking, I'm sure I have hundreds of tarot books that use the RWS for illustrations. If I'm helping someone with a reading and they don't mention what deck they used, the RWS images are the first to pop into my head and it's those images I use for my interpretations.

 

The RWS is like an old comfortable pair of shoes as opposed to my favorite pair of shoes.

I'm in agreement on this. I was just thinking how it's always like slipping into some fuzzy pj's and slippers on a visit home to your family when I use RWS or the Universal Waite. Years ago when I first started out with Tarot, if anyone had told me I'd even use the RWS in any form much less feel cozy and at home with it, I'd have thought they were nuts.  I very adamantly disliked it. But once I broke down and used it to learn with and to do early readings with, then it became a really good "friend" and I still take one of my versions out and use it sometimes. I really enjoy it now.  Like Rodney, I wouldn't go so far as to say I love it, but I do appreciate it.

[xTheHermitx]

I love mine b/c it was the first deck I ever bought...back in 87. And it has been the main gateway into all of my other esoteric involvement. I have other decks, but they are always compared to this one. The Major Arcana card images are just like "old friends" now, speaking quickly and clearly when they come out.

[AlbaTross]

I had to come around to RWS.  I have found that I usually gravitate towards a deck because I like one or more of the cards.  While I liked the idea of having a deck that has been used by countless people for over a century, and later on, felt that I should have one at some point so I could develop a good understanding of the original symbols to help me find the meaning in cards from different decks with different artwork, I was kind of turned off by the plain-looking yellow box and seemingly less exciting artwork.  So, I kind of shrugged it off when everyone and their dog in the Tarot community seemed to recommend it.  

 

After I saw some more of the artwork though, I realized I was wrong and that I do really like it, which seemed to be even more true when I got my deck home and had the actual cards in front of me.  Also, although the plaid card backs aren't the most exciting, and they lack the gold gilding on the edges and the glossy finish of the Gothic Horror deck I own, these cards shuffle a lot easier, and they don't show nearly as much wear and tear.  

 

Most of all though, I find I am really connecting with the symbology of the cards now in a way I did not expect.  I clearly experienced a case of judging a book by its cover, and I am glad I got a RWS deck.  It may be my third deck, but it's now the one I use for most readings currently.  The novelty deck I got at a convention at the start of the year is one I'll always appreciate for being my gateway into Tarot, but there is more than one issue with it that make it far less ideal than my other decks for readings.  The Gothic Horror one I got as my first proper deck is gorgeous, and I think the artist did an excellent job of adapting the meanings of RWS into a horror theme.  However, most readings with that deck tend to feel just a little more ominous than they need to be.  I attribute that to a deck of its theme doing its job.  It will likely be my go-to deck going forward for when I'm going into a situation with a sense of foreboding, as it can symbolize facing my fears. 

 

For a general, everyday reading though, I think my RWS deck will be my go-to choice for a while yet.  I plan on getting more decks in the future, but I guess I'll have to see how things go.  

Edited September 1, 2020 by AlbaTross

[vulprix]

Odd to me how most of the posts here are detailing why they do not love the RWS ('but...')

 

I love the RWS 🙂  Unfortunately, I love a lot of other tarot decks too, so I just don't main the RWS all that often!

 

I think Pamela Colman-Smith was a very skilled artist.  She had a fine hand for linework and easy, lyrical detail.  I can see, at times, that the Rider-Waite deck was a paying gig for her.  It can be almost too pragmatic and staged in its appearance--though this probably owes to PCS's involvement (and talent!) with the theatre as well.  I think the deck's stoicism has helped the RWS stand the test of time.  It is tried and true.  Grounded, but full of light fantasy which taps into the human psyche so well.

 

As other commenters have brought up, I think the pervasive Christian themes do contribute to the success of the deck.  Christianity is popular and ingrained in western culture, and magic, and there is a classic beauty to such depictions.  And such imagery is a natural succession from the tarot de Marseille-style decks that came before.

 

Love it 🙂  Gonna get a trusty copy out right now.

[katrinka]

I think that the fact that it's everywhere, like McDonald's, causes people to be more critical and kind of take it for granted.

If it was in danger of disappearing, virtually everybody would suddenly love it. 🤣

[Delta]

I think I was choosing between this one and Thoth when I was buying my first deck. And as someone pointed out before, Thoth feels a bit too chaotic. I don't like the overdrawn, complicated decks that I can't scan through. I love the clean, obvious symbolism in RW. I like the colours. The old style imagery. I looked up some modern variations and they feel...too modern. It does have a 70s feel to it, as Katrinka mentioned, with the floral dresses, patterns and colours. Big plus in my book. Unlike many comments here, I'd say I really love it.

[supersentai]

I chose RWS as it's the only deck with 100% plastic card that I can find (The 100% Plastic Rider-Waite® Tarot from US Games). I always go for durability, and I have sweaty palms so the cards need to be waterproof and can withstand cleaning from time to time. Plus, it's quite intuitive, so win-win for me.

[Guest]

Because I remember how when I was a Catholic boy, it was the images of the Rider-Waite-Smith that always winked at me from movies and TV shows and sundry videos, promising knowledge and power and mystery while being very much forbidden. It was its total unattainability that made it beautiful in my eyes, along with my youthful fixation on peering into the future. It also doesn't hurt that I adore its Christian motifs.

 

It was an attachment that never went away, and though it receded into the background when I was working exclusively with the beguiling Thoth, now that I have my full focus upon it it has captured me once again. It's not always true that familiarity breeds contempt - sometimes all it induces is a warm, delicious regard every time you commune with your friend.