
Llewellyn's Complete Book of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot
A Journey Through the History, Meaning, and Use of the World's Most Famous Deck
Sasha Graham(Author)
Llewellyn Publications,U.S. (Publisher)
Published on 1. October 2018
Book
Paperback/Softback
480 pages
978-0-7387-5319-5 (ISBN)
Description
Originally published in 1909 to little fanfare, the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot went on to become the bestselling tarot deck of all time. This thorough guide shares the fascinating history of this important deck, a complete analysis of what each card means, and 78 spreads to help you integrate each card s unique spiritual energy. Explore Waite and Smith s involvement in the magical order known as the Golden Dawn and discover how they combined their knowledge of astrology, Kabbalah, metaphysics, mythology, and theatre to realize their profound vision. This book delves deeply into the roots of these influential cards, exploring how artist Pamela Colman Smith and occultist Arthur Waite brought together an enchanting and beguiling set of esoteric symbols and formed a magical deck that continues to influence the field of divination today.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Minnesota
United States
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 202 mm
Thickness: 35 mm
Weight
1174 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7387-5319-5 (9780738753195)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Sasha Graham
Llewellyn's Complete Book of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot
A Journey Through the History, Meaning, and Use of the World's Most Famous Deck
E-Book
08/2025
Llewellyn Publications
€32.09
Available for download
Person
SASHA GRAHAM (New York, NY) teaches tarot classes and produces tarot events at New York City s premier cultural institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has appeared on film, television, radio, and in the Wall Street Journal. www.SashaGraham.com
Content
Contents
Foreword by Stuart R. Kaplan xiii
Timeline xv
Introduction 1
1: Kether (Crown): The Big Picture Show......................................... 5
2: Chokmah (Wisdom): A Deeper Look..................................................19
3: Binah (Understanding): The Golden Dawn............................................39
4: Chesed (Mercy): Kabbalistic Tree of Life......................................49
5: Geburah (Strength): Astrology.........................................................65
6: Tiphareth (Beauty): The Major Arcana............................................89
7: Netzach (Victory): The Minor Arcana.......................................... 185
8: Hod (Splendor): The Court Cards............................................. 311
9: Yesod (Foundation): How to Read the Cards.................................... 361
10: Malkuth (Kingdom): 78 Spreads..................................................... 375
Appendix: Symbol Dictionary 455
Glossary 465
Thank You 473
Image Credits 475
Bibliography 479
Index 481
Foreword by Stuart R. Kaplan xiii
Timeline xv
Introduction 1
1: Kether (Crown): The Big Picture Show......................................... 5
2: Chokmah (Wisdom): A Deeper Look..................................................19
3: Binah (Understanding): The Golden Dawn............................................39
4: Chesed (Mercy): Kabbalistic Tree of Life......................................49
5: Geburah (Strength): Astrology.........................................................65
6: Tiphareth (Beauty): The Major Arcana............................................89
7: Netzach (Victory): The Minor Arcana.......................................... 185
8: Hod (Splendor): The Court Cards............................................. 311
9: Yesod (Foundation): How to Read the Cards.................................... 361
10: Malkuth (Kingdom): 78 Spreads..................................................... 375
Appendix: Symbol Dictionary 455
Glossary 465
Thank You 473
Image Credits 475
Bibliography 479
Index 481