Deck Review-Mini Tarot: Rider Waite Smith by Margot Robert-Winterhalter, Illustrated by Nicolas Galkowski

Deck Review

Mini Tarot: Rider Waite Smith 

By Margot Robert-Winterhalter, Illustrated by Nicolas Galkowski

Publisher: Findhorn Press

78 Card Tarot Deck, 103 Page Full-Color Guidebook in a sturdy, magnetically sealed box

Release Date: September 24, 2024

Mini Tarot: Rider Waite Smith is a pretty straightforward deck, inspired in artwork and meaning by the tradition Rider-Waite/Smith Tarot deck that has become a staple to Tarot readers, scholars and collectors alike. One of the first decks I picked up was the traditional Rider Waite deck, and at times I still go to that deck for readings. This little deck is actually different in a few important ways: first, the over emphasis on lines and details in the drawings is not as present as it is in the more traditional Rider-Waite style decks, and I believe this is a strength. It makes the images easier to read, and symbolic details tend to pop out more in my opinion. It just looks cleaner. I’ll include some card images below to further clarify what I’m attempting to get across:

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To me, these illustrations present in a cleaner fashion. The over-emphasized lines on the traditional Rider-Waite tarot, to me, is just too much and distracts me (it always has). These cards present the same artwork, often with the same or similar color palettes, but in a more defined, crisp fashion. Sticking with tradition while also making the Rider-Waite deck more eye-appealing, while sticking with traditional imagery, is something I think that all Tarot readers and enthusiasts such as myself can appreciate. The backs of these cards also deviate from the traditional, and go with a more modern design, including black gilded edges. I’ve provided a photo below, albeit of the French edition as I couldn’t find English edition photos, to illustrate this:

As far as using these cards in readings, they are “mini”, in that they’re smaller than most full-sized decks, but “mini” may be a bit misleading, as they are more comfortable to shuffle than standard sized decks, even for those with larger hands such as myself. As for accuracy, these cards read just like any other Rider-Waite tarot, and the guidebook presents short, concise interpretations of each card, in full color, as well as some basic spreads in the back of the book. This deck is a good starting point for those looking to get into Tarot, and have a deck that’s portable, easy to read, and has a basic starting-point in the guidebook. Personally, I appreciate that the guidebook doesn’t go into more depth; I’m a firm believer in intuition being more important than the “traditional meanings” of the cards, even though those do serve a purpose, and form the backbone of my interpretations. What I’m saying is, the general meanings are enough for even beginners, and they can develop their intuition on top of it, using card imagery. I appreciate this approach a lot, and I was surprised to like it as much as I did, since I’m not usually a fan of Rider-Waite Smith style decks, the other exception for me being The Weiser Tarot.

Overall, I give it a 5/5 Pentagram rating; it’s good for beginners, and those looking to develop their intuition. It’s also an excellent pick for Tarot readers looking for a portable, easy-on-the-eyes deck that still sticks true to the original Rider-Waite imagery, symbology and general color palettes.

 

Margot Robert-Winterhalter is a French tarot reader and psycho-practitioner. Her text in the guidebook provides a practical and innovative approach to the Tarot. You can find her @margotrobertwinterhalter

Nicolas Galkowski is a French illustrator and graphic designer. You can find him @nicogalko

 

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Poison Witch, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years, venerating and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including those from Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Slavic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place, even Saints, Angels and Demons! He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone, among others. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism, Ceremonial Magick and Occultism, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns, including The Modern Merlin’s Corner, Entheogens for the New Gen, Stellium, and Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters. He also has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!