Universal Waite® Pocket Tarot

The Universal Waite deck is one of my favorite decks and the one I used the most. I wasn't aware there was a smaller version until recently and I was hesitant to buy it after reading the reviews. I decided I would give it a shot because I would like something smaller to travel with and I'm very glad I did. These are the size of playing cards so for someone like me with small hands they are very easy to hold and shuffle. This deck will work out great for large spreads. In comparison to the regular sized Universal Waite deck these cards are a matte finish rather than the glossy finish of the larger cards. The larger cards tend to stick together somewhat when shuffling and this smaller deck just feels really smooth when shuffling. The glossy deck also causes some glare to the cards so I really like the matte deck for reading because there are no obstructions. As for the coloring which seems to be the number one complaint, I always felt the larger deck felt somewhat over saturated especially in cards like the High Priestess that almost looks bleached out. I feel like in this deck they finally got the coloring right. It is a little darker but I think it makes everything more vivid and bold. Nothing feels washed out. The images stand true to the larger deck so you can still see the turtle in the King of Pentacles which was muddy and almost indiscernible in the regular Rider Waite deck. I do have lousy vision but I don't think the size of the deck will hinder my reading much just because the Universal deck offers so much more clarity in the images to begin with. I hope this is the case. The backs of the cards are different from the larger deck, it is a star surrounded by clouds. I like these changes because it makes this deck just different enough to stand all on it's own. With this deck I basically have everything that I love about the Universal Waite with several improvements and the benefit of portability and ease of use. The deck even comes in a sturdy box which is good for traveling. This deck will definitely be the one that goes with me everywhere. I hope my larger deck doesn't get jealous.

This beautiful redrawing/coloring by Mary Hanson-Roberts of this most traditional deck is complete with a depth of color that many other versions of the same are lacking. If what you are seeking is a softer alternative to the bold colors and heavy black outlines of the "traditional" Rider deck, you've found it. Interpreting this deck is like resting on a soft pillow. This is my original working deck, and is still my second working deck, after the Robin Wood. It's an excellent place for beginners to start. There's no wondering why the images created by Pamela Colman Smith are singularly the most popular in the world. These images are timeless and are traditionally known as being easy to read, as well as providing depth and insight for the more advanced. This deck is pencil-colored with delicate, soft lines drawn around the faces and figures, and soothing rich colors within the cards. The backs are a fully reversible gold and indigo star field. The Fool in this deck is absolutely gorgeous with his gentle yellow sky and snuggly robe. The High Priestess is absolutely beautiful. You will want to be enveloped by the velvety wings of Temperance. I found this deck to be excellent when coupled with Learning the Tarot: A Tarot Book for Beginners by Joan Bunning, which uses the Universal Waite for illustrations. This book gives a solid grounding in how to read Tarot, and along with this deck, you will be well on your way!

Beautiful color pallette. Sturdy box. Cards shuffle nicely and are of a very convenient size, not requiring hands the size of Andre the Giant's to shuffle them easily. This is a sweet little deck and a faithful upgraded rendition of the RWS tarot cards.

The Universal Waite is one of my top favorite decks ever. It is beautiful. I will take it at any size from the pocket size to even, if ever were made, in the Giant. So much of this review applies for the UW decks, regardless of size and also of the Artist, Mary Hanson-Roberts. I love the regular sized deck with the star-filled, navy background. IF you have small hands, or are limited in reading space, like for bigger card spreads, then you want this UW Pocket sized one. To me this, either size, is my go-to of the Classic Rider-Waite-Smith. It is this and The Radiant Rider-Waite ( I dearly love ) that I reach for. The Radiant Rider-Waite is fully the art of Pamela Coleman Smith, just the re-coloring is perfection! If you want great, you must buy work of Mary Hanson-Roberts. Her own Hanson-Roberts Tarot is next in rank of my top five favorite decks. Do beware on buying of a HR deck, due to the different manufacturers though. So do read many reviews as to if cards are of decent card stock. Some are made of fly-away, flimsy paper. That should've never been allowed. Plus too, about the Hanson-Roberts Tarot is the size again, it is perfect for small hands. Did I say I love her artistry? I do. Do look at images from her own deck. You might just be buying two new decks. ;) Okay, for me the Universal Waite Tarot is the very best of all the clone decks out there, that are not the drawings of Pamela Coleman Smith. Please, do not take this wrong, nor take aim at me. I do love PCS and her art. It is impeccable. I hold her in such a place of honor. Without her contribution, the most known, referenced and respected deck just may not have been and most certainly would not look the same. All that said, I do however, personally enjoy and like Mary Hanson-Roberts art better. It is very engaging and readable. It is as a dear friend overall. The Universal Waite is a great use for reading a person wanting a reading, looking for traditional, but are unsure of Tarot. They can be a little frighten of Tarot in general, just cause new to a reading and no framework for understanding Tarot. It's engaging to them as well, except for the few cards of the 78 that has to be more explained, no matter which deck. Much of the same can be said of the Hanson-Roberts Tarot. The colors used in UW are for the most part softer, many to the point of being pastel. Everything about the artwork of the Hanson-Roberts deck is like reading one of your favorite childhood storybooks, except again those few cards that demand more explaining. It too, will deliver a concise and strong reading. Three additional reasons why I adore this UW pocket sized version are: Decent card stock, as used so far in both UW decks. Gorgeous backs. It being a single yellow star, centered among the clouds in a night sky. I love it. Fantastic Box! Yes, the box deserves an explanation point. It is that good. It will greatly care for your deck. It is extremely sturdy, no knocking this one over, unless it deliberately done. No way ever in putting your deck away, would it bend some of the cards ends, damaging them. The interior of the box is best ever made. It cannot damage your cards, as it isn't a paper folded box with an interior flap. So there is no flap or lip for your cards to hit against. The box will long out live the cards themselves.

A vibrant artwork deck that has Rider-Waite system deck. Good for beginners!

Facts: All cards were neatly printed, cut and packaged. No problems - as it should be. My thoughts: I love the colouring of the 'Universal Rider-Waite' deck - very beautiful and easier to interpret the pictures than the original version because more details come to the forefront - without becoming cartoonish. The backside print is a little blah but at least not offensive to my taste. If you have small hands and are new to Tarot cards, these normal sized Tarot cards may feel a bit large and may need a little getting used to, when shuffling. I also purchased the same deck in a smaller version (approx. playing card size) which come in a tin-box. Equally nice, only smaller in size/pictures and very manageable. I use both and am very pleased with them (bought August 2022).

Classic and traditional Tarot Deck. Good quality. Well packed (in plastic sleeve). Quick delivery. I have them as part of my esoteric collection of things. I find them beautiful and would make a nice gift to a friend interested in Tarot.

Tarot superbe ! Plus coloré que le traditionnel mais il garde son authenticité.

This is the perfect set for someone starting out reading Tarot cards. It can be quite daunting to familiarize yourself with each card, let alone make sense of it. This set doesn’t promise much, but it’s good to learn what each suit looks like, what are the big visual themes and so on.