Rider Waite Problems

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 29 Dec 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

BlackOrchid	29 Dec 2003
when i first started reading about tarot, i kept hearing about how Rider Waite Tarot is the best for beginner, and is easy to read (the symbols on card). my first tarot deck is the Art Of Tarot, and i have no problem reading the major arcana, but i have a lot of problem reading the lesser arcana, since there's not much detail there, besides pictures of a few numbers of the suits. then, i went ahead to buy Rider Waite, due to its popularity, and to me, it is even more difficult to read it than my previous deck. then, i proceed on buying Bruegel Tarot since the pictures just appeal to me, and i have no problem reading the cards. in fact, it was an ease! i find it so easy to decipher the meaning of the cards. my question is, why is it just difficult for me to read the Rider Waite deck when it is considered the good starting card for beginner? i have a hrd time with Rider Waite, but i find my reading the most accurate and best with Bruegel Tarot.

matfav	29 Dec 2003
There is a lot that is not mentioned as to how you read or how you learned tarot.nonetheless you can read the cards intuitively, or learn there meanings (mechanically), but it is best to do both. Learn the cards and let the images trigger your psychic mind. or maybe the answer is as simple as "you are not for the rider deck"? Stick with what works.

Jewel-ry	29 Dec 2003
I agree with matfav. Use what works for you. I would put the Rider Waite away for now. Who knows, maybe you will come back to them in the future. J :)

Diana	29 Dec 2003
I think the only reason people say it's easy is because there are so many books written about it. Tarot is not easy. It takes a lifetime to even get to touch its robes. But not easy does not mean tiresome. It is a very light and joyful journey.

Moonbow*	29 Dec 2003
I think its considered easy because so many other decks are based on it and its considered that if you know RW you can read many others, but everyone is different (thankfully) find your own niche - you may even come back to it at a later stage and love it. This has happened to me many times. There are several of my decks that I have been on the verge of trading then I've looked at them again and started to use them. Moonbow* :) I really like the Bruegel BTW

BlackOrchid	29 Dec 2003
yeah, i mean i might get back to Rw, and i'm reading book on that deck, but in the mean time i'm sticking to bruegel, the readings i get are so real and very accurate, and i did my reading (bruegel) on my relationship, and it states about being in a 3 person (polyamorous) relationship, and 4 cards stand out in that reading: -8 of swords: "two wives in one house cannot get along" -6 of chalice: "new love comes and goes, old love remains" -tower: "the wise person falls seven times a day (those who are wise know how to accept their mistakes)" -the wheel: "after happiness, pain; after pain, happiness; happiness and pain spins like a record" and true enough i was in that relationship, and i was pushed out of it later on, depressing, but at least i am contented now. that is why i love my bruegel. though at the time of reading, i thought it was rather ridiculous...

Majecot	29 Dec 2003
BlackOrchid Welcome to AT. You will find many study groups here on RWS and RWS type decks... Sometimes when you go back to a deck it will somehow finally click ;) I agree, use what ever works for you.

firestorm	29 Dec 2003
Hi Black Orchid, I'm thinking the reason why it's considered "easier" is because the pips are illustrated and can help a beginning Tarot reader who isn't familiar with numerology, which is needed for unillustrated pips. However, it is a very individual thing, and some don't find it easier at all. You may find that the RW deck isn't for you. If you're still interested in working with the RW deck, go over to the Rider Waite study group. I'm sure you'll find all the help you need there.

lark	29 Dec 2003
I wouldn't worry about not connecting with the Rider Waite. Just put it away like everyone is suggesting, it may click with you later. But!!!!!!! What is exciting is that you found a deck you did click with on your 3rd try. Some of us have bought a dozen decks or more before we found the best one for us. (some of us are still looking) :) So congratulations on your new Bruegel Tarot! I'm sure it will teach you alot in the coming months.

Cerulean	29 Dec 2003
...You connected with the written proverbs and the art in exactly the right way for your questions. It sounds like you've found your perfect mix of words and pictures. I've grown to like the Rider Waite over time because of the stories of the artist behind the images--but the images alone didn't attract me for a long time. Great wishes for a New Year with your Breugal! Mari H.

The Rider Waite Problems thread was originally posted on 29 Dec 2003 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.