The Rider-Waite Miniature Tarot Deck is a 78-card tarot deck in a compact travel-friendly size, reproducing Pamela Colman Smith's original 1909 artwork created under the direction of occult scholar Arthur Edward Waite. It's the same classic imagery that defined modern tarot, just small enough to carry anywhere.
Quick facts
| Type |
Tarot deck (miniature) |
| Cards |
78 (Major & Minor Arcana) |
| Artist |
Pamela Colman Smith |
| System/Tradition |
Rider-Waite-Smith |
| Language |
English |
| Best for |
Travel, daily draws, and RWS beginners |
About this deck
The Rider-Waite deck set the standard for modern tarot: unlike earlier decks, every card, including the Minor Arcana, shows a full illustrated scene, which makes the cards easier to read intuitively. This miniature edition keeps that same fully-illustrated tarot and oracle deck experience in a pocket-sized format, making it an easy companion for anyone deepening their intuition and spirituality practice. If you'd like a larger deck for home readings, the full-size Deviant Moon Tarot Deck or nature-inspired Wild Unknown Tarot make good companions on your shelf.
The imagery was created by Pamela Colman Smith over roughly six months in 1909, working closely with Waite to encode Golden Dawn symbolism into scenes that anyone could read intuitively, which is part of why the Rider-Waite-Smith deck remains the reference point most other tarot decks are measured against.
How to use it
Shuffle and draw a single card for a quick daily reflection, or slip the deck into a bag or pocket for readings on the go. Because every card shows a complete scene, beginners can often start interpreting intuitively before memorizing formal meanings. Because the cards are smaller than a standard deck, some readers find it easiest to lay out two- or three-card spreads on a flat surface rather than fanning a large hand-held spread.
Care & storage
Keep the deck dry and out of direct sunlight, and store it back in its box or a pouch between uses to protect the small cards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rider-Waite Miniature Tarot Deck?
It's a 78-card tarot deck in a compact, pocket-sized format. It's a card deck for reflection and storytelling, not a medical or health device.
Who illustrated the Rider-Waite deck?
Artist Pamela Colman Smith illustrated the deck in 1909, working under the direction of occult scholar Arthur Edward Waite.
How is this different from a full-size Rider-Waite deck?
It contains the same 78 cards and classic imagery, just printed at a smaller, pocket-friendly size that's easier to carry while traveling.
Is this deck good for beginners?
Yes. Because every card, including the Minor Arcana, shows a full illustrated scene, it's considered one of the easier decks for learning intuitive tarot reading.
Does this miniature deck include a guidebook?
The deck focuses on the 78 miniature cards themselves; pairing it with a Rider-Waite reference book or app can help while you're learning card meanings.
How should I store my miniature tarot deck?
Keep it dry and out of direct sunlight, and store it in its box or a small pouch between uses to protect the cards.
