What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot: The True Story of the World's Most Popular Tarot
Discover newly revealed secrets, hidden for a century, about the fascinating origins of the most widely used tarot system in the world. With never-before-seen material from Arthur Edward Waite's own secret order, an exploration of the world that inspired Pamela Colman Smith, and a practical guide to interpreting the cards, Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot will breathe new life into your readings. Drawing on Waite's unpublished writings, historic photographs of Smith, and much more, Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot unlocks the symbols and correspondences of the cards. Explore the comparisons between the court cards and the stage characters that influenced Smith; learn about her intuitive understanding of the Tree of Life and how that wisdom is reflected in her minor arcana. From stunning artwork and sample spreads to influential colors and music, this groundbreaking book draws back the curtain to reveal the true legacies of Waite and Smith. Praise:
"Astonishing revelations of Pixie Smith's contributions to the Tarot! Masterful, and not to be missed."―Mary K. Greer, author of The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals
"Astonishing revelations of Pixie Smith's contributions to the Tarot! Masterful, and not to be missed."―Mary K. Greer, author of The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals
480 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2015
74 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Katz
65 books64 followersMarcus Katz is a professional tarot teacher at the Far Away Centre, the first independent contemporary esoteric training centre in the United Kingdom. As the Director of Tarot Professionals, www.tarotprofessionals.com the world's largest professional tarot organisation, he has studied and taught tarot for 30 years and has delivered more than 10,000 face-to-face readings.
Marcus is also the co-creator of Tarot Town, www.tarot-town.com the social network for tarot readers, with thousands of people worldwide sharing innovative tarot development. He graduated from the University of Exeter as the first student in the world to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Western Esotericism - as such he is one of the few recognised academics in this field.
A licensed neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) trainer and neo-Ericksonian hypnotherapist with 20 years of experience training, presenting and teaching, he has completed training with Paul McKenna, Richard Bandler, John Grinder, and many other NLP luminaries.
His esoteric, kabbalah and tarot courses and workshops are attended by students from across the world, and he delivers three online courses in spellcrafting, kabbalah and alchemy to students through the Magicka School. He has also travelled and taught private groups across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the United States.
Marcus has learnt from, met and corresponded with many of the leading names in occultism during the past 30 years, and has enjoyed unparalleled access to private and academic libraries and rare manuscripts. His own library of esoteric books, magazines and materials is one of the largest and most comprehensive in private collection.
Marcus is also the co-creator of Tarot Town, www.tarot-town.com the social network for tarot readers, with thousands of people worldwide sharing innovative tarot development. He graduated from the University of Exeter as the first student in the world to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Western Esotericism - as such he is one of the few recognised academics in this field.
A licensed neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) trainer and neo-Ericksonian hypnotherapist with 20 years of experience training, presenting and teaching, he has completed training with Paul McKenna, Richard Bandler, John Grinder, and many other NLP luminaries.
His esoteric, kabbalah and tarot courses and workshops are attended by students from across the world, and he delivers three online courses in spellcrafting, kabbalah and alchemy to students through the Magicka School. He has also travelled and taught private groups across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the United States.
Marcus has learnt from, met and corresponded with many of the leading names in occultism during the past 30 years, and has enjoyed unparalleled access to private and academic libraries and rare manuscripts. His own library of esoteric books, magazines and materials is one of the largest and most comprehensive in private collection.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 26, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a free eARC of this book through netgalley.com in exchange for a review.
Ah, the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. A deck created 100 years ago. A deck that influenced all the decks that have come since. But where did Smith get her inspirations from? What is the real story behind this deck? That's what drove Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin to write Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot. They spent a lot of time researching into the past, to bring out documents, images, and letters to tease apart many of the decks secrets.
What I liked: This book works best like a history story--where we understand who Waite and Smith were as people and mystics. Where we relate real-life locations of Smith's past as backdrops to the cards. I loved learning more about "Pixie" and her design aesthetics, of seeing other paintings she done, and understanding how she translated the design instructions into art. I enjoyed how they related these tidbits back into many of the cards, as a way to unlock meaning inside the cards.
What I didn't like: Once we get out f the extensive card by card descriptions (which were great), we get into a few smaller chapters of murkyness. These chapters have interesting spreads in them but seem to be stuffed in at the last minute. There's no real explanation on how to use or lay out the cards. It's as if the authors decided to "stuff more into an already big book" because they can.
BOTTOM LINE: This book makes me yearn for a first edition Waite-Smith deck. It gives me a connection to the deck in a way that many other books haven't. I feel like I now understand this deck and want to treat it like one of my other, modern day, favorites. Get this book to understand some of the background behind the deck.
Ah, the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. A deck created 100 years ago. A deck that influenced all the decks that have come since. But where did Smith get her inspirations from? What is the real story behind this deck? That's what drove Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin to write Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot. They spent a lot of time researching into the past, to bring out documents, images, and letters to tease apart many of the decks secrets.
What I liked: This book works best like a history story--where we understand who Waite and Smith were as people and mystics. Where we relate real-life locations of Smith's past as backdrops to the cards. I loved learning more about "Pixie" and her design aesthetics, of seeing other paintings she done, and understanding how she translated the design instructions into art. I enjoyed how they related these tidbits back into many of the cards, as a way to unlock meaning inside the cards.
What I didn't like: Once we get out f the extensive card by card descriptions (which were great), we get into a few smaller chapters of murkyness. These chapters have interesting spreads in them but seem to be stuffed in at the last minute. There's no real explanation on how to use or lay out the cards. It's as if the authors decided to "stuff more into an already big book" because they can.
BOTTOM LINE: This book makes me yearn for a first edition Waite-Smith deck. It gives me a connection to the deck in a way that many other books haven't. I feel like I now understand this deck and want to treat it like one of my other, modern day, favorites. Get this book to understand some of the background behind the deck.
December 26, 2018
I learned a lot from this book, and its bibliography has certainly made my to-read list grow. But, my god, the authors needed to hire an editor!
September 8, 2020
I've had the (foolhardy? sublime?) idea to make my own tarot deck, as a present to myself and my girlfriend.
I've only ever read tarot with the Rider-Waite deck (and on one stressful occasion: playing cards) and it was interesting to learn about all the Golden Dawn symbolism I always knew was there, but about the obvious Catholic mysticism influence that I've completely missed.
This book is wonderfully informative, written in a clear style that only occasionally veers into what I think of as Byron Bay 'we-intuited-this' writing.
Have since downgraded to only making my own interpretations of the 22 Major Arcana DONT WORRY 78 cards in one month was a wild dream.
I've only ever read tarot with the Rider-Waite deck (and on one stressful occasion: playing cards) and it was interesting to learn about all the Golden Dawn symbolism I always knew was there, but about the obvious Catholic mysticism influence that I've completely missed.
This book is wonderfully informative, written in a clear style that only occasionally veers into what I think of as Byron Bay 'we-intuited-this' writing.
Have since downgraded to only making my own interpretations of the 22 Major Arcana DONT WORRY 78 cards in one month was a wild dream.
August 7, 2018
Sinceramente mi ha un po' delusa. Interessantissima la prima parte storica, quando va a descrivere i singoli arcani, non c'è nulla di particolarmente interessante, almeno per me. Certe affermazioni sono anche a mio parere discutibili, ma è normale in questo campo.
Mi aspettavi di più nelle descrizioni dei significati dei singoli arcani e come spiegazioni delle scelte di Pamela, ma non ho trovato quello che cercavo, non c'è molto di più di quello che si trova nel classico testo di Wite.
Mi aspettavi di più nelle descrizioni dei significati dei singoli arcani e come spiegazioni delle scelte di Pamela, ma non ho trovato quello che cercavo, non c'è molto di più di quello che si trova nel classico testo di Wite.
March 22, 2015
I'm just getting started into my journey with tarot, I don't claim to be anything but a beginner. So, I learned a lot from this book. It was interesting and kept my attention the whole way through. I'd recommend this to anyone. Novice or Expert.
January 17, 2016
Excellent for those loving the Waite-Smith tarot.
September 28, 2024
Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin’s Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot is an absolute treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the origins of the world’s most iconic Tarot deck. This isn’t just a book about card meanings or interpretations—it’s a meticulously researched, richly detailed exploration of the history, symbolism, and hidden influences behind the Rider-Waite-Smith deck that truly changed how I view these cards. If you’ve ever wondered what lies behind the imagery of the deck or felt like there was more to it than meets the eye, this book will give you a new appreciation for the legacy of Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith.
What makes Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot stand out is its deep dive into the worlds of both creators, unearthing previously hidden details about their lives, beliefs, and artistic inspirations. Katz and Goodwin manage to balance historical scholarship with a genuine enthusiasm for the material, weaving together Waite’s occult philosophy and Smith’s artistic vision in a way that feels both engaging and eye-opening. It’s not just about what’s on the surface of the cards—it’s about the rich, multi-layered tapestry of influences, from the Golden Dawn’s esoteric teachings to Smith’s love of theatre, that shaped each and every image.
The book also sheds light on some fascinating revelations about Pamela Colman Smith herself. Often overshadowed by Waite in discussions of the deck’s history, Smith’s contributions are given the spotlight they deserve here. I loved learning about how her personal experiences, artistic style, and even her background in theatre informed the way she illustrated the cards. Katz and Goodwin delve into her use of color, the symbolic choices she made, and the subtle storytelling she wove into each card’s image, offering insights that left me seeing familiar cards in a completely new light. The connection between the court cards and stage characters, for example, was a detail I’d never picked up on before, and it added a whole new layer of richness to my readings.
Katz and Goodwin also dig into Waite’s unpublished writings and correspondence, revealing the philosophical and mystical underpinnings he built into the deck’s structure. For anyone interested in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn or the Tree of Life, there’s plenty here to chew on. The book makes it clear that Waite’s vision for the deck was far more than just a divination tool—it was meant to be a map of spiritual development and a guide to deeper mysteries. Seeing how these themes are reflected in the Minor Arcana was a revelation, and it’s changed how I work with the cards, especially in spiritual readings.
But what makes Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot truly exceptional is how accessible it is. Despite being packed with historical facts and esoteric theory, Katz and Goodwin keep the tone engaging and down-to-earth, making complex ideas easy to digest without oversimplifying them. They’ve structured the book in a way that allows you to jump between chapters or dive straight through, depending on your interests, and they include plenty of illustrations, sample readings, and practical tips that keep the material grounded.
Whether you’re a Tarot history buff, a serious student of the esoteric traditions, or just someone who loves the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, this book is a must-have. It deepens your understanding of the deck in ways that go far beyond traditional card interpretations, giving you a window into the minds and spirits of the two remarkable creators who brought it to life. It’s one of those rare books that makes you feel like you’re uncovering a secret legacy, unlocking new layers of symbolism and meaning that have been hiding in plain sight.
If you thought you knew everything there was to know about the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot will prove you wrong—in the best way possible. It’s a masterful, captivating work that breathes new life into a deck that has shaped the Tarot world for over a century, and it’s a testament to the brilliance and vision of both Waite and Smith. This one’s an absolute gem.
What makes Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot stand out is its deep dive into the worlds of both creators, unearthing previously hidden details about their lives, beliefs, and artistic inspirations. Katz and Goodwin manage to balance historical scholarship with a genuine enthusiasm for the material, weaving together Waite’s occult philosophy and Smith’s artistic vision in a way that feels both engaging and eye-opening. It’s not just about what’s on the surface of the cards—it’s about the rich, multi-layered tapestry of influences, from the Golden Dawn’s esoteric teachings to Smith’s love of theatre, that shaped each and every image.
The book also sheds light on some fascinating revelations about Pamela Colman Smith herself. Often overshadowed by Waite in discussions of the deck’s history, Smith’s contributions are given the spotlight they deserve here. I loved learning about how her personal experiences, artistic style, and even her background in theatre informed the way she illustrated the cards. Katz and Goodwin delve into her use of color, the symbolic choices she made, and the subtle storytelling she wove into each card’s image, offering insights that left me seeing familiar cards in a completely new light. The connection between the court cards and stage characters, for example, was a detail I’d never picked up on before, and it added a whole new layer of richness to my readings.
Katz and Goodwin also dig into Waite’s unpublished writings and correspondence, revealing the philosophical and mystical underpinnings he built into the deck’s structure. For anyone interested in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn or the Tree of Life, there’s plenty here to chew on. The book makes it clear that Waite’s vision for the deck was far more than just a divination tool—it was meant to be a map of spiritual development and a guide to deeper mysteries. Seeing how these themes are reflected in the Minor Arcana was a revelation, and it’s changed how I work with the cards, especially in spiritual readings.
But what makes Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot truly exceptional is how accessible it is. Despite being packed with historical facts and esoteric theory, Katz and Goodwin keep the tone engaging and down-to-earth, making complex ideas easy to digest without oversimplifying them. They’ve structured the book in a way that allows you to jump between chapters or dive straight through, depending on your interests, and they include plenty of illustrations, sample readings, and practical tips that keep the material grounded.
Whether you’re a Tarot history buff, a serious student of the esoteric traditions, or just someone who loves the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, this book is a must-have. It deepens your understanding of the deck in ways that go far beyond traditional card interpretations, giving you a window into the minds and spirits of the two remarkable creators who brought it to life. It’s one of those rare books that makes you feel like you’re uncovering a secret legacy, unlocking new layers of symbolism and meaning that have been hiding in plain sight.
If you thought you knew everything there was to know about the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, Secrets of the Waite-Smith Tarot will prove you wrong—in the best way possible. It’s a masterful, captivating work that breathes new life into a deck that has shaped the Tarot world for over a century, and it’s a testament to the brilliance and vision of both Waite and Smith. This one’s an absolute gem.
October 21, 2017
Authors Katz and Goodwin have focused their considerable understanding of Tarot history and symbolism to an historical quest for the origins and meaning of the Tarot cards that are universally recognized and read today. The card deck in question, known as Waite-Smith Tarot, was the result of a collaboration between esotericist Arthur Edward Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith, both one-time members of the Order of the Golden Dawn.
A concise overview of Tarot meanings and use introduces the reader to basic concepts, but very promptly a mystery quest is presented: who were the enigmatic authors - artist and scholar - who rendered images which have since become the archetypes of past-present-future conditions to millions of querents since the early 20th Century?
A treasure trove of photographs and Ms. Smith’s early paintings add to the intriguing details that the authors have painstakingly drawn from research into the experiences, locales, and associations of the artist, whose well-earned nickname was “Pixie.” At the same time, Waite’s involvement as patron or teacher remains blurred, especially since his scholarly work emphasized the literal aspect of the Tarot while hers embodied the visionary.
Besides including an encyclopedic reference for each Tarot card, this book truly uncovers many of the enigmas of Tarot’s origins, articulation, and universality in modern times.
A concise overview of Tarot meanings and use introduces the reader to basic concepts, but very promptly a mystery quest is presented: who were the enigmatic authors - artist and scholar - who rendered images which have since become the archetypes of past-present-future conditions to millions of querents since the early 20th Century?
A treasure trove of photographs and Ms. Smith’s early paintings add to the intriguing details that the authors have painstakingly drawn from research into the experiences, locales, and associations of the artist, whose well-earned nickname was “Pixie.” At the same time, Waite’s involvement as patron or teacher remains blurred, especially since his scholarly work emphasized the literal aspect of the Tarot while hers embodied the visionary.
Besides including an encyclopedic reference for each Tarot card, this book truly uncovers many of the enigmas of Tarot’s origins, articulation, and universality in modern times.
September 7, 2017
Good insight into the most famous Tarot Deck, you are going to learn its story, some features never know before and some other facts on Pamela Colman-Smith. One very good topic treated here is the relationship with theater and her previous work.
Also you can get some insight on what made Arthur Waite to make his ideas that were translated into images and his past in the Golden Dawn.
Also you can get some insight on what made Arthur Waite to make his ideas that were translated into images and his past in the Golden Dawn.
July 26, 2018
I really liked this book. It allows you to visualize where Pamela was while painting the famous images of the tarot. It was an insightful look at what may have been going on in Pamela's life while she was creating. They include lots of neat photos of houses and gardens where she was painting that allow you to feel as if you were sitting next to her chatting about her work! Spectacular!
December 14, 2022
I really enjoyed the sections on the relationship of this deck to Kabbalah. This is a new field for me, so I'm not sure how the information compares with other resources.
Because of the way the book is organized, I have to flip through the book to piece information together about each card. It's a little cumbersome.
Because of the way the book is organized, I have to flip through the book to piece information together about each card. It's a little cumbersome.
July 6, 2024
I learned a lot from this book, despite having studied Tarot for many years. I enjoyed reading the background story of Pamela Colman Smith and A. E. Waite. I also enjoyed the insights into the places Smith likely got inspiration from for her illustrations.
July 23, 2020
One of the Best Books on Tarot cards. A must read if you really want to learn about the cards.
September 4, 2020
Thorough, loving tribute to the work that went into creating the Waite-Smith tarot deck.
Read
February 2, 2023Inside of this fat book, there is a thin book trying to get out.
March 19, 2025
Great book to read if you want to learn about Tarot and the meaning of the cards. It goes beyond the little white book for an in depth lessons.
May 15, 2015
An excellent book that lets you take a look into the life, mind and inspirations of the two people who created the world's most popular Tarot: Pamela Colman Smith and Arthur Waite. Putting this tarot in a historical, artistic and spiritual context , card by card, and revealing its secrets through a lot of details, pictures and drawings, and anecdote, this book makes it appear even richer and more fascinating. It also includes a lot of useful information for beginners, so it can be recommended to everyone. Great book.
January 28, 2016
One of the best books I've read on modern Tarot. SotWS gets the reader closer to it's creators and provides a much desired connection to the artist, Colman Smith. I can't say enough how important this book is for the modern Tarotist to have.
Like many lifelong students of Tarot greatly influenced by the Waite-Smith creation, for good or bad, I have developed a deep reverence for Pamela Coleman Smiths art and her influence upon the inner/outer landscape of Tarot.
Like many lifelong students of Tarot greatly influenced by the Waite-Smith creation, for good or bad, I have developed a deep reverence for Pamela Coleman Smiths art and her influence upon the inner/outer landscape of Tarot.
May 9, 2015
I've been reading tarot for a long time, and I am very familiar with the Waite-Smith deck, or at least I thought I was. I found lots of information in this book that I did not know. I highly recommend this, whether you new at tarot or have been at it a while.
*FTC Disclosure: I recieved this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
*FTC Disclosure: I recieved this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2016
Very informative, although I think best for someone who has some familiarity with the RWS deck and tarot reading, or for anyone who wants to explore how the deck was created. There's a lot of information here and it could have been better organized, but I enjoyed reading this!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews