Tarot Cards & Their Meanings
- info180454
- Aug 25, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 27, 2025
A comprehensive breakdown of every major arcana tarot card
PLUS: The woman hidden from Tarot history
Pamela Colman Smith: Designer of the world famous Rider Waite Tarot Deck
Nicknamed Pixie, until recent history, Pamela Colman Smith, was the relatively unknown artist behind the beautiful images of the world famous, Rider Waite Smith Tarot deck (1909). Smith was quirky, talented and unconventional. Her creative mind was never truly celebrated in her life time. She was an artist, illustrator, writer, publisher and mystic. Smith, like so many other women artists of the same era, was most certainly the victim of marginalisation due to her gender.
Over the centuries, there have been many women in history who fell into obscurity, overshadowed, sometimes ostracized and rarely taken seriously by both their male counter-parts and society at large.
The art world was to be no exception. And yes, the woman who inked and painted the illustrations of the world's most famous tarot deck, definitely fell into that category.
Born to American parents in London, Smith spent a period of her childhood in Jamaica and styled herself in West Indies fashion, leading to conflicting reports over whether or not she was biracial, some articles state her mother was Jamaican, and others that she was the sister of the famous artist Samuel Colman and that her family originated in the USA.
At 15, Smith began her studies in painting, drawing and composition at the Pratt Institute in New York, but she left without a degree to avoid the influence of other artists. After her time at Pratt, Smith returned to Jamaica to care for her mother, who passed away in 1896, and remained there to help her father manage their estate.
Smith also shared her life (and some business interests) with a woman called Vera Lake, but as was the case at the time, they would have been known as spinsters or companions, and as far as I am aware, she wouldn't have been "out" back then, but it didn't stop her from being referred to by today’s gay community as a "queer icon" - now that's a true badge of honour I would say.
Smith was 31 years old and had already exhibited paintings in a New York gallery when she was approached in London by British poet Arthur Edward Waite. The two were known to each other from a secret society, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, where Waite was the grand master. The group borrowed ideas from freemasonry and the Kabbalah and had a spiritual belief system based on magic, metaphysics, paranormal and occult activities.
The two had so much in common and soon set about the project, with Waite commissioning Smith for a small flat fee and the company Rider as their publisher.
There are 78 cards in a Rider-Waite Smith deck, split into two groups called the Major and Minor Arcana (let's call them the big league and little league). The Major Arcana features the big deal cards such as The Star, The Lovers and The Hanged Man. The Minor Arcana more closely resembles a pack of playing cards (which is how tarot originated in the 15th century). Waite had studied (and published extensively on so many ancient texts). He approached Smith with his Major Arcana ideas, but the Minor's were all her own.
The minors are divided into numbered and face cards in four suits: wands, swords, cups and pentacles. Smith went above and beyond her brief, and truly made these minor cards come alive, with extraordinary illustrations, as opposed to previous decks that only decorated the majors.
Smith completed all 78 images from her Chelsea studio in London, using watercolours and ink. Her influences for the imagery included my own favourite group of Victorian painters - Pre-Raphaelites, who produced luminous images with stunning detail, indulgent ink illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley, the ornamental details of Art Nouveau, and the saturated colour blocking of traditional Japanese woodblock prints. The latter of which she seemed to be quite taken with in some of her paintings including "The Wave"
Smith stopped producing art just three years after the Rider-Waite deck was published. Like many before her, she'd struggled to make a living. Then she completely changed her life. Smith walked away from London, high society, her art and mystic interests and converted to a life of Catholicism. She inherited some money, bought a house in Cornwall - and she and her partner Lake, made a living by renting it out to priests. Smith also got involved with the women's suffrage movement as well as the Red Cross.
I am not interested in debating the things other articles have discussed such as, her colour or sexuality or even her choices in religion. Smith is firmly on my list of inspirational spiritual heroines. For me she brings together all that I hold and embrace as sacred;
· Freedom of expression and the right to be different.
· The freedom to select our own version of spirituality or science and walk a path of eternal discovery.
· The right not to be marginalised, to have a voice and be seen, the right to have an opinion that counts.
· A chance to be recognised for any work that has an impact
· The desire to have a life that stands for something, that leaves a legacy, makes an imprint or makes a difference to others.
Smith was only ever paid a small, one-off fee for her work - and this deck continues to sell millions of copies each year. So, the next time you refer to it, please don't side-line her by dropping the Smith, it's not just the Rider-Waite deck, it’s the Rider-Waite Smith deck - or better still, the Smith-Rider-Waite Deck!
Art, Light and most of all LOVE.
Story, copyright, the author: Charlie Lee Daniels
#chat2charlie #tarotcards #tarot #pamelacolmansmith #RiderWaiteSmith
The Major Arcana Tarot Cards
The Fool might be nudging you to leap. This tarot card is all about new beginnings, exciting adventures, and embracing the unknown. Think of it as a cosmic nudge to step outside your comfort zone and chase that dream.
The Magician is here to remind you that you have incredible potential within you. What do you truly desire?" The universe is conspiring in your favor, so don't be afraid to take that leap of faith!
Representing the divine feminine, intuition and inner wisdom, The High Priestess guides us to explore the depths of our subconscious mind and trust in our innate knowing.
Discover the essence of femininity, abundance, and nurturing energy success and structure. This tarot card guides us on our journey with wisdom and resilience.
The Emperor card arriving in your psychic reading, can symbolise authority and leadership. It also heralds success and structure, but this powerful tarot card can also signal future challenges and power struggles.
Ever wondered what the Hierophant in your tarot spread means? Tradition, conformity, and spiritual guidance. It encourages us to embrace established teachings and seek wisdom from mentors.
Confused by the Lovers Card? This tarot card is more than just love and romance. It can pop up in psychic tarot readings about friendships, business partnerships, and even decisions about your career path.
Stuck? Feeling lost or lacking direction? The Chariot tarot card can help. This powerful card represents willpower, determination & overcoming obstacles. Learn how the Chariot can guide you toward achieving your goals in this FREE blog post.
This article delves deep into the meaning of The Justice tarot card - from the scales of balance to the swift sword of truth. Discover its significance and explore more about its role in clairvoyant card readings.
Should you be alone or are you feeling lonely? This latest blog explores the meaning, history, and significance of The Hermit in tarot readings. Discover the power of introspection, inner guidance, and soul-searching.
Is life a roller-coaster right now? Are you going arond in a circle or repeating the same patterns?
Dive deep into the history, interpretations, and insights of this tarot card and learn how to navigate life's twists and turns.
Discover how during psychic readings, The Strength tarot card, embodies courage, resilience, and personal power, guiding you through life's challenges with grace and determination.
THE HANGED MAN
Discover how this captivating card may offer symbolism and methods to remove blocks and barriers in: love, career, health, and spirituality. The Hanged Man can be most informative in the hands of an intuitive tarot card reader.
DEATH
Often the most feared and misunderstood card in the deck.
"What if the Death card comes up?"
Far from what you may think, The Death card may often signify a new beginning - as well as the end of a cycle.
TEMPERENCE
The Temperance tarot card, is all about finding harmony & moderation in life.
This post explores the card's meaning & symbolism and what it may mean if it appears in your psychic reading.
THE DEVIL
Unlock the mysteries of the shadow self, addiction and liberation with this latest blog post on the Devil tatot card. Confront inner fears & achieve personal growth. Truly revealing when it appears about relationships!
THE TOWER
Whether you're facing sudden changes in love or career the Tower tarot card offers insights and resilience. Embrace the chaos and find your path to growth with Chat 2 Charlie's online psychic guidance or telephone tarot card readings.
STAR
Unlock the secrets of renewal and enlightenment. When the Star Tarot card appears, it can offer a beacon of light in challenging times.
Book your tarot reading today and illuminate your path to positivity.
THE MOON
Dive deep into hidden truths, trust your intuition. Navigate life's uncertainties with courage and clarity. Whether you seek insights into love, finance, or personal growth, The Moon offers profound guidance...
THE SUN
The Sun tarot card is a beacon of positivity, symbolising joy, success, and growth.
JUDGMENT
The Judgement Tarot Card signifies awakening, renewal, and facing consequences. This powerful card can guide you on your journey of self-discovery.
THE WORLD
The World Tarot card signifies completion, success and a sense of wholeness. It's a beautiful reminder to appreciate how far you've come and embrace new beginnings.
Chat 2 Charlie, aka Charlie Daniels; is well known clairvoyant
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