Tarot de Marseille vs Rider-Waite: differences and which to learn
The Tarot de Marseille and the Rider-Waite are the two most-used tarot systems in the world, and most "which is better" debates miss the point. They are not better or worse: they are different tools, with different histories, reading logics, and learning curves. Here are the real differences and an honest recommendation on which to learn first.
Origin and history
The Tarot de Marseille is the older of the two. It is a woodblock-printed card system that took shape in France between the 17th and 18th centuries, in print houses such as those of Jean Dodal or Nicolas Conver (1760). It had no single author: it is a popular European tradition, restored in modern times by Philippe Camoin and Alejandro Jodorowsky.
The Rider-Waite — more precisely Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) — is far more recent: it was published in 1909 in London by the Rider company, conceived by the occultist Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by the artist Pamela Colman Smith, both members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. It is the dominant system in the English-speaking world.
The key difference: the Minor Arcana
If you remember only one difference, make it this one. In the Marseille, the 56 Minor Arcana are "pip" cards: numeric, with no scenes. The Five of Swords is, literally, five swords arranged in a pattern. In the Rider-Waite, every Minor is illustrated with a narrative scene: the Five of Swords shows a figure gathering swords as others walk away, with an emotion readable at a glance.
This difference changes everything: in RWS the image suggests the meaning; in Marseille you have to deduce it from the number, the suit, and the element.
How you read each one
The Marseille is read deductively, from first principles: number (the numerology of 1 to 10), suit and element, direction of gazes, and visual symbols. You learn a system you then apply to any card. The Rider-Waite is read more narratively and intuitively: you recognize the scene and the emotion it conveys. It is faster to start, but you lean on the specific illustration of each card.
Comparison table
| Aspect | Tarot de Marseille | Rider-Waite-Smith |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | France, 17th–18th c. | England, 1909 |
| Minor Arcana | Pips (numeric, no scene) | Illustrated with scenes |
| How you read | Number + element + symbols | Narrative scene + intuition |
| Tradition | Camoin-Jodorowsky, medieval | Golden Dawn, esoteric |
| Learning curve | Slower at first, more solid | Faster at first |
| Resources/community | More in French and Spanish | Mostly in English |
| Best for | Learning to read from the roots | Starting fast with images |
Which should you learn first?
Honest recommendation: if your goal is to truly learn to read, start with the Marseille. It forces you to master the logic (numbers, elements, symbols) that you can then apply to any deck, including the Rider-Waite. People who learn RWS first often stay tied to the illustrated scenes and get lost when they change decks.
If what you want is to start pulling cards as soon as possible and evocative images motivate you, the Rider-Waite has a gentler entry. There is no single answer; there is an answer depending on your goal. If you choose the Marseille, you have the guide to learning from scratch and the 22 Major Arcana explained.
Can I use both?
Yes, and many readers do. They share the same underlying structure (22 Majors and 56 Minors) and the Major Arcana are very similar in both. Once you master the Marseille logic, reading an RWS is straightforward; the reverse is harder. Learn to combine the cards in either system with the guide to doing a spread.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the Tarot de Marseille and the Rider-Waite?
The Minor Arcana. In the Marseille they are numeric cards with no scene (read by number, suit, and element); in the Rider-Waite they are illustrated with narrative scenes that suggest the meaning.
Which is better for beginners?
It depends on your goal. The Rider-Waite is easier to start thanks to its images; the Marseille teaches you to read from first principles and is more transferable to any deck.
Which is older?
The Tarot de Marseille, from the 17th–18th centuries. The Rider-Waite-Smith was published in 1909.
Are the card meanings the same in both?
The Major Arcana are very similar. The Minors differ more in how they are read, though the underlying symbolism (number and suit) is compatible.
Can I learn both systems?
Yes. Many readers use both. If you master the Marseille logic first, reading a Rider-Waite afterward is straightforward.
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