Reddit mentions of Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set

You should definitely start out with RWS (Rider-Waite-Smith) Version. If you like the less bright tone and more muted color, you should get This set. If price is an issue, get the universal waite version (pencil colored).


For book recommendation; you NEED to get 78 degrees of wisdom and Greer's Tarot for yourself.


For more info: check out www.tarotforum.net

It’s the Commemorative Edition of the Rider Waite Smith. It came in a big box with two books, additional artwork by Smith, and a small sheet of spreads. I used to have the facsimile edition, which had the blue and white flowers on the back. The only difference between this and the regular Rider Waite is that they tried to stay true to the original colors so they’re muted and just overall more appealing for me.

Oh man, I have opinions lol So I've been collecting decks for about a decade now and have 13 total. I'll just unload... I hope this is helpful!

My all time favorite, the Mythic Tarot (all greek mythology), is super inaccessible though, unfortunately, but it was the one that I grew up with by some fluke of a chance and when I finally got it for myself (and for under $100 which is very rare) I about lost my mind. There's a new version of it with the same overall stories and art but the art style has greatly changed and it just can't hold a candle to the original.

My second favorite is the Wild Unknown. It's beautiful and boy oh boy is she rude. Sometimes you might notice after fiddling with a variety of decks that they'll have a bit of personality and this one pulls no punches in my experience and even for a few of my freinds who have the deck. Plus it's just a really stunning deck.

Another beautiful deck is the Linestrider. Watercolors. Like the gentle version of Wild Unknown. My Rider-Waite is the Pamela Colman Smith commemorative version and has really lovely back and vivid colors. Rider-Waite is easily the most recognizable of the decks and is very accessible. Also honorable mentions, since they're just beautiful decks: Wildwood, Mucha, Ostara (gilded edges!), and the Halloween Tarot.

1. Mythic
   
2. The Wild Unknown *
   
3. Halloween
   
4. Rider-Waite *
   
5. Ostara *
   
6. Wildwood
   
7. Mucha
   
8. Linestrider *
   
9. Welcome to Night Vale
   
10. Raven's Prophecy (Raven Cycle)
    
11. Zombies
    
12. Marseille
    
13. New Mythic
    
    * - I think these would be particularly good for a first deck
    
    ​
    
    EDIT: If there's any these particular decks you'd like to see pictures of, let me know! I'll see what I can do. :)

Well there are two that I recommend. Since you are going with the Raider-Waite-Smith deck, you could actually get Aurtor Waite's book on his deck. Him and Pamela Coleman Smith worked on very specific meaning and symbols and while she drew the pictures he wrote the book on what he felt that they meant. It's called "The Pictorial Keyto the Tarot" -- There's actually a really nice commemorative set meant to honor Pamela Coleman Smith that has his book included. I bought it as a gift and it was beautiful you can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/Pamela-Colman-Smith-Commemorative-Set/dp/1572816392/

The second book I would recommend is The Complete Guide to the Tarot by Eden Gray found here: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Tarot-Eden-Gray/dp/0553277529/ -- This is my favorite book on tarot and is the one I still use to teach my students.

I've heard this deck, the Pamela Colman Smith Centennial Deck, is very good quality. You can buy the deck alone, or as a boxed set. Don't buy the version in a tin, it is (allegedly) a smaller deck printed on cheaper cardstock.

This is a reprint of the original Ryder-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Smith. It is very traditional.

https://www.amazon.com/Smith-Waite-Centennial-Tarot-Games-Systems/dp/1572817623

https://www.amazon.com/Pamela-Colman-Smith-Commemorative-Set/dp/1572816392

You can find Ryder Waite or Ryder Waite Smith decks for next to nothing, but quality of cardstock is usually pretty low on cheap decks. If cost isn't an issue, I recommend either the Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot or the Pamela Colman Smith Commerative Set. These are the same deck, but they are produced by a reputable card maker using higher quality materials.