Rivalry of the Waite Smiths ~ RWS v Retina Waite Smith

[@sylmaron5859]

Eyes don't lie and my eyes were drawn to the left every time. That said, the Hermit card from the Retina is pretty magical. I absolutely would love to see other RWS comparisons!

[@elementsoftarot]

I actually have both of these decks on their way to me right now! I love the look of them both! The Retina one looks like the airbrushed version of the original. I love the backs on it so much! Looking forward to those candle lit readings! You said something very interested in the video, Simon, about how the older decks feel more authentic than modern ones for readings. I couldn’t agree more! There is a reverence I feel when holding my blushing fool. So my latest thing has been trolling eBay for vintage decks. It’s so much fun! Thanks for the video- I look forward to more comparisons!

[@the_hermits_cave]

@@elementsoftarot enjoy your wonderful new decks!

[@sunnyoak]

While I love the original, the newer version is so much clearer and not muddied. Face colors are truer, and detail with shading is stunning. Can we not love these two equally, for different reasons, like the best original ❤ and the best update? ❤

[@the_hermits_cave]

@@sunnyoak we can!

[@EdwardThomas-b9h]

Excellent! Luv the comparison! I want a Retina deck now!! You've got the best tarot channel on youtube!!!! 31:04

[@the_hermits_cave]

Thank you so much, very kind of you to say! 😍

[@Makeshiftmustang]

I learned on The Radiant Rider Waite. I do love Pamela Coleman Smith’s deck, the original. However, the use of firm lines sometimes distracts from the imagery for me, otherwise I find hers so iconic and perfect. I love how she stages her images. It distracted me that the modern one you showed us, in spite of the lovely shading shading choices in many of the cards, it cut off parts of the image to bring the subject matter closer to the viewer. To me that takes away the setting for the image. Thank you for helping me realize why I love the heart of Tarot imagery so much. I now realize that Smith was showing us that all the world is a stage and we are players on the set!

[@the_hermits_cave]

Perfectly put! 😍

[@moondaisylamoreaux8791]

I've never connected with the original, but I do with the Retina. It helped me fall in love with the RWS system. Totally worth the money.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Pleased it does that for you! 😍

[@druideva]

I love this series idea! For me the decks are equal. I always like the original, but I find the Retina version clearer in art. I also like the color palette better. I'm curious about a comparison with the Tarot or A.E. Waite edition (both have crackle backs). I also would love a comparison with the Centennial.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Noted!

[@TarotTrouble]

Hi Simon: Would love to see a comparison of the Jupiter King Tarot.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Noted!

[@frantarot_and_the_scorpio8505]

I love RWS and went on to purchase my blushing fool after watching one of your videos, this series of videos will be prefect for me. I’d love to see your CS Pam A in comparison to the taschen.

[@the_hermits_cave]

@@frantarot_and_the_scorpio8505 Noted

[@Marilyns_Musings_and_Tarot]

As beautiful as the Retina is...I still gravitate toward the original. 😊 The original version was my first and may be why. There is something about the original artistry that runs deep.

[@toadstooltarot]

I'm such a nerd. I like the many looks at RWS variants. I like the 3 dimensional shading on the Retina Waite, but would like to see a comparison between the Retina Waite and the Radiant Rider Waite. I'm wondering if I need the Taschen version. Could you tell me, cards alone, side by side, which looks better, the Taschen or Conrads Pam A (with its cracklebacks)?

[@toadstooltarot]

Besides linework sharpness and color, facial expressions are very important to me. and can change attitude/intention in a card. As to your challenge/query, I'd like to see Conrad's Pam A next to the Taschen.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Oh that’s hard! They’re slightly different in colouration. But CS is on MPC cardstock.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Noted

[@toadstooltarot]

@@the_hermits_cave Yes, I wonder about that Taschen stock. I'm not fond of thick cards or if they're too dry and fluffy a matte. I wonder if I'd get anything out of the book by having it. I almost feel like I'd rather buy that bio. of Pixie you have.

[@the_hermits_cave]

@@toadstooltarot that’s a great book too!

[@VinylWave11]

Of this comparison I prefer the new Retina Tarot. However my favorite is the blue plaid back version I have every size and I love the pocket edition most and use it everyday. RWS is also my soul deck. I have many versions and RWS decks with different themes.

[@elspeth6807]

I know you love clones so will disagree, but I will always take my battered old RWS. It feels more authentic to me to use the original pictures. I have a few clones and have just learnt that I won’t pick them up over the original. I like those creators who put their own ideas into the RWS style so I won’t buy any more clones, but look for new take son RWS.

[@caveman3021]

I can understanbd the attraction to the Retina deck...it is more appealing to the eye colour and detail wise, yet I am still partial to the older style original. As far as there being too many "redos" I used to think this way, but when I see what other artists bring to it I think there is room for all of them. I for one would never tire of seeing RWS comparisons, so please...post away!😀👍

[@the_hermits_cave]

Your wish is my command! 😉

[@paillette2010]

I don’t like the drawings of the retina one.

[@DavidWilson-hd6iz]

Don't know if it would count as a "clone", but a comparison with the Heaven and Earth Tarot would be interesting.