Rider Waite Smith Tarot Deck

The effigy of a knight in the attitude of prayer, at full length upon his tomb.

About the Deck

Pivotal and canonical, this deck defined a new pattern that would be followed up to the present.

Provenance

Designed by A.E. Waite and Illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. England, 1911.

Meaning of Four of Swords from the Rider Waite Smith Tarot Deck

Upright

Vigilance, retreat, solitude, hermit's repose, exile, tomb and coffin. It is these last that have suggested the design.

Reversed

Wise administration, circumspection, economy, avarice, precaution, testament.

According to Many Schools of Thought

Papus's Divinatory Meanings

Enemy defeated.

A. E. Waite's Secondary Meanings

Upright

A bad card, but if reversed a qualified success may be expected by wise administration of affairs.

Reversed

A certain success following wise administration.

S. L. MacGregor Mathers's Divinatory Meanings

Upright

Solitude, Retreat, Abandonment, Solitary, Hermit

Reversed

Economy, Precaution, Regulation of Expenditure.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

there is among your circle of acquaintances some one who wishes to be united to you in marriage; consent, and you will not repent it.