I think Waite must have been following the Golden Dawn. I found something in Israel Regardie's Golden Dawn book:
"That is the white Mercy, or Jachin Pillar, is on your right hand as you approach the Altar from the West and from the Hiereus (Priest). (See 2 Chronicles 3:17) 'And call the Name on the right hand (of him who enters) Jachin, and the Name of that on the left, Boaz.' Now Boaz= Strength, Severity, Binah, Black Pillar and Jachin= White Pillar of Mercy." Fifth Knowledge Lecture, p.81
Waite's HP makes a lot more sense in light of this. Apparently the altar was in the east and the candidate for initiation approached it from the west, presumably in a quest for light. 2 Chronicles 3:17 is used as a reference. It actually says: "And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand and the other on the left. And he called the name of the one on the right Jachin, and the name of the one on the left Boaz." -Modern King James Version