Stained glass window Four of Swords

Teheuti

Waite comments on the Four of Swords, "Divinatory Meanings: Vigilance, retreat, solitude, hermit's repose, exile, tomb and coffin. It is these last that have suggested the design." "Tomb" and "coffin" could point to Rosicrucian symbolism.
While the tomb is significant, even central, in the Rosicrucian story, it doesn't have to refer specifically to Christian Rosycross. For instance, it could be the Masonic Hiram Abif. It could also represent a Knight's vigil in a chapel - either on the eve of being knighted or after committing some irreligious act. Often the Knight would lay prostrate all night before a statue of Mary or the Cross in an attempt to achieve peace and inner healing.