Richard
Every once in a while I see a reference to Waite's Christianization of Tarot, so I decided to do a comparison of the RWS with a typical TdM (the Grimaud). I chose Trumps which seem to have some sort of Biblical elements in them. Personally, I don't see the RWS as particularly more Christian than the TdM. The only cards which specifically refer to Christianity (rather than Abrahamic religions generally) are Popess/Priestess, Pope/Hierophant, and possibly Judgement, and Waite partially deChristianized the Popess and Pope by changing their titles.
I didn't include the minors, but the RWS Ace of Cups is blatantly Christian, while the corresponding TdM is probably a ciborium (receptacle for the hosts from the mass). The Queen of Cups in the two decks is apparently holding a ciborium. The RWS Queen's vessel has Kerubs on it, reminiscent of those on the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies. There is some profound symbolism here, but that goes astray from my topic.
Here are some rough observations on the attachment.
The World. Not much difference here. Waite removed the halo on the guy in the upper left corner.
The Devil. People are probably more familiar with the Waite Devil (Baphomet), but there's nothing Biblical about it. The TdM Devil has antlers, which reminds me of Kernunos in Celtic mythology.
Judgement. A Biblical image. Could be from Daniel or Revelation. Neither card seems more Christian than the other.
High Priestess. Waite changed the name from Popess to a title which is religiously more ambiguous and apparently changed the image to Isis. J and B refer to the Biblical Jachin and Boaz, and are important in Freemasonry.
Wheel of Fortune. Waite added kerubs (the four living creatures of Ezekiel), which stand for the four fixed astrological signs (and probably the four seasons of the year).
The Lovers. Changed title from The Lover. Waite uses an image from Judaic mythology. An angel is substituted for Cupid but serves a different function.
The Heirophant. Title changed from The Pope. Heirophant is not particularly associated with Christianity, but the image remains essentially The Pope.
I didn't include the minors, but the RWS Ace of Cups is blatantly Christian, while the corresponding TdM is probably a ciborium (receptacle for the hosts from the mass). The Queen of Cups in the two decks is apparently holding a ciborium. The RWS Queen's vessel has Kerubs on it, reminiscent of those on the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies. There is some profound symbolism here, but that goes astray from my topic.
Here are some rough observations on the attachment.
The World. Not much difference here. Waite removed the halo on the guy in the upper left corner.
The Devil. People are probably more familiar with the Waite Devil (Baphomet), but there's nothing Biblical about it. The TdM Devil has antlers, which reminds me of Kernunos in Celtic mythology.
Judgement. A Biblical image. Could be from Daniel or Revelation. Neither card seems more Christian than the other.
High Priestess. Waite changed the name from Popess to a title which is religiously more ambiguous and apparently changed the image to Isis. J and B refer to the Biblical Jachin and Boaz, and are important in Freemasonry.
Wheel of Fortune. Waite added kerubs (the four living creatures of Ezekiel), which stand for the four fixed astrological signs (and probably the four seasons of the year).
The Lovers. Changed title from The Lover. Waite uses an image from Judaic mythology. An angel is substituted for Cupid but serves a different function.
The Heirophant. Title changed from The Pope. Heirophant is not particularly associated with Christianity, but the image remains essentially The Pope.