The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Arthur Edward Waite

Arthur Edward Waite was a British occultist, author, and ceremonial magician who made significant contributions to the fields of mysticism and esotericism. Waite is particularly known for his associations with the Tarot and the translation and interpretation of Kabbalistic texts. He played a essential part in shaping the modern understanding of the Tarot through his editorial work and publications, which established a specific sequence of Tarot trumps. Waite's notable contributions extend to his involvement in translating and writing about the Sepher Yetzirah, an ancient Kabbalistic text. His work with the Golden Dawn, a renowned occult society, further solidified his influence in the esoteric community. Through his translations, introductions, and publications, Waite helped to refine and popularize the symbolism and meaning associated with the Tarot and Kabbalistic teachings.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Rev. Dr. Isidor KalischPerson

Isidor Kalisch and Arthur Edward Waite contributed to the translations of the Sepher Yetzirah Arthur Edward Waite and Rev. Isidor Kalisch both contributed to translations of the Sepher Yetzirah

Professor Charles F. HornePerson

Arthur Edward Waite and Professor Charles F. Horne both contributed to translations of the Sepher Yetzirah

Papus→Person

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

Knut StenringPerson

Arthur Edward Waite and Knut Stenring both contributed to translations of the Sepher Yetzirah

John PistorPerson

Arthur Edward Waite and John Pistor both contributed to translations of the Sepher Yetzirah

Papal RomeRitual

Arthur Edward Waite, through his work, could have contributed to the symbolic destruction of Papal Rome, as embodied by the Tower card.

High Priestess Tarot CardConcept

Arthur Edward Waite's works might have influenced the High Priestess card's interpretations.

Tower Struck By Lightning Tarot CardConcept

Arthur Edward Waite's works might have influenced the Tower card's interpretations.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Arthur Edward WaitethroughPapusilluminatesWill →
I. Arthur Edward Waite & Papus

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

II. Papus & Will

Papus associates the Will with the concept of the divine motive in the Magician.

Arthur Edward WaitethroughPapusilluminatesHigh Priestess →
I. Arthur Edward Waite & Papus

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

II. Papus & High Priestess

Papus was interested in the symbolism of the High Priestess card.

Arthur Edward WaitethroughPapusilluminatesDivination →
I. Arthur Edward Waite & Papus

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

II. Papus & Divination

Papus was involved in the study and interpretation of tarot for divination, a practice that involves predicting the future through the tarot cards.

Arthur Edward WaitethroughPapusilluminatesEtteilla →
I. Arthur Edward Waite & Papus

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

II. Papus & Etteilla

Papus continued the work of Etteilla and preserved parts of his system.

Arthur Edward WaitethroughPapusilluminatesLesser Arcana →
I. Arthur Edward Waite & Papus

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

II. Papus & Lesser Arcana

Papus was a key figure in the exploration and interpretation of the Lesser Arcana, a component of the tarot deck. He delved deeply into the tarot through his work titled "The Tarot of the Bohemians," where he sought to uncover the profound and mystical meanings inherent in each card of the Lesser Arcana. Through extensive writings, Papus underscored the significance of the Lesser Arcana, emphasizing their essential part in the broader context of tarot symbolism and the importance of their meticulous interpretation. His contributions were instrumental in advancing the understanding of the mystical and esoteric properties embedded within the tarot cards.

Arthur Edward WaitethroughPapusilluminatesAries →
I. Arthur Edward Waite & Papus

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

II. Papus & Aries

Papus discusses the concept of Aries in relation to the High Priest.

Arthur Edward WaitethroughPapusilluminatesW. →
I. Arthur Edward Waite & Papus

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

II. Papus & W.

Papus and Waite provide interpretations of Aries, the Magician, Eternity, and the Will.

Arthur Edward WaitethroughPapusilluminatesEternity
I. Arthur Edward Waite & Papus

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

II. Papus & Eternity

Papus describes Eternity as a symbol above the Magician, indicating the eternal and the abstract.

Arthur Edward WaitethroughPapusilluminatesTarot Of The Bohemians
I. Arthur Edward Waite & Papus

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

II. Papus & Tarot Of The Bohemians

Papus’s work, "The Tarot of the Bohemians," focuses on the symbolism and meaning of the tarot cards, exploring the divine elements of the Trumps Major and Lesser Arcana. Papus authored the complex work known as the "Tarot of the Bohemians." This text is regarded as a significant piece within the domain of occult science, presenting a comprehensive exploration of the esoteric knowledge associated with the tarot. The work's complex nature reflects the depth and intricate understanding of the subject matter that Papus aims to convey to his readers.

Arthur Edward WaitethroughPapusilluminatesLevi's Tableau
I. Arthur Edward Waite & Papus

Arthur Edward Waite referenced Papus in his own work, including his introduction and revisions of Tarot-related texts

II. Papus & Levi's Tableau

Papus follows the work of Levi, specifically in the Tarot research Papus extends the work of Levi, specifically in the Tarot research