Elnor
The chalice that the Queen holds is very similar to a monstrance; which were vessels used to display the consecrated host- often cathedrals would have a side chapel where it would be on the altar.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/jaenor363/ReliquaryMonstrance.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/jaenor363/MonstrancewithAngels.jpg
they often had angels on either side, with wings extended like the one in the card.
Now the thing I think interesting, (and surely Pamela Coleman Smith would have know this) is that only priests or bishops could touch the monstrance- and even then with their hands covered with a veil.
Therefore, a woman certainly could not be allowed to carry one; especially in her bare hands- not even a Queen!
I'm not sure what meaning this might have within the card- but it would be considered a holier vessel than the chalice... if cups represent the emotions, could it be that the Queen has contained, understood, and connected with her emotions on a more spiritual plane??
Just my musings- would be interested to know what anyone else thinks.
Elnor
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/jaenor363/ReliquaryMonstrance.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/jaenor363/MonstrancewithAngels.jpg
they often had angels on either side, with wings extended like the one in the card.
Now the thing I think interesting, (and surely Pamela Coleman Smith would have know this) is that only priests or bishops could touch the monstrance- and even then with their hands covered with a veil.
Therefore, a woman certainly could not be allowed to carry one; especially in her bare hands- not even a Queen!
I'm not sure what meaning this might have within the card- but it would be considered a holier vessel than the chalice... if cups represent the emotions, could it be that the Queen has contained, understood, and connected with her emotions on a more spiritual plane??
Just my musings- would be interested to know what anyone else thinks.
Elnor