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The Obverse and
Reverse of the Great Seal of the United States of America
From Hunt’s
History
of the Seal of the United States
The significance of the mystical
number 13, which frequently appears upon the Great Seal of the
United States, is not limited to the number of the original
colonies. The sacred emblem of the ancient initiates, here
composed of 13 stars, also appears above the head of the
"eagle." The motto, E Pluribus Unum, contains 13 letters, as
does also the inscription, Annuit Coeptis. The "eagle"
clutches in its right talon a branch bearing 13 leaves and 13
berries and in its left a sheaf of 13 arrows. The face of the
pyramid, exclusive of the panel containing the date, consists
of 72 stones arranged in 13 rows. MPH |
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A Masonic Apron
with Symbolic Figures
Masonic aprons are frequently
decorated with curious and impressive figures. The apron shown
above contains a wealth of symbolism: the beehive, emblematic
of the Masonic lodge itself; the trowel, the mallet, and the
trestleboard; the rough and trued ashlars; the pyramids and
hills of Lebanon; the pillars, the Temple, and checkerboard
floor; and the blazing star and tools of the Craft. The center
of the apron is occupied by the compass and square,
representative of the Macrocosm and the microcosm, and the
alternately black and white serpent of astral light. Below is
an acacia branch with seven sprigs, signifying the life
centers of the superior and the inferior man. The skull and
crossbones are a continual reminder that the spiritual nature
attains liberation only after the philosophical death of man’s
sensuous personality. MPH |
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The Emblematic Hand
of the Mysteries
From Montfaucon’s
Antiquities
A hand covered with numerous
symbols was extended to the neophytes when they entered into
the Temple of Wisdom. An understanding of the symbols embossed
upon the surface of the hand brought with it Divine power and
regeneration. Therefore, by means of these symbolic hands the
candidate was said to be raised from the dead.
MPH |
Fragment of
Native American
Pottery