The First Principal

(Title-page to Scripta in Naturali et Universali Philosophia, 1653.)

The First Principal stands symbolically as the Middle Pillar of Solomon’s Temple (the Temple of Light), signifying will-power, knowledge, harmony, beauty and joy, and the spiritual world. He also personifies the Alpha and Omega of all things. His hat is wide-brimmed and dark, representative of both the hidden source and the halo of illumination. The cubical altar stone with its globe is directly in front of him.

His left hand is raised above his head and is pointing to the sky with the thumb and forefinger, a symbol of spiritual power, authority and cabala—for the left hand is that which receives (cabala means ‘the received wisdom’). The ‘left-handedness’ also denotes secrecy and cryptic matters. His left arm forms a square, symbolic of the analytical mind which can ‘square’ (i.e. rationally understand) the circle of the globe. The square is also a Freemasonic emblem of the Master Mason. His left hand is level with his crown chakra, signifying his level of operation.

© Peter Dawkins, FBRT, 1999