Seals of the Knigths Templars
Dome of the Rock
The reverse of Bertrand de Blancafort's seal,
Master of the Temple 1168 in Staatsarchiv Amberg
Seal of Robert of Sandford,
the Master of the Temple in 1241 in British Library
The Two Riders
The Eagle
A heraldic bird of the first order, symbolises courage, determination, the soaring toward great heights, power, grandeur.
One of the commonest medieval charges on heraldic shields, often denoting imperial sovereignty.
The eagle is generally borne displayed; that is, upright, breast to the front, and legs, tail and wings expanded (commonly called a "spread eagle").
One eager or hot in the pursuit of an object much desired.
Double Eagle and Eagle - Signifies a man of action, ever more occupied in high and
weighty affairs, and one of lofty spirit, ingenious, speedy in apprehension and judicious in
matters of ambiguity.
Emblematical of fortitude and magnanimity of mind. The Romans used the figure of an eagle for their ensign, and their example has been often followed. It is the Device of Russia, Austria, Germany, the United States of America and the Emperors of France. In Blazon, when the talons, or claws and beak, are of a different tincture to the other part, it is said to be armed of such a colour. When the claws or talons are borne in arms, they should be turned towards the dexter side of the escutcheon, unless expressed to the contrary. An eagle displayed with two heads is commonly called a Spread Eagle, symbolical of the Eastern and Western Roman Empire. An eagle's leg erased at the thigh is termed á la quise.
Paris Temple
A cross having arms narrow at the inner center, and very broad at the other end.
Knight on the Horse
Head
Tower or Castle
The word Abraxas (or Abrasax or Abracax) was engraved on certain antique stones, called on that account Abraxas stones, which were used as amulets or charms by Gnostic sects.Amulets and seals bearing the figure of Abraxas were popular in the second century, and were used also in the thirteenth century in some of the seals of the Knights Templar. By medieval times, Abraxas was relegated to the ranks of demons.
The image most associated with abraxas is that of a composite creature with the head of a rooster, the body of a man, and legs made of serpents or scorpions. He carries a whip and shield, called wisdom and power. Occasionally Abraxas is depicted driving a chariot drawn by four horse, probably representing the elements.
"Afterwards broke out the heretic Basilides. He affirms that there is a supreme Deity, by name Abraxas, by whom was created Mind, which in Greek he calls Nous; that thence sprang the Word; that of Him issued Providence, Virtue, and Wisdom; that out of these subsequently were made Principalities, powers, and Angels; that there ensued infinite issues and processions of angels; that by these angels 365 heavens were formed, and the world, in honour of Abraxas, whose name, if computed, has in itself this number. Now, among the last of the angels, those who made this world, he places the God of the Jews latest, that is, the God of the Law and of the Prophets, whom he denies to be a God, but affirms to be an angel."
Last updated: 05-18-2005 18:16:26
