ed by three straight lines), is shown how the
divided and sensuous nature is led by the higher power of the number 3 to
a harmony of powers and to a new unity. The symbol of reason attaining
victory over matter becomes visible. A representation of trinity is
possible by means of the conventional cross. We can see in it two elements
of lines which by their unification or penetration give the third as the
point of intersection. More generally the cross is conceived as quinity
(fiveness)--i.e., 4+1ness (in alchemy four elements which are collected
about the quinta esentia). A cross in which unity splits into duality so
that trinity results, is Y, which is called the forked cross. From unity
grows duality, that is, nature divides into spirit and matter, into active
and passive, necessity and freedom. The divided returns through trinity to
unity. In alchemy we have the symbol REBIS, the hermaphrodite with the two
heads. The ancient symbol was later conceived, by purposive concealment or
by more accidental interpretation, as the letter Y, just as the symbol of
the three lines [Symbol: fire] or [Symbol: fire with a line coming out top
pointing left] and the like gradually appears to have become an A, as it
is found frequently in the catacombs. Keller refers (l. c., p. 14) also
especially to the reduplication of the carpenter's square, which is found
likewise in the old Latomies (Gk. = quarries) and has the appearance of
two intersecting opened circles. I do not need to call attention to the
masonic analogue; in alchemy we have here the interpenetration of [Symbol:
fire] and [Symbol: Water], i.e., [Symbol: Star of David], which is among
others the symbol for the material of the stone. [[Symbol: Fire] and
[Symbol: Water] are the symbols for the elements fire and water. Fire and
water, however, mean also the famous two opposites, that are symbolized
quite as well by warm and cold, red and white, soul and body, sun and
moon, man and woman.] With regard to the six points, in alchemy [Symbol:
Star of David] is also called chaos in contrast to [Symbol: Star of
David], which denotes cosmos, just as alum [Symbol: circle] on account of
its lack of a center (God, belief, union), is incomplete beside [Symbol:
sol]. In the catacombs the triangle is found also in multiple [five fold]
combination, [Symbol: Star of David].

Four lines, somewhat in the form of a rectangle, define the limited space
of the terrestrial world with the accessory mean