Considered by some a symbol of divine omniscience and by others a sinister influence, the eye of providence or all-seeing eye of God, as it is also known, is undoubtedly one of the most powerful and popular symbols in the world. However, although it has a simple representation, we must know the meanings and history associated with this symbol.
It is believed that the all-seeing eye of God was created thousands of years ago and spread among ancient cultures with a similar meaning, evoking a vigilant force or deity that protects and helps us; or a clear allusion to spiritual awakening.
However, one of the first references to this symbol appears in the Rigveda, one of the oldest texts in any Indo-European language, dating back to the year 3000 BC. It refers to deities like Shiva, a Hindu god who has a third eye in the middle of the forehead representing unlimited knowledge. When the eye is open, it can destroy evil. The third eye is also related to the spiritual awakening.
According to the Egyptian culture, its origin is attributed to the myth of the eye of Horus. It says that after battling with god Seth, Horus received an eye with magical powers, with which he could revive his father, Osiris, which makes it a symbol of life and resurrection. Although a current interpretation suggests that the eye of Horus represents a map of the cerebral cortex, representing the thalamus, the pituitary and pineal glands. The latter is known as the center of divine consciousness.
In the Middle East, this symbol can be found in the form of a hand, usually the right hand, with an eye inside, which is known as Hamsa. It is a talisman that protects against the evil eye, and it comes from another symbol of divine protection, the hand of goddess Ishtar.
For Christianity, the eye of providence dates back to the sixteenth century and is made of an eye within a triangle, surrounded by rays of bright light. This geometric figure represents the holy trinity and the omnipresence of God and His constant observation of the creation.
Although not used until 1797, this symbol has become one of the most popular in Freemasonry, where it is known as luminous delta, because of its similarity with the Greek letter delta. It represents the great Architect of the universe.
Despite its sacred origin, there are innumerous conspiracy theories about this symbol nowadays, inspired by TV programs, films and controversial publications, such as the one by well-known writer Dan Brown, who, in his book Angels and Demons, interprets the eye as the infiltration of the Illuminati into the most powerful organizations around the world. He sees the triangle as a mathematical symbol of change, indicating the Illuminati’s intention to create a new world order, while the rays of light mean illumination or illuminati.
After reading about the history and meaning of this symbol, what is your opinion about it?
ALFA