The Cross of Hermes is an alchemical symbol that appears mainly in watermarks used by printers during the Renaissance era. They usually attributed patronage of people’s craft to the god Hermes.

The lower portion of the symbol represents the hermetic maxim, “as above, so below,”  while the upper numeral “4″ is the sacred number of Hermes and represents the four directions, the four elements, and the crossroads sacred to the gods. The symbolic meaning is workmanship and skill, but also crossroads, and a blessing.

 

This is the “sign of the cross” used by kabbalists as a self-blessing that was later adopted by the Church of Rome. The Golden Dawn's greatest contribution to the understanding of the Sign of the Cross comes in its highly revered ritual meditation known as the "Qabbalistic Cross". In this ritual, the initiate visualizes brilliant spheres of light and the formation of a cross of white or golden light within themselves as they recite the invocation: "For thine (head), is the Kingdom (heart), and the Power (right shoulder), and the Glory (left shoulder), unto the ages, Amen (hands together in prayer)." This simple but powerful act, when done with concentration and sincerity, can bring us into contact with Cosmic Wisdom, Love, and Creative Power,  just as its Christian variation can. 

 

Gestures and symbols have always played a major part in the Western Mystery traditions. Yet, of all symbols, the cross has been the most prominent and influential in guiding Western mystics toward cosmic consciousness. By using the sign of the cross consciously, we can create within ourselves a condition that is supportive of mystical experiences and expanded awareness. We make ourselves, open and willing channels for Cosmic Wisdom, Universal Love, and Creative Power to manifest in our lives and the world. The Christian mystics called this the 'Axis Mundi' or World Axis - the joining of heaven and earth. 

 

As we look at the cross we can see the linking of a vertical line with a horizontal line, or the active (I) with the passive, or receptive (-). When these two forces are combined, we have then the creation of a third force, idea, or entity. A connection with the Cosmic Powers of the Universe. Also, the vertical line symbolizes all that exists, and the horizontal line is what we value. And the significance of life is to bring attention to the intersection so that we value what exists. 

 

While seen almost as an exclusively Christian symbol, the cross has existed since the dawn of the mysteries. 

 

From the Egyptian tau and ankh to the Cross of Christ's Passion, from the Rosy Cross of the medieval and Renaissance alchemists to the post-Vatican Two crosses of the Resurrected Savior, all are historical variations of the same symbol that has to lead a large part of humanity on its path to a deity.

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Paola Luciani Fulbright