A CROSS is a symbol expressing various ideas; but especially the creative power of Life in a spiritual aspect; acting within the Macrocosm of nature and within the Microcosm of man. It also represents Spirit and Matter ascending and descending. The perpendicular beam represents Spirit, the horizontal bar the animal or earthly principle, being penetrated by the divine Spirit. Universal as well as individual man may be symbolized by a Cross. Man’s animal body is a Cross, or instrument of torture for the soul. By means of his battle with the lower elements of his constitution, his divine nature becomes developed. By means of his physical body, man is nailed to the plane
of suffering appertaining to terrestrial existence. The animal elements are to die upon that Cross, and the spiritual man is to be resurrected to become united with the Christ. ‘Death upon the Cross’ represents the giving up of one’s own personality and the entering into eternal and universal life. The inscription sometimes found at the top of the Cross, consisting of the letters I. N. R. I., means, in its esoteric sense, Ingi Natura Renovatur Integra; that is to
say: By the (divine) Fire (of Love) all Nature becomes renewed.
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