signs

A Symbol of Power

Why is the use of the hand considered to be so significant as a means of concealed communications by occultists? The Herder Dictionary of Symbols states that the hand is "a symbol of activity and power." It notes that finding oneself "in the hands of a ruler or God means being in that person's power, but also standing under that person's protection."8 The dictionary goes on to say that the "shaking or offering of the hand is a sign of friendly openers, devotion or forgiveness." But a closed hand signifies secrets or keeping silent. Other uses of hand signs are to indicate fear, threats, devotion, admiration, and argument.

The Herder Dictionary explains, too, that, "In antiquity, covered or veiled hands were generally customary when one approached high dignitaries." Hands with palms resting on one's knees express deep concentration and reflection.9

The hand can also be used as a threat to any would-be traitors or betrayer of the Illuminist cause. In the authoritative Richardson's Monitor of Freemasonry we find an example of this in the second sign of the Super Excellent Master Mason. The sign consists of raising the right hand, making the two first fingers like a fork, and simulating the gouging out of the eyes of a "traitor."


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