A Summary Explanation of Symbol No. 40 - The Sign of the Cross

The sign of the cross is a mirror image of life’s highest structure. The horizontal and the vertical beams of the cross respectively represent existence’s aspect of matter and aspect of life. The horizontal beam symbolises “crosswise” research into matter, research that provides answers in terms of weights and measures. The vertical beam symbolises “lengthwise” research into matter, research that is attuned to that which is actually living, that which constitutes the creating and experiencing something behind matter. The cross is thus a symbol of perfect sensory perception, the being having attained a high capacity of both physical experience and spiritual experience. It is thereby an eternal “symbol of light”, representing the highest light in the consciousness.

The main details of the symbol:

• The shining section on the left indicates the stellar nebula in the microcosmos; the shining section on the right indicates the stellar nebula in the macrocosmos. These two sections symbolise the areas that lie outside the scope of material research in the microcosmos and the macrocosmos.
• The dotted line between these two sections shows the present direction of terrestrial scientific research, which goes “crosswise” through matter and results in answers in terms of weights and measures.
• The vertical dotted line indicates “lengthwise” research into matter, which provides knowledge of the will, the goal and the purpose of the creations in the world of matter, and knowledge of the eternal facts that are the source of matter.

See also Martinus' description of symbol no. 40 in The Eternal World Picture 4.