and of the Saints 



45 



AN EXPLANATION OF MYSTICAL AND SYMBOLICAL 



FORMS. 



Fig. 3, plate XXIII. is an ancient monogram of 

 the Holy Trinity; it is very frequently met with 

 in mediaeval times. 



OTHER SYMBOLICAL FORMS. 



The Ftve-pointed Star, called by Bishop Kennett 

 the Pentangle of Solomon, which was used on the 

 banner of Antiochus Soter, was employed all over 

 Asia in ancient times as a charm against witchcraft ; it 

 is also called the Pentalpha, because it contains five 

 repetitions of the letter A, and the endless triangle. 

 It was by Pythagoras used as an emblem of health. 

 The Jews understood this symbol to mean safety ; and, 

 to this day, the English shepherd cuts it on the grass, 

 or in the green sward, little thinking of its ancient 

 signification ; the entire figure being put for V])^/^ 

 as representing the Greek characters vyeta, health. 



Bishop Kennett, quoted above, remarks that in his 



