204 W. Theobald — Notes on some of the symbols found on the [No. 3, 
temple, said to have boon restored by Nabu-kudur-nzur (Nelnicliadnez- 
zar). The central sphere therefore in the present symbol if, it is of 
planetary significance, may represent a central Holy of Holies, analogous 
to the shrine crowning the temple at Birs Nimroud, round which the 
seven planets and the earth are grouped. 
On another Assyrian gem (cylinder) figured by Mr. King (1. c. PI. 
I, fig. 1,) occur two symbols evidently embodying the same idea, viz., 
seven bulls over the ball’s neck, representing the seven planets then 
worshipped, whilst the second symbol consists of a star with six rays, 
with a crescent above, wherein wo see a symbol common to both 
planetary and Nature worship. As a planetary symbol it represents of 
course tho seven planets, all told, whilst regarded as an emblem of 
Nature worship it represents the two Assyrian triads, and tho Celestial 
Mother or feminine principle in nature, represented by the crescent moon, 
symbol of Ashtaroth, Ishtar, or Beltis, as it was separately personified 
in tho religion of Assyria. 
This symbol of eight spheres round a central one is rare in Scotland, 
but occurs prominently in two instances. This symbol constitutes the 
central ornament of the cross at Moigle, Perthshire, which tradition 
ascribes to the burial-place of Arthur’s Queen ‘ Guanora,’ (S. S. S. 
Vol. I, PI. LXXV). 
Tho same symbol also occurs on a cross at Koils, Argyleshire, 
(S. S. S. Vol. II, PI. XXXII,) with a trifling addition which goes far to 
support my explanation of tho central sphere in this symbol. In tin's 
cross tho most conspicuous ornament is a circle embracing eight spheres 
ranged equidistantly from each other, whilst in tho centre is another 
sphere, within which three balls are soon, an obvious mode, it seems to 
mo of conveying the idea of central Deity. The surromding eight 
spheres, appear to bo each ornamented with the ‘ trishelis,' convoying 
tho idea of the heavenly orbs revolving round tho throne of their maker. 
If only the first example had been known, those who are disinclined 
to admit a derivative element from paganism into the esoteric symbolism 
of these crosses, might object that tho occurrence of the symbol was 
simply tho result of chance, but this idea of chance is almost nega- 
tived when a second instance occurs with a variation introduced tending 
to develop and render clearer tho esoteric paganism lurking beneath. 
There is yet another design which I claim, as an extreme variant 
of tho same symbol, on a stone from Brassay in Shetland (S. S. S. Vol. 
I, PI. XCV.). In the centre is a sphere ornamented with an interlaced 
chain pattern. Round this sphere are four almond-shaped lozenges, and 
four somewhat irregular ovals alternating with each other and all 
seemingly linked together by a chain. Tho ‘ almonds ’ are soon blocked by 
