Various Facts on my Countrys Seal:
13'S FOUND IN THE GREAT SEAL
1. 13 stars in the crest
2. 13 stripes in the shield
3. 13 olive leaves
4. 13 olives
5. 13 arrows (some like to include the 13 feathers of the arrows)
6. 13 letters in Annuit Coeptis
7. 13 letters in E Pluribus Unum
8. 13 cources of stone in the Pyramid
9. 13 X 9 dots in the divisions around the crest.
10. The Sun was in thirteen degrees of Cancer on July 4, 1776.
There is a connection between FreeMason's, & the great seal, but it is not as twisted as some portray it to be:
George Washington was a Freemason, as were sixteen of his generals. Benjamin Franklin as well as Paul Revere, General Lafayette of
France and many more. Masonry played a large part in the policies and philosophies of the new nation, born in 1776. Many try to
minimize the effects of this Masonic heritage which is found in almost every aspect of our nation's foundation. The fact remains that
Freemasonry has played a powerful role in the shaping of our values and lives.
The Freemasons of the eighteenth century were some interesting characters. Some of the most celebrated minds of the 1700's became members of
the Masonic community. Haydn, Mozart, Handel, Voltaire (Benjamin Franklin participated in his initiation) are just a few of the men who
chose to become members. Others included Eliphas Levi (Alphonse Louis Constant), Count Cagliastro, and Count De Gebelin. These
men were the leading occultists of their time. They delved into the mysteries of the ancient arts of Alchemy and Ritual. It was
unavoidable that some of the mystical nature of their works should find its way into their Masonic Lodges.
Freemasonry of the 1700's was an avenue of intellectual freedom in the midst of monarchies and repressive governments. Within the
tiled (guarded) lodges of the Masonic Lodge, every man was equal regardless of social status or wealth. All were brothers who shared
the same basic core belief system; a belief in God, and continual service to society and mankind.
E Pluribus Unum = "From Many, One" Symbolizing thirteen separate states united into one nation.
The American bald eagle is the most prominent feature of
the Seal of the United States. Across the breast of the
eagle is a shield with 13 alternating red and white stripes
(the pales) representing the 13 original States.
Note that the
stripes alternate in opposite fashion from the stripes on our
flag. On the seal the stripes begin and end with a white
stripe, while on the flag the first and last stripe are red.
Across the top of the shield is a blue field (chief) that unites
all the stripes into one. The blue chief represents the United
States Congress. In his talons the eagle grasps an olive
branch representing peace, and 13 arrows representing war.
These demonstrate our desire for peace but our willingness
to defend with might, the Nation the Seal represents.
The Eagle holds the olive branch, representing peace, in its right talon; the stronger of the two. Showing that peace is superior. Its' head also is turned towards the olive branch.
The arrows are held in a bundle. Much stronger than a single larger arrow, they represent the power to wage war.
Note This alignment coincides with Benjamin Franklin's belief that the national symbol should be the rattle snake. As with the eagle, War & aggression are weaker, submissive to the strength of peace. He stated that: "she never wounds till she has generously given notice,
even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her."
Annuit Coeptis = "It the eye of providence is favorable to our undertakings."
The pyramid signifies
Strength and Duration: the Eye over it & the Motto allude to the many signal
interpositions of Providence in favour of the American cause.
"Of all manifestations of power, restraint impresses men most." -- Thucydides