sigil n 1 : a sign, symbol, or device of supposed occult power 2 : see COAT OF ARMS

We’ve had a few e-mails asking us about the origin of the mysterious symbol which adorns our index and home pages. Due to this fact, we’ve decided to disclose some general information about the Temple Sigil.

The Sigil was designed in the mid-nineties by one of the Temple’s founding members (who, incidentally, had it tattooed on his back). This original design was an amalgam of Native American, Celtic, Norse, and Military symbolism. The Sigil’s designer believes that it is a symbol of great power . . . the rest of us aren’t quite sure about that, but we all agreed that it was pretty cool, so it was officially adopted.

The "condensed version" of the designer’s explanation of what the Sigil represents follows:

THE RUNE: Runic writing was adopted by warrior societies amongst the Norse, Teutons, and Saxons. Not only did these symbols serve as the culture’s alphabet, but each one had a specific magical power attributed to it. The origins of this particular rune are somewhat murky (it is well over 5,000 years old), but all the scholars agree that it’s primary function seems to be to denote a "mystery." It has often been used in various initiation ceremonies. The red coloration represents blood as well as raw primal energy. Hence, the implied meaning of this particular rune would be "a place where the mysteries of combat are revealed." This could be further translated as either "secret fighting techniques" or "war lore."

THE ARROWS: The black crossed arrows are very similar to the branch insignia (subdued) of the U.S. Special Forces, whose ideology parallels our own in many ways. Arrows symbolize warfare — but particularly warfare with primitive (or improvised) weaponry. The color black represents "protection" as well as "invisibility."

THE SHIELD: The shield is similar in many ways to a Native American "hoop" or "medicine wheel." The coloration, however, is distinctly Celtic. The circular form of the shield primarily represents the cyclic nature of life. The color white symbolizes honor, truth, and purity. The color green symbolizes the forces of nature, the military, and the beast-like aspect of man’s persona. Be warned! It is considered very unlucky for anyone but a true Celt (or someone who honors their philosophy and beliefs) to predominantly wear or display the colors green and white together!