The Book, the Lampstands, and a Time of Testing in an Allegorical Engraving

This chapter examines an early allegorical engraving connected with prophetic symbolism. The image brings together the Book, the lampstands, numerical signs, the three worlds, and the question of spiritual testing.

The First Magic Square

With one hand, the bull points to a square object divided by lines into nine subsections, with the number 5 in the center. This corresponds to the classical 3×3 magic square.

The ninefold division reflects the Luo Shu configuration, where the number 5 occupies the center position. This square is presented as the first of the eight lampstands.

The Double Meaning of the 6/9 Symbol

In his second hand, the bull holds a book on which a number is depicted horizontally rather than vertically. Because of this horizontal presentation, the number can be read in two ways — as 6 or as 9. The visual form of the number reflects this dual meaning.

Table 6 is the last table among those containing 81 numbers and nine subsections.

The Child: Cross, Knife, and the Letter Z

The child is holding a cross in one hand. The marking shows that the cross is equilateral, but with an extension of the lower part, which makes it a funeral cross.

In the other hand, the child is holding a knife. Next to the knife appears the letter Z.

The letter Z is associated here with destruction and war. In recent history, it has also been used as a visible symbol connected with military conflict. Because the letter appears next to a weapon, it reinforces the meaning of conflict in the image.

This symbol is often used to represent the biblical figure Elijah, who killed the true high priests of Judea. Elijah is also often depicted as a golden calf — a symbol of vanity.

The Chalice and the Number Three

A chalice is depicted at the level of the bull’s belly. It refers to the chalice of the Holy Grail, a symbol that has long been the subject of dispute.

Here, it symbolizes the holy blood of the Messengers of the Almighty.

Next to the chalice appears the number 3. This number symbolizes the Trinity of the three worlds.

The Vertical Structure of the Worlds

The bull’s legs represent the beginning of the growth of the soul. Its legs and hooves are depicted in the same position as those of the demon.

The middle part of the bull represents the middle world. The upper part represents the upper world (Note: not the higher world). Number 1 here symbolizes the higher world.

Next to the symbol of darkness is the number 4 — the symbol of the four cardinal points. This indicates the presence of light and darkness in all peoples, without exception.

The “hands” of the bull that hold the Book and the square object divided by lines into nine subsections, with the number 5 in the center, emerge from the middle world. This means that the middle world opens the Book.

The Book and a Time of Testing

The depiction of Elijah with sword and burial cross suggests that the creators of the image associated him with the opening of the book and the unfolding of great events on Earth under the sign of the “golden calf.”

However, the book is already opened. The Temple has been built, and the eight-pointed star has emerged from the seven golden lampstands.

The image implies a tension between two symbolic orientations: one associated with revelation and choice, the other with deviation and collapse.

Symbolic Meaning of the Book, Lampstands, and Time of Testing

The engraving places the Book at the center, and its main signs all point back to it. They include:

• eight lampstands emerging from the Book, beginning with the Luo Shu magic square and its central 5;
• the reversible 6/9 sign;
• the numbers 1, 3, and 4 and their symbolic meanings;
• the chalice associated with the holy blood.

Framed within the motif of the “sifting” of souls, the composition evokes a time of decisive orientation — a moment often described in prophetic traditions as a time of testing, judgment, and transition. Meaning unfolds here not as inevitability, but as choice.