Vir Dirthara

Canaanite clay plaque dated ca 1400 BC, Late Bronze Age. The figure represents a nude goddess, identified by various names like Astarte (star, queen of stars), Asherah (tree, wooden pole, standing upright), Ellat (the goddess), Kedesh (holy), also mother of the gods, mistress of animals and other epithets. Depicted with the Hathor wig and emphasised pubic triangle, she is adorned with a necklace and holding what are likely papyrus flowers or water lily (lotus) by their long stems.

Andreae Alciati Emblemata, c. 1621

"With serpents entwined, the winged caduceus stands, Placed upright between the horns of Amalthea. Thus, it signifies men strong in mind and skilled in wisdom, Indicating that abundant wealth blesses the earth."

"The caduceus of Mercury, also called the sacred staff, Is nearly conical in shape, With two serpents entwined, symbolizing the union Of male and female, Which, through their entwining, form the Heraclean knot.

"Its wings are an allegory for diligence and speed, While the serpents, twisted around each other, Meet at the top in a kiss, representing The love of Venus."

"Other editions depict the caduceus with its lower part extending downward, Though I do not think this necessary, As the image should remain pleasing Even to the learned minds."

"Paulus Jovius reports that this very symbol was Used by Alciati himself in his book, written in the vernacular, On the matters of love and Cupid."

"This emblem perfectly matches Alciati’s ideas, As he was wise and skilled, Excelling in knowledge above all others.

"The last of all the worlds, which we dwell in, is called by the Hebrews עולם היסודות, the world of elements, and it is indicated by the smallest of modes. This is the world of the lower degree, referred to by the letters ע & ד and onwards. And this is the third of the three worlds, the inexplicable wisdom of the Creator shown in music, showing that which is impressed upon individual things, or the fourth. The world of the elements, as they call it, is joined with the upper world, which is constructed out of the spheres, almost encompassing all things above, as Cicero also insinuated. However, the entire system of the three worlds is dependent and connected to each other. The celestial world is governed by the angels; and the elements by both the angelic and celestial, from whom the influences descend and depend."

— Athanasius Kircher, Athanasii Kircheri e Soc. Iesu Obeliscus Pamphilius, 17th century