Sacred or Sinister? The Provocative Puzzle of the All-Seeing Eye in U.S. Currency
Deciphering the age-old Mystique of the dollar bill’s Eye of Providence
The Eye of Providence on the one-dollar bill — you’ve seen this eye before, right? Well, even if you haven’t, it sure has seen you!
The Eye of Providence, also known as the All-Seeing Eye, has been a lightning rod for conspiracy theorists for decades because of its associations with Freemasonry, the occult, and the Illuminati. An eye nested within a triangle is a common symbol, found on countless Churches and masonic buildings all around the world, as well as on the back of the one-dollar bill. Does this fact point to a secret society at the top of the hierarchy that is always watching?
Let’s peer into the shadows, and unravel the truth of the All-Seeing Eye.
Origins of the Symbol
The symbol of the All-Seeing Eye has a long history that can be traced back thousands of years through various cultures and religions around the world, and as such it has no single origin and can be interpreted in a number of ways.
Egyptian mythology depicts the Eye of Horus as a symbol of divine protection and clairvoyance, embodying the omnipresent vigilance of the ancient sky god.
The Buddha is often referred to as ‘the eye of the world’. The third eye in Buddhist tradition represents spiritual insight, and the ability to see beyond the physical and perceive the ultimate truth, helping one to overcome ignorance and attain enlightenment.
This concept is also closely related to the ‘Ajna’ or brow chakra in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, associated with intuition and a deeper understanding of reality.
Buddha’s third eye, ‘Ajna’, or the ‘eye of wisdom’ is also common in depictions of Lord Shiva from Hindu mythology.
Similar to the Buddha, Shivas third eye is a symbol of omniscience and spiritual insight, but unlike Buddha, when Shiva’s third eye opens, it can be a destructive force to all things evil or impure. This is indicative of the destructive aspect of Shiva, as he is the destroyer among the Holy Trinity (Trimurti) in Hinduism.
s third eyeThe ancient Greeks went for a compound approach, showing the giant figure of Argus Panoptes with a hundred eyes. His epithet ‘Panoptes’ means ‘the all-seeing one,’ reflecting his vigilance as the watchful guardian of the nymph Io.
Christian symbolism incorporates a single all-seeing Eye of Providence, framed in a triangle to symbolise the Holy Trinity. The earliest-known depiction of the Eye of Providence can be traced back to a 1525 Renaissance painting, the Supper at Emmaus, by Italian painter Jacopo Pontormo.
The Eye of Providence was then adopted by the Freemasons, who drew inspiration from the use of human organs to represent abstract concepts. Thus, the open eye symbolises watchfulness, and the Eye of Providence, being the eye of the Supreme Being, was meant to represent the deity.
Incorporation into U.S. Currency
So how did the eye end up on the back of the dollar bill? The story is quite simple.
In 1935, Henry Wallace, then Secretary of Agriculture, a future Vice President, and a Freemason, played a key role in modifying the design of the one-dollar bill, which occurred as part of a series of changes made over a decade. Serving on the Great Seal Committee of the United States, Wallace recognized the historical and spiritual significance of the reverse side of the Great Seal, created by America’s Founding Fathers, many of whom were also Freemasons. His contributions led to the addition of the Eye of Providence to the one-dollar bill.
The Great Seal of the United States, as you can see, has two sides: the obverse, which features the bald eagle, and the reverse, with a pyramid and the ‘Eye of Providence,’ along with several Latin inscriptions.
- Annuit Cœptis: This phrase appears above the pyramid on the reverse side of the Great Seal. It means ‘He [God] has favored our undertakings,’ referring to the divine support the United States has received.
- Novus Ordo Seclorum: Located below the pyramid, this phrase translates to ‘New Order of the Ages,’ signifying the birth of a new American era with the independence of the United States.
- E Pluribus Unum: Found on the obverse side of the Seal, this well-known phrase means ‘Out of many, one,’ which reflects the union of the states.
- MDCCLXXVI: At the base of the pyramid, this Roman numeral represents 1776, the year of American independence, marking the beginning of the new American era.
These inscriptions encapsulate fundamental aspects of the American ethos, its founding principles, and the historical context in which the nation was born.
Interpretations and Conspiracy Theories
New World Order (NWO) and the Illuminati
A pervasive conspiracy theory suggests that the Eye of Providence is a subtle symbol of omnipresent forces that run the world. Advocates of this notion argue that it cryptically signifies the New World Order’s (NWO) dominion, wherein a concealed elite maneuvers governments and economies, aiming for a unified authoritarian world regime.
In a similar vein, the symbol has been interpreted as a reflection of the Illuminati’s manipulative influence, which, according to theorists, manages global affairs, using symbolism to silently attest to their infiltration and control of institutions.
Navigating through these mysterious corridors of conspiracy theories, we might find ourselves yearning for clarity and light, so it’s essential to maintain a discerning and critical eye.
‘We must close our eyes and invoke a new manner of seeing, a wakefulness that is the birthright of us all, though few put it to use.’ ― Plotinus, The Essential Plotinus
Many conspiracy theories, while fascinating for some, rest on speculative assumptions, and there is a lack of evidence to substantiate them.
Furthermore, our ignorance only casts a stain on the beauty and wisdom of ancient symbols, similar to how the Nazis tarnished the Hindu swastika, symbolising surya (‘sun’), prosperity, and good fortune.
But that’s just another example of how symbols, rich in historical and cultural significance, can be reinterpreted and woven into narratives that reflect our suspicions, fears, and imaginations.
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