By Eric Smith
Written October 28, 2020
Introductory Note: On September 16, 1911, The Salt Lake Tribune featured an article about a group of individuals who had secretly entered the Salt Lake Temple with the purpose of taking photographs and selling them to the LDS Church. Church leaders responded that they would not “negotiate with thieves and blackmailers”. [i] Those photos triggered a decision by church leaders to commission James E. Talmage to produce a book entitled The House of the Lord in 1912, which contained authorized photographs of its interior. Some of those photos of the temple’s interior are used within this article.
As I look back upon some of the research themes heaven has led me to over the last few years, there is one topic that stands out as more important from heaven’s point of view. In the book, The Church of the Firstborn, Greg and I discussed periods of time when women held priestly status in society, and were even deified, but those periods of history appear to have been intentionally stricken from the record. What follows in this essay may show a similar pattern of concealing the power of women in our day, and even perhaps the concealing of a specific woman.
The Goddess Venus
In 2017, a close friend had been studying mythology and became interested in the Roman Goddess, Venus. He found her symbolism everywhere and helped me see it too. Not only is her symbolism pervasive, her literal identity appears to be interwoven throughout many cultures of the world, though with different names. For example, in Summeria, she went by the names of Inana and Ishtar – goddesses who were characterized by love and strongly associated with the planet Venus.
Her virtues are characterized in figures found throughout classic paintings and sculpture; The Statue of Liberty in New York City; classic literature in practically every narrative involving princesses, queens, and heroines; and other places in pop culture, like the Columbia Pictures mascot. She even appears in some of the more sacred places we know of.
One of the distinguishing symbols of Venus is the seashell, which was perhaps best iconized by Sandro Botticelli in his 1480 tempera painting, The Birth of Venus. And yet, despite her pervasive presence in the world in art and literature, it seems her identity and purpose as a real individual of true importance has been obscured and mystified.
During our enthusiasm for the topic, my friend and I had the chance to visit the Salt Lake Temple, and were especially interested to see what we could learn of Venus from temple symbolism. We first noticed hints of her in the Terrestrial room, just before going into the Celestial room, where seashells adorned the tops of pillars just beneath the ceiling, and cherubs appeared in a few places. Those two aspects are important to consider as a deliberate thematic architectural component of the building – a component that helps set the stage for the grandest sculpture in the building found in the next room.
The Celestial room of the Salt Lake Temple is probably considered the most sacred room of the most sacred building to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The entrance from the previous room is crowned with a sculpture of a woman emerging from a shell, like Venus from Botticelli’s painting. I remember hearing of her twenty years ago when I first visited the temple, that her identity was unknown, but was rumored to be an effeminate Jesus, Heavenly Mother, or an angel. I remember thinking how strange it was that such a prominent and elegant structure carried any degree of speculation. It seemed to me that such a feature was deliberately placed there, and I was sure someone had the full story. If not then, certainly in a previous generation.
As my friends and I entered the Celestial room in 2017 beneath this sculpture, our gazing must have created a small scene because one of the temple workers made a b-line toward us. She quickly told us in effect that there was no significance of the sculpture, and that it was essentially just art. Her narrative was unsatisfying to say the least but does coincide with perhaps the best written history of the sculpture, which comes to us through the life of Don Carlos Young, son of President Brigham Young, and second official architect of the church.
As the story goes, he had connections to New York, where he attended school. In 1877 he paid a visit to the Italian District on the southern tip of Manhattan Island and saw some young boys carving angelic features in marble, among which were statues resembling the woman and cherubs above the veil. He took a liking to them and made a purchase, not having a specific use for them. When he later became church architect, he found a place for them above the veil, and Cyrus E. Dallin, who sculpted the Angel Moroni, scaled and modeled the statues Young had purchased.[ii]
Her official name is Angel of Peace [iii], but for purposes this essay is trying to demonstrate, I will refer to her as The Woman at the Veil.
As a side note, another friend named Ralph inquired into the woman’s identity further from a former member of the Salt Lake Temple Presidency. He noted, as with the essay cited previously, that the Woman at the Veil originally had wings which were later removed. The reason for their removal is not stated in sources I could find, but the unwritten laws within church culture might suggest that wings on angels are typically a Catholic notion. Given the nature of the restored church, it is safe to assume that some Christian traditions like angels with wings were dispelled. Perhaps this took place about the time the Joseph and Hyrum statues were removed from the east temple niche’s.[iv]
The Statuary
There was another special sculpture once housed in the Celestial room, which is only known from the following photo. This piece adds remarkable context to the Woman at the Veil, and builds upon the theme of divinity signified by seashells and cherubs upholding a woman.
In 2017, the first friend I mentioned paid a visit to the church history library to see what he could learn of it. He found that this sculpture is known as “The Statuary”, and that it had been removed to unknown whereabouts some time ago. The answers from official sources are vague, which ambiguity is pretty telling of something greater going on.
When Ralph asked his contact about the Statuary’s whereabouts, he was told that “Emil B. Fetzer removed it. For some reason, he decided to leave the companion angel on the staircase that leads up to the sealing room at the back of the Celestial Room. Originally that was the matron’s office. The other companion is the Angel of Peace above the veil.” He later commented: “Emil B. Fetzer messed up the interior of the Salt Lake Temple. They’re fixing it right now”. According to Wikipedia, Emil Fetzer was church architect from 1965 to his retirement in 1986.[v] I can’t help wonder as the church is currently in a remodeling phase of the temple, what if anything will be done with the Woman at the Veil.
As far as we have been able to learn, nothing else is known of this immaculate sculpture. Therefore, I would like to make a few observations and offer a bit of an interpretation for what it is worth.
Judged by scaling features within the photo, I estimate the custom made base for the statue to be around 3 feet tall, and is made of hardwood, possibly walnut. The craftsmanship is excellent. The statue itself appears to be marble and is also probably at least 3 feet tall, and is at least 18 inches at its base. This is relatively large and must weigh several hundred pounds.
The statue is extremely detailed and elaborate, which indicates that it was very intentionally commissioned. I do not think a statue of this specificity and uniqueness would have been created simply as art. Only a prophet, who in all likelihood had a vision or very emotionally compelling dream, would have commissioned something as elaborate and likely as expensive as this, and would have had the clout to get it done.
There are three tiers. The first tier seems to show a young man kneeling before two angelic beings which could be Joseph Smith’s First Vision. It shows others reading books, perhaps the books brought about by the Prophet in this dispensation. This tier also has a Reformation Period feeling to it, when the Bible was translated from Latin and Greek into many other languages, so I am open to this or a similar interpretation as well.
The second tier shows what seems to be Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, also holding books. The unmistakable book theme in the sculpture warrants some interest. Books have been a key in bringing about light and knowledge, which seem to be a central theme of this sculpture.
The two men are upholding and gazing their attention to the woman of the third tier, who holds a torch and something in her left hand. Her torch, like the books from beneath her, illuminates’ knowledge and understanding. She is accompanied by two cherubs, just as with the Woman at the Veil who is flanked by two cherubs, which appears to be a significant tie into the temples’ theme of angelic and deified beings – and fittingly so, as this very room is the symbolic entrance to exaltation as goddesses and gods.
As the two men are looking toward the woman and the light she bears, there also seems to be an intended message there for a post Joseph and Hyrum era, an era I believe we are living in now. The obvious message being that a woman of significance will bear light or truth or a message of great importance.
Because the bottom two tiers depict literal known beings, it is hard for me to believe the woman is symbolic only. Joseph and his brother, who are two of the more important figures of this dispensation, are looking to someone greater than themselves. Their work on the second tier seems to be preparing the way for a work that is different from the task given to them – the task of a future generation possibly. Given the strong theme of angelic cherubs and the Goddess Venus, or even a subtle Olympian theme in the Terrestrial and Celestial rooms, I consider only Deity to be greater than Joseph Smith. The woman holding the torch therefore is most likely an exalted being, and one with a mission of bringing light and knowledge.
Other Hidden Women
As The Church of the Firstborn book points out, the equal opposite form of male deity was intentionally removed from scripture, in large part by the Deuteronomist movement under King Josiah in the 6th Century B.C. The Hebrew phrase “El Shadai”, which is usually rendered as “God Almighty”, has a divine feminine context that has been completely lost, leaving us with a singular male deity.
The Biblical prophetesses and the spiritual gifts they possessed, and the roles they played historically in the kingdom of God on the earth, are rarely discussed, and more importantly, we fail to consider the consistency of the Lord and why He doesn’t call prophetic women today as He has in the past. Is it He who has subverted the role of women in His modern work, or is it the policies of modern patriarchs who have done so?
Mary Magdalene, the foremost associate of the Savior Jesus Christ during His life, and the first to whom He appeared following His crucifixion, has been vilified as a harlot, and is even the subject of satanic rituals. Her defamation is obvious, and to those seeking truth, intuitively paints a more inspired opposing view of her as the Bride of Christ. As the equal and opposite High Priestess of the chosen Firstborn, she is a natural target of abuse, mockery, concealment, and blasphemy.
In a religious culture who often values spiritual symbolism before simplistic literal interpretation, the woman in the Book of Revelation 12, who is correctly considered to be symbolic of a church, is more strongly considered as a metaphor than a real and corporate being. The result of which causes those looking for direction in latter-days to look to an institution rather than a prophesied divine woman.
The concept of a Mother in Heaven is foreign to most Christian religions, and in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she is supposedly so revered to the point even mentioning her name is considered a disrespect, or too sacred to discuss. Her concealment is seen as an act of respect, rather than the dishonor it may truly be.
The Beehive
There is another icon within the temple with less recognizable symbolism regarding female deity. Hundreds of years ago, the bee had a strong royalty connotation, with the beehive as a metaphor for a kingdom. One researcher points out that “King Louis XII of France (1462-1515) showed his kingly mercy by using bees in his insignia along with the phrase ‘The king whom we serve does not use his sting.'”[i] Before the seventeenth century the hive was believed to be dominated by a king bee. It wasn’t known until later that the dominant bee in the hive is actually female.
Over time beehive symbolism shifted from the ‘king’ and governing aspects of the hive to the worker bees and their industrious nature. According to three sources found on the Salt Lake Temple Wikipedia entry, the beehive “symbolizes the thrift, industry, perseverance, and order of the Mormon people”.[ii] This is without question the interpretation of the hive that is most widely understood by members of the church, which has come through countless sermons focused on themes like hard work and contributing to a common cause.
The beehive symbol is found throughout Utah as an icon of the early Mormon settlers, but the figure is most concentrated on the doorways, door panels, and doorknobs of the Salt Lake Temple. As the hive is a metaphor of a kingdom, the door then is symbolic of entering the kingdom.
It is also worth noting that Aphrodite’s iconic seashell, which would otherwise have no association with the beehive, appears beneath the hive on the doorknobs. This combination of unique symbols on the doorknob creates an unmistakable and seemingly intentional link to the Woman at the Veil in the Celestial room (see figure 7).
Figure 7 – Doorknob featuring Deseret and classic seashell
With the rich symbolism of the hive, but also its literal organization and governing patterns, it is difficult to separate its imagery from the apparent deep and symbolic icons within the temple. In the hive, the queen bee presides. In the Salt Lake Temple, the room representing the Celestial Kingdom, the woman at the veil presides. It is easy to see in a church where males rule the hive, another obvious doctrinal inconvenience emerges in the beehive symbolism.
Conclusion
One of the most beautiful and symbolically elaborate sculptures has gone missing from the temple. Her companion sculpture in one of its most holy rooms has been turned into a mystified and genderless decoration, leaving those who look upon her confused. The most frequently occurring symbol throughout the temple of the beehive with its inherent Queen bee overtones, combined with the seashell represented beneath the Woman at the Veil and at column headers in the Terrestial room, indicate intentional architectural features along a divine feminine theme – a theme which creates a doctrinal inconvenience for a male-run church.
The true character of the most sacred women in our history, and the divine Mother of all have been veiled from our scriptures and our faith.
Many patriarchs rule their homes and churches in unrighteous dominion, controlling and absconding the sacred powers of creation and agency, concealing and depraving the women they were ordained to serve.
An honest look into the future through a spiritual lens will show its seeker a world where virtuous and powerful women come forth from their hiding places to fulfill the measure of their creation as equal opposites to men; as prophetesses, priestesses, and ultimately as goddesses.
As I have peered into that time, I see this Restoration of Women commencing with a most sobering event. The one true King presents His bride to the congregations gathered at New Jerusalem, and then does the unexpected – He kneels before Her. In that act of deference, He unveils the identity of His true queen which Lucifer and men have spent thousands of years concealing, as He restores her and the women she represents to their proper place in His kingdom.
[i] As discussed by Nelson B, Wadsworth. Set in Stone, Fixed in Glass; The Great Mormon Temple and its Photographers (Salt Lake City: Signature Books. 1992). 355-59.
[ii] Richard Wright Young, interview by authors, October 9, 2012, Salt Lake City. See also George Cannon Young, George C. Young Oral History (unpublished manuscript: 1980), 13–14.
[iii] Alonzo L. Gaskill and Seth G. Soha. The Woman at the Veil: The History and Symbolic Merit of One of the Salt Lake Temple’s Most Unique Symbols
[iv] James E. Talmage, “The House of the Lord.”
[v] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_B._Fetzer
[v] Val Brinkerhof – The Symbolism of the Beehive in Latter-day Saint Tradition; Accessed November 2020 at www.BYUstudies.byu.edu
[vi] #1 Oman, Richard G. “Beehive Symbol”. BYU Harold B. Lee Library. Brigham Young University. #2 Kirby, Robert (March 10, 2017). “Kirby’s disturbing history: Close encounters of the bizarre kind at Mormonism’s Temple Square”. #3 Roberts, Allen D. (May 1985). “Where Are the All-Seeing Eyes? The Origin, Use, and Decline of Early Mormon Symbolism” (PDF). Sunstone Magazine. 1 (49)
Thanks Eric! This essay was very informative and interesting. I also felt a warmth in my heart and soul as I read throughout.
If women, or a particular woman, are so important, it makes sense that they would be removed from history, be reviled and defamed, and that the adversary would have particular pleasure in abusing them. All in an attempt to hide the everlasting divinity.
I’m so grateful for good men who champion womanhood and speak truth. (And the same goes for those who champion true manhood.). I know Father and Christ believe deeply and strongly in women and feels great happiness when their strength and true purpose is shown.
What wonderful, “deep and ponderous thoughts” you have shared! Thank you Eric. May the Lord bless you for your efforts to reveal truth.
Thinking about the restoration of women and that commencing event makes my heart sing! I love this topic. Thank you for shining light on it Eric!
I loved this so much! Thank you!
I stumbled across this past blog post today and thought I’d forward this speech i on to you, on who I believe to be Heavenly Mother. It’s well researched. Perhaps you’ve even read it. Enjoy!
http://www.asphodel-long.com/html/asherah.html
Very thought provoking! I deeply appreciate the light and validity you have shared here. Thank you!
Tracy Huntsman
This is a beautiful and hopeful article. I look forward to the day when the truth is set free and we get to be the women we are meant to be. To me, the fullness of the gospel will not be realized until women are seen, heard and revered for who they are and the gifts they have. Whenever I commune with my Savior and friend, I have never been treated or talked to like I’m “dust of the earth”, a slave or servant. He has always seen and talked to me as if I’m His equal in value and importance. He wants me to be the best me and use my unique gifts and perspectives to bring love, honor and glory, not just to him or Heavenly Father, but to all I encounter. He is training us to be equally equipped as He is, to be a god and creator, not some some subservient slave that doesn’t act for himself. He loves my woodland, free spirited, queenly, goddess soul and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Beautiful article. I agree Eric that a true virtuous woman and man are co-equal and co-eternal with each other. In the King Follett Discourse the Prophet Joseph Smith alluded this and I have always felt that way. In mortality the man seems to be the protector but in eternity the “protector” is the righteousness, purity and holiness of the individual, male or female.!
Thank you Eric! Once again you have written an inspired article that has given me further enlightenment on something I was deeply pondering! In the exact moment of my pondering! I felt the Lords spirit so strongly as I read it that the cells and molecules of my very body were and still are vibrating in a very high vibration! I needed this so much! Thank you! 😇💜
Beautifully written Eric,
Thank you for the research and enlightenment you are bring to us at this time in history. love you much!
Thank you very much Eric! I am grateful for your insightful words and eagerly look forward to that blessed day when all will know who She is! Your words bring much encouragement for the days we will pass through in preparation for that grand day.
I am thankful for the truth that is coming forth, the further light and knowledge we are supposed to be asking God for. Praise God!
Thank you Eric
I too have an abiding respect for the spirit of what you have offered.
As a great grandmother, i have for years witnessed the sacrifices my daughters make for their spouses and families. They work harder, plan more carefully, sacrifice daily, physically put their health at risk as I witness their husbands (and in one household adult sons) watch and PLAY AND REST.
It is only occasionally, as a servant in the kingdom, I’ve experienced mindfulness of my care and keeping in a call positively and negatively. The latter first. Each member of the council was asked to give their report regarding a specific matter. Each did until my turn. The Bishop interrupted me to say, ” please don’t share numbers or incidents that only make us feel we can’t compare with your presidency’s efforts. I put my joy of service in my pocket and offered a bare bones report.
On another time, also at Ward Council, i was asked by my immediate priesthood leader to attend with bim.
He made a request, “Please don’t speak,”
As i sat and listened, my emotions welled up inside me. I wiped tiny tears as more reports were shared.
My leader gave the statistical aspects if my written report to him. I continued in quiet, subtle tears.
The bishop asked me to share what was on my mind and in my heart. I nodded negatively indicating a report had been given. A few more reported, my tears would not cease.
The bishop and his first councillor insisted I speak.
I hesitantly told them of how much work I could see they were doing with Ward members and how grateful we all were. Then I said, I work now in the Family History Centre.
You’ve had offered the days, hours, guest visitors, ward patrons, tours etc.
One or two guests come regularly and are busy. I help them as I can. I do my own work when time permits, but I must tell you how many of your dead, the Ward’s dead are plaguing me constantly, even at home. As busy as you are, isn’t there a way we might engage Ward members and leaders to search fir their family members and have they, themselves do baptisms in tge temple, or have our youth do them.
So many people are begging to be released from spirit prison.
After the mtg. My priesthood leader took me into the centre and chastized me,
Im only one of millions and millions of sisters striving, struggling, serving and deserved of respect and appreciation.
Yes, women are not given due dignity in the Church.
Invited to attend Ward Council, my priesthood leader
Geri, I hear what your are saying. It is sad that some priesthood leaders do not see clearly the truth shared. Every person has the divine potential to be “one” in holiness of character but it is obvious that all do not choose that path.
Beautiful truths, especially about a Beautiful Woman whom I love. I look forward to that glorious day when we can celebrate with our King and Queen!
Thank you, Eric, for fulfilling your divinely-appointed role, and for helping teach and encourage me.
I can agree with most of this essay except where I believe u make mention our gloriously Resurrected Lord & Savior Jesus the Christ, the Lord Jehovah, the Great I Am, “kneels” before His lovely, celestial-glorified eternal companion, possibly Mary Madeline? From my personal witness including my own temple marriage and many others over decades of time the couple to be sealed for “time and all eternity” at the alter kneel “together”. The scriptures do say that “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ”. Amen.
I just found your blog Eric and I am really loving the recent posts! This one brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your time and effort to do this.
It is so refreshing and validating when men make the effort to study and research the Devine feminine in our scriptures and history! Unfortunately it is not an easy search. So I’m sorry but I just had to comment on what Greg Davis said.
Can I ask why it is so hard to imagine the Lord kneeling before his eternal AND equal companion? The same great “ I Am” who knelt before each one of his apostles and washed their feet? Which was a task reserved for only the lowliest of servants.
The same Lord and Savior who allowed himself to be beaten, tortured and humiliated and hung up to die FOR US, can’t kneel next to His wife? The same woman who anointed His head with oil in preparation for His atonement. A role that requires Her to be His equal in a way that we don’t understand. Hopefully that knowledge will soon be restored. It would be a role that required Her to condescend just as He did, and also ascend as He has.
There is still so much we don’t understand about Mary, or the full role of women. I hope that all men would not only be excited to see this knowledge restored, but pleased at the thought of our Lord presenting His wife to us in such a way.
Thank you Eric. I know you are inspired and directed by God. Perfect timing.
I have known since 2010 that the woman of Revelations is a literal woman because I was given a dream showing her leading an army of mother warriors, all in long white dresses. Later, a friend shared with me the same dream. and I now know who she is.
My recent study of Mary and the Holy Grail helped me to also see how women and motherhood are no longer protected, honored and reverenced. My Eternal Companion recently shared with me how he now feels when the men are asked in Endowments to “awake and arise” to prepare for “their Eve” to enter their lives, which was sweet and appreciated. I am grateful to all women, mothers, grandmothers, young ladies and girls who courageously live their truth each day to show the world what a daughter of God looks like, how she acts and treats others, shows us how to become, and how to prepare for The Bridegroom.
And I look forward to the coming day when this courageous woman who has been fighting the dragon her entire life steps forward and leads this army of mothers! It will be glorious!
That was awesome Eric thank you again really enlightening
I so look forward to the (Great God Queen ) of this earth, coming out of obscurity! She will shake the souls of evil men. And once and for all, break the horrible patriarchal prejudice! That has hung over the heads of her queens to be. Thankyou! for shinning a light of truth on an event, that I feel will soon take place.
Kevin, or Eric, who is the Great God Queen? The woman of Revelations 12 gives birth (which occurred in the heaven on September 23, 2017) to the Davidic Servant (Christ, John, others). Is she Christ’s
mother, His wife? Are we to know who she is prior to God revealing this truth to the world?
The Catholic Church declares that She is Israel. Shocking! I now see how ALL religious sects are historically afraid that God’s children will discover that they are first spiritual beings with divine potential, including LDS leaders who removed thus statue from the temple so that our eyes will not be opened in His Holy House of learning. So much evil design and effort to keep us small. I also see how our loving Parents are leading some of Their righteous sons to bring forth Their truth and are also chosen to stand by God’s daughters who are also Their Servants. Love to all you brothers and sisters!!
This beautiful doctrine resonates with my spirit. A couple of years ago I was able to give a lesson in church on this very subject. The testimony I shared with the class was that Heavenly Mother doesn’t need protection by HF but we need protection from her. Church culture thinks she stays in the background and is a silent partner. Wrong! HM works in the forefront with HF on all things regarding her children, especially the women.
HM has all the same power, all the same priesthood and has the same character perfection that Heavenly Father has. That the word God is a plural word meaning man and woman. You cannot have one without the other, period!!! They are true partners in every sense of the word, period!!! They are equals in every sense of the word, period!!! They are both warriors in every sense of the word, period!!! Their Godhood characters are identical in every way.
This true doctrine about women has been a part of me since being a young boy. my personal instincts has always been to defend women and am grateful the truth about the power of women is finally being unveiled.
Over the years I have expressed these things just to be mocked by other church members especially the men. Their unrighteous dominion has sickened me and I have watched men treat women like property instead of as partners. Thank you Eric for your research and bringing this truth to light.
It is through our walking in the ordinances of the temple that we receive our Spiritual Rebirth. Without it our water baptism is “good for nothing”, quoting Joseph Smith.
The temple therefore can be understood as a woman’s womb.
There is more about the symbolism of the 3-tiered stature which I could tell you, but its sacredness is not to be given to the world. Hints of it can be found in the meaning of Sophia and in some of the writings of Hugh Nibley.
The plural of cherub is cherubim.
This leads me to ponder if the compass and square motif (believed by Hugh Nibley to be the Seal of Melchizedek) so prominent in our temples especially in Utah has a feminine connotation. While the square is about the earth (linear lines; four corners; guardians/masculine) the compass is about heaven (circular/spheric lines; toroidal movement; creation- reproduction/feminine). Yet we mostly find the circle inside the square or two interlocking squares which points us to heaven inside earth, or Paradise inside a surface earth and an area inside the crust of the earth beneath the surface. Therefore, a Shangri-La type of location may be hidden in the hollow of the Earth where “milk and honey” is abundant.
It’s been reported that Pres. Hinckley ordered the compass and square design to adorn the glass door leading into Salt Lake Temple’s dressing rooms. Interestingly that design shows a beehive inside the circle. A 2012 crop circle mimics its image exactly. See here https://temporarytemples.co.uk/crop-circles/2010-crop-circles/2010_08_03_whitefield-hill-woodsend-wiltshire-wheat-oh and https://www.ldsliving.com/Why-This-Symbol-Appears-10-000-Times-in-the-San-Diego-Temple/s/79150
The legendary first parents of China are depicted in sculpture, silk work and paintings to be Fuxi (man) holding a square and Nuwa (woman) holding a compass. I could share more thoughts with you via email.
Correction: The crop circle appeared in 2010.
Thanks for adding symbolism of beehive to your essay. I felt something was missing!! I see Val Brinkerhoff as one of your sources. All of his books are exceptional, especially “Spiritual Wifery”. God put this book into my hands at exactly the right time. And couldn’t read it fast enough!! It is time for church members to clean up our history, do our own research, and face hard truths — starting with the fact that the Prophet Joseph Smith was NOT a polygamist. When you receive this truth from God, everything changes in our history! I still acknowledge that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ’s Church, and His authority is still with His Church, but I also know it is a fact that evil has infiltrated His Church and the prophesied “clean up” has begun. This book helps to prepare for even harder truths to come. When we put our focus on the origins of Christ’s Church, then we can survive what is coming. Joseph and Hyrum were murdered inside the prison cell first, by Willard Richards and John Taylor. I know a man that has seen this in vision, and the “polygamist cult” run by Brigham then took over “the Church” and brought it to Utah. If you are okay with Brigham and other men raping 15 year old girls, and want to say that “God ordained this evil act”, then you are part of the problem.
I have always had a problem (intuition?) with Brigham Young. I don’t know why. Can you tell me where I can find info about Joseph Smith not being Polygamist as even in church history it is written. I am so confused. Why would they teach that especially if now they shun it? Thank you!
Myda, Val Brinkerhof’s book “Spiritual Wifery” is full of research, history. Everything you need to know. It is not an “anti-Mormon” book, but instead helps you connect dots, gives you the truth you need, that helps strengthen your testimony of the Prophet Joseph and the Restoration. I now consider myself a “Puritan”. My testimony is of the origin of Christ’s Church and doctrine given to the Prophet from our Savior. Val also supports the importance of receiving our own revelation regarding all matters.
Eric, thank you for this fantastic article and for the additional information about the Beehive…I have been seeking more information about it. Every new piece of the puzzle is thrilling to me…thanks for all you are doing to help the work move forward and reveal truth.
Beautiful article. Thank you, Eric.
My first impression of the sculpture was that the woman at the top symbolized America, which is often referred to as a “she”. She has more than a few similarities to the Statue of Liberty, and it makes sense to me that all who are depicted below her were enabled by her divine mission to allow the growth and spread of the gospel. She shines a divine light and points it toward its divine source. It reminds me of lyrics from a song I learned decades ago.
“America, come rise and sing a righteous song again.
Come worship Him, your God and King, and be strong again.
America, come raise your praises to the Lord who made you great
and led you by the hand.
America, America, arise again.
I see a land, a land decreed by God Himself, a land of Liberty,
A chosen land for those of special birth to herald truth –
An Ensign to the earth.
America, a burning flame – the Light to gather Israel once again.
And far beyond when nations lie in dust at last,
I see Your banner blazing on a Sea of Glass.”
For all you do, much thanks!
Wow! This is so incredibly beautiful to me. Thank you Eric! This is one of my favorite topics and it only makes sense to me that if something is so wonderful and important than it is worth shining light on! I literally wept while envisioning our Savior bowing ti His queen and I believe with all of my heart that he would! Not out of submission but simply pure reverence and honor for her. I am so grateful for every man who honors women this way and that someday the world will hold that same honor for the divinity and holiness of women as well as Godly men. Thank you thank you for expressing this in this article!