Relatively little is known about the founding of the Knights Templar. It is established that in 1118 nine French knights gave the Patriarch of Jerusalem a vow of chastity, poverty and obedience. They pledged to do everything in their power to protect the roads and pilgrims in Palestine from robbers and Muslims. The head of this community, combining public service with severe military discipline, a monastic lifestyle with knightly rights, selfless love for one’s neighbor with military prowess, was the noble knight Hugo de Payne. Since the goals of the new community were in the interests of the Franks in the East, they received support from both spiritual and secular authorities. King Baldwin II of Jerusalem gave these knight-monks a part of his palace, which, according to legend, adjoined the temple of King Solomon. From that time on, they began to be called “the poor soldiers of Christ, the defenders of the Jerusalem temple” or simply “Templars”. At the request of Baldwin II, Bernard of Clairvaux also supported the Templars. He participated in the development of the charter of the Order, which was approved at the Council of Troyes in 1128. Hugo de Payne was recognized as a Grand Master. The charter of the Order was based on the rules of St. Augustine, the statute of the ancient canons of the Holy Sepulcher, as well as the charter of the Cistercians. A distinctive mark of the Templars was a white linen cloak with an eight-pointed bright red cross on the left shoulder (it symbolized martyrdom) and a white linen belt – a symbol of heartfelt purity. No decorations on clothing and weapons were allowed. The Templar had to avoid worldly pleasures and entertainment. In peacetime, the knight had to stay in his cell, share a simple common meal and be content with a hard bed. The Templar had to be ready at any time to give his life for the holy faith and his companions.
By the beginning of the 14th century, the French king Philip the Fourth Handsome decided to cleanse France of the Templars, who behaved independently and arrogantly towards the monarch on whose land they settled. In addition, Philip was well aware of the wealth of the Templars. In the early morning of October 13, 1307, all members of the Order were arrested, and their real estate was confiscated. Royal ordinances, telling about the crimes of the Templars, tried to justify in the eyes of the amazed people the brutal violence and drown out the outraged voices that resounded throughout the country. The king, fearing public exposure, immediately sentenced them to death. The sentence was carried out the next day. The leaders of the Order were incinerated in a slow fire. In the face of death, they turned with prayer to the Mother of God, who was considered the patroness of the Templar Order.
Templar Symbols - Knights Templar - Templar Talisman
Baphomet
Baphomet invented pagan or gnostic idol or deity that the Templars were accused of worshiping and that was later embraced by various occult and mystical writers.
The first known mention of Baphomet was in a letter written in 1098 by Anselm of Ribemont describing the Siege of Antioch during the First Crusade. Anselm stated that the Turks “called loudly upon Baphomet.” Most scholars believe that the word refers to Muhammad, the founder of Islam. In 1307 Philip IV of France had every Templar in France arrested, accusing them of such heretical acts as idolatrous worship of a bearded male head called Baphomet. By the 19th century Freemasons had also been (falsely) said to worship Baphomet.
Templar white cloak
Templar white cloak according to the charter of the order, the Templars could wear robes of only two colors, black and white, and the cloak must have been white. It symbolized the purity of thoughts and faith, the chastity of thoughts and deeds, necessary to fight for a holy cause. White cloaks were the hallmark of the Order of the Temple, only its members could wear such attire.
Templar Shield
The Templar Shield is a knight’s defense during combat. It usually hung around the neck. The shield had a triangular shape and was covered with leather.
There was necessarily a banner on the shield, which made it possible to distinguish between the warrior’s belongings. The Templars have a red cross. The body of the shield was sometimes also painted in traditional colors – black and white (like the flag and coat of arms of the Templars). The very shape and functionality of the shield was standard for that time and all knights had it.
Сrown of Thorns on the Cross
Сrown of Thorns on the Cross is one of the symbols that Templars used.
There is a legend about the Evangelist John, who created a cross from the crown of thorns that was on the forehead of Jesus Christ. He gave his product to the consolation of his mother Maria. The Crown of Thorns Cross was later a symbol used by the early Christian sect of the Marcionites. It was also used by the Knights Templar. In fact, their knight’s cross was a dedication to the symbol of Marcion. At the same time with the symbol, the battle cry began to be used, which during the battles shouted the Knights-Templars
Vive Dieu Saint Amour (V.D.S.A.) – “Hail God, Holy Love!”.
Skull of Sidon
Skull of Sidon is the symbol which depicts the skull and crossbones that is usually connected to pirates, but it was used by Templars too. The Knights Templar adopted a white skull and crossbones on black cloth, which became the battle flag of the Knights Templar. The flag became a talisman designed to strike fear into opposing sailors.
Over time, the Skull and Crossbones became one of the domains of the Knights Templar and were used during the trials of the Templars. The skull and crossbones are believed to be related to Masons, and in the past this symbol was used on Masonic burials.
In Hoc Signo Vinces
In Hoc Signo Vinces is one of the main symbols of the modern Knights Templar. Today the Templars are “an international charitable order of knighthood associated with Freemasonry.” Mainly in the United States, the Knights Templar are the last order to join the York Rite. Unlike other Masonic organizations, which only require belief in a Supreme Being regardless of religion, membership in the Knights Templar is open only to Christian Masons who have completed their Royal Arch and, in some jurisdictions, their mysterious degrees.
In Hoc Signo Vinces is one of the most detailed Templar symbols. Above is a knight’s helmet. The crowned cross is at the top of the Maltese cross, with swords crossed behind it. Included is the motto In Hoc Signo Vinces, a Latin rendition of the Greek phrase meaning “in this you will conquer.”
Templar Knight
A Templar Knight is a knight who took a vow as a knight of the Templar order and had special identifying marks. Relatively little is known about the founding of the Knights Templar. It is established that in 1118 nine French knights gave the Patriarch of Jerusalem a vow of chastity, poverty and obedience. They pledged to do everything in their power to protect the roads and pilgrims in Palestine from robbers and Muslims. The head of this community, combining public service with severe military discipline, a monastic lifestyle with knightly rights, selfless love for one’s neighbor with military prowess, was the noble knight Hugo de Payen. King Baldwin II of Jerusalem gave these knight-monks a part of his palace, which, according to legend, adjoined the temple of King Solomon. From that time on, they began to be called “the poor soldiers of Christ, the defenders of the Jerusalem temple” or simply “templars”.
Templar Sword
The Templar sword was supposed to symbolize the sword of the Grail, through which the wrath of God falls on sorcerers, sorcerers, serpents and other evil spirits with which the Grail knights are fighting.
The phrase “sword of the Templar” is often perceived as something separate, standing out against the background of other weapons of the same type. But despite the temptation to romanticize the weapons of such an outstanding Order, the reality is always simpler. The weapons of the Knights of the Temple were blades that were quite ordinary for their time, which were not structurally different from the swords of other knights and nobles.
Templar Helmet
The Templar helmet, as we are used to imagine it today, is the Great Helm or tophelm – a helmet for cavalry combat, which appeared around the end of the 12th century during the Crusades. It consisted of a crown, assembled from several plates, a front plate and a back plate. The design of the helmet provided protection for the head in front, from the sides and behind, the view was carried out through narrow (9-12 mm wide) viewing slots, and at short distances it was somewhat limited. Below the slits for the eyes were ventilation holes. Sometimes they made their way in orderly, forming whole patterns or images. The highest hierarchs of the Templars could punch patterns from the traditional crosses for them. On the late 14th century tophelm variety, the Kübelhelm, the vents were usually located only on the right side of the helmet, so as not to weaken the metal on the left side, which is most susceptible to enemy spears. The helmet of the Knights Templar was no different from the helmets of other knights of that period, except for the decoration with a large black cross associated with the order and small crosses around the perimeter (it might not have been).
The Head
The Head without a body is a symbol that was found on the seals of the highest hierarchs of the Knights Templar. For example, the seal of Brother Widekind, Master of the Temple in Germany, 1271, and Brother Frederick Wildergrave, 1289, depicted the head of Christ or John the Baptist.
The Crown and The Cross
The Crown and the Cross is the logo of the Knights Templar inside the York Rite Appendage body. It is a modern Masonic body that claims to be and continues to be the modern Knights Templar. The Crown and Cross are also popular symbols in Christianity. This shows how the Knights Templar is based on Christian principles and symbolism. In combination, these symbols add up and complement each other. Taken together, they mean a lot to the followers of the Masonic Knights Templar and other followers of Jesus Christ.
Templar Cross
Templar Cross is a straight equilateral cross with flared ends. Among other associations, it was used in the Middle Ages by the Knights Templars. According to legend, when the persecution of the Templars began in France and throughout Europe, only a “miracle” suspended their execution in one of the German lands. At the cathedral, to test the guilt of the accused, their cloaks were thrown into the fire, but the Templar cross on none of them was on fire.
Judging by the records of the medieval chronicler Matthew of Paris, by the 13th century the cross of St. George was established among the English crusaders; among the French – silver or white; among Italians – a yellow or azure cross; among the Germans – black, among the Flemings – green, among the Spaniards – purple, among the Scots – a silver St. Andrew’s cross. It is believed that only the templars had the right to use this symbol, since it was a legend associated with the Jerusalem Temple and the Temple of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Templars appeared in Jerusalem.
Star and Crescent Moon
Star and Crescent Moon is the heraldic figure that was popular among crusaders.
The crescent itself has been used in Western heraldry since at least the 13th century, while the star and crescent (or “Sun and Moon”) emblem has been used on medieval seals since at least the late 12th century. Many crusader seals and coins show a crescent moon and a star (or blazing sun) on either side of the ruler’s head (as in the Sassanid tradition). In the heraldic tradition of the Templars, they are also used, and here, too, the influence of Muslim culture on the crusaders is clearly visible.
For example, the Seal of Brother Robert of Retz from the 13th century depicts the Star and the Moon. The seal was discovered in the 19th century, in the city of St Père en Retz, Loire-Atlantique, at the site of the Knights Templar command.
Abraxas
The word Abraxas (Abrasax or Abracax) is found on some antique amulets, the so-called The “stones of Abraxas”, which were used as talismans by the Gnostic sects. Usually it is a composite creature with the head of a rooster, the body of a man, and the legs of snakes and scorpions; carrying a whip and a shield. Gnostics identified the image of Abraxas with Yahweh (in the Greek version – “Iao”). Amulets and seals depicting Abraxas were popular in the 2nd century AD. Some of these stones survived until the Middle Ages.
Abraxas appears on the seal of the Grand Master of the Templars in the French Rite of 1214. The image of Abraxas was probably transferred to the seals of the Templars from more ancient stones. The use of Abraxas on seals did not generate accusations of Gnosticism during the period of the Templars’ persecution, which indicates a complete absence in their midst of any beliefs or rituals that could be interpreted as Gnostic.
Knight on the Horse
The knight on the horse is a symbol found on the seals of some of the highest hierarchs of the Knights Templar. For example, the seal of Rustan de Com, Commander of the Order in Rishranche, 1232 depicted a knight on horseback carrying a shield with a cross. This was probably the image of St. George.
The Bee
The bee is a symbol of rebirth, immortality, order, purity of soul, hard work. The bee, which is believed to never sleep, symbolizes zeal and vigilance among Christians. The Templars used it in heraldry. It is assumed that bees are parthenogenous, therefore associated with virginity and chastity. This is a symbol of diligence, striving for order. It is not for nothing that Christians often compare themselves to bees, and the temple – to a hive.
White Eagle
The white eagle is a sign of a messianic divine monarchy or true theocracy. The eagle in heraldry is one of the most common emblem figures in heraldry.
In 1296, an eagle with two six-pointed stars was depicted on the seal of Bertram von Esebeck, master of the order in Germany.
White Swan
The white swan is a symbol of eternal childhood and purity. The swan leads the golden boat – the church of the celestial virtues of the messianic dynasty.
The white swan is also closely associated with the symbolism of the Holy Grail.
In alchemy, the swan is a symbol of the second stage of the alchemical process – albedo (white doing). This is the stage of purification: the soul is freed from the slag of despicable matter and appears in all its purity.
White Pigeon
A white Pigeon with fluttering wings is a sign of the Holy Spirit. The white Pigeon holds in its paws a golden censer filled with the aromas of all earthly and heavenly fragrances. When the white Pigeon hovers ahead of the Grail procession and smokes with a golden censer, everything around is filled with the fragrances of the Garden of Eden.
The Templar Pigeon was associated with the symbolism of the holy grail.
A Pigeon with an olive branch was in the seal of Etienne de Thiel-Châtel, a mentor from Fontenotte.
Fleur de lys
Fleur de lys or Heraldic lily, also royal (bourbon) lily is a crest figure, one of the most popular, along with a cross, an eagle and a lion. She often adorned the seals of the Templars.
The Seal of Fra Hugues de Rochefort, who was one of the templars, 1204 year depicted a cross with a star and a lily. It was the seal of the temple of the rector of the order (preceptor).
The symbolic meaning of the image is not unambiguous in different cultures: it was revered as a sign of purity (chastity) or fertility. The white lily flower is a symbol of the Virgin Mary, most likely this is how the Templars understood it.
Coat of arms Knights Templar
Coat of arms Knights Templar is the black and white background with a traditional red cross in the middle. The colors of the Templar banner were black and white. It is not known exactly how the banner looked, although there are several versions: two horizontal stripes – black at the top and white at the bottom. Later, a similar color was used on the banner of the Prussian kingdom; several black and white stripes alternating with each other; a black-and-white checkerboard-like cage (the floors in the boxes of the modern Freemasonry, who consider themselves the heirs of the Templars, are laid out in a similar way.
The Rose
The rose templar is perhaps the most popular floral symbol. According to legend, it grew up in a paradise without thorns, but acquired them after the fall of man as a reminder. For Christians, the rose symbolizes martyrdom, as well as charity. White rose is a symbol of innocence, purity, and chastity.
The rose is also a symbol of mystery and silence. Since the XII century, the Rose has been introduced into heraldry among monarchs, as well as knights of orders, becoming one of its most stable signs.
Ankh Knights Templar
Ankh Knights Templar is an ancient Egyptian symbol of rebirth from the dead. For the Templars, presumably it could mean the resurrection of Jesus. But this symbol is not confirmed in use by the Templars themselves and is known as part of the symbolism of the game Assassin creed.
The sign of Allat
Allat Templar symbol is a crescent moon with horns upward (symbol of Mary Magdalene) above which there is an eight-pointed star or the circle. The connection between the Grail and the Templars is given in various works that have come down to us from different eras. But the Holy Grail itself is mentioned in connection with two important periods of human development. The first significant starting point was the coming of Jesus. It was he, as the legends say, who handed the cup to Mary Magdalene, who was later able to open the Primary Sound. The second period is associated with the Knights of the Temple.
Therefore, the symbol of Allat, as a symbol of Mary Magdalene, is associated with the Templars.
Holy Grail
The Holy Grail templar symbol is the supposed treasure of the Cathars, glorified by romances of chivalry that were born at the court of the Counts of Champagne, closely associated with the founding of the Order of the Temple. Endowed with a mysterious power and reputed to be the source of all wealth and fertility on earth, he was allegedly saved by the knights of the Order of the Temple. The symbol of the holy grail usually depicted a cup (the holy grail itself), a bull dove, a white lion, a white eagle, as well as a sword, a spear and the castle of the Holy Grail.
Calvary Cross
The Calvary Cross is a Latin cross standing on three steps. Golgotha is also translated from Latin as the Aramaic word Golgotha, which means the hill on which Christ was crucified. The three steps are believed to symbolize the hill and also symbolize the virtues of Faith, Hope and Love.
Beauceant
Beauceant is a black and white rectangle of silk fabric. The battle banner of the Templars deserves special attention. In a simple cloth canvas, information is hidden, which can be learned from various sources. For example, the word “Bosean” itself meant not only the name of the battle cloth, it was also used as the battle cry of the Knights of the Templars. Bosean (Bauseant) translated into Latin from the language “Ok” means Sancta Rosa, Holy Rose.
In addition, the ratio of white to black on the canvas is three to one: 70% white and 30% black, and the height and base of the cloth are related to each other according to the “golden ratio”.
The real meaning of Beauceant is not exactly known, but it could have happened that the black part depicted the sins of the world, and the white symbolized the purity that the Knights Templar offered. Whatever the symbolism, the Beauceant was very powerful – while it was still flying, the knights were not allowed to retreat or end the battle.
The Lion
The lion was extremely common in the secret teachings of the Templars and other knightly orders of the Middle Ages. This is a symbol of royal, virgin generosity. The white lion is a symbol of the heavenly power given to the warrior of Christ. White color is a sign of a transformed new humanity in which Christ’s beginning is active.
The lion was the sign of the Israelite tribe of Judah, and Christ was also called the Lion of Judah. In addition, the lion personifies courage, strength and justice – qualities that are appreciated by the Knight of the Templars.
The lion was also used by the Templars on seals. For example, the seal of the brother of Otto of Braunschweig, commander of the order in Süpplingenburg, 1303, depicted an English heraldic lion, two clawed crosses and a crescent moon with stars – a symbol of the Mother Goddess.
Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei or the Lamb of God in heraldry is a symbolic image of a lamb with a halo or indicated by a scarlet cross and a right front paw extended over the cross of St. George. The Lamb of God is depicted on the seals of the English Templar Masters. The seals of some of the English masters depicted typical Easter lambs; sometimes, instead of the flag of St. George or the cross, they held the battle banner of the Order.
Red Cross
The position and shape of the Red Cross could be different in different departments of the order. The main thing is that the red cross must be present on the clothing of the Templars. It was the red cross that was considered the official symbol of the Templars, although crosses of other colors were also used. The Pope and the King of France introduced a rule according to which knights were required to wear symbols at all times – under pain of a ban on the use of water or food. There are various explanations for the choice of exactly the red cross. The most common version is associated with the personality of Pope Urban II, who sent the knights-pilgrims to the second crusade. Then the campaigns were not yet called crusades. But once the Pope, to inspire the warriors-pilgrims, allegedly tore a crimson cape on himself and began to distribute pieces of it, and they sewed these strips in the form of a cross for themselves. As a result, the campaign was called a crusade, and subsequently the knights of different orders also used red crosses in their symbolism.
Knight Templar Seal
Knight Templar Seal – Sigillum Militum Xpisti is a popular image associated with the Knights Templar is that of two knights upon a horse. Grand Masters frequently used this as one of their seals in the period 1167–1298. So, what exactly does this image represent? There is no definite answer but there are some interesting theories. Some believe it to represent a “buddy system” where knights would operate in pairs. Others see it as symbolizing duality and balance and representing the knights’ dual function as monks and warriors.
