The Levels of Mankind & The Seal of Melchizedek

The Levels of Mankind & The Seal of Melchizedek

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect official doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please pray, asking for the Spirit to guide you to truth, and pray to confirm those truths. Also, you may feel like attending the temple after reading this article. You should. It’s a good idea. Do it.

Introduction:

To fully grasp the concepts of this article, I recommend reading through at least the first three articles on the levels of mankind. If you have already read through these articles, I recommend skimming through them to refresh your memory, starting with The Seven Levels of Mankind. The second and third articles also lay a very important foundation in discussion how the Seal of Melchizedek represents all eight levels of ascension to Godhood. Again, please begin with a prayer as the Spirit teaches and reveals and will often reveal B while we are reading or hearing A. I would rather have you learn B! :)

The San Diego Temple

The scope of this article is to explore some of the symbolism found within the Seal of Melchizedek and how these symbols relate to the levels of mankind. I firmly believe the Seal of Melchizedek is a holy symbol that was used both in ancient times and modern times to signify the Order of Melchizedek—and how that Order is obtained. I have received this witness from hours of study, from pondering the seal, and from prayer.

The history of the Seal of Melchizedek is beyond the scope of this article, and there is certainly more that I could write about how the symbolism of the seal reinforces the Seven Levels of Mankind. I will add “further reading” links at the end that give a thorough overview of how the seal was rediscovered in modern times. The Seal of Melchizedek did not come from an overt archaeological discovery, but isn’t this God’s way? When does God ever reveal through physical discovery? He reveals through faith, trial, and confirmation as laid out in the scriptures.

Ether 12:6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

The Seal of Melchizedek has been revealed from a combination of inspiration, synchronicity, revelation along with some historical evidence—all of which can be found in the “further reading” at the end.

The first time I learned of the Seal of Melchizedek was 16 years ago at the San Diego Temple. I saw the seal throughout the beautiful architecture there. My ex-Father-In-Law was a temple worker there at the time. At his local ward, he introduced me to William S. Lewis Jr. who designed the San Diego Temple. As I understand the story, Brother Lewis was inspired to place overlapping squares throughout the temple without knowing what the symbol meant (see articles at end for references.)

The Mosaic pictured below is from A.D. 520 with Melchizedek officiating at the altar in a purple robe offering bread and wine. Abel offers his lamb and Abraham offers his son Isaac. The Seal of Melchizedek is located at the center of the altar surrounded by gammadia (L – shaped symbols.) The same symbols are found on the veil that is parting to reveal the hand of the Lord. The links at the contain additional images of the seal used both anciently and in modern times.

Ravenna, Italy Mosaic ~ 520 A.D. 

Part I – The Square

The sacred sign of the square is an L shaped symbol, made by two equal lines at a 90-degree angle. This sign is given at baptism, discussed in the temple, shown during sustaining votes, and is used to cast out evil spirits. But what does the symbol mean? I believe I have uncovered at least some of what this sign represents and how it fits within the Seal of Melchizedek and the Seven Levels of Mankind, including the Savior’s eighth level.

We know the symbol represents exactness, but exactness at what? Obedience? Well, yes, but the symbolism is much deeper and much richer.

Matthew 7: 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The shortest path between two points is a line—you don’t get much straighter and narrower than a straight line. I believe the two lines joining at a right angle represent two paths, and the 90-degree angle represents an exact junction—in other words it represents an exact way to get from path one to path two, and that junction, or point, is both the end of path one and the beginning of path two. The 90-degree angle represents that there is a change—an exact change.

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The first line that goes from top to bottom represents a journey that begins at the top and ends at the bottom.

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The second line represents a journey that begins at the bottom and ends at the bottom. The top is where we come from—we believe we are spirit sons and daughters of God. We descended through a war in heaven, and that war centered around a vote. Those who voted to sustain the Son moved on. Those who followed the adversary did not move on. Below is an image that represents this movement from one course to the next.

 

Thus, I believe the first sign represents the first estate, and the second estate and the exact paths that must be followed to overcome them.

2 Nephi 2: 21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

When we show this sign to cast out evil spirits, we are effectively showing them several things:

·       First, we are showing that we voted to sustain the Son and they did not. We may even be showing how we voted to sustain the Son – by raising our right arms to the square.

·        Second, we are showing them the first and second estate and that we are second estate beings.

·        Third, we are using our bodies to show them we have one, and they do not.

·        Fourth, we are using a sacred symbol given to us by Heavenly Father himself through the Son and are instructed to use the name of the Son along with the symbol when casting out evil.

Moreover, God has given us another clue to reinforce the face that he is our creator and that this sign is evident in our very genetic structure.

Moses 7:63 And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me.

The distance of the arm from the wrist to the elbow is exactly the same distance as the distance of the arm from the elbow to the shoulder. When we make this first heavenly sign, we are making an exact square with equal sides. This is important as we further explore the square and the other sides of the square in symbolism and in scripture. The exactness of this sign is measured in length and in angles and represent two paths.

Part II The Second Sign and the Square

Writing about the second sign is a bit tricky. The first sign is given at baptism and in sustaining votes. The second sign is only given in the temple, so I have to be careful how I reference this sign. Bear in mind as I discuss this sign that I am not giving any specifics of how to make this sign though the references I make should only be clear to those who know the sign. If I get too specific, kindly let me know where and I will be happy to take a closer look.

The first sign is aligned to both levels one and two as it ties the first and second estates together. I believe this is the same sign shown in both estates—once shown as a sustaining vote, and once shown in conjunction with baptism. Perhaps each sign is tied to two levels. The first level is a promise—the subsequent level is the reward. This would certainly be the case for levels one and two. I will make the case for levels three and four here in this section.

The second sign given in the temple also contains a square. These two lines, however are slightly different. They are a mirror of the first sign. This second signs begins at the baseline, and the second point ends at the base, making the first line. The junction is another 90-degree angle, and that junction also represents an ending and a beginning. The next line in the sign begins at the base and ends at the top.

Both the first and second signs deal with a journey that begins and ends in celestial space. Both signs are met in the middle by our body—so our body is key—is central to overcoming these two levels. The vertical lines cross terrestrial space. I make the case for the war in heaven occurring in terrestrial space in my forthcoming article on Abraham 3. The millennium also takes place in terrestrial space. I submit that the second sign is a reference to our journey up through terrestrial space, perhaps during the millennium, and ending in celestial space—from whence our journey began.

The graphic above represents the exactness aspect of the first two signs that symbolize the first levels of mankind. We are now approaching the end of the time of the gentiles. The time of Israel was before Christ. Level three specifically began with the dispensation head over level three—Moses. Level three deals with the law of obedience, which is why this sign again shows a square that represents exactness and obedience. This time, the sign points us back to heaven, as indicated in Facsimile Two from the Book of Abraham. 

Fig. 7. Represents God sitting upon his throne, revealing through the heavens the grand Key-words of the Priesthood; as, also, the sign of the Holy Ghost unto Abraham, in the form of a dove.

In the graphic above taken from Facsimile Two, I have highlighted the sign that represents the second sign given. Not only does the sign point back to heaven, but it is made by combining the symbol of the compass and the symbol of the square. Moreover, the other arm demonstrates here a sign of reception; and what is the seated person receiving? 

The avian character is identified by Joseph Smith as the Sign of the Dove or the Holy Ghost; the fact that the dove is giving an Eye of Horus to the recipient is extremely interesting. The Eye of Horus is given by Horus' father Osiris to represent a gift of restored sight from the father. The fact that the gift is an eye (representing sight) alone is interesting enough by itself, but I highly recommend a further study into the Eye of Horus and the mathematical values it represents--the first six powers of two. 

"Seeing" is a gift I believe that is rewarded to level six beings as demonstrated in what I believe is the ordinance of level six beings in Isaiah chapter ... wait for it ... six.  However, until a being reaches level six and is gifted with spiritual sight, the stone is a helper tool in the interim. This evolution of spiritual sight is also represented in the life of Joseph Smith who ceased using his seer stone at some point as he no longer needed the stone to "see." [1] 

Signs may be given to indicate where a soul is exactly on their eternal journey. Think of the second sign. Now think of what your hands are doing while reading the promise of the third overcoming. Here is the third use of overcometh with the promised reward receive upon overcoming three and joining level four:

Revelation 2:17 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

This white stone is also mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants.

D&C 130:8 The place where God resides is a great Urim and Thummim.

9 This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon, whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to those who dwell on it; and this earth will be Christ’s.

10 Then the white stone mentioned in Revelation 2:17, will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known;

11 And a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word.

So the the seated figure showing the second sign in Facsimile Two is receiving a stone through which revelations are received pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms. In the facsimile, this stone is represented by an Eye of Horus, also called a Wedjat-Eye, allowing beings to "see" into the higher order kingdoms! For those of you who are thinking that perhaps this life is it—that perhaps if we are just good during one life then we will eventually be handed the keys to our own universe, please reread D&C 130:8-11. Once we arrive in the celestial kingdom, we are given a stone that reveals “things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms.” We know there are multiple levels of celestial glory. There is one path, not two, to achieve the highest level.

“My Father worked out His kingdom with fear and trembling, and I must do the same; and when I get my kingdom, I shall present it to My Father, so that He may obtain kingdom upon kingdom, and it will exalt Him in glory. He will then take a higher exaltation, and I will take His place, and thereby become exalted myself.

…to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power.” ~ Joseph Smith, King Follett Sermon

We preach that the reward of baptism and obedience is celestial glory. This is true. However, this is only the beginning of the next step. Upon receiving the white stone, we continue to learn—through revelation—the things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms. In the article, Levels - Orders, Numbers, and Symbols, I made the case that there are two orders of God’s people—the order of personal progression and the order of outward administration—that the two Jerusalems represent these two orders and that our two priesthoods represent these two orders. The signs are also divided into two orders. The fourth level of mankind, whose dispensation head is Abraham, and whose law is the Law of Sacrifice aligns to the Lesser Priesthood. This is the level that bridges personal progression to eternal increase as is evidenced by the fourth level of “overcometh” given in the Book of Revelation. Remember, this is the promised reward upon overcoming level four:

Revelation 2:26-28 And to him who overcometh, and keepeth my commandments unto the end, will I give power over many kingdoms; And he shall rule them with the word of God; and they shall be in his hands as the vessels of clay in the hands of a potter; and he shall govern them by faith, with equity and justice, even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.

I believe each of the four signs given in the temple are given upon overcoming one level and entering the next. The word “overcome” itself indicates a period of trial and the promised reward for overcoming is specified in each of the eight instances of “overcometh” in the Book of Revelation.

Abraham 3:26 And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.

Keeping your first estate is voting to sustain the Son. Keeping the second estate is choosing to be baptized—every soul will be given a chance to accept baptism whether in mortality or beyond the veil in the spirit world. The same choice will be available then as it was in the premortal life—you can choose to move forward or fall away. Those who move forward are guaranteed to inherit a degree of glory, a degree of salvation—glory upon their heads forever. Their journey to return to the Celestial Kingdom, where they receive a white stone, begins at baptism.

Part III - The Full Square

So the first two signs show that the first two steps of our journey begin and end in a celestial space. I believe the first sign represents overcoming level two and joining level three, and the second sign represents overcoming level three and joining level four. I believe this square is a sacred symbol that represents our first ascension to the celestial kingdom and is a journey of self-mastery. Levels three and four align with the law of Obedience and Sacrifice. The complete square represents the first two estates, and levels three and four - four sides forming a perfect square. The first two signs may represent only ¾ of the square. The baseline square actually overlaps in my humble opinion—keeping the second estate and overcoming level three both occur in a telestial world. These laws—the Laws of Obedience and Sacrifice—are given before entering the Terrestrial world in the temple. The Law of Obedience is the first law of heaven. This must be mastered first. The Law of Sacrifice is the next law - the greater of the two laws.

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There are two horizontal line symbols on our sacred garments that may represent the top and the bottom lines of the square: the celestial kingdom and the telestial kingdom. The top may represent the celestial through spiritual nourishment and our heavenly parentage (think about where this symbol is) and the second may represent overcoming the flesh in a telestial space by bowing our knees to Jesus Christ--every last one of us.
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The final line is this first journey represented by a square may begin once the stone is received. This top line represents the Celestial Kingdom and aligns with overcoming level four. Upon overcoming level three through the law of obedience (the first laws and ordinances of the Gospel are required to return to the Celestial Kingdom—very basic LDS belief,) a white stone is given upon entering the Celestial Kingdom as discussed in the prior section. Now we are introduced to the Law of Sacrifice. Perhaps the first sacrifice that must be made is to sacrifice our nice warm and cozy inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom to return to a creation in a new role. I will speak more on this in the next section – the compass. Below is a drawing that represents manyof these concepts shared so far in this section.

The top line in the square can represent the corresponding symbol on our top garment and the bottom line may represent the line on our bottom garment—the celestial and telestial respectively. We must descend to ascend and repeated descents further into trial yield greater ascents into richer rewards.

The square is a symbol associated with Israel. Israel was commanded to camp in a square shape with three tribes along each wall. The New Jerusalem that John saw in Revelation is surrounded by walls that are 1,500 miles long in the shape of a square with three gates along each wall for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. There is absolutely deep symbolism here.

A visual representation of the square-shaped camp of Israel - Numbers Chapter 2

The internal camps above are of the tribe of Levi - the Priesthood. Below is the scripture that details the shape of the city of New Jerusalem. The shape of New Jerusalem also is square with three gates per wall for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

I believe the square represents the ascent of self-mastery. The Laws of Obedience and Sacrifice are indeed laws of self-mastery. In my last article, The Levels of Mankind – Numbers,Orders, and Symbols, I discuss how the levels are split into two groups and two Jerusalems and two promised lands. Jerusalem symbolizes the lesser levels of Israel on a path of personal mastery and the Aaronic Order. New Jerusalem represents the greater levels of Israel, the path of governance, and the Order of Melchizedek. This higher order may even be demonstrated in how the walls are laid out, which I will discuss later in the section on the diamond.

Part IV – The Compass

The compass and the square are the symbols of the Masons. There is a possibility that the Masons learned of sacred symbols and signs due to the Masons having once had proximity to the temple of Solomon whereas doubters say that these symbols are the source of our own sacred symbols. The compass symbolizes direction, and a sacred understanding of this symbol reveals a spiritual direction as its meaning. Direction is an important concept to remember while exploring the second square in the Seal of Melchizedek.

I believe that the compass is the symbol of governance. Whereas the square is the symbol of exactness, the compass is the symbol of divine direction and leadership. In the holy temple, we LDS wear robes of Priesthood authority. While we wear the robes of Aaron, the sign of the compass is covered or hidden by the robes. When we switch to the robes of Melchizedek, the square is now veiled and the compass is revealed on the exposed breast. This symbolizes the two orders – the Order of Aaron and of self-mastery, and the Order of Melchizedek and of governance and leadership. At some point in our eternal progression, we transition from being a Priest after the order of Aaron to becoming a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

The third sign we receive in the temple has many interesting features. First, the third sign contains an element from the second sign just like the second has an element from the first. Think on this. Second, the repeated element is now shown on a different arm just as with the first and second signs. The second and third signs act as bridges from the sign that immediately precedes.  Third, there is a new angle introduced. Up until this point there have only been right angles. You have to imagine someone giving this sign from the side to see this new angle. Suddenly we have a 45-degree angle! Look on your garment, and you will notice that this sacred symbol is indeed 45 degrees!

Due to the sacred nature of these symbols and signs, I have not revealed how this sign is made. However, the image above should show enough information to indicate how part this sign is made from a side perspective. This 45° angle will become important as we near the end of this article and discuss the Seal of Melchizedek. This angle is not introduced until we have a second square as a single square only produces 90-degree angles. The 135 degree angle is also very important. More on this later.

As for the third sign given in the temple, this is the first sign of administration. The arm that shows this new angle is indeed the new aspect while the other arm is the bridge to the prior sign. The bridge aspect of the sign indicates we are still learning as we are governing, possibly from the same white stone given to us--perhaps a new stone. One hand is a symbol of execution whereas the other hand is a symbol if reception. In the second sign, the arms indicate reception to exactness. In the third sign, we blend exactness and execution. 

Now think of the fourth and final sign given in the temple. Where is the bridge to the prior sign? Well one argument can be made that now both hands now form the same 45° angle as introduced in the third sign. Moreover, the new angle is now represented but now with both arms forming the angle. Take a look again at the image above introducing the 45° angle. Now you shift your perspective in your mind to look at a person in your mind’s eye giving this sacred sign. Can you see how both arms are now forming a 45° angle? If you are having a hard time envisioning this, look at the sign of the compass and imagine it overlaying someone making the final sign given in the temple. 

Now the compass shape certainly contains many symbols. I’ve read other LDS speculate that the three points represent past, present, and future – this certainly fits with my understanding of the symbol and the Seal of Melchizedek. However, I want to show another possible meaning. As I have discussed in my articles on The Seven Levels of Mankind, I believe the higher order beings of governance and leadership—or Melchizedek beings—learn to govern and ascend simultaneously with the lesser order beings of self-mastery—or Order of Aaron beings. Let’s take the first sacred symbol that shows a right angle and overlay it with a second gamma rotated 45-degrees and let’s see what we see.

The superimposition of both gammas may represent the higher order descending simultaneously with the lesser order beings. Though there are only two right angles, there are now six 45 degree angles. There are two 45 degree angels per 90 degree angle for each of the two triangles that are formed.

The higher order beings give the lower order beings direction and the lower order beings take direction and execute with exactness! The 45 degree angles complement the 90 degree angels, forming Isosceles Triangles, or triangles with two equal sides. Remember, the first sign and symbol have two equal sides that represent exactness. These 45 degree angels help form that exactness at the beginning and at the end of the sign. I believe this symbolizes how Melchizedek beings assist the Aaronic beings with their ascension. 

But what does it all mean!? For starters, all of the new 45 degree angles are themselves compasses – and an inverse understanding of complementary angles reveals that if two angles exist within a triangle are each 45 degrees, then the third angle HAS to be 90 degrees. The 45 degree angles are the angles of governance that make the 90-degree angle happen. If one angle is 45 degrees and one is 50 degrees, then the third angle cannot be 90 degrees. This may symbolize the 45-degree order of the compass governing the 90 degree order—especially as you look at the two overlapping gammadia from top to bottom. The shape beings with 45 degree angles and ends with 45 degree angles. Now look at all of them at once and picture that each 45-degree angle is a helper with a job to do—and his only job is to be 45 degrees. Now pick one 45-degree angles at random and imagine it’s now 60 degrees—the whole journey of the underlying gamma is now thrown off. The 45-degree angles symbolize the works of the Order of Melchizedek in assisting the lesser souls through their journey and their works must be just as precise.

Part V – The Diamond and The Circle

The diamond is simply the square rotated by 45 degrees. In the last section, I presented the idea that a 45 degree overlay of the square reveals the compass itself—which is also a 45-degree angle. I believe the diamond represents the full journey of governance—representing levels Five through Eight. The original square represents levels One through Four.

The above image is a representation of levels five through eight; however, each level may be a diamond in and of itself representing a journey of descent and ascent to master the higher laws of progression. The diamond is rotated 45 degrees – the degrees of the signs and symbols of the Melchizedek Priesthood as discussed in the previous section. The diamond shape also represents directions - NSWE. These directions tie into the meaning behind the 45° angle of the second sacred garment symbol. This adds further weight and evidence that the diamond shape is indeed the higher order of souls who govern the lesser order by providing them direction.

Above, the diamond overlays the square representing a joint ascension process. The Melchizedek beings of governance need those to govern to ascend and learn to become Gods themselves. The Aaronic beings and first and second estate beings need the Noble and Great Ones to teach them and govern them to facilitate their own ascension. There are versions of the symbol that show the square and the diamond overlapping—intertwined to demonstrate this codependency.

A mosaic from a Christian church at Khirbet Beit Sila, which is now on display at the Museum of “The Inn of the Good Samaritan” 

The relationship between the higher order beings and the lower order beings is a symbiotic relationship of interdependence. God himself needs his children for his own glory:

Moses 1:39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Once level eight is overcome, then a Son becomes a Father and the Seal of Melchizedek is fulfilled. This process is the eternal plan of salvation and is from eternity to eternity – this is how Gods are made – the same as all Gods as have come before (see King Follet quote above.) That is why there is a circle in the middle of the Seal. That circle represents an eternal cycle. Jesus only does the things he sees the Father do. The Father enters a higher exaltation and so on. Sons become Fathers. Eternally.

“My Father worked out His kingdom with fear and trembling, and I must do the same; and when I get my kingdom, I shall present it to My Father, so that He may obtain kingdom upon kingdom, and it will exalt Him in glory. He will then take a higher exaltation, and I will take His place, and thereby become exalted myself.

…to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power.” ~ Joseph Smith, King Follett Sermon

I believe Joseph Smith's essential statement, "the same as all gods have done before you" is key in understanding that the plan of exaltation is eternal. Eternity is represented by a circle - no beginning and no end. The Seal of Melchizedek is not complete with a circle in the center, and I believe this circle symbolizes this eternal plan of how Gods are made by ascending through all eight levels to become a father - to inherit all the father hath. The circle in the center may also represent Heavenly Father around whom the eternal cycle revolves. Pi - π - is an endless number after all! 

Part VII The Seal and The Number 13:

As I wrote this article, my good friend struck up a conversation about sacred numbers. He had just attended a talk by LDS scholar Val Brinkerhoff about sacred numerology. Before long, I realized that the conversation directly tied into this article that I was finishing up--synchronicity! In particular, the number 13 is a number that ties in to the Seal of Melchizedek. 

In an article titled, Number 13 Ties to Jesus Christ & Manasseh - the Book of Mormon Remnant, Val Brinkerhoff lays out several symbols of the number 13 and how they relate to the Lord Jesus Christ. Some of the symbols are very clear and straightforward. For example, there are 12 apostles who surround the 13th person--Jesus Christ. The tabernacle is surrounded by the 12 tribes of Israel as detailed in Numbers chapter 2. The tabernacle in the center represents how Israel approaches the Lord, the tabernacle itself representing the number 13. There are many other symbols he details in the article linked above. 

As I detailed in the graphic representing the third sign given in the temple, 135° is the complimentary angle to 45° in a straight line. The 5 in 135° may symbolize how Jesus Christ represents the mercy half of the whole number seven (3.5 + 3.5 = 7.) 3.5 years is the time allotted to the ministry of the two witnesses and may represent the ministry of justice that complement's the Savior's own ministry of mercy that may have also had the same duration of 3.5 years. In the image below, I have detailed all the angles of the Seal of Melchizedek, 135°, and how it relates to the 90° and 45° angles.

If we look at each of the 90° angles as a step that must be completed with exactness, then we can see that 45° and 135° angles start and finish each 90-degree angle--the 135° descending below and above each junction taking on the vast majority of the 360° worth of angles joining each smaller diamond in the seal. This, of course, symbolizes how the Atonement of The Savior is the power by which souls ascend and overcome. 

I believe this symbol represents how the governing order of Melchizedek is not a single entity but a group of entities that teach, assist, and ultimately facilitate the ascension of souls. Imagine the temple and all the temple workers you see as you travel through the temple—the smiles on their faces. This is an eternal symbol of the ascension of souls and how exaltation is attained through the participatory work of both salvation and exaltation.

135° is above and below each junction where the diamond meets the square. Moreover, 135° is now the only angle on the inside of the shape made by the two overlapping squares. This may symbolize how we all ascend on the back of the Savior and how the Savior lies between us and Heavenly Father - the eternal circle in the center. 135° is the intermediate angle between the two shapes symbolizing the mediator ... the intercessor. 

This inner shape that acts as a buffer between the levels of mankind, and the father may indeed presents Jesus Christ Himself. Here is that octagonal shape isolated:

Below is an image of an early christian baptismal font indicative of baptism by immersion. The font is shaped as an Octagon.

Early Christian Baptismal Font - Milan, Italy

The number eight and baptism are two symbols already linked by the age of accountability. Below is an image of the baptismal font in Tucson Arizona Temple.

And here is another octagonal symbol used commonly with LDS stake centers that ties into the other symbols of the Seal of Melchizedek.

LDS Stake Center Steeple from ldssymbols.com

Part VII Conclusion:

Another mosaic from Ravenna, Italy depicting a similar scene, this time Melchizedek stands in Abraham's place. The altar looks nearly identical to the A.D 520 Mosaic.

I personally have received many witnesses that the Seal of Melchizedek is a sacred symbol of ascension – a symbol of the Melchizedek order itself with deep meanings to convey the order and its purpose. The Seal symbolizes the plans of salvation and exaltation and contains many deep symbols of how the Order of Melchizedek administers the ascension of mankind. 

I hope this article has helped enlighten and provide a vehicle for the spirit to witness of the same to you. There are many sacred signs and symbols, and there are fantastic well-written articles and books to explore such. There are likely many more symbols to be found in the great Seal of Melchizedek. As promised, I will end this article with a list of recommended reading links and books.

Melchizedek's Seal and Scroll

The Day Star - Reading Sacred Architecture
Number 13 Ties to Jesus Christ & Manasseh - the Book of Mormon Remnant

http://ldssymbols.com/eight/

https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/volume-11-number-3-2010/seal-melchizedek-0 
https://ldsmag.com/the-seal-of-melchizedek-history-meanings-and-mysteries/
http://www.ldsliving.com/Why-This-Symbol-Appears-10-000-Times-in-the-San-Diego-Temple/s/79150


** Update 11/02/2017 ** Prayer Circle and Ancient Altars

I had forgotten about another couple of cool aspects of the Seal of Melchizedek. The Seal of Melchizedek also represents the true order of prayer--this was pointed out to me by a brother online. He took down his posts for some reason, otherwise I'd list his alias for credit. For those of you reading this who have been endowed, imagine the seal as a bird's eye view of the true order of prayer, with participants interlocked. 

This means that the true order of prayer itself is a symbol that ties into the many other symbols of the seal! We need each other to ascend through the levels of mankind! The Father is in the center where we seek him and his blessings during the true order of prayer.

Over a year ago, I was watching a documentary on ancient Egypt where they showed the following altar from Abu Gorab and named it a christian altar made of quartz. Here is a video that shows close-up views the ruins of Abu Gorab and the evidence of the stones being formed by machinery, though you may want to mute the music. The circular altar resembles the Seal of Melchizedek, though the diamond shape is represented by directions alone here.  

Alabaster Quartz Altar at Abu Gorab - Evidence of being formed by machinery

Even more interesting, is the placement of this altar. Here is an artist's depiction of what the Sun Temple at Abu Gorab may have looked like before falling into ruin.

Artist's Depiction of the Sun Temple at Abu Gorab

Below is an artist's representation of the ancient tabernacle. Notice the similarity of shape of the outer wall, the placement of the temple, and the placement of the altar -- all three align very closely! 

Artist's Depiction of the Tabernacle

Below is a model of what Solomon's Temple - notice the placement of the altar and the high temple placed at the back of the outer courtyard.

Model of Solomon's Temple

Below is a close-up of the artist's rendition of the Sun Temple so you can see the circular altar clearly.

Close-up of Altar of the Sun Temple at Abu Gorab

Do the evidences of advanced machinery, the similarities with the ancient Israelite's tabernacle, and the placement of the altar, and the altar's resemblance to the Seal of Melchizedek all point to an advanced, ancient christian civilization? I believe so! 

** Update 11/03/2017 **

This just keeps getting better and better! I should just start a new article on the Sun Temple at Abu Gorab. I found a better video here that shows better detail with interesting commentary. Notice the round basins. They are not shown in the artists depiction above for the Sun Temple, but have a look at this artist's depiction of the Temple of Solomon. 

Do you see where those basins at the Sun Temple may align to Solomon's Temple? The Lavers and Bases were used by the priests to wash their hands and feet before performing their priesthood practices. Here is an image of the basins at Abu Gorab.

Their are eight basins lined up here, which is significant when considering the seal. I believe the video linked above show that there are more basins at another location at the ruins site. You can see the wall in the background above that aligns with the outer wall of the tabernacle and the temple of Solomon. Below is another perspective on the basins that shows the altar in the background at the base of the ruins of the temple itself.

I may write an article on how the temple walls and divisions symbolize the ascension and levels of mankind; in fact I may place these updates in a separate article that focuses on the Sun Temple of Abu Gorab, the Sun Temple's relation to the Seal of Melchizedek, and the symbolism of the ancient temples in representing the levels of mankind. 

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[1] (Richard L. Bushman (2005). Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. Alfred A Knopf. p. 142.; "Two Days' Meeting at Brigham City," Millennial Star 36 [1874]:498–99.)

** Update 05/14/2019 ** Updated some of the language regarding levels of spiritual progression for clarity