/ Christograms
| Symbol | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Chi-Rho (☧) | Overlapping X (chi) and P (rho) | First two letters of CHRISTOS in Greek. Constantine saw this in a vision: “In this sign, conquer.” Earliest Christian symbol (pre-cross) |
| IHS | Letters | First three letters of IESOUS (Jesus) in Greek: Iota-Eta-Sigma. Catholic interpretation: “Iesus Hominum Salvator” (Jesus, Savior of Mankind). Adopted by Jesuits |
| INRI | Letters on cross | ”Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum” (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews). Pilate’s inscription. In Masonic Rose Croix (18th degree), reinterpreted as: Igne Natura Renovatur Integra (“By fire, nature is renewed whole”) |
| Alpha & Omega (A/Ω) | First/last Greek letters | ”I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end” (Rev 1:8). Christ encompasses all of time |
| Ichthys (Fish) | ΙΧΘΥΣ | Acronym: Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter (Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior). Secret sign of early Christians under persecution |
INRI reinterpreted: The Masonic Rose Croix degree takes INRI from its biblical meaning and gives it an alchemical one: “By fire, nature is renewed whole.” Same letters, different key.
The Crown 
The Dove 
Adinkra 
The Tree of Life 
Bread & Wine 
The Hanukkiah vs. Menorah