Nature and her 'little helper' | Poster

Geheime Figuren der Rosenkreuzer, manuscript 1943 (M308)

Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica Collection

This image is based on an engraving from Utriusque cosmi historia by the physician and alchemist Robert Fludd (1574-1637). The most striking element is the female in the centre, who symbolizes Nature. Through one chain she is connected to God, depicted as a cloud, and through another one with an ape sitting on a globe. From her bosom she disposes the planetary influences and thus nurtures all life. God, Nature and the Ape as imitator or Nature’s ‘little helper’ each rule over their own separate spheres, here depicted in concentric circles with the earth as the centre. From the outermost circle to the innermost, God rules over three celestial spheres, which are the abodes of the angels.