Jacob Böhme (1575–1624), from Theosophia Revelata
The large inverted triangle frames the composition, symbolizing the Trinity or the descent of divine forces into creation.
- Center: A crowned, crucified figure (clearly Christ) with arms outstretched, often labeled with Immanuel or related terms. This represents the divine-human mediator who reconciles the principles. Christ stands as the heart of the cosmos, the "Tincture" or light that redeems fallen creation. The surrounding rays or glory emphasize his role as the light of the world and the indwelling presence (In Uns – "In Us").
- Dark Spiral (Bottom/One Side): Dominated by dragons/serpents labeled Lucifer. This depicts the fall into darkness, the fiery wrathful principle, and the realm of the "Dark World" or first principle (harshness, desire, conflict). Lucifer, in Böhme's system, was a once-glorious prince of angels who turned his will toward selfhood and the fire of manifestation, precipitating imbalance and the material world's "broken" state. The dragons symbolize rebellious angelic forces, the "Turba" (tumult), and the devouring aspect of unchecked desire.
- Light Spiral (Opposite Side): Filled with angels, representing the angelic hierarchies, the light principle (second principle), love, and the heavenly realm. This contrasts the dark rebellion with harmonious divine order.
- Celestial/Planetary Spiral: Featuring a sun and planets, this evokes the stellar or elemental world (third principle), the visible cosmos as a mirror of divine processes. Böhme saw the macrocosm (universe) reflecting the microcosm (human soul), with planets and stars corresponding to the seven "qualities" or source-spirits of eternal nature.
The spirals illustrate emanation, the soul's descent into matter, and potential ascent/redemption through Christ. The overall motif is the great chain of being, the battle between light and darkness, and restoration via the incarnation and cross.
- Ehre sey Gott in der Höhe, Friede auf Erden - "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth."
- Unser Heyl im Leiden / Leben / Lieben Jesu Christi in uns — "Our Salvation in the Suffering / Life / Love of Jesus Christ in us."
- "Teja Chefu": Tinctur Christi ("Tincture of Christ"). In Böhme's alchemical-mystical vocabulary, the "Tincture" is the penetrating, transformative divine essence or spiritual power of Christ that restores the soul.
- Hallelujah — Remains "Hallelujah" (Hebrew: "Praise the Lord" / "Praise Yah").
- Emmanuel / Immanuel — "God with us" (Hebrew: Immanu-El). This emphasizes the incarnation and Christ's indwelling presence.
- Hebrew word — probably “Yeheshua”: This is Yeshua (or Yehoshua), the Hebrew name for Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves" or "Salvation of the Lord." It frequently appears in Böhme's diagrams alongside the Tetragrammaton or as part of Christological symbolism.
- Lucifer — Explicitly the fallen angel/prince of darkness, embodying pride, the fire-principle turned destructive, and the origin of evil as a perversion of divine freedom.
- Michael represents the fiery, protective, or paternal aspect (often linked to the first principle or divine justice). Uriel represents the illuminating, wisdom-bearing aspect (associated with the Holy Spirit or light principle in Böhme's angelic hierarchies).
Symbolic Interpretation in Böhme's System
Böhme's cosmology posits an Ungrund (unground/abyss) — the eternal, dynamic divine source beyond opposites. God self-reveals through contraction (wrath/fire) and expansion (love/light), generating the three principles:
- Dark/fire world (Lucifer's realm).
- Light/love world (angelic).
- Visible/outer world (material creation, fallen yet redeemable).
Lucifer's fall introduced division; Adam's mirrored it. Christ, as the heavenly Sophia's counterpart and true Imago Dei, restores unity. The diagram depicts the soul's alchemy: navigating darkness toward rebirth in the "New Man" where Christ lives in us.