NON EST MORTALE QVOD OPTO — “What I desire is not mortal”
“Kingdoms, beauty, treasures, strength, honors— whatever is valued in this vast world— let others desire them. What I desire is not mortal. Those things quickly perish; this one remains without end.”
Sic transit gloria mundi
"Sic transit gloria mundi" translates to "thus passes the glory of the world" or "worldly glories are fleeting," serving as a reminder of the impermanence of earthly fame, power, and status.
This Latin expression was historically used during papal coronation ceremonies from at least 1409 until 1963, where a master of ceremonies would proclaim it three times during the procession, symbolizing the transitory nature of temporal power and the need for humility.
The phrase draws on a long-standing Christian theme of impermanence, akin to "memento mori" (remember you must die) and "vanitas vanitatum" (vanity of vanities), reflecting the idea that all worldly achievements are temporary.
Sic transit gloria mundi—sic nascitur lux aeterna.
Thus passes the glory of the world—thus is born the eternal light.
Paradoxa, emblemata, aenigmata, hierogyphica, de uno, toto, puncto, centro:, by Dionysius Andreas Freher, 1728
50: Unum dividit; separat; purificat; nobilitat; exaltat.
"The One divides; separates; purifies; ennobles; exalts."
51: Unum exaltat, Unum deprimit. Unum replet, Unum evacuat.
"One lifts up, one depresses. One fills, one empties."
52: Unum e se multa fundit; manet Unum.
"The One pours forth many things from itself; it remains One."
53: Unum disponit Ordine Multa; Multis non miscetur.
"The One arranges many things in order; it is not mixed with the many."
Quidquid praecipies, esto brevis — “Whatever advice you give, be brief.”
Daniel Cramer’s Rosicrucian EmblemsReason, Glasses, Light, LensesI. Sapiens Dominabitur Astris
"The wise man will rule the stars"
While others trace the movements of the heavens and are bound by the bands of fate, the philosopher instead stands balanced upon the celestial sphere itself. He is sustained by the Word of Scripture that shines from above, and guided by the Eye of Providence that sees from the heart. The crowned King has broken the chains that bound him to the stars. Where the stars once ruled him, they now serve him. For he who masters himself masters the all.
Sapiens dominabitur astris — "The wise person will be master of the stars." Also rendered: "He reigns over all the stars, who can attain wisdom." Wisdom (sapientia) enables one to overcome or master astral influences — the supposed power of the stars over human affairs. The phrase became a maxim emphasizing human intellect, virtue, and free will over fatalism.
The engraving shows a crowned, regal figure standing atop a large celestial globe — a wise sovereign or personification of Wisdom. He holds a scepter in one hand and an open book in the other. An all-seeing eye is placed upon his chest, signifying divine insight. He stands beneath a starry sky, with smaller human figures below — scholars, astronomers, ordinary people — gazing upward. The composition symbolizes the triumph of wisdom over fate, astrology, and cosmic determinism. The wise individual, through study, virtue, and divine grace, attains mastery not merely despite the stars but over them.
II. Invidentes Egent
"The envious are wanting."
III. Festina Lente
"Make haste slowly."
