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 man will rule the stars" (or more precisely, "The wise [person] will be master of the stars").
"He reigns over all the stars, Who can attain wisdom"
wisdom (sapientia) enables one to overcome or master astral influences (i.e., the supposed power of the stars over human affairs).
It 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 (representing the world or the heavens). This central figure is depicted as a wise sovereign or personification of Wisdom/Prudence:
- He holds a scepter in one hand (symbol of authority and rule) and an open book in the other (symbol of knowledge, learning, or divine wisdom, possibly alluding to sacred texts).
- An all-seeing eye (the Eye of Providence) is prominently placed on his chest or garment, signifying divine insight, omniscience, or enlightened perception.
- He stands beneath a starry sky, with stars scattered around him, emphasizing dominion over celestial forces.
- Below, smaller human figures (scholars, astronomers, or ordinary people) are shown in various attitudes—some reading, observing the heavens, or in contemplation—gazing upward toward the dominant figure, illustrating that wisdom elevates one above mundane or fatalistic concerns.
The overall composition symbolizes the triumph of wisdom over fate, astrology, or cosmic determinism. The wise individual, through study, virtue, and divine grace, attains mastery not merely despite the stars but over them.