- RULERS
- Titles & Positions
- Courtly Titles & Nobility Ranks
- In Other Languages
- Heirs & Succession
- SYMBOLS OF KINGSHIP
- Regalia (Royal Objects)
- Architectural Symbols
- HERALDIC & SYMBOLIC TERMS
- Heraldry
- Heraldic Colors
- Symbolic Creatures & Emblems
- CEREMONIES & RITUALS
- Ceremonial Acts
- Ceremonial Events
- CONCEPTS & ABSTRACT TERMS
- Authority & Power
- Rule & Governance
- Territory & Domain
- Status & Rank
- ADJECTIVES & DESCRIPTORS
- Qualities of Kingship
- Character Virtues of a King
- VERBS OF KINGSHIP
- PHRASES & COMPOUNDS
- Royal Compounds
- Ceremonial Phrases
- Latin Phrases
- MYTHIC & ARCHETYPAL TERMS
- Legendary Kings
- Sacred Kingship Concepts
- Messianic & Prophetic
- Divine & Spiritual Transformations
- BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS TERMS
- From Scripture
- Kabbalistic & Hebrew
- ALCHEMICAL & HERMETIC ASSOCIATIONS
- Royal Metals & Symbols
- Alchemical Kingship Terms
- ASTROLOGICAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Planetary Kingship
- Zodiacal Kingship
- Royal Fixed Stars
- Astrological Dignities & Concepts
- NAMES & NOMENCLATURE FOR THE ROYAL ART
- Path & Way Names
- Teaching & Doctrine Names
- Structure & System Names
- Practice & Work Names
RULERS
Titles & Positions
- King
- Queen
- Prince
- Princess
- Monarch
- Sovereign
- Emperor
- Empress
- Pharaoh
- Lord
- Lady
- Ruler
- Rajah
- Majesty
- Highness
- Grace
- Sire
- Liege
- Suzerain (from Old French sus "above" + soverain "supreme, chief")
Courtly Titles & Nobility Ranks
- Duke / Duchess
- Marquess / Marchioness
- Earl / Count / Countess
- Viscount / Viscountess
- Baron / Baroness
- Knight / Dame
- Baronet
- Esquire
- Viceroy / Vicereine
- Regent
- Grand Duke / Grand Duchess
- Archduke / Archduchess
- Elector (prince-electors of the Holy Roman Empire)
- Palatine (Count Palatine — ruler with royal privileges)
In Other Languages
- Rex (Latin for King)
- Regina (Latin for Queen)
- Basileus (Greek for King)
- Melech (Hebrew for King)
Heirs & Succession
- Heir
- Crown Prince
- Dauphin
- Successor
- Scion
- Dynasty
- Bloodline
- Lineage
- Ancestry
- Heritage
- House (House of David, House of …)
- Royal Line
SYMBOLS OF KINGSHIP
Regalia (Royal Objects)
- Crown / Diadem / Coronet
- Throne / Seat
- Cathedra — from the Greek καθέδρα (kathédra), meaning "seat," especially one used by a bishop or teacher
- Scepter / Rod / Staff
- Orb (globe surmounted by cross)
- Globus cruciger — orb and cross
- Ring (seal ring, signet)
- Sword (sword of state)
- Mantle / Robe / Cloak
- Seal (royal seal, great seal)
- Standard / Banner / Ensign / Royal Standard
- Mace (ceremonial staff)
- Purple (the royal color, as in "born to the purple")
Architectural Symbols
- Palace
- Castle
- Citadel
- Keep
- Court
- Hall (great hall, throne room)
- Chamber (royal chamber)
- Tower (royal tower)
- Fortress
- Stronghold
HERALDIC & SYMBOLIC TERMS
Heraldry
- Coat of Arms
- Crest
- Escutcheon
- Blazon
- Quarterings
- Supporters (heraldic beasts)
- Motto
- Royal Arms
- Imperial Eagle
- Fleur-de-lis (royal symbol of France)
- Crown (in heraldry)
- Lion Rampant
- Double-headed Eagle
- Griffin
- Royal Standard
Heraldic Colors
- Purple (royalty)
- Gold / Or (kingship, wealth)
- Ermine (royal fur)
- Azure (blue — nobility)
- Gules (red — warrior kingship)
Symbolic Creatures & Emblems
- Lion (king of beasts)
- Eagle (imperial symbol)
- Dragon (sovereignty in Eastern tradition)
- Unicorn (purity and power)
- Phoenix (renewal of kingship)
- Pelican (self-sacrifice of the king)
- Griffin (guardian of treasure and royalty)
- Wyvern (valor, protection of the realm)
- Salamander (endurance through fire; symbol of François I)
- Stag / Hart (nobility, sovereignty of the forest)
- Sphinx (royal wisdom and mystery)
- Serpent / Ouroboros (eternal sovereignty, cyclic kingship)
- Bee (industry, Napoleon's symbol)
- Swan (grace, loyalty; linked to Lohengrin the Swan Knight)
- Horse / Pegasus (royal mount, divine kingship)
- Hawk / Falcon (royal hunting, keen sight of the ruler)
- Sun (solar kingship)
- Star (divine guidance)
- Oak (strength, longevity of reign)
- Laurel (victory, honor)
CEREMONIES & RITUALS
Ceremonial Acts
- Coronation / Crowning
- Enthronement
- Investiture
- Anointment / Anointing
- Consecration
- Acclamation
- Homage
- Fealty
- Oath of Allegiance
Ceremonial Events
- Coronation Banquet
- Jubilee
- Triumph
- Procession
- Royal Wedding
CONCEPTS & ABSTRACT TERMS
Authority & Power
- Sovereignty
- Dominion
- Realm
- Kingdom
- Empire
- Majesty
- Authority
- Power
- Prerogative
- Primacy
- Supremacy
- Ascendancy
- Hegemony
- Imperium (Latin: supreme power)
- Regnum (Latin: kingdom, kingship)
Rule & Governance
- Reign
- Rule
- Governance
- Rulership
- Lordship
- Monarchy
- Autocracy
- Dynasty
- Succession
- Patrimony
- Inheritance
- Birthright
- Divine Right
- Mandate of Heaven
Territory & Domain
- Kingdom
- Realm
- Domain
- Dominion
- Empire
- Principality
- Duchy
- Crown Lands
- Royal Demesne
- Territory
- Protectorate
Status & Rank
- Royalty
- Nobility
- Aristocracy
- Peerage
- Knighthood
- Blue Blood
- Royal Blood
- Sangreal (royal blood / holy blood)
- Highborn
- Wellborn
- Gentle (as in "of gentle birth")
ADJECTIVES & DESCRIPTORS
Qualities of Kingship
- Royal
- Regal
- Majestic
- Imperial
- Sovereign
- Noble
- Kingly
- Queenly
- Princely
- Monarchical
- August
- Exalted
- Supreme
- Magnificent
- Glorious
- Resplendent
- Stately
- Grand
- Sacral
- Aristocratic
- Knightly
- Crowned
- Enthroned
- Anointed
- Consecrated
- Highborn
Character Virtues of a King
- Just
- Wise
- Noble
- Magnanimous
- Merciful
- Righteous
- Valiant
- Dignified
- Honorable
- Virtuous
- Benevolent
- Gracious
VERBS OF KINGSHIP
- Reign
- Rule
- Govern
- Command
- Decree
- Ordain
- Proclaim
- Enthrone
- Crown
- Anoint
- Consecrate
- Invest
- Bestow
- Grant
- Confer
- Establish
- Restore
- Reclaim
- Ascend (to the throne)
- Inherit
- Succeed
PHRASES & COMPOUNDS
Royal Compounds
- Crown Prince / Crown Princess
- Royal Court
- Royal House
- Royal Line
- Royal Blood — Sangreal
- Royal Prerogative
- Royal Charter
- Royal Decree
- Royal Mandate
- Royal Edict
- Royal Seal
- Crown Jewels
- Crown Lands
- Throne Room
- King's Justice
- King's Peace
- King's Law
- Royal Way
- King's Highway
- Royal Road
Ceremonial Phrases
- Long Live the King
- By Royal Appointment
- By the Grace of God
- Defender of the Faith
- Lord of All
- King of Kings
- Rex Dei Gratia (King by the Grace of God)
- Dei Gratia Rex (By the Grace of God, King)
Latin Phrases
- Ars Regia — Royal Art
- Opus Regis — Work of the King
- Via Regia — Royal Way
- Rex Gloriae — King of Glory
- Rex Regum — King of Kings
- Corona Aurea — Golden Crown
- Sceptrum et Corona — Scepter and Crown
- Regnum Dei — Kingdom of God
- Ad Regnum — To the Kingdom
- Pro Rege — For the King
- Sub Corona — Under the Crown
- Regia Potestas — Royal Power
- Majestas — Majesty
- Imperium — Supreme Power / Empire
- Dominium — Dominion
- Gloria Regis — Glory of the King
- Lux Regni — Light of the Kingdom
MYTHIC & ARCHETYPAL TERMS
Legendary Kings
- Arthur (Once and Future King)
- Solomon (Wise King)
- David (Shepherd King)
- Melchizedek (Priest-King)
- Fisher King (Wounded King)
- Sun King (Louis XIV's title)
- Philosopher King (Plato's ideal)
Sacred Kingship Concepts
- Sacred King
- Divine King
- Priest-King
- Sun King
- Rex Sacerdos (Priest-King)
- Christos Basileus (Christ the King)
- Melech HaMelachim (King of Kings — Hebrew)
- King of Glory
- Lord of Hosts
Messianic & Prophetic
- Messiah (Anointed One)
- Christ (Christos = Anointed)
- Mashiach (Hebrew: Anointed)
- Son of David
- Lion of Judah
- Branch (prophetic term for kingly line)
- Root of Jesse
- Seed of Abraham
Divine & Spiritual Transformations
- Apotheosis
- Glorification
- Transfiguration
- Deification
- Beatification
- Sanctification
BIBLICAL & RELIGIOUS TERMS
From Scripture
- Kingdom of God / Kingdom of Heaven
- Throne of David
- Son of God
- Heir of All Things
- King of Kings and Lord of Lords
- Alpha and Omega
- Prince of Peace
- Wonderful Counselor
- Everlasting Father
- Mighty God
- Branch of Righteousness
- Dayspring
- Morning Star
- Sun of Righteousness
- Lion of the Tribe of Judah
- Root and Offspring of David
- Bright and Morning Star
- Emmanuel (God with us)
- Adonai (Lord)
Kabbalistic & Hebrew
- Kether (Crown — highest Sephirah)
- Malchut (Kingdom — lowest Sephirah)
- Atarah (Crown)
- Melech (King)
- Melekh HaOlam (King of the Universe)
- HaMelech (The King)
ALCHEMICAL & HERMETIC ASSOCIATIONS
Royal Metals & Symbols
- Gold ☉ (metal of kings, sun)
- Purple (royal dye, Tyrian purple)
- Philosopher's Stone (ultimate kingship over matter)
- Red King (alchemical figure)
- White Queen (alchemical consort)
- Royal Marriage / Conjunctio (union of king and queen)
- Sol (Sun as king)
- Luna (Moon as queen)
- Crowned Hermaphrodite (alchemical perfection)
- Rex et Regina (King and Queen in alchemical emblems)
Alchemical Kingship Terms
- Rex (King in alchemical texts)
- Crowned Child (philosophical child)
- Solar King
- King in Red (Rubedo stage)
- Royal Bath (alchemical purification)
- Crown of Glory (alchemical completion)
ASTROLOGICAL ASSOCIATIONS
Planetary Kingship
- ☉ Sun (primary symbol of kingship, the king among planets)
- ♃ Jupiter (ruling planet, throne, expansion of dominion)
- ♄ Saturn (authority, structure, the weight of the crown)
- ♂ Mars (warrior-king, martial sovereignty)
Zodiacal Kingship
- ♌︎ Leo (zodiac sign of the lion / king — solar rulership)
- ♐︎ Sagittarius (the philosopher-king, noble quest)
- ♑︎ Capricorn (earthly authority, the throne of Saturn)
- ♈︎ Aries (the conquering king, cardinal fire)
Royal Fixed Stars
- Regulus ("Little King" — heart of Leo, the most royal star)
- Aldebaran (Watcher of the East — royal honor, integrity)
- Antares (Watcher of the West — royal power, intensity)
- Fomalhaut (Watcher of the South — royal idealism)
- Spica (abundance, harvest of the kingdom)
- Sirius (the blazing star, divine kingship in Egypt)
Astrological Dignities & Concepts
- Exaltation (a planet in its place of highest honor)
- Domicile (a planet ruling its own sign — king in their own house)
- Midheaven (the zenith — peak of worldly authority)
- Fixed Stars (the "royal stars" as markers of destiny)
- Solar Return (the annual renewal of the king's chart)
NAMES & NOMENCLATURE FOR THE ROYAL ART
Path & Way Names
- The Royal Way
- The Sovereign Path
- The Kingly Art
- The Ascent of the Throne
- The King's Highway
Teaching & Doctrine Names
- Royal Doctrine
- Crown of Wisdom
- Kingly Philosophy
- Knowledge of the Throne
Structure & System Names
- The Royal Order
- The Crown System
- The Kingly Framework
- The Sovereign Structure
- The Throne Hierarchy
- The Regal Architecture
- The Majestic Design
Practice & Work Names
- The Royal Work (Opus Regalis)
- The Sovereign Practice
- The Crown Discipline
- The Kingly Labor
- The Throne Craft
- The Regal Operation
- The Majestic Art
Latin
- Rex — king;
- Regina — queen
- Regis — of the king; genitive case
- Regalis — royal, kingly; root of "regal"
- Regnum — kingdom, reign, royal power
- Corona — crown; also a circle of light, a halo
- Coronatus — crowned one
- Thronus — throne
- Sceptrum — scepter
- Imperium — supreme power, empire, command
- Majestas — majesty, sovereign dignity
- Insignia — royal marks, emblems
- Porphyra — the purple; wearing the purple = kingship
- Diadema — the royal diadem, headband of the king
- Palatium — the palace; root of "palatial"
- Aula — the royal hall, court
- Curia — the court, council chamber
French
- Roi — king
- Royal — royal (works in English too, obviously)
- Couronne — crown
- Fleur-de-lis — the royal flower
- Le Sceau — the seal
- Maison — house; Maison Royale
Hebrew
- Melekh (מלך) — king; Melekh HaMelakhim = King of Kings
- Keter (כתר) — crown; the highest Sephirah; the first and most primordial emanation on the Tree of Life; the unknowable point before manifestation
- Malkhut (מלכות) — kingdom; the tenth and final Sephirah; where the divine descends into manifestation; the Kingdom on earth
- Kesser — alternate transliteration of Keter
- Tzaddik — the righteous king, the just one
- Melek — variant spelling
- David — beloved; the archetypal king of Israel, the poet-king, author of Psalms, ancestor of Christ
- Kavod (כבוד) — glory, the weighty presence of the King
Greek
- Basileus — king; the supreme Greek royal title; Basileus Basileon = King of Kings; Christ is Basileus in Revelation
- Basileia — kingdom, royal power; the Kingdom of Heaven = Basileia ton Ouranon
- Stephanos — crown, wreath of victory; the martyr's crown in early Christianity
- Diadema — the royal diadem (distinct from stephanos; the diadem is the sovereign's crown, the stephanos is the victor's)
- Kyrios — Lord, the royal title given to Christ throughout the epistles
- Pantokrator — ruler of all; the Byzantine title for Christ as cosmic king
Old English / Anglo-Saxon
- Cyning — king; root of modern "king"
- Aetheling — prince of royal blood, throne-worthy
- Weald — rule, power; Wealdan = to wield (power)
Welsh / Arthurian
- Pendragon — chief dragon, high king; Uther Pendragon, Arthur's father; pen = head/chief
- Ard Righ — high king (Irish/Celtic)
- Righ — king (Irish/Scottish Gaelic)
- Brenin — king in Welsh
The Christic Royal Dimension
Rex Regum et Dominus Dominantium King of Kings and Lord of Lords — Revelation 19:16, written on the thigh of the rider on the white horse. The most exalted royal title in the Western tradition, applied to the returning Christ.
INRI Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum — Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. The inscription placed above the Cross. The royal title at the moment of supreme sacrifice — the King enthroned on the Cross. In Rosicrucian and alchemical tradition, INRI is read as Igne Natura Renovatur Integra — "by fire all nature is renewed entire."
The Davidic Lineage Christ as Son of David — the fulfillment of the royal line. Every messianic expectation in Judaism is simultaneously a royal expectation: the Messiah is the anointed king. Mashiach (משיח) / Christos (χριστός) both mean the anointed one — the king consecrated with oil.
The Throne of David Isaiah 9:7 — "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David."
Melchizedek Melchi-zedek = King of Righteousness in Hebrew. The mysterious priest-king of Salem (Jerusalem) who appears to Abraham, blesses him, receives tithes, and disappears. No genealogy, no beginning, no end — the eternal priest-king. In the Epistle to the Hebrews, Christ is declared a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" — not of Levi (the hereditary priesthood) but of this primordial, eternal royal-priestly order. Melchizedek is the figure in whom kingship and priesthood are one.
The Anointing / Chrismation The act that makes a king: the pouring of oil (chrisma) on the head. Samuel anoints David. The Magi bring myrrh. Mary anoints Christ's feet. The anointing is the transmission of royal authority from the divine to the human.
The Keter-Malkhut Axis
In Kabbalah, the Tree of Life begins at Keter (Crown) and ends at Malkhut (Kingdom). The entire opus of creation is the descent of the Crown into the Kingdom, and the ascent of the Kingdom back to the Crown.
- The Son/Prince falls from the Kingdom (Malkhut) and is exiled in time, space, and matter….
- He quests upward toward the Crown (Keter), through the matrix of time/space and experience
- His return is the restoration of the Kingdom