To which secret society does this belong?

September 4, 2014 11:53 AM

I want to buy this weird fire screen because it looks awesome, but I want to make sure it's not for some (unnecessarily) sketchy secret society/order. This is in Sweden.
posted by beerbajay to Society & Culture (7 answers total)

That looks awesome! Googling came up with a 'thaumaturgic triangle' for at least the triangle within a circle--I'll let you decide whether to follow the links. Weird as hell. But nothing as specific as the two encircled triangles shooting lightning bolts. Who cares what it is--just get it and douse it with some holy water.
posted by resurrexit at 12:01 PM on September 4, 2014

I strongly suspect it is a reference to the Illuminati -- triangles and radiating rays/bolts are very common in Illuminati imagery.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:27 PM on September 4, 2014 [6 favorites]

It could also, you know, be decorative. Google "sun fireplace screen" and you will see that the sun is a common decorative element in such things (hint: fire). If you look closely, the center of the triangle appears to have a little bit of blue glass in it, which might light up in front of a burning fire.

I guess if you squint at it, it could look like that funky symbol on top of Aleister Crowley's hat, but I would rather attribute this to the work of an artist instead of conspiracy theorists overactive imaginations.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 12:50 PM on September 4, 2014

The pyramid in the circle is used by all kinds of religious and magic organizations and political and corporate organizations.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sun_(occult_symbol)
Looks like a hybrid of a Black Sun and other assorted occult type symbols.
posted by KogeLiz at 1:36 PM on September 4, 2014 [1 favorite]

Triangle is an old symbol for the element of fire. And yes, it's been used in alchemy recipes.
posted by Rabarberofficer at 1:50 PM on September 4, 2014

It's totally great. Buy it! Don't think it means warlocks will start knocking on your door suddenly. Or Masons, for that matter. Great discovery!
posted by Bella Donna at 4:20 PM on September 4, 2014

Forgot to add that I lived in Sweden for a total of 9 years and it would have to be a super secret society because I never heard or saw anything like it while I was there. Much to my sorrow, now that I've seen it.
posted by Bella Donna at 4:21 PM on September 4, 2014