Throughout history, iconic symbols such as the spiral (movement of consciousness above and below) and the Eye linked to the black hole in Simulation Theory (our Masonic program) recur in most civilizations. The center of the eye, the pupil, signifies that humans are students - part of a biogenetic experiment to study emotions in a university or universe.

The Eye of Providence (or the all-seeing eye of God) is a symbol showing an eye often surrounded by rays of light or a glory and usually enclosed by a triangle. It is sometimes interpreted as representing the eye of God watching over humankind (or divine providence). In the modern era, the most notable depiction of the eye is on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States, which appears on the one-dollar bill.

In 1782, the Eye of Providence was adopted as part of the symbolism on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States. It was first suggested as an element of the Great Seal by the first of three design committees in 1776 and is thought to be the suggestion of the artistic consultant, Pierre Eugene du Simitiere.

On the seal, the Eye is surrounded by the words “Annuit Coeptis,” meaning “He approves (or has approved) our undertakings,” and “Novus Ordo Seclorum,” meaning “New Order of the Ages.”

The Eye is positioned above an unfinished pyramid with thirteen steps, representing the original thirteen states and the future growth of the country. The lowest level of the pyramid shows the year 1776 in Roman numerals. The combined implication is that the Eye, or God, favors the prosperity of the United States.

Perhaps due to its use in the design of the Great Seal, the Eye has made its way into other American seals and logos, notably the Seal of Colorado and DARPA's Information Awareness Office.

In the modern era, the most notable depiction of the eye is on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States, which appears on the one-dollar bill.

The All-Seeing Eye is a symbol of Freemasonry, representing the Great Architect of the Universe.

The Eye first appeared as part of the standard iconography of the Freemasons in 1797, with the publication of Thomas Smith Webb's *Freemasons Monitor*. Here, it represents the all-seeing eye of God and is a reminder that a Mason's thoughts and deeds are always observed by God (who is referred to in Masonry as the Great Architect of the Universe). Typically, the Masonic Eye of Providence has a semi-circular glory below the eye. Sometimes the Eye is enclosed by a triangle.

Popular among conspiracy theorists is the claim that the Eye of Providence shown atop an unfinished pyramid on the Great Seal of the United States indicates the influence of Freemasonry in the founding of the United States. This was dramatized in the 2004 film *National Treasure*.

However, common Masonic use of the Eye dates to 14 years after the creation of the Great Seal, and the Masonic version does not incorporate a pyramid (although the enclosing triangle is often interpreted as one). Furthermore, among the three members of the original design committee for the Great Seal (or any of the ones that followed it), only Benjamin Franklin was a Mason (and his ideas for the seal were not adopted). Indeed, many Masonic organizations have explicitly denied any connection to the creation of the Seal.

Beacon Hill, Hampshire, UK

This neatly executed pyramid was surrounded by three sets of eleven rays which totaled 33, a number associated with Freemasons. 11 is a transitional number - the number of enlightenment, revelation, and visionary insight. Three elevens symbolically state, light of light… a burst of spiritual rays that emanate from pure harmony.

11:11 Phenomenon

Imagery of an all-seeing eye can be traced to Egyptian mythology and the Eye of Horus.

Great Pyramid

Eye symbology also appears in Buddhism, where Buddha is regularly referred to as the “Eye of the World” throughout Buddhist scriptures (e.g., Mahaparinibbana Sutta) and is represented as a trinity in the shape of a triangle known as the Tiratna, or Triple Gem.

The Mexican ojo de venado charm, an ancient shamanic amulet made from a psychedelic legume seed, is given an eye-related name: ojo de venado, meaning Deer Eye.

In Medieval and Renaissance European iconography, the Eye (often with the addition of an enclosing triangle) was an explicit image of the Christian Trinity. Seventeenth-century depictions of the Eye of Providence sometimes show it surrounded by clouds or sunbursts.

In regions where Evil Eye belief occurs, the All-Seeing Eye is one of many forms of reflective eye-charm used as apotropaic talismans against this danger. In its specifically protective role, the All-Seeing Eye appears on at least one North American Good Luck Coin to guard the bearer from evil.

An alchemical woodcut showing the all-seeing eye of God floating in the sky is often thought of as a UFO. This also connects with entities thought to be The Watchers.

An important symbol of the Supreme Being, borrowed by the Freemasons from the nations of antiquity. Both the Hebrews and the Egyptians appear to have derived its use from that natural inclination of figurative minds to select an organ as the symbol of the function which it is intended peculiarly to discharge. Thus, the foot was often adopted as the symbol of swiftness, the arm of strength, and the hand of fidelity.

On the same principle, the open eye was selected as the symbol of watchfulness, and the eye of God as the symbol of Divine watchfulness and care of the universe. The use of the symbol in this sense is repeatedly to be found in the Hebrew writers. Thus, the Psalmist says, Psalm xxxiv, 15 : “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry,” which explains a subsequent passage (Psalm cxxi, 4), in which it is said: “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. ”

In the Apocryphal Book of the Conversation of God with Moses on Mount Sinai, translated by the Rev.WT. Cureton from an Arabic manuscript of the fifteenth century, and published by the Philobibion Society of London, the idea of the eternal watchfulness of God is thus beautifully allegorized:

“Then Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, dost thou sleep or not? The Lord said unto Moses, I never sleep: but take a cup and fill it with water. Then Moses took a cup and filled it with water, as the Lord commanded him. Then the Lord cast into the heart of Moses the breath of slumber; so he slept, and the cup fell from his hand, and the water which was therein was spilled. Then Moses awoke from his sleep.

Then said God to Moses, I declare by my power, and by my glory, that if I were to withdraw my providence from the heavens and the earth, for no longer a space of time than thou hast slept, they would at once fall to ruin and confusion, like as the cup fell from thy hand.”

On the same principle, the Egyptians represented Osiris, their chief deity, by the symbol of an open aye, and placed this hieroglyphic of him in all their Temples. His symbolic name, on the monuments, has represented by the eye accompanying a throne, to which was sometimes added an abbreviated figure of the god, and sometimes what has been called a hatchet, but which may as correctly be supposed to be a representation of a square.

The All-Seeing Eye may then be considered as a symbol of God manifested in his omnipresence—his guardian and preserving character-to which Solomon alludes in the Book of Proverbs (xv, 3), where he says: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding (or, as in the Revised Version, keeping watch upon) the evil and the good.” It is a symbol of the Omnipresent Deity.

On page 52, In Mackey's encyclopedia of freemasonry, Dr. Mackey interpreted the All-Seeing Eye as a symbol of God's omniscience, and in doing so had at the time (about 1870) the support of the Masonic students of his generation. The soundness of that interpretation need not be questioned in the sense that it represents the logical goal toward which any other possible interpretation may be aimed; but it is doubtful if it can be supported by Masonic history. Almost less is known about the symbol (and it is a symbol!) than any other; it did not once come into the purview of the studies on which this Supplement is based, and if any researcher has found anywhere solid data on the origin of the symbol, it must be hidden in a book of more than average obscurity. There are a number of considerations based on other known data which throw some sidelights on the question:

1. During the long formative period of the Ritual from about 1717 to about 1770, Lodges were small, convivial, worked while seated about their dining table; they were serious, reverent, and the great majority of Masons were members of a church, but they were neither theological nor mystical, and they instinctively shrank from anything which bordered too closely upon the province of the Church. It is a sound rule in the interpretation of the symbols on the Tracing Boards used by those Lodges not to begin by assuming a theological meaning, because as a rule they shrank from theology. In Freemasonry before 1717, they shrank from it even more. They were a Brotherhood, a Fraternity, carrying on the traditions of the building craft, and they never had any consciousness of standing in the tradition of religion. Solemnity, seriousness, symbolism, ritualism, these do not betoken theology because they belong to man by nature and are found everywhere. Though the All-Seeing Eye is one of the religious symbols, it does not follow that the early Speculative Masons used it as a religious symbol.

1. The All-Seeing Eye may have denoted the Divine omniscience. Also, it may have symbolized any one or more of some five or six other truths or ideas. It may have denoted the sun originally, as it came up at dawn - it had been thus used by Shakespeare and many other writers. It may have meant the Grand Master or the Worshipful Master, and been a reminder of the fact that wherever a man is and in whatever he may be doing, he continues to be a Mason, and the eye of the Craft is on him. It may have stood for enlightenment, wisdom, intelligence; and it may have been the Tracing Board representation of the Blazing Star in the Tessellated Pavement, in which case it was again the sun, or day-star, which shines on through day and night. (Note: Until modern astronomy made a number of its difficult facts familiar to everybody, the majority of men did not see any necessary connection between daylight and the sun, because the day begins before the sun appears, and remains after it has sunk.) There are many omnisciences in addition to those known to theology and metaphysics—the omniscience of the law, the omniscience of the Government which keeps its eye on every citizen, etc.; if the first Freemasons had a symbol for omniscience, it does not follow that it was therefore the Divine Omniscience that was meant.

1. If their symbol signified the Divine Omniscience, it does not follow that it would have had for them a depressing meaning, as if that Omniscience were for no other purpose than a final Judgment Day. Omniscience needs not search a man out in order to condemn him for sins he has tried to hide; it may search him out to honor him for virtues he has tried to hide. The Sword Pointing at the Naked Heart is another emblem which need not have a depressing meaning; it should have, rather, a cheerful meaning, because when justice searches out every heart it means that men have security, live in civil order, and therefore can be happy. We could use the All-Seeing Eye as a symbol of the Divine Omniscience, and we could use it at the same time as a symbol for what ought to be the Fraternity's own omniscience (the word need not be defined so absolutely as many think it should) in the sense that it never loses sight of a man once that man has become a member, not even if he does not attend Lodge, or is confined at home by illness or accident, or has moved away.

The concept of the All-Seeing Eye—an emblematic symbol representing divine or supernatural watchfulness—has traversed cultures and epochs, embedding itself in diverse religious, philosophical, and artistic traditions. This pervasive symbol often embodies the idea of an omnipresent, omniscient entity observing human actions and the universe. While its manifestations vary, the All-Seeing Eye's core essence often reflects a shared human concern with morality, justice, and the nature of divine oversight.

The earliest known representation of the All-Seeing Eye is rooted in ancient Egypt. Here, the symbol was associated with the Eye of Horus, a deity connected with protection, royal power, and good health. The Eye of Horus, depicted as a stylized eye with markings, was thought to offer protection to the deceased in the afterlife and was believed to ward off evil. This iconography evolved into a powerful emblem of divine oversight and care, illustrating the Egyptians' view of the gods as vigilant guardians of cosmic order.

In Judeo-Christian traditions, the concept of divine omniscience is central, often symbolized by the All-Seeing Eye. The most prominent depiction is found in the Christian iconography of the “Eye of Providence,” frequently represented within a triangle or radiant glory, symbolizing the Holy Trinity or God’s omnipresence. This symbol became particularly prominent in the Renaissance period, reflecting theological and philosophical ideas about divine providence and surveillance. Its appearance on the Great Seal of the United States underscores the perceived divine watchfulness over the nation and its governance, merging religious symbolism with national identity.

In Eastern traditions, the symbolism of the All-Seeing Eye manifests differently but retains a focus on spiritual oversight and enlightenment. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the eye often symbolizes spiritual insight and the perception of ultimate reality. The “Third Eye,” represented as a central eye on the forehead of deities like Shiva, symbolizes the ability to perceive spiritual truths beyond ordinary sight. Similarly, the Eye of Wisdom in Buddhism represents the awareness and insight necessary to achieve enlightenment and overcome ignorance. These symbols convey a profound understanding of inner vision and consciousness, integral to the paths of spiritual awakening in these traditions.

Indigenous cultures across the globe also feature the All-Seeing Eye, often embedded within their rich tapestry of myth and spirituality. For instance, among Native American tribes, particularly the Hopi, the symbol appears in art and ceremonial contexts, embodying the watchfulness of ancestral spirits or deities who guide and protect the community. This symbolism reinforces a connection between the spiritual and the material worlds, emphasizing the presence of guiding forces in everyday life.

In contemporary times, the All-Seeing Eye has transcended its religious and spiritual roots to enter secular and cultural domains. It frequently appears in art, literature, and popular culture, often stripped of its original sacred connotations. In modern contexts, it can symbolize surveillance, control, or societal oversight, reflecting contemporary concerns about privacy and the omnipresence of institutional monitoring. For example, in George Orwell’s dystopian vision, the symbol parallels the concept of Big Brother, illustrating the anxieties of pervasive government surveillance.

The All-Seeing Eye is a rich and multifaceted symbol, embodying themes of divine oversight, spiritual insight, and societal vigilance across various cultures. From its ancient Egyptian roots to its modern secular interpretations, the symbol underscores a universal human concern with the nature of observation, morality, and the unseen forces that shape our existence. Its enduring presence in cultural and spiritual contexts speaks to its deep resonance with human psychology and collective consciousness, reflecting our quest for meaning and the search for transcendent understanding in a complex world.

The All-Seeing Eye, with its deep historical and spiritual roots, has evolved into a prominent symbol in popular culture, often stripped of its traditional religious connotations and repurposed to reflect contemporary themes and concerns. Its appearances in movies, literature, music, and media highlight the symbol’s adaptability and enduring intrigue in modern contexts.

In contemporary media, the All-Seeing Eye frequently appears as a symbol of surveillance, control, or hidden knowledge. Films like *The Da Vinci Code* and *National Treasure* exploit the symbol’s aura of mystery and conspiracy, weaving it into narratives about secret societies, hidden truths, and ancient conspiracies. In these contexts, the All-Seeing Eye often signifies a deeper, often nefarious layer of control or hidden influence, reflecting modern anxieties about transparency and power.

The symbol also finds a place in the realm of music and pop culture, where it serves as a marker of rebellion, enlightenment, or esoteric wisdom. For example, in the music industry, artists like Jay-Z and Kanye West have incorporated the All-Seeing Eye into their imagery and videos, using it to suggest themes of power, vision, and influence. This usage often plays on the symbol’s historical connotations while reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens, blending it with themes of personal empowerment and celebrity.

The All-Seeing Eye has also made its way into consumer culture, where it is frequently used in branding and design. The symbol's association with vigilance and oversight makes it an attractive motif for logos and product designs, particularly those aimed at conveying trustworthiness or cutting-edge technology. Its prominent placement on the U.S. one-dollar bill as part of the Great Seal of the United States has further entrenched it in the American collective consciousness, making it a recognizable and versatile symbol in commercial contexts.

One of the most controversial and widespread modern usages of the All-Seeing Eye is in conspiracy theories. The symbol’s appearance on the Great Seal of the United States has led to numerous interpretations involving secret societies, Illuminati, and global control. These theories often portray the All-Seeing Eye as a symbol of shadowy, elite surveillance and manipulation. Despite the lack of credible evidence for such claims, the symbol’s association with secrecy and hidden agendas continues to captivate and provoke discussions in online forums and popular media.

In literature and art, the All-Seeing Eye serves as a powerful motif for exploring themes of vision, perception, and power. Writers like George Orwell in *1984* use similar symbols to represent omnipresent surveillance and the erosion of personal freedoms. In visual arts, contemporary artists frequently employ the symbol to comment on issues of privacy, surveillance, and the nature of seeing itself. For instance, modern art installations and street art may use the All-Seeing Eye to critique societal norms or explore existential themes, reflecting the symbol’s adaptability to various artistic expressions.

In video games and interactive media, the All-Seeing Eye is often employed to enhance narratives involving mystery, power, or supernatural elements. Games like *Assassin's Creed* and *The Elder Scrolls* series use the symbol to signify hidden knowledge or divine oversight, integrating it into their elaborate lore and world-building. This usage taps into the symbol’s historical associations with vigilance and insight, while also offering a dynamic and immersive experience for players.

The All-Seeing Eye's journey from ancient spiritual symbol to a fixture in popular culture illustrates its remarkable adaptability and enduring significance. In contemporary settings, it functions as a versatile emblem that can convey a range of meanings from surveillance and control to empowerment and enlightenment. Its pervasive presence in entertainment, consumer culture, conspiracy theories, and artistic expressions reflects both its historical depth and its capacity to resonate with modern anxieties and aspirations. As popular culture continues to evolve, the All-Seeing Eye will likely persist as a powerful and multifaceted symbol, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life and the human condition.