Great Seal > Myth > Pyramid & Eye Myth and Misinformation about the Pyramid & Eye Side Great Seal There is no intended significance to the number of stones in the pyramid (nor the shadow it casts). Those details are determined by artists. Although the pyramid has been traditionally shown with 13 steps, no number is specified in the official 1782 description of the Great Seal. The Great Seal's pyramid is not "truncated." It is specifically described as a "Pyramid unfinished." (Big difference.) Another tip-off that a writer's missing the point of the Great Seal is when its symbolism is framed as "magical, arcane, occult, etc." Sure, there's mystery to history. But that's because the facts are unknown, not because they're unknowable or supernatural. Beware of vague phrases such as: "It has been suggested..." or "There are some who claim..." or "Conspiracy theorists believe..." They are red flags signaling myth and speculation. A classic example is The History Channel's hour-long commercial program "Secrets of the Dollar Bill" where such phrases are used about twenty times. Novus ordo seclorum does not properly translate into "new world order," which is an English phrase that if converted to Latin would not be novus ordo seclorum. Seclorum is a plural form. (New worlds order?) Thomas Jefferson said, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." Today we should appreciate people who alert us to emerging threats to our freedoms from international (as well as national and local) organizations that manifest the negative consequences of what's termed "the new world order." But they should chose a new symbol, and stop demonizing the pyramid & eye. The Great Seal was created by the people who gave us our freedom. It does not represent those currently trying to take it away. The Great Seal does not belong to any special group – past or present, covert or overt. It is an original American symbol created in 1782. Of course, the perception of a symbol's meaning can change. Look what happened to the swastika – an ancient symbol of well-being – after the Nazis started using it. That's why it's crucial for Americans to honor and protect their seal (as they do their flag) and not let it be commandeered by those who distort its meaning by using it as a logo to promote their paranoia. The reverse side of the Great Seal was not designed with a hidden anagram that can be deciphered by drawing a six-pointed star upon the design and seeing where its points touch letters in the mottoes. First of all, the original Great Seal is a written description. Also, it wouldn't work on its first realization or the even the Centennial Medal of 1882. NOTE The official description of the Great Seal does not specify a left or right eye. It is simply referred to as a single eye. The designers of the Great Seal did not call it an "all-seeing eye." They referred to it as the "eye of Providence." And they never called it the "eye of Horus." Only four men actually contributed symbolic elements to the final Great Seal design. And they were not Freemasons. See how the film National Treasure treats the pyramid & eye. Recognize Myth and Misinformation about the Eagle side. Look on the bright side of America. VISIT the Gift Shop. Great Seal Symbols | Mottoes History | Myths Sightings ©2008 GreatSeal.com