Between the minaret and the cross symbol. Madina Fedosova

a rethinking of familiar concepts of faith and the universe. But in the book, they were given a different, deeper meaning.

      The Star of David, for example, was considered not just as a generally accepted Jewish symbol, but as a graphic representation of the deepest cosmogonic principle. Two equilateral triangles, one pointing apex upwards, and the other – downwards, symbolized the interaction of male and female principles, active and passive, heavenly and earthly. The upper triangle, representing the masculine principle, symbolized the striving for the spiritual, for ascension, for the knowledge of higher truths. The lower triangle, representing the feminine principle, symbolized the material world, acceptance, fertility, and connection with the earth. The connection of these two triangles into a single figure, the Star of David, symbolized harmony and balance, the achievement of perfection through the unification of opposites. It was not just a decoration, but a living mantra, a formula of the universe, enclosed in graphic form.»

      The crescent moon, traditionally revered as a symbol of Islam, appeared in the book not simply as an indication of the lunar calendar or a connection with the moon goddess of ancient Arab beliefs. It was interpreted as a symbol of knowledge, as a bowl ready to receive the wisdom of the Universe. The curved shape of the crescent moon symbolized receptivity, openness to new knowledge and experience. It was presented as a vessel filled with the light of spiritual truth, as a reflection of divine wisdom in the human consciousness. The crescent moon was not just a sign of faith, but an invitation to constant searching, to tireless self-improvement, and to the pursuit of knowledge of the mysteries of the universe. It was a symbol of the disciple, ready to listen and absorb knowledge, as the earth absorbs life-giving moisture.

      The crescent moon, traditionally revered as a symbol of Islam, appeared in the book not simply as an indication of the lunar calendar or a connection with the moon goddess of ancient Arab beliefs. It was interpreted as a symbol of knowledge, as a bowl ready to receive the wisdom of the Universe. The curved shape of the crescent moon symbolized receptivity, openness to new knowledge and experience. It was presented as a vessel filled with the light of spiritual truth, as a reflection of divine wisdom in the human consciousness. The crescent moon was not just a sign of faith, but an invitation to constant searching, to tireless self-improvement, and to the pursuit of knowledge of the mysteries of the universe. It was a symbol of the disciple, ready to listen and absorb knowledge, as the earth absorbs life-giving moisture.

      And finally, concerning the symbol seen beneath the Temple Mount, the book stated: «This is the Key to Unity, a seal that binds all Abrahamic lineages. For Abraham, our forefather, was one, and the God whom he served is one. Various are the paths leading to Him, but the goal is one. And this symbol, like a bridge, connects the shores of different faiths, reminding us of brotherhood and a common heritage. He who sees its true meaning will find peace in his soul and understand that there is no enmity between the children of Abraham, but only misunderstanding, which can be overcome with love and wisdom.»

      Special attention in the book was paid to the symbol engraved in the depths of the dungeons of the Temple Mount. It was described as the «Key to Unity,» as a graphic expression of the very essence of the Divine plan, as a symbol uniting all Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It pointed to their common roots, to the fact that they all originate from one source – the faith of Abraham, and that, despite differences in rituals and dogmas, they all ultimately lead to the same God, to the single source of the universe.

      The book claimed that this symbol was deliberately hidden from human eyes, carefully guarded by secret societies, and kept in the depths of centuries. Its concealment was explained by the fact that its discovery could undermine the foundations of religious authority, destroy carefully constructed hierarchies, and lead to a rethinking of all of human history. If people realized that all religions, in essence, spoke of the same thing, that their differences were only a matter of interpretation and cultural context, then the need for wars and conflicts on religious grounds would disappear. But this was precisely the danger for those who ruled the world, manipulating the religious feelings of people. Disunity is easier to control, and unity carries within it the power to change the world.

      Reading these lines, Alexander felt a wave of delight and fear sweeping over him, like a seafarer feels awe before the unknown, discovering new lands that promise riches and dangers. He felt that he was approaching a solution, that he stood on the threshold of a discovery capable of changing the world, just as a spark is capable of igniting dry gunpowder. But he also understood that this discovery could be dangerous, that it could provoke the anger of those who are interested in preserving the existing order, just as the light of day is hateful to those who are used to living in darkness.

      But he also understood that the closer he got to the truth, the more dangers lay in wait for him. In this world, where the interests of religions and political forces collide, the truth can cost life, like a sip of water in the desert, for which they are ready to kill. Alexander leafed through the pages, plunging into the world of ancient symbols, like a diver into the depths of the ocean, in search of treasures hidden on the bottom.

      He saw images of crosses, crescents, stars, the sun, snakes, the tree of life. All these symbols were found in different cultures and religions, but they had something in common.

      The book stated: «The cross is not only a symbol of the crucifixion, but also a symbol of the union of Heaven and Earth, the spiritual and the material, the masculine and the feminine. It is the axis of the world around which the entire Universe revolves, the point of intersection of all paths leading to God.»

      And further: «The crescent is not only a sign of the moon, but also a symbol of transformation, transfiguration, rebirth. It is the cradle of new life, a chalice filled with divine nectar, a reflection of the light of truth in the mirror of the soul.»

      About the star, the book said: «The star is not only a celestial luminary, but also a symbol of hope, a guiding thread leading the wanderer to his goal. It is a spark of divine fire in the heart of man, a reminder of his heavenly origin.»

      And about the sun: «The sun is not only a source of light and heat, but also a symbol of divine reason, enlightenment, knowledge. It is the eye of God, seeing all, giving life and prosperity to all living things.»

      And finally, about the snake and the tree of life: «The snake, entwining the tree of life, is a symbol of wisdom, knowledge of good and evil, temptation and transformation. The tree, however, is a symbol of immortality, eternal life, the connection of generations, growth and development.»

      And in conclusion: «For symbols are the language of the gods, keys to understanding the universe. He who learns to read them will find wisdom and know the truth.»

      David and Amir silently watched him with a strange expression in their eyes. Alexander felt that they knew more than they were saying.

      «What do these symbols mean?» Alexander asked, looking up from reading, as if awakened from a deep sleep. His eyes glittered feverishly, reflecting the dim light of the lamp and the gleam of the ancient secrets opening to him. He looked around the room, as if seeking confirmation of his conjectures.