A closeup reveals one of the markings to be a Star of David, as it is
now called.
The markings on the house of Nostradamus include what would today be
called a "Star of David." Because of its geometric symmetry,
the hexagram has been a popular symbol in many cultures from earliest
times. Anthropologists claim that the triangle pointing downward represents
female sexuality, and the triangle pointing upward, male sexuality;
thus, their combination symbolizes unity and harmony. In alchemy, the
two triangles symbolize *"fire" and *"water"; together, they represent
the reconciliation of opposites. Some medieval alchemists even borrowed
the talmudic pun - ish mayim, fiery water, and shamayim
, heaven - to demonstrate the interpenetration of the two realms. Because
if this symbolism, the hexagram was even used occasionally as the emblem
displayed above a brandy shop.
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