A bearded face confronts the viewer beneath a declaration of universal obedience. The Key calls it the countenance of Shaddai; Mathers sees Metatron, the Almighty’s representative and Prince of Countenances. [1]
Mathers 1889 · Book I, chapter XVIII; printed p. 65; figure 32, Plate VII; plate PDF page 83
Source reproduction The 1st Pentacle of the Sun: the face, El Shaddai and a Latin declaration of obedience. Mathers 1889, Plate VII, figure 32; notice on p. 65.
The face before which creatures bow
The first solar figure presents authority as a face. The Key calls it the countenance of Shaddai, the Almighty: all creatures obey its appearance, and angelic spirits reverence it on bended knees. The second pentacle’s notice also links the first three solar figures with restraining the pride and arrogance of the Sun’s spirits. [1]
Metatron and the name beside the head
Mathers identifies the head as Methraton, or Metatron, the representative of Shaddai and the Prince of Countenances. His explanation places an angel acting on the Almighty’s behalf behind the notice’s divine countenance. He also associates Metatron with the right-hand, masculine cherub of the Ark, setting Sandalphon on the left as the feminine counterpart. [1]
The drawing shows long hair, a beard and a direct gaze, with curved points rising above the forehead and short rays around the head. The Hebrew name El Shaddai flanks the face, split between its two sides. A small six-pointed star occupies the top of the outer band. [1]
The Latin declaration
The ring is written in Latin. Mathers translates its declaration: “Behold His face and form by Whom all things were made, and Whom all creatures obey.” It carries the claim beyond the summoned spirits to the whole created world. [1]
S. L. MacGregor Mathers, 1889; printed edition, including editorial restoration of Hebrew characters. Book I, chapter XVIII; printed p. 65; figure 32, Plate VII; plate PDF page 83; relevant solar notices, printed pp. 65–66; construction context, chapter VIII pp. 39–41 and chapter XVIII pp. 56–57
