The Front Cover

The front cover is a forest of symbolism. The floor can be interpreted as a chess board or else as the floor of a Masonic lodge. The latter is strengthened by the presence of two pillars of Masonic aetiology. These pillars carry the name of Boaz and Joachim. The floor reaches end to end with the Catholic Cathedral which in this case represents St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, localizing the scene as occurring in Malta. The end-to-end aspect of Masonic floor and Catholic Cathedral naturally reflects the clash of philosophy and ideology between freemasonry and Catholic Faith.

Looking on the chequed floor as a chess board we have figures on the right which are illuminated with the sun (again itself pertinent to Masonic symbology) whereas the figures on the left are partly enshrowed in darkness and thick mist.

The figures of the right comprise a figure with two riders on one horse, representing the Templars. The two on one signifies poverty and not homosexuality. The good shepherd or Jesus is also on their side. The author – George Gregory Buttigieg – is of the opinion that the Templars were wrongfully and deceitfully charged with collective heresy and blasphemy. Buttigieg’s Templars as professor Malcolm Barber has referred to them, may have sinned, like ordinary human beings, but not sinned collectively and purposefully as the French King accused them in the 14th century. Hence here, on the chessboard of life, Jesus favours them.

The figures on the left comprise the French King – Philippe le Bel – as well as the Pope Clement V who, out of design or weakness or both, aided him in the destruction of the Templars. The figure of the devil is borrowed from the Chapel at  Rennes-le-Chateau in France.  The devil called Asmodeus here supports the font of holy water as he is truly represented in the French Chapel. Why this particular devil? The author prefers the reader to let his imagination roam freely..…