The Religious Ceremonies and Customs of All the Peoples of the World

A circular bookplate or emblem. The central image depicts a white pelican in its piety, feeding three chicks in a nest with blood from its own breast. Below the pelican is a coat of arms consisting of a blue saltire, which is an X-shaped cross, on a white background with four red roses in the corners. Above the pelican is a golden sunburst or divine radiance. The Latin text "PHILOSOPHIA HERMETICA" is inscribed in a circular border around the central icon.

Philosophia Hermetica Hermetic Philosophy: A philosophical and religious tradition based on ancient writings that influenced alchemy and western esotericism.
Pelican in its piety A traditional heraldic symbol representing self-sacrifice. It was often used in religious contexts to symbolize Christ or in alchemy to represent the stage of "multiplication" or nourishment.