Explanation of the Title Figure regarding the

Epistles.

On the title page of the Epistles originally Send-Briefe, referring to Boehme's "Theosophical Letters" written to his followers, there is a dove with an olive branch on the right; on the left is the city of Alexandria or Leiden, with the dove that carries a letter tied beneath it, as is known from history This refers to the historical use of carrier pigeons to relay messages during the Siege of Leiden in 1574, as well as their ancient use in Alexandria.

Thus there are two doves; in the middle, above and between both, is the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove with twenty-four Pentecostal flames or "fiery tongues" of the spirits of the letters a reference to the 24 letters of the Latin alphabet acting as divine vessels, and the Gospel of Peace.

Thus, there are three doves, indicating the threefold spirit: 1. of God, 2. of Nature, and 3. of Art Art: In Boehme's time, "Art" (German: Kunst) referred to human industry and the "Great Art" of alchemy—the process of refining the soul and understanding the mysteries of creation.