The Eye of Providence is a symbol—used in various religions —that depicts an eye, often enclosed by a triangle and surrounded by rays of light, or glory, meant to represent the concept of divine providence, whereby the eye of God watches over humanity. In the modern era, a well-recognized depiction of the eye is that on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States, which appears on the U.S. one-dollar bill.
Use by governments and confederations
United States
In 1782, the Eye of Providence was adopted as part of the symbolism featured on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States. It was first proposed as an element of the Great Seal by the first of three design committees in 1776, and is thought to be the suggestion of the artistic consultant, Pierre Eugene du Simitiere. In his original proposal to the committee, Du Simitiere placed the Eye over shields so as to symbolize each of the original thirteen states of the Union. On the version of the seal that would eventually be approved, the Eye is positioned above an unfinished pyramid of thirteen steps. Such symbolism is explained through the motto that appears above the Eye, annuit cœptis, meaning "He approves undertakings". Perhaps due to its use in the design of the Great Seal, the Eye has made its way into other American seals and logos, such as, for example:
Today, the Eye of Providence is often associated with Freemasonry, first appearing as part of the standard Freemason iconography in 1797 with the publication of Thomas Smith Webb's Freemasons Monitor. In this use, the Eye, representing the all-seeingeye of God, serves as a reminder that humanity's thoughts and deeds are always observed by God—who is referred to in Masonry as the Great Architect of the Universe. Typically, the Masonic Eye of Providence has a semicircular glory below it, and is sometimes enclosed by a triangle. Popular among conspiracy theorists is the claim that the Eye of Providence shown atop an unfinished pyramid on the Great Seal of the United States indicates the influence of Freemasonry in the founding of the United States. However, common Masonic use of the Eye dates to 14 years after the creation of the Great Seal. Furthermore, the only Mason among the members of the various design committees for the Great Seal was Benjamin Franklin, whose ideas for the seal were not adopted. Likewise, various Masonic organizations have explicitly denied any connection to the creation of the Seal.
The association of an eye with the concept of Divine Providence is found in Christianity. In Renaissance European iconography, the Eye, surrounded by a triangle, was an explicit image of the Christian Trinity. Seventeenth-century depictions of the Eye sometimes show it surrounded by clouds or sunbursts. The Eye of God in a triangle is still used in church architecture and Christian art to symbolize the Trinity and God's omnipresence and divine providence. The Eye of Providence is notably featured on the following Christian buildings, among others:
The Eye of Providence is a symbol found in Hinduism, particularly throughout the path of Sanātanī dharma, and is the component part of drawing many yantras, which are invoked for various purposes. For example, in the ancient yoga, the symbol is drawn with specific Vedicmantras in order to purify the seat of the yogi. In Buddhism, the Eye belongs to Abhijñā, one of the higher powers, and can be achieved during samadhi, or intensive meditative concentration. What is known in Pali as Dibba-cakkhu, meaning Divine Eye or Divine Vision, allows one to see into the working law of karma. One can 'see' knowing others' karmic destinations; death and subsequent rebirth. In Đạo Cao Đài, the Eye of Providence, known as "The Divine Eye," convinces believers that God witnesses everything, everywhere, continuously.
Miscellaneous uses
Commonly in the context of a reference to the Illuminati, numerous video games, TV shows, films, books, and websites contain depictions of the Eye.
University and college insignia
Several universities and college fraternities use the Eye of Providence in their coats of arms, seals, or badges, notably:
