The Latin motto means “From the East, Light.” But the “East” it speaks of is not a point on the compass or a part of the globe, any more than the “Light” it speaks of is a physical phenomenon of electromagnetic radiation. The “Light” of the motto refers to spiritual perception and understanding. Because the Sun rises in the east and from that direction casts its first radiance upon the earth, the east is associated with the origin of light. Symbolically, “East” is the source of the “Light” of spirit. It thus represents the place where we can expect to find spiritual perception and understanding. That place is not any location on the globe but is rather the source of all spiritual knowledge—ultimately, our own inmost reality and Self.