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Volumes 1 & 2 of the Day Star: Reading Sacred Architecture

The Day Star: Reading Sacred Architecture, by Val Brinkerhoff

The Day Star is a very unique two book series centered on reading the lost language of visual symbolism as found on some of the world's most significant sacred architecture, and more specifically that of LDS temples. Book 1 introduces readers to the visual alphabet of this ancient language. This includes Number & Shape, Space & Time, Light & Color, as well as the general symbolic archetypes and forms of significant LDS temples and other great religious structures around the world. The rise, fall and resurrection of this language in LDS culture is also covered in Book 1, along with chapters the basic nature of visual symbolism, the covenant nature of the common pillar, and the multi-layered symbolism of the sun, moon, and stars addressed from an eternal family context, as part of the New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage.

The important iconography of the Nauvoo Temple receives special coverage in both books, as its grand form and extensive visual symbolism was created under the prophetic direction of Joseph Smith, The Prophet of the Restoration. It features more and clearer external visual symbolism than any other Latter-day Saint temple, including 432 celestial motifs, of which 372 are stars - in 5 varieties. Its outer form, symbols and archetypes not only provide great beauty, but serve as instruction for those with eyes to see. These external motifs mirror the mysteries of godliness presented inside it; the first LDS temple to do so. The best sacred architecture the world over reflects this unified, holistic pattern.

Once the basic characters and archetypes of this important language are introduced to readers in volume 1, Book 2 then asissts readers in unlocking the deeper doctrines lying behind the Nauvoo Temple iconography and that of other LDS temples. This is the whole purpose of the books; to assist readers in learning more about the doctrines lying behind each of the temple's forms, archetypes and symbols. With an increasing understanding of this mostly lost visual language, the rich symbolism of ancient scripture and modern temples come alive. Such knowledge is transformational.

Background

Val Brinkerhoff (Assoc. Prof., Visual Arts Dept., Brigham Young Univ.) researched the best of sacred architecture in some 40 countries worldwide over an intense 5 year period for the book series. Some 40 Latter-day Saint temples were also researched, a process that is continuing. In addition, former LDS temple architects were interviewed for the books. These insights and those gleaned from first hand observation on site, combined with the best research materials and books, provide a wealth of information for those seeking more in their scripture study and temple worship. No other publication features a similar mix of quality visuals and in-depth research. Both volumes are extensively footnoted.

Three traditional LDS publishers reviewed the manuscript and desired to publish this research, but also desired to modify content, etc. In an effort to retain control of the content the author chose to have the book printed at a digital press, thus resulting in slightly higher pricing.

For more information contact the author at : val_brinkerhoff@byu.edu / 801-422-3546

Look Inside

To look inside each of the chapters below click on the blue link at left.

T  a  b  l  e      o  f      C  o  n  t  e  n  t  s - Book 1

200 pages, hardcover, hundreds of photographs and extensive footnoting

Chapter 1     Overview & Organization

Chapter 2     Introduction to Visual Symbolism

Learning through Visuals, Recognizing Patterns in Architecture & Scripture, The Purpose & Power of Visual Symbolism, The Character of Symbolism, The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Visual Symbolism on LDS Temples

Chapter 3     Reading Sacred Architecture:  The Visual Vocabulary

Reading Sacred Architecture through Number & Shape, Space & Time, Light & Color and Archetypes, Confirmation of Meaning, and The Nauvoo Temple as a Primary Point of Departure

Chapter 4     The Pillars of Heaven:  Priesthood Covenants

Origin & Symbolism of the Pillar, Pillars as Markers of Sacred Space, as Witnesses & Guardians, as Memorials, as Representations of the Strength of Priesthood Covenants, and as Symbols of Jesus Christ

Chapter 5     The Order of the Priesthood:  Progression

Light & Glory, The Symbolism of the Nauvoo Temple Moonstones & Sunstones, Progression & The Order of the Priesthood, Three Grand Orders of Priesthood, and The New & Everlasting Covenant of Marriage

Appendix: Freemasonry & LDS Symbols

T  a  b  l  e      o  f      C  o  n  t  e  n  t  s - Book 2

320 pages, hardcover, hundreds of photographs and extensive footnoting

Foreward

Chapter 6     Sacred Space:  Ascension to God,

Progression Through Sacred Architecture, The 8 Space-Time Divisions of Sacred Space, Centrality in Space, Horizontal Orientation, Linear Movement, and Vertical Ascension

Chapter 7     Sacred Time:  Transition to Eternity

7 Sacred Time Associations on LDS Temples, Advancing Through Space & Time, Circular & Spiraling Movement, The Prophetic Nature of the Ancient Hebrew Holy Days & Marking Sacred Time via Moon Phases

Chapter 8     Stars in the Heavens:  Salvation & Exaltation

The 5 Types of Nauvoo Temple Stars, Discovering Meaning in Stars, 3 Christ-Centered Stars at Nauvoo, Venus Associations with Jesus Christ, and 8 – the Octagon & Jesus Christ

Chapter 9    Light & Color:Christ as The Light & Life of the World

The Starstones – Christ as the Light of the World, The Day Star Windows - Christ as the Life of the World, and General Light & Color Symbolism

Chapter 10   The Day Star: Eternal Life

The Day Star Motif of the Nauvoo Temple - Symbol of:  Gathering the Elect, Baptism, The Temple, The Atonement, Mighty Prayer, Divine Government and the New Jerusalem Temple, Perfection,

The Church of the Firstborn, The Day Star Arising, and Receiving Eternal Life