This is a reproduction of a talisman design found in the "Key of Solomon", a grimoire of ceremonial magic attributed to King Solomon. Containing influences of Hermetic alchemy, Roman Astrology and Kabbalah, Solomon's magic is a cornerstone of the Western Esoteric occult tradition. The grimoire explains: "It serveth for protection against all earthly dangers, by regarding it each day devoutedly and repeating the versicle which surroundeth it. "Thus shalt thou never perish." Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, a ceremonial magician and editor of the most common edition of the book, further describes: "The four Names in the Arms of the Cross are:- Seraph, Kerub, Ariel, and Tharsis; the four rulers of the Elements. The versicle is from Psalm xxii 16, 17:– "They pierced my hands and my feet, I may tell all my bones."