22. Christ is thus, the beginning and the end. The second explanation is that, these two X's are a reminder of the shape of an hourglass. The hourglass was the main system of time keeping during the time of which the Cross was created. Fulcanelli believed that the hourglass meant several things on the cross. First, he believed that it represented how the time of the world was running short. Second, he believed that while the first X symbolizes the beginning of the world, the second X symbolizes the end of the world. For an alchemist, the beginning and the end are both with fire. Fulcanelli believed that the end of the world would come by fire. The third explanation is that these two Xs symbolize the Galactic Alignment, and that the time when they would align is 21 December 2012 OCRUXAVES PESUNICA: When decoded it reads, O Crux Ave Spes Unica, which translates to 'Hail O Cross, the Only Hope'. However, when examining the inscription, Fulcanelli noticed something unique about the inscription, and that was the misplaced 'S'. Although he called attention to the "incorrect grammar", he believed that there was no mistake. But instead that the creator of the Cross wanted the interpretation to be 'Measure of the Twelfth Part'. Fulcanelli believed that this phrase was a clear reference to the cosmic cycles and alignments. He believed that the 'S', which takes on a curving shape of a snake, corresponds to the Greek khi (X) and takes over its esoteric meaning. Making references to the 'Key' or 'Cross' in the sky, which are made by the X of the snake or dragon, Fulcanelli informs us that this explanation is the helicoidal track of the sun. Noting on the misspelled word, 'SPES' translates to 'hope', however in its reverse, 'SEPS' translates to 'snake.' Fulcanelli's deciphering: Base The four symbols found on the base are: Sun, Moon, Great Star, and a Simple circle. The circle is divided by two perpendicular diameters into four sectors in which there are four As displayed. The four As can be used to explain the four phases of the Great Cyclic Period in Medieval times. The four phases were represented either by: the Four Evangelists; by their symbolic letter, which is the Greek letter alpha; or by the four evangelical beasts surrounding Christ. These four quadrants are believed to stand for the four ages of