The two different phrases, Et in Arcadia Ego, and I Tego Arcana Dei could hold a powerful understanding into man’s quest for wisdom. Both were part of the Maranatha puzzle series. Et in Arcadia Ego was the subtitle of the first Maranatha puzzle book; while I Tego Arcana Dei was the planned subtitle for the second. Since only the first puzzle title was published and the project was cancelled before it was completed, the reasons for why the names of the series were chosen are left to question.
The phrase Et in Arcadia Ego is part of a wider and much older mystery than just the Maranatha puzzle, though. In the early 1600’s, those fourteen letters were initially composed by Guercino on a painting referred to as The Arcadian Shepherds.
Many articles are written about the mysterious phrase. They try to explain the origin of the words or what the phrase is specifically meant to express. Written in Latin, the words ‘Et in Arcadia Ego’ roughly translate to ‘even in Arcadia I’ or ‘And in Arcadia I go’. Because of the phrase’s seemingly unfinished thought and the scene in which it is part of, many consider the conveyance of the words to be ‘that even in Arcadia (paradise) death is inevitable’; that time did not allow for a completion.
Other occurrences of the phrase appear in two paintings produced by Nicolas Poussin. These works were created a few years after Guercino’s and involve a similar setting. Shepherds and one shepherdess this time are contemplating the discovery of a tomb. Et in Arcadia Ego is etched across the side of the tomb in each.
Additionally, in the mid 18th century, a marble bas-relief was created at Shugborough Hall in England. It was a reverse image of Poussin’s second version of The Arcadian Shepherds and so it contained the enigmatic phrase. Instances on tombstones and pamphlets have been noted to have used the idiom as well.
The popularity of Et in Arcadia Ego intensified when the painting by Poussin, containing the phrase, was mentioned in connection to a lost treasure of Rennes le Chateau. As more and more occasions of the expression were discovered, the reasoning for its usage continued to be questioned. It seemed to always be associated with the mysterious.
This article offers not another possible explanation on what, where, when or how the phrase was used but a possible reason for why it was used.
It has been noted the fourteen letters of Et in Arcadia Ego is an anagram of I Tego Arcana Dei; translated as Begone! I conceal the secrets of God. An anagram is the re-arrangement of letters. To be a true anagram, all letters must be used and none are added. The same set of letters simply changes into another array. During the time this enigmatic collection of letters first appeared (Guercino’s painting), anagrams were highly popular and were used to convey deeper understandings, as explained in a previous article entitled; The History and Secrets of the Anagram. The unfamiliar phrase of Et in Arcadia Ego beckoned to be changed and most likely was. This leads one to believe the anagram is vital for discovering the intentional value and reason for its usage.
Another clue is considered also. Et in Arcadia Ego does not include a definite verb and so may imply an action is required for disclosing its significance.
Many alchemical symbols suggest a process by their depiction. In the book, On Becoming an Alchemist by Catherine MacCoun, the symbol of the pentagram is discussed. It is considered circular in one instance of application. Obviously, not because of its shape, but because of how a person can draw it by one stroke. Not once does a person have to pick his pen up from the surface in order to complete the design. One circular (beginning to end) motion finishes the non-circular form. The secrets are concealed to the casual onlooker.
Someone looking at alchemical symbols is reminded to consider not only what appears, but all the other factors which are unseen. How they are created; What attributes the image may carry; When is the image depicted and so forth. Multiple layers of insight are hidden and can be realized.
The same can be considered of the words, Et in Arcadia Ego. Studying Poussin’s painting, the scene suggests the secret understanding is being realized by the shepherds and shepherdess gazing upon the tomb and its inscription. Although, as mentioned above, the abrupt end to the phrase may share an intimate awareness of death, there could be more to appreciate.
The following were questions asked to readers of the Maranatha Puzzle Companion book, while discussing the peculiarity of the translated phrase; And in Arcadia I go.
“What was the character doing before? And why was there a need to suggest it?”
Recognizing the letters can be re-arranged into another sentence may provide the answers. I Tego Arcana Dei translates to Begone! I conceal God’s Secrets. This sentence is found in the warning for the Maranatha puzzle. Along with Et in Arcadia Ego, it may warn a reader what action must be taken in order to be able to enter ‘Arcadia’ (state of being or place). The changing process used to reveal the hidden message (through the use of the anagram), could hint at and share this wisdom. It could be the necessity of change within. The essential action of changing conceals God’s Secrets.
This change is ‘like a death of your present self.’ The self holds all elements, like anagrams hold all letters, but needs ‘changed’ or ‘realized’. And does the tomb represent this? Does it represent the change in heart?
As the characters of the painting came upon the tomb and reflected on the meaning, it could be said they realized the action required by man(themselves) in order to enter ‘Arcadia’ is one of spiritual change or awareness. It is crucial and must be wanted. To love God with your whole heart.
Only upon this change, can ‘in Arcadia I go’. Noted before, the use of the anagram is the transposing of letters and hints at the secret level of comprehension for the phrases Et in Arcadia Ego and I Tego Arcana Dei. Begone I conceal God’s Secrets is confirming the transformation needed in a man; the change of a man’s heart, a Rebirth or Death to Life. This point of ‘death’ (perhaps reason for the tomb (heart?)) could be understood to conceal God’s secrets.
This same concept is offered in the words, Eadem Mutate Resurgo ; Although changed, I shall arise the same. It conveys the same message exactly like an anagram which comprises of the ‘same letters’ but are ‘changed’ (in a different order). Through this process of change/growth, man discovers. Curiously, the phrase Eadem Mutate Resurgo is found in another puzzle book in search for the Holy Grail. That book is called The Ultimate Quest.
It can be added that the second puzzle book in the Maranatha Series, which was entitled Maranatha, I Tego Arcana Dei, had a green book cover. Green has represented ‘new’ or ‘changed’ for over thousands of years. It would seem possible that at least part of the reason for the inclusion of the enigmatic phrases of Et in Arcadia Ego and I Tego Arcana Dei as subtitles, might have been to hint to the action required by the seeker for the Key and Grail. The same could be said for why it was first and ever used. The mysterious use of Et in Arcadia Ego surrounding the Rennes mystery could be seen to reveal the same wisdom.
The “Reverse Image” represents the Key. Death represents the Application. Ego represents the Change. However, I think that you are giving these painters a little too much credit for assuming that their statement “And into Arcadia I” represents some type of Annagram. Not every painter was a Da Vinci. Just because they understood certain things doesn’t mean that they understood all of the things that you understand.
You may be interested in a new and unique explanation of Poussin’s Shepherds of Arcadia that I offer in my new book : Poussin’s Arcadian Vision, Search for the Golden Age’ now available on Amazon as a Kindle or paperback. I am sure you will find my theory worthy of seious cosideration.
Thanks, Guy, for information on your new book! I have downloaded it onto my Kindle, and from first glance and quick skim through, I know I am going to thoroughly enjoy it! Definitely worthy…lol…
DISCUSSION – the Sign ‘ET IN ARCADIA EGO’.
‘Et In Arcadia Ego’ is a Christian gematria form belonging to an extended period of concealed knowledge belonging to Jerome’s Bible of the late fourth century. Put simply the Latin is a twenty letter system
which produces in its first or second gematria the product – ( Number + letters + word )
( 23+2+1 ) + ( 21+2+1 ) + ( 35+7+1) + ( 25+3+1 ) = (122) + and two lines found in the Poussin painting = ( 2 ) = ( 124 ). ( 2nd gematria )
See – JOHN (I) 2:4.
It is Usually the gospel of John that conceals the hidden sign – ‘Signvm Abditvm’.
The First Product of the Sign
We should go to the gospel of John which says, when Jesus’ Mother speaks and asks Jesvs and he answers – ‘My Time Has Not Yet Come’ which is self explanatory in the picture which reveals the Mother of Jesvs as a ‘presence’ at the tomb. The spectators who are in the process of interpreting the sign on the tomb are simple shepherds who take stock of their life span. Furthermore as proof – the words ‘MONUMENTVM’ = ( 131+10+1 ) = ( 142 ) and ‘SEPVLCRVM’ = ( 114+9+1 ) = ( 124 ) may easily be given to the article on which the sign is to be read and their number sign echoes the product of the inscription.
Of JESVS and the TOMB and the sign in John’s verse – (I) 2:4.
‘NONDVM VENIT HORA MEA’ = in its full gematria ( 189 ) which is also the full gematria of the two words – ‘JESVS CHRISTUS’ = ( 67+5+1) + ( 107+8+1) = the secret number of ‘Jesus on Earth’ to be the ‘Rex Mvndi’ as proof – the number gematria of ( 189 ) and ( VNVS+OCTO+NOVEM = ( 67+47+60 = 174 ) and this number sign is ( 174 ) which is the ‘1st Gematria of ‘Jesvs Christvs’ = (67)+(107) = ( 174 ).
The great knowledge is given of Jesvs and his dedicated numerical presence in word and number.
( 124 ) = ‘VNVS+DVO+QVATTVOR’ = ( 67+36+119) = ( 222) – ACTS ( 2:22 ).
These number trains or ‘Convivia’ of numerical thought do resolve themselves but only if
the interpreter of the hidden signs is very familiar with their Jerome. As most Historians do not know their Bible this is an unfamiliar world.
REVELATION of the WORD.
Any combination of these three numbers – there are six, and ( 6 ) is the first perfect number in its series
is an habituation sign when ( 142 ) and its combinations occur.
However the real sign is now shown – in the Acts of the Apostles when we read of SIGNS & Prophecies & Portents and Miracles. ‘VIRTVTIBVS & PRODIGIIS & SIGNIS. Poussin offers us real knowledge
if you the spectator choose to see how it is revealed.
‘MEMENTO MORI’ – the SIGN – ‘Signa’
The last word may be given in the code of the painting which we have noted is ( 124 )
which is ‘Memento Mori’ that is a sign of a memory of death = ( 75 ) + ( 49 ) = ( 124 ) = ‘Et in Arcadia Ego’.
I agree with the relationship to John 2:4. My observations: the shepherd staring at the woman is distracted or so and seems to point at a different place from the shepherd kneeling. The shepherd kneeling points at the letter R but his shadow seems to point at his shadows head – his shadow is abnormal. The shepherd staring at the woman also points at the head of the shadow. The shadow is also painted on the tomb
what does Signvm Abditvm mean
🙂
Well Done!
I think symbolic death can have several meanings. One is the point when secrets are concealed. Another is the point when secrets are lost, potentially forever, unless something can be done about it.
Jenny, I have some profound insight into the meaning here, but I won’t go into that now. Because, I’ve written a book that covers the subject comprehensively. But first: I found this page due to my interest in mystery, treasure, and the meaning of life. And that interest has already reaped for me reward beyond my wildest dreams. My book, which is available through Amazon.com in paperback and ebook, is entitled The Holy Grail is Found. And indeed it is. But only because I was first able to identify the Philosopher’s Stone. We all have our biases and beliefs. But regardless of what yours are, I think you will find the information that my book contains to be absolutely compelling. And perhaps, like myself, you will find yourself holding the greatest treasure you could ever have hoped to find! Peace and Love! Tom Rhodes
There is another possible reason why the cover for the third book was green. Maybe the first book was supposed to take readers through the trials of water and fire. The last trial, fire, would be red. And the second was supposed to take them through the trials of air and earth. The last trial, earth, would be green.
Deuteronomy 11 vs 10-17.
Arcadia was a place away from the water’s edge. In the mountain tops far from sea in an are of the same description as the Promised Land God spoke of to Moses. These hills drank the water. So why did the person die? He did not heed God’s warnings as outlined in Deuteronomy. Instead of keeping the lands for farmlands he quarried and violated the rules of God. His own grave is a monument of rock. He likely destroyed the aggregates that supplied the water and now there is drought and death. Look at the mountains in the background. Look how barren they are. They should have been lush with trees and life but when he followed his greed, disobeyed God, he paid the price. God can give us the promised land but if we don’t follow his instruction there will be death.
Being of Acadian descent, I was and is still intrigued by the kneeling shepherd in the
Nicolas Poussin painting. His pointing finger is covering the letter “R” in the phrase:
ET IN ARCADIA EGO. Take away the “R” in ARCADIA, and you get ACADIA.
Intriguing…No?
There is a little more to the word Arcadia than one might suppose. Sauniere noted that the ‘R’ the second shepherd was pointing at is followed by the ‘C’ and read Rennes Chateau. He further saw that if the first ‘A’ (Latin) meant ‘from’ or ‘after’ – the R and C we have – AD is ‘to’, the ‘I’ is the Standing stone and the ‘A’ is Arques … the message reads, ‘From Rennes-le-Chateau (go) to (the) Standing Stone (at) Arques’.
The Priest had discovered the Parchments in his Altar pillar and realised the symbol at the bottom of Parchment 2 was a monogram and read ‘N Povsin’. He also saw that the symbol on P1 – the ‘triangle with tails’, could be drawn through the heads of the shepherds on Poussin’s painting of the ‘Arcadian Shepherds’. He identified the shepherds ‘heads’ as hills on the map (the painting is a map) – the first shepherd was Rennes-le-Chateau, the second is the low hill Bois du Lauzet, the third is Auriol; the tall female with the white headband is Cardou with the chalky outcrop : the end of the upper ‘tail’. The lower ‘tail’ on the map points directly to Rennes les Bains. Sauniere also saw the P2 symbol named the place of the treasure … st NAZ(aire Et Celse) the Church at Rennes les Bains.
When one turns to the Chatsworth painting and draws a line through the shepherds heads (same hills) the third shepherd is pointing at the ‘I’ (Standing stone or menhir across the D613, road to Arques. The Chatsworth is also a map.
If you check the French map of the area you will find all this detail.
Regards
Geoffrey
I think you have the interpretation wrong…
“Et in Arcadia ego”
>> “and to Paradice i go”<>”and to Paradice ive gone”<<
"I tego arcana dei"…
Ie:
"i hold the secrets of God in death"
Or,
"Behold; i hold the secrets of God"
Or,
"In death i hold the secrets of God"…
Really interesting information, requiring further thought and investigation. Thanks for the information. There is a mystery here for sure. I think the interpretation of ‘Et in Arcadia Ego’ is the simple one, that immortality is a myth, that even in Arcadia is death.
The inscription is a composite of languages so the solution must not necessarily be exclusively Greek or Latin. One would not go far wrong to use English as the solution thus rendering the vital context in the words ‘Eradication age. The journey to the centre of the Earth discovers an unimaginably ancient & alas extinct civilisation.
Older than Jesus, indeed.
Rex, you may have something there.
Virtute et silentio.
Nothing so fancy I’d say. Just a momento mori such as are found in older graves along the lines of: ”I too was once like you” and ”Siste, viator” (”Stop, Traveller”) ”You too shall be dust” etc. Salutary exhortations to those who still enjoy life and health to remember that both are short; an invitation to pause and remember we are mortal even in the midst of life there is death. Jonathan Swift had his tomb carved to read ”Abi, Viator” (‘Get Going, Traveller”) to remind the Quick to let the Dead bury the Dead.
People say which I would believe, there a treasure out there one way or another and if you think “no there’s not you just earn it” then mate you’ve lost your mind. could be the knights Templar or that remmes chateau. but on what I believe you find a clue that leads to nowhere but you can find another that could link to the one you found and if it does then then you one step closer to what your looking for. The mystery of Oak island is a mystery but what they was unbelievable but one question is what I’m asking drain that hole and look down there because its worth a try and the end. You probably found nothing, maybe a clue, maybe the ancient city of gold, or what I would believe the Templar’s treasure