An enigmatic cartouche of two suns watches you as you walk up to Prague’s famous Castle complex. On either end of the suns, two faces in profile look in opposite directions; between them a long-haired man gazes at you forlornly.
It is no coincidence that this is on the Royal route (that started from the legendary Powder Tower). If you face the House of Two Suns, to your right, is the path to the castle (and the symbol of the Golden Apples); to your left, is the path back from where you came. This is a symbol of the choice facing you at this point – you can choose to continue or to turn back. The suns have different expressions on their faces but none of them give any indication what it is you should do.
If you fancy finding the Philosopher’s Stone, you’re on the right track.
This building had some rework done in the nineteenth century but the original building is Renaissance-era. This imagery is also original and dates from the 17th century too. (1614 according to some)
Underneath this cartouche, you will note the letters ‘IHS’. These letters can usually be found in Roman Catholic churches or places of worship and stand for ‘Iesus Homini Salvator’ (Jesus, Saviour of Man[kind]). This building does not have any Roman Catholic connections, so is this what the letters mean?
Another possibility is ‘In Hoc Signo’ (In This Sign). Legend has it that the Roman Emperor Constantine saw a cross in the sky during battle showing him the way to win. According to legend, the cross was inscribed with the words ‘In Hoc Signo Vinces’ meaning ‘In this sign [one can] win’. Constantine followed the sign and won his battle.
But in this case, the sign is not going to take you anywhere because it is up to you to choose what to do. Leaving out the important word ‘Vinces’ may not be coincidence after all.
Have you seen any mystical symbols close by?