This large signet ring features the famous SATOR square, a magical amulet used throughout numerous cultures with the oldest example dating back to approximately 62 BC. It is hand carved from jewelers wax and cast in solid sterling silver.
In medieval Europe, the square was often inscribed on amulets and charms, or scratched onto the walls and doors of homes for protection. For instance, it was believed that hanging the square above a barn or stable could prevent misfortune from striking animals, particularly in cases where witchcraft was suspected. Examples can be found in the writings of Johann Scheible, a 19th-century German collector of magical texts, who records its usage: “The SATOR formula is placed on a small scroll and carried on the person to protect against fever and illness.” And also: “The SATOR square is believed to neutralize evil spells and restore the natural balance of the body when applied in the right manner. It is used to cure maladies such as epilepsy and possession, where natural remedies have failed” (Scheible, Das Kloster, 1846).
In some Christian contexts, the square was linked with hidden meanings, especially related to the Pater Noster (Our Father) prayer. The rearrangement of letters forms a cross pattern, with “Pater Noster” running vertically and horizontally, while the remaining letters, “A” and “O,” symbolize Alpha and Omega, the biblical phrase denoting Christ as the beginning and the end. Early Christians, possibly persecuted under Roman rule, are thought to have used the square as a secret code. Historian Richard Merrifield notes this Christian usage in his study: “It has been argued convincingly that the square may have been a covert symbol, a cryptic way for early Christians to express their faith under the guise of a harmless word puzzle” (The Archaeology of Ritual and Magic, 1987, p. 144).
The SATOR square was also employed in medieval and early modern folk magic as a method of fire protection. It was believed that writing the square on the four corners of a house would guard it against burning. In Scandinavian folklore, this practice was popular in rural areas prone to destructive fires caused by lightning or witchcraft. A 19th-century German folklore collection describes this use: “In many regions, the SATOR square is inscribed on the threshold of homes and barns, particularly during thunderstorms, to avert fire and keep demonic forces at bay” (Deutsches Wörterbuch, Grimm Brothers, 1854).
Another example is its use by travelers, particularly in the medieval period. The square was often drawn on the inside of shoes or carried on one’s person to ward off thieves, wild animals, and mishaps during long journeys. Some versions of this practice survived well into the 19th century in parts of Italy and France. In his research, H.P. L’Orange notes: “Evidence suggests that the SATOR square was frequently inscribed on small pieces of parchment or carved into wood as a charm, often accompanying individuals on dangerous voyages or treks through treacherous terrain” (The Sator Square, Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes, 1973, p. 21).
