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Attendees understood that whatever was said under the rose--or sub rosa--had to remain a secret." Langdon quickly explained that the Rose's overtone of secrecy was not the only reason the Priory used it as a symbol for the Grail.
Rosa rugosa, one of the oldest species of rose, had five petals and pentagonal symmetry, just like the guiding star of Venus, giving the Rose strong iconographic ties to womanhood.
In addition, the Rose had close ties to the concept of "true direction" and navigating one's way.
The Compass Rose helped travelers navigate, as did Rose Lines, the longitudinal lines on maps.
For this reason, the Rose was a symbol that spoke of the Grail on many levels--secrecy, womanhood, and guidance--the feminine chalice and guiding star that led to secret truth.
As Langdon finished his explanation, his expression seemed to tighten suddenly.
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