[This]
"is an ancient Hindoo emblem, called Sri Iantra. The circle represents the
world, in which the living exist; the triangle pointing upwards shows the male
creator; and the triangle with the apex downwards the female; distinct, yet
united. These have a world within themselves, in which the male is uppermost.
In the central circle the image to be worshipped is placed. When used, the
figure is placed on the ground, with Brahma to the east, and Laksmi to the
west. Then a relic of any saint, or image of Buddha, like a modern papal
crucifix, is added, and the shrine for worship is complete. It has now been
adopted in Christian churches and Freemasons' lodges.
It will be noticed that the male emblem points to the rising sun, and
the female triangle points to the setting sun, when the earth seems to receive
the god into her couch".
Source: Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism by Thomas Inman, New York, 1875, Figure 33, p. 26
