The Hidden Symbols of the Salt Lake Temple | What Temple Architecture Teaches (LDS Temple Symbolism)

Send us Fan MailWhat do all the symbols on Latter-day Saint temples actually mean — the sunstones, moonstones, star stones, the six towers, and the angel Moroni? In this Thinning of the Veil teaching episode, host Tia Smith reads and reflects on Richard O. Cowan's article "Latter-day Saint (LDS) Temples as Symbols," tracing how temple buildings themselves teach the plan of salvation. From the reversible pulpits of the Kirtland Temple that taught the order of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthood, to the Nauvoo font resting on twelve oxen, to the richly symbolic exterior of the Salt Lake Temple, the episode unpacks how architecture points worshippers back toward God's presence. Learn why Brigham Young said he saw the Salt Lake Temple in vision with six towers, what the earthstones, moonstones, sunstones, and starstones represent, why temples face east toward the rising sun and the Second Coming, and how the angel Moroni became the recognized herald atop temples worldwide. Along the way Tia highlights the clasped hands, the all-seeing eye, the "I am Alpha and Omega" inscription, and the Big Dipper aligned with the North Star — small details that reveal how, as she puts it, God is in the details. If you want to walk into any temple with new eyes and a deeper understanding of temple symbolism, this episode is for you.Q: What do the sunstones, moonstones, and star stones on the Salt Lake Temple mean?A: In this episode, host Tia Smith shares Richard O. Cowan's explanation that the earthstones, moonstones, sunstones, and starstones on the Salt Lake Temple reminded Latter-day Saints of the three degrees of glory, and also reflect the order of nature — the earth, moon, sun, and stars — with lengthening time cycles pointing toward eternity.Q: Why does the Salt Lake Temple have six towers?A: Brigham Young testified that he saw the temple in vision and that it would have six towers rather than one. The three eastern towers represent the First Presidency and the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the three western towers represent the Presiding Bishopric and the Aaronic Priesthood, with twelve pinnacles on each tower symbolizing the Twelve Apostles.Q: Why do Latter-day Saint temples face east and feature the angel Moroni?A: The episode explains that most early temples were oriented toward the east, like ancient Israelite temples, symbolizing watching for the Second Coming of Christ, likened to the dawn of a new day. The angel Moroni, first placed on the Salt Lake Temple, represents the herald of the everlasting gospel going to all the world and has become the recognized symbol of temples worldwide.Q: What is the deeper meaning behind temple architecture and symbols?A: Tia teaches that temple buildings are powerful teaching tools, revealing the plan of salvation through their design — from baptismal fonts as a similitude of the grave, to instruction rooms and murals depicting our progress back into God's presence. She encourages studying these symbols to enrich our understanding of temple ordinances and covenants.▶️ WATCH & LISTEN🎬 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thinningoftheveil🌐 Website: https://www.thinningoftheveil.com🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinning-of-the-veil/id1753511394🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jWCfMHkZXwnSwy2b98J4M🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a0a45561-d4c2-46d3-af8d-a1e967a21a25📖 BOOKPatterns of Revelation — Spiritual Foundations for Hearing God's Voice: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW36MG9B📱 CONNECTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinning.of.the.veilFacebook Group (Gathering of the Gatherers): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1429562078443774Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572121559456💛 SUPPORT THE SHOWVenmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/thinningoftheveilPayPal: https://paypal.me/thinningoftheveil✉️ Have you had a thinning of the veil experience? Email [email protected] — your testimony may be exactly what someone needs to hear.#ThinningOfTheVeil #SpiritWorld #TempleWork #FamilyHistory #LDS #LatterDaySaints #GatheringOfIsrael #MinisteringAngels #FamilySearch #PersonalRevelationSupport the show