The Great Seal
The seal was created by Judge Matthew P. Deady, first president of the UO Board of Regents, in 1877, and was approved by that body on February 21, 1878. In its center is a representation of Mt. Hood as a symbol of the state. Around the edge is the university's motto, mens agitat molem -- "mind moves the mass." The founding year of the university appears in Roman numerals, MDCCCLXXVI.
The scene depicted is Mt. Hood with a glacier coming down into Lost Lake.
At times the seal used has had a boat in the water -- this first appears in the
late 1890s, and it sails in and out as time passes. It was not a part of
the original seal as accepted by the Board.
The university's motto is from the writings of Virgil.
It is sometimes mistranslated "mind moves mountains" or
"men agitate moles," though in fact it has nothing to do with mountains, moles,
mice, or men.
Words of Power
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fiat lux
You have just commanded "let there be light"...the words may be repeated during the lighting of candles or in request for higher learning.
a posse ad esse
A posse ad esse means "from possibility to reality"...a good repetitive chant for the focus of energy and will with a specific goal in mind.
par pari nefero
The words mean "I return like for like"...this is a retaliation chant to be used with discretion.
mens agitat molem
Mens agitat molem means "mind over matter"...repeat it to yourself as well as using it in ritual command.
School Seal and Motto
mens agitat molem
The official motto of the school is derived from the Latin phrase "Mens
Agitat Molem" contained on the 1883 school seal. The translation most
often used is "The Mind Moves the Mass," meaning that the body
is guided by our wisdom and intelligence. The words appear at the bottom
of the official school seal.
Enjoy the 'feel' of the words in a proper ritual setting where their power is near tangible. And remember: "Mens Agitat Molem"... the translation being "Mind Controls Matter".
©Sakara Ani
First published in Ravenwind, Vol.2, No.1, 1991, Anchorage, Alaska.
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