Why This Symbol

Our symbol can be called the star compass. It consists of a circle with a cross whose lines extend close to, but do not touch the circle, and an "X", or a second, smaller cross at a 45 degree angle.

We chose our symbol for a number of reasons:

• The symbol is simple and abstract.
• The symbol resembles a compass, a star, and a wheel, all of which are used in navigation. We like the symbol of a compass because a compass points you in a direction of where to go, but leaves you free to choose where to go.
• The circle reflects our belief that all people are valuable, and our emphasis on consensus.
• The symbol contains elements similar to religious symbolism in existing religions, including the cross which is central to Christianity, the 8-spoked wheel which appears in Buddhism, and a star, which appears in some form in numerous religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Bahai, and many other religions.

Further reading

These references are about religious symbolism can help illustrate how our symbol relates to other symbols already in use by various religions.

• Religious Symbols Gallery | ReligionFacts - Explores symbols from many different religions.
• Origins and Meanings of the Eight-Point Star - MoroccoBoard - An article on the eight-pointed star from a Moroccan perspective, covering the symbol's use in Islam, particularly its importance in Islamic art, and its prevalence in Morocco.