Moline Cross
More symbolic than practical, the Moline Cross has several interpretations
Moline Cross
and Anchory Cross
Croix Fourche
The Moline Cross is a type of Forked Cross with prongs anserated on each of the four arms. Like the Armenian Cross and St. John's Cross, the four double-tipped arms create eight points which remind us of the eight beatitudes1.
In heraldry, the cross is known as Croix Fourche or Fourchetée (French) or Crux Furca (Latin). Another heraldic term is Croix Anillée or Croix Nillée (French).
The term Moline (Millrine or Millrind) comes from the Latin molere 'to grind' and molinum 'mill'. This is because the shape of this cross is similar to the iron bar (rind) that supports or secures a millstone. Occasionally the cross is called a Millstone Cross or Miller's Cross.
Croix Ancrée
When these double-tips are exaggerated to curve back on themselves like anchors, they are known as Anchory (French: Ancrée). Alternatively they might be viewed as Fish Hooks (French: Hameçons). See also Hooked Cross.
Christian ministers might relate the Moline Cross to John 6:35, 48-58 "Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life" - manna from heaven and spiritual nourishment, which Christ gave through His sacrifice on the cross. As a cross symbolising Anchors, the anchor is a life saver - it can prevent a ship from crashing on to rocks. For Christians, the analogy is that Christ can save spiritual lives. The nautical image of an anchor gives the idea of navigation (through life). And as a Fish Hook Cross, reference can be made to the duty Christians have to be fishers of men for Jesus (see Jesus Fish Cross).
1 : Beatitude: One of the eight sayings at the beginning of Jesus' very first sermon - the Sermon on the Mount. In Latin each saying begins with beatus (blessed) and they are listed in Matthew 5:3-11.
See also Avellan Cross.
