Big Dipper (Ursa Major)

The Big Dipper (Ursa Major) is a prominent asterism that comprises seven stars. Together these stars present the view of a large, cup-shaped bowl with a handle (sort of like a ladle); four stars designate the bowl and three the handle. The two stars at the end of the bowl (named Merak and Dubhe) point to the North or Polar Star, which travelers and others have used for celestial navigation for millennia. Thus the Big Dipper is an important guidepost created by God for our benefit.

Big Dipper, Salt Lake Temple.

At least four temples present representations of the Big Dipper—the Salt Lake, Washington D.C., Winter Quarters Nebraska, and Anchorage Alaska Temples. The representations of the Big Dipper on temples suggest multiple meanings: (1) Inasmuch as God is the Creator of all stars and constellations, it is appropriate that this prominent star cluster exists on several of His temples; (2) Just as the Big Dipper has guided navigators and travelers for millennia, the temple serves as a divine guide for us with regard to both temporal and spiritual matters. Through the temple, we can find our spiritual bearings as we navigate through mortality. Church architect Truman O. Angell explained it this way: “Ursa Major (commonly called in this country The Dipper), with the Pointers ranging with the North Star. (Moral:—The lost may find their way by the aid of the Priesthood)”;31 (3) The Big Dipper points to the North Star, which is a symbolic representation of Jesus Christ.

Big Dipper and North Star (featured in two squares, presented in a circle, which is found in a square), Washington D.C. Temple.