The Back Face.
There are three ways of touching the front face of the cube with the hand.
A.--To touch it with the end of the fingers upward and the thumb inward, is to obtain: "I have obtained great benefits, I do not know how to express my gratitude." Or rather: "I keep the object for myself; I do not care to let it be seen." This is the mystic face. Or yet again: "I contemplate."
B.--To place the hand horizontally on the same face of the cube, is to restrain, or bound. "Go no farther, if you please; all this belongs to me."
C.--To place the hand upon the same anterior face of the cube, but with the extremities of the fingers vertically downward, means to retain. It says: "I reserve this for myself." Here, then, are three aspects for the anterior face of the cube.
The Palmar Face.
A.--To place the lower face of the cube in the hand, is to sustain. It is to say: "I will sustain you in misfortune."
B.--To apply as much as possible the palm upon the same posterior face of the cube, with the fingers downward, is to maintain: "I maintain what I have said."
C.--To apply the hand upon the same face with the extremities of the fingers upward, is to contain, is to show the object--it is to disclose: "I affirm; you cannot doubt me; I open my heart; behold me!"
There are, then, nine affirmations, which are explained by a mere view of the cube and its faces.