One of the most sacred shrines of the Blessed Virgin Mary can be found in Rocamadour, southwestern France. Dating to at least the 10th century, the sanctuary was an important stop on the way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. 

Many important characters of the 12th and 13th centuries visited the shrine of Our Lady. Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry ll of England, Louis IX, Charles IV, Louis XI of France, and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. The publication of the Miracles of Our Lady of Rocamadour in 1172 during the high point of the Crusades, led to a renewed enthusiasm amongst pilgrims of all classes. 

What makes Rocamadour so fascinating is the geographical setting of Mary’s shrine at the top of a steep stairway. The Grand Escalier/Grand Stairway passes directly under the Holy Gate before entering the sanctuary of the Black Madonna. In the past pilgrims used to climb the stairway on their hands and knees, some people still do so today. 

On the surface everything seems completely normal and par for the course. That is until one pays attention to the number of stairs found in the Grand Escalier, exactly 216. Not 200, not 220 or 217, but 216. So why make the effort to include this number? 

The only logical answer is because the number 216 forms part of the Precessional Code highlighted in the previous posts. 216 becomes 2160, 30 degrees of the ecliptic. 72 years to move 1 degree, 2160 years to move from one Zodiacal Constellation to the next. 

Did the Knights Templar rediscover the secrets of Precession while occupying the Temple Mount in Jerusalem? Legends speak of treasures and secrets that were brought back to France. The main focus is generally on the bloodline myth connected to Jesus and Mary Magdalene, genealogical records and relics. 

This is all very interesting, but what is even more interesting is the possibility that the Cathedral builders incorporated this sacred knowledge into their masterpieces. Knowledge and secrets that were inherited by the Freemasons. 

Secrets hidden in plain sight across the world. Only those initiated into the knowledge would be able to interpret the symbolism correctly. For the majority of pilgrims on the path, the number of steps are irrelevant and inconsequential. But for those that truly seek to comprehend the mysteries, it is essential.