Compass rose

Compass rose (Accepted)

Compass rose (Accepted)

A compass rose is a symbol on a map which marks the cardinal points of direction.  It consists of a multi-pointed mullet within an annulet, with the point in chief marking north; this point should be accentuated, with a fleur-de-lys being common.  Medieval depictions varied widely, but the most common depiction showed a mullet of eight points (as in the illustration); mullets of 4, 12, or 16 points were also found.

Though used in late-period cartography, the compass rose is not found in period heraldry.  The illustration is a composite of several examples from 16th Century maps.

The King of Northshield bears:  Sable, a compass rose argent within a laurel wreath, in chief an ancient crown Or.

Alexandre sur la Mer bears:  Azure, a compass rose argent.

Annetje van Leuven bears as a badge:  Ermine, a compass rose vert.

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