What is the origin of the potest crux? (potest cross)

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Clarification of Question by yysman-ga on 07 Oct 2004 16:21 PDT

I am looking to know where this cross originated OR its intended
meaning, as meanings of symbols are usually found in the symbol's
origin.

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Request for Question Clarification by pinkfreud-ga on 07 Oct 2004 20:18 PDT

Neither "potest crux" nor "potest crux" brings up a single reference on Google.

Where did you encounter this term? Are you sure of the spelling?

The Greek word rendered "cross" in many modern Bible versions is
"stau-ros". But in actual fact the proper translation of stau-ros is
"stake", a singular upright pole. The Bible also uses the word
"xy`lon" to describe the device that Jesus was executed on. The
translation of this word is..wood, cut and ready for use, firewood,
timber, piece of wood, log, beam, post, cudgel, club, stake [ on which
criminals were impaled, or tree.
There are no sentences in the New Testament that indicate that the
device used to execute Jesus was anything OTHER then a "stau-ros", a
single vertical stake.
It is not correct to translate "stau-ros" as "cross".
The use of the "cross" as a religious symbol predates the christian
era and has been found in  India, Syria, Persia and Egypt, and was
connected with nature worship [ Encyclopaedia Brittannica [1946] vol.
6, p.753.
The shape of the two beamed cross has connections with ancient Chaldea
and the worship of the god Tammuz.
Other gods , such as the Greek Bacchus, the Tyrian Tammuz, the
Chaldean Bel, and the Norse Odin, used a cruciform, or cross device.
A type of cross called the "crux ansata" was used by Egyptian priests
as a symbol of authority and called " The sign of Life"
Christianity has adopted the cross as a symbol of its religion, but it
leaves open the question. Should something that has been used as a
pagan symbol be used to represent God and his Son? And would God
approve?
First Corinthians 10;14.." My beloved ones, flee from idolatry"
An idol being an image or symbol that is worshipped.

A Catholic term, in the vernacular, "potest crux" would translate out
of the Latin: "the cross can," indicating it can provide dominion over
the devil. The phrase invokes the cross as the sign by which the devil
was defeated and the world redeemed by Christ's blood; and as the wood
which carried the ransom of this world. Further, it invokes the cross
as a refuge; that it may afford protection and help.

You have been given an inaccurate Latin name for the cross. The Latin
term is 'crux potens' which translates as 'cross potent' (ie 'powerful
cross').
This refers to an equal-armed cross made from four T-like arms.
(Rather similar to the Jerusalem cross.)
I googled on 'cross potent' and found a load of references.  Ditto for
'potent cross'. These should answer your question completely. Pictures
are also available. 'Crux potens' yields some German sources.
Best wishes,
Amber