Questions about Secret Markings on Mormon Temple Clothing

A few years ago Melissa wrote a great article on temple garments every Mormon is required to wear when they become temple worthy. Her insight on what it means to be spiritually tied down to a piece of clothing is fantastic!

A recent e-mail from someone who is just leaving the Church prompted me to go back and read her article, and while doing so a few questions came to mind. Surprise, I know!

1.Since the markings on the garments are also found in the temple they must be very important, right? If so, why aren’t they mentioned anywhere in scripture?

2.If the Mormon god abhors secret combinations, what are these emblems doing on their clothing where no one can see them?

3.Along the same lines, why are the signs of the sunstone, or the inverted pentagram only on the LDS History building in SLC, and not talked about in scripture where everyone could learn more about them?

4.Why aren’t these markings/emblems spoken of by LDS leaders when they’re giving their talks?

5.If Mormons are discouraged from joining secret societies, why do they have these occult emblems on their most sacred items?