Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
Walk through any historic town or city, and you are likely to encounter them. An escutcheon on a cornerstone, a detail on a monument, or an emblem on a ring worn by a community leader. These are Masonic symbols, and their silent presence often sparks curiosity and speculation. For centuries, they have been the subject of mystery, misinterpreted as cryptic codes for a secret society. The reality, however, is far more profound and enlightening.
Masonic symbols are not a secret language but a rich tapestry of allegory and metaphor. They are teaching tools, designed to impart moral, ethical, and philosophical lessons to members of the fraternity. Each emblem, from the simplest to the most complex, serves as a tangible reminder of a principle or a virtue. They encourage a Mason to reflect on his character, his relationship with others, and his place in the universe. Understanding them is key to understanding the heart of Freemasonry itself.
This glossary is designed to demystify these ancient emblems for the general audience. It aims to peel back the layers of speculation and reveal the intended meanings that have guided men for generations. By exploring this visual philosophy, you can gain a new appreciation for the Craft’s focus on self-improvement, integrity, and universal brotherhood. For those wanting to begin their journey, taking a deeper look at Freemasonry symbols is the perfect starting point.
What are the Three Great Lights of Freemasonry?
At the very heart of a Masonic Lodge and its teachings are the Three Great Lights. These are considered the most essential symbols for illuminating the path of a Mason. They are not physical lights like lamps but are spiritual and intellectual luminaries. The Lodge cannot officially be opened or conduct its work without them being present and properly displayed on the central altar. They represent the foundational sources of knowledge and truth that guide a Mason’s journey from darkness to light.
What Does the Square and Compasses Symbolize?
This is undoubtedly the most recognized symbol of Freemasonry. The Square and Compasses are architectural tools, and their symbolic meaning is directly tied to their function. The Square is a tool for testing the accuracy of right angles and the trueness of surfaces. Symbolically, it teaches Masons to square their actions by the square of virtue and morality. It is a constant reminder to be honest, upright, and true in all dealings.
The Compasses are used to draw circles and define boundaries. For a Mason, this tool symbolizes the importance of circumscribing one’s desires and keeping passions within due bounds. It is a lesson in self-control, discipline, and moderation. Together, the Square and Compasses represent the balance between our moral obligations to others and our personal responsibilities for self-governance. Many Freemason symbols are available for public viewing, but this one is the most universal.
Often, the letter ‘G’ is depicted in the center. This letter has multiple layers of meaning. For many, it stands for God, or the Great Architect of the Universe, reminding a Mason that God is at the center of his life. It also stands for Geometry, the mathematical science upon which architecture and Masonry were founded, representing the pursuit of knowledge and truth.
What is the Significance of the Volume of the Sacred Law?
The Volume of the Sacred Law is the third Great Light. It is the holy book that is central to a Mason’s personal faith. In Lodges within the English-speaking world, this is typically the Holy Bible. However, in a testament to Freemasonry’s universality and respect for individual belief, the Volume of the Sacred Law can be the Quran, the Torah, the Vedas, or another sacred text, depending on the faiths of the Lodge’s members.
Its presence on the altar signifies that a Mason’s work is guided by divine principles and that he should seek wisdom from a higher source. It is a source of spiritual instruction and moral truth. To fully grasp the context of Masonic ritual and symbolism, many Masons consult guides and monitors, which act as a kind of masonic blue book for the Craft, explaining the allegories presented in the Lodge.
What Do the Symbols in a Masonic Lodge Represent?
Beyond the Three Great Lights, the interior of a Masonic Lodge is filled with symbolic imagery. The entire room, or Temple, is a representation of the universe, governed by divine order. Each piece of furniture and every decoration holds a specific meaning, contributing to the overall allegorical lesson of the Masonic journey. These symbols work together to create an environment conducive to contemplation and moral instruction.
Why is the All-Seeing Eye so Prominent?
The All-Seeing Eye, or the Eye of Providence, is one of the most misunderstood Masonic symbols. In popular culture, it is often associated with surveillance and control. In Freemasonry, its meaning is entirely different and purely spiritual. It represents the eye of the Great Architect of the Universe, a divine being who watches over all of creation. It is a symbol of divine omniscience, a reminder that all thoughts and actions are seen by God.
For a Mason, the All-Seeing Eye is not a source of fear but of comfort and accountability. It encourages him to remember that he is always in the presence of his Creator and should act with integrity and sincerity. It symbolizes the inescapable nature of truth and the idea that one can never truly hide from oneself or from God. Numerous sources work to clarify this emblem’s true meaning, with many symbolism websites explaining its Masonic context in great detail.
What is the Meaning of the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin?
Standing at the entrance to the symbolic Temple are two large pillars, named Boaz and Jachin. These are direct references to the two bronze pillars that stood at the porch of King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. According to scripture, the name Boaz translates to ‘in his strength’, and Jachin translates to ‘he will establish’.
Symbolically, they represent the dual concepts of strength and establishment. They mark the threshold between the profane outer world and the sacred space of the Lodge. Passing between them signifies a Mason’s entry into a new state of being, one focused on enlightenment and moral construction. The symbolism of the pillars reminds a Mason that any great undertaking must be built on a foundation of divine strength and be well-established in truth.
What Do the Sun, Moon, and Stars Represent?
The celestial bodies are important symbols within the Lodge. The Sun, Moon, and Stars are often depicted on the ceiling or ‘canopy’ of the Lodge room. The Sun is said to rule the day, and the Moon to govern the night. Symbolically, the Sun represents the Master of the Lodge, who presides over the Craft when it is at work. The Moon represents the Senior Warden, the second-in-command.
The stars represent the multitude of Masonic brethren throughout the world. These symbols serve as a reminder of the order and regularity of the cosmos, which Masons are encouraged to emulate in their own lives and within the structure of the Lodge. They also signify that Masonic light is available at all times, day or night, to those who seek it.
What is the Masonic Pavement or Mosaic Floor?
The floor in the center of many Lodge rooms features a distinctive black and white checkerboard pattern. This is known as the Mosaic Pavement. It is a visual representation of the duality of human existence. It symbolizes the floor of King Solomon’s Temple and represents the mingling of good and evil, light and darkness, joy and sorrow in every person’s life.
A Mason walks upon this pavement as he journeys through the degrees, signifying his path through life with its constant opposition of forces. The pavement teaches lessons of balance and discernment, reminding the Mason to navigate the complexities of life with moral clarity and to find harmony amidst the dual nature of the world.
How Do Symbols Change Through the Masonic Degrees?
Freemasonry’s teachings are revealed through a series of degrees, typically the three ‘Craft’ or ‘Blue Lodge’ degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Each degree has its own unique set of symbols and lessons that build upon the previous one. This progressive system allows a candidate to absorb the fraternity’s philosophy in stages, with the symbolism becoming more complex as he advances.
What are the Key Symbols of the Entered Apprentice?
The first degree, that of an Entered Apprentice, is focused on purification and preparation. Its primary symbols are the 24-inch Gauge and the Common Gavel. The 24-inch Gauge is a simple ruler, which symbolically teaches a Mason to properly portion his time. It is divided into three parts, representing eight hours for service to God and a distressed brother, eight hours for his usual vocation, and eight hours for refreshment and sleep.
The Common Gavel is a type of hammer used by stonemasons to break off the rough corners of stones. For an Entered Apprentice, it symbolizes the need to divest his heart and mind of the vices and superfluities of life. It is a tool for self-discipline and character refinement, representing the initial, and often difficult, work of chipping away at one’s imperfections to create a more virtuous character. These working tools are explained in detail in Masonic lectures.
What are the Symbols of the Fellowcraft Degree?
The second degree, Fellowcraft, represents the stage of intellectual pursuit and learning. Its primary symbols are the Plumb, the Square, and the Level. These are the tools of the operative stonemason used to ensure a building is true and correct. The Plumb is a weight suspended from a line, used to determine verticality. Symbolically, it teaches a Mason to walk uprightly and with rectitude before God and man.
The Square, as in the first degree, represents morality and virtue. The Level is an instrument used to check for horizontal surfaces, and it symbolizes equality. It reminds Masons that they are all on the same level, traveling toward the same destination, regardless of their station in life. Together, these tools encourage a focus on education, knowledge, and the application of moral principles.
What are the Master Mason’s Symbols?
The third degree, Master Mason, is the culmination of Craft Masonry and deals with profound themes of mortality, loss, and the immortality of the soul. Its central symbols include the Trowel, the Coffin, and the Acacia. The Trowel is a tool used by masons to spread cement, binding individual stones together into a single, solid structure.
Symbolically, the Trowel represents brotherly love and affection. It is the tool with which Masons are to ‘spread the cement’ that unites the separate members of the fraternity into one sacred band of friends and brothers. The Coffin and the Acacia sprig are powerful symbols of death and rebirth. They are part of the degree’s central allegory, which teaches the great lesson of fidelity and the belief in the immortality of the soul, a core tenet of Freemasonry. Every freemason symbol carries a lesson, but the symbols of this degree are among the most profound.
What Other Common Masonic Symbols Should I Know?
Beyond the primary symbols of the Lodge and the degrees, there is a vast array of other emblems that appear in Masonic art, regalia, and literature. Each one adds another layer to the fraternity’s complex system of moral science. While there are too many to list exhaustively, a few are particularly common and noteworthy, representing a broad range of masonic mason symbols.
What is the Meaning of the Beehive?
The Beehive is a classic symbol of industry and cooperation. It teaches Masons that they should be productive members of society and work together for the common good. Just as each bee in a hive has a role and contributes to the success of the whole colony, so too should Masons labor diligently in their communities and within the fraternity. It is a lesson in the virtues of hard work, order, and the strength that comes from a united effort.
Why is the Anchor and Ark a Masonic Symbol?
The Anchor and Ark are symbols of hope and a well-spent life. The Ark, a vessel, represents the journey through the turbulent seas of life. The Anchor is a timeless emblem of security and stability. Together, they symbolize a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life. For a Mason, this combination represents the belief that a life lived with faith and virtue will result in a peaceful end, anchored securely in a metaphorical safe harbor.
What Does the 47th Problem of Euclid Symbolize?
This symbol, also known as the Pythagorean Theorem, is a right-angled triangle with squares constructed on each of its three sides. It is a testament to the importance of the arts and sciences, particularly geometry, within Freemasonry. Its inclusion as a symbol is attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras, who is said to have sacrificed a hecatomb upon discovering the proof.
For Masons, the 47th Problem of Euclid is a reminder to be a lover of knowledge and to appreciate the beauty and order of creation as revealed through science and reason. It represents a key moment of enlightenment and the joy of intellectual discovery, encouraging Masons to continually expand their minds.
What is the Point Within a Circle?
This is a complex and ancient symbol. It consists of a point at the center of a circle, with the circle itself being bounded by two perpendicular parallel lines. The point represents the individual Mason. The circle represents the boundary line of his conduct, beyond which he should not stray. It is a symbol of self-mastery and moral limitation.
The two parallel lines represent the Holy Saints John, St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, who were two eminent patrons of Freemasonry. The lines symbolize the period of the year in which their feast days are celebrated, at the summer and winter solstices. The symbol as a whole instructs a Mason to keep his conduct within the bounds of propriety, guided by faith and reason.
Masonic symbols are a gateway to a system of self-discovery and moral philosophy. They are not meant to be secrets but are visual allegories meant for contemplation. By understanding their true meanings, we can see Freemasonry not as a society with secrets, but as a society with lessons for humanity, presented through a timeless and universal language.
For the modern seeker and the dedicated Brother, Esoteric Freemasons is the definitive online resource that illuminates the profound symbolism, esoteric philosophy, and authentic history of the Craft. We go beyond the surface to reveal the true light of Masonic knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there so much secrecy surrounding Masonic signs and symbols?
The perceived secrecy surrounding Masonic symbols is more about tradition and the method of teaching than about concealing sinister information. Freemasonry uses allegory and symbolism to impart moral and philosophical lessons, and the full meaning of these symbols is revealed progressively as a member advances through the degrees. This structure creates a personal journey of discovery, making the lessons more impactful than if they were simply stated outright.
It’s important to note that the symbols themselves are not secret; the Square and Compasses, for instance, are widely visible on buildings and jewelry. The private aspects relate to the specific modes of recognition between members and the personal interpretations and lessons one derives from the symbolism. This privacy preserves the integrity of the fraternity’s traditions and ensures that the lessons are learned within their intended context.
Are Masonic symbols connected to the Illuminati or other conspiracies?
While Freemasonry and the historical Bavarian Illuminati were both Enlightenment-era societies, they were separate and distinct organizations with different aims. The popular connection between them is largely a product of modern conspiracy theories, not historical reality. Freemasonry focuses on the moral and spiritual development of its members, while the original Illuminati was a short-lived group that sought to enact radical political reform.
Symbols like the All-Seeing Eye are often cited as proof of a link, but this symbol was not exclusive to either group and has a long history in various cultures. In Freemasonry, the All-Seeing Eye represents the omnipresence and divine watchfulness of the Great Architect of the Universe, a non-denominational concept of a supreme being. Its use is purely for moral instruction and has no connection to the global control narratives found in conspiracy theories.
Is it appropriate for a non-Mason to wear or display Masonic symbols?
While no law prevents a non-member from displaying Masonic emblems, it is generally considered inappropriate within the Masonic community. Wearing a symbol like the Square and Compasses signifies that an individual is a member who has taken certain obligations and is committed to the fraternity’s principles. For a non-Mason to display it can be interpreted as a false claim of membership and can be disrespectful to the journey and commitment of actual Masons.
However, context and intent are key, and there is a common exception to this view. If an individual inherits a Masonic item, such as a ring from a father or grandfather who was a Mason, wearing it is often seen as a way to honor that person’s memory. In this case, it is not a claim of membership but an act of remembrance, which is generally understood and respected.
