Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
For centuries, the symbols of Freemasonry have captured the imagination of the world. Seen on buildings, rings, and historical documents, they carry an air of mystery and profound significance. To the uninitiated, they can seem like a secret code, a cryptic language from a bygone era. But for a Freemason, these emblems are powerful tools for moral and philosophical instruction, designed to illuminate a path of self-improvement.
The fraternity uses allegory and symbolism to convey its deepest principles. This method allows each member to discover meaning on his own terms, making the lessons deeply personal and transformative. Understanding the rich vocabulary of Freemasonry symbols is the first step toward appreciating the depth and beauty of the Craft’s teachings. These are not secrets to be hidden, but truths to be unveiled through contemplation.
This glossary will peel back the layers of the most common symbols found within the Masonic tradition. We will explore their origins, their meanings, and how they fit together to form a coherent system of personal development. This is a journey from the surface-level image to the core ethical lesson it represents.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
To understand Freemasonry, one must understand its language, and its language is symbolism. This tradition dates back to the operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals of Europe. In an age where many were illiterate, symbols were a universal way to communicate complex ideas, trade secrets, and moral values.
A symbol can convey a profound concept more efficiently than pages of text. It acts as a mental anchor, a visual reminder of a principle a Mason should uphold. The phrase ‘veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’ is central to Masonic education. It means that the lessons are not handed to you directly but are presented in a way that encourages personal reflection and discovery.
This method engages the mind on a deeper level. It forces the individual to think, to connect ideas, and to internalize the moral teachings. A symbol’s meaning can even evolve for a Mason as he progresses through life and his Masonic journey, revealing new layers of insight over time.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
The landscape of Masonic symbolism is vast and rich, but a few key emblems stand out as fundamental to the Craft. These are the symbols you are most likely to encounter and they form the very foundation of Masonic philosophy. Each one is a lesson unto itself, representing a core tenet of Masonic life.
What Do the Square and Compasses Represent?
Without a doubt, the Square and Compasses are the most widely recognized symbol of Freemasonry. Often depicted with the letter ‘G’ in the center, this emblem is a visual summary of the fraternity’s core philosophy. It is not one symbol, but a combination of three distinct elements, each with its own deep meaning.
The Square is an emblem of virtue. It is a tool used by stonemasons to ensure that their stones are perfectly cut and will fit squarely into a building. For a Freemason, it is a constant reminder to ‘act on the square’ with all of mankind, to be honest and fair in all dealings. It symbolizes morality and our earthly duties to our fellow man.
The Compasses represent wisdom of conduct and are used to draw circles. In a symbolic sense, they remind a Mason to circumscribe his desires and keep his passions within due bounds. While the Square relates to our conduct in society, the Compasses relate to our internal world, our self-control, and our spiritual boundaries. Exploring the various Masonic signs and symbols reveals a deep commitment to this balance.
The letter ‘G’ in the center is often said to have two primary meanings. The first and most important is God, the Grand Architect of the Universe, who remains central to all Masonic teachings. The second is Geometry, the mathematical science upon which the profession of masonry was founded and a field that reveals the order and harmony of the cosmos.
What is the Meaning of the All-Seeing Eye?
The All-Seeing Eye, often depicted within a triangle, is another powerful and sometimes misunderstood symbol. It is also known as the Eye of Providence. For a Freemason, its meaning is straightforward and profound: it represents the omniscience of the Supreme Being.
This symbol serves as a reminder that a Mason’s thoughts, words, and actions are always being observed by God. It is an emblem of divine watchfulness and a prompt to live and act in a way that is worthy of such scrutiny. It is not a symbol of surveillance by the fraternity, but of accountability to a higher power.
While strongly associated with the Craft, the All-Seeing Eye is not an exclusively Masonic symbol. It has been used by various cultures and religions for thousands of years to represent divine oversight. Its presence on the United States one-dollar bill, for example, comes from a different historical tradition but shares the general meaning of divine providence. To truly grasp what Masonic symbols mean, one must look at their role as moral guides.
Why is the Masonic Apron So Important?
The lambskin or white leather apron is the badge of a Mason. It is one of the most significant items in his Masonic journey. It is the first gift a man receives when he becomes a Mason and he is buried with it, signifying its importance from the beginning to the end of his Masonic life.
Its form is derived from the practical aprons worn by operative stonemasons to protect their clothing. In speculative Freemasonry, its meaning is elevated. The apron’s whiteness symbolizes purity and innocence. It is a reminder of the pure heart and clean conscience a Mason should strive to maintain.
By wearing the apron, a Mason also signifies the honor and dignity of labor. It teaches that all honest work is noble. The apron serves as a constant visual reminder of a Mason’s obligations and the foundational principles of the fraternity. It is a more ancient and honorable badge than any other that can be bestowed.
What Do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, Symbolize?
Prominently featured in every Masonic Lodge are two pillars, named Boaz and Jachin. These are representations of the two great bronze pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, a structure of immense symbolic importance in Freemasonry.
Boaz is typically translated as ‘in strength’, while Jachin means ‘He will establish’. Together, they suggest that the Masonic institution is established in strength. They mark the entrance to the sacred space of the Lodge, and the candidate for initiation must pass between them to begin his journey from darkness to light.
The pillars also represent the concept of duality, a theme that runs through many philosophical and spiritual systems. They symbolize the balance of opposing forces: light and dark, active and passive, day and night, good and evil. A Mason is taught to find equilibrium and harmony between these forces within himself and in the world. Understanding these foundational Masonic symbols explained is key to grasping the journey of initiation.
What is the Significance of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars?
The ashlars are two symbolic stones found in a Lodge. The Rough Ashlar is a stone as it is taken from the quarry, in its natural, unrefined state. The Perfect Ashlar is a stone that has been shaped and smoothed by the tools of the stonemason, ready to be used in the construction of a building.
These two stones are powerful symbols of human development. The Rough Ashlar represents man in his ignorant, uncultivated state. It is a symbol of our natural imperfections and untamed passions. It is the raw material with which a Mason begins his work of self-improvement.
The Perfect Ashlar, in contrast, represents man after he has applied the lessons of Freemasonry to his life. Through education, discipline, and living a virtuous life, he has smoothed the rough edges of his character. It is an ideal state of moral and spiritual perfection that a Mason continually strives to achieve. The journey from rough to perfect is the very essence of the Masonic process, and like many Freemason symbols, it is a lesson in personal transformation.
What Do the Plumb, Level, and Rule Mean?
Among the many working tools of an operative mason that have been adopted as symbols, the Plumb, the Level, and the Rule hold special significance. These tools are used to teach Masons about their conduct in life.
The Plumb is a weight suspended from a line, used to determine if a wall is perfectly vertical. Symbolically, it represents uprightness of conduct. It reminds a Mason to live a life that is just and true before God and man, never deviating from the line of moral rectitude.
The Level is a tool used to check if a surface is perfectly horizontal. For a Freemason, it is a powerful symbol of equality. It teaches that all men are created equal and meet on the same level within the Lodge, regardless of their station in life, wealth, or background. It reminds Masons of the fundamental equality of all humanity.
The 24-inch gauge, or rule, is a measuring device. Symbolically, it is used to divide the day into three equal parts. It allocates time for service to God and a distressed brother, time for one’s usual vocations, and time for refreshment and rest. It is a lesson in time management and balance, ensuring that a Mason dedicates appropriate effort to his spiritual, professional, and personal life. The lessons taught by these Masonic symbols are practical guides for daily living.
What Other Symbols Should I Know?
The symbolic language of Freemasonry is incredibly rich, with dozens of other emblems that teach valuable lessons. While less prominent than the Square and Compasses, they add texture and depth to the Masonic worldview.
The Beehive is a classic symbol of industry and cooperation. It teaches that Masons should work together productively for the common good, just as bees cooperate in the hive. The Anchor and Ark are paired symbols representing a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life, reminding a Mason that a steadfast faith will support him through the turbulent seas of life.
The Trowel is the tool used to spread the cement that binds stones together. Symbolically, it represents the spreading of brotherly love and affection, the ‘cement’ that unites the fraternity into a single, solid structure. The Gavel, or common gavel, is used to break off the rough corners of stones and is a symbol of divesting the heart and conscience of all the vices and superfluities of life. A further study of Masonic symbols will reveal an entire world of meaning.
How Does One Truly Understand Masonic Symbolism?
Reading about Masonic symbols is an excellent start, but true understanding comes from engagement and reflection. It is a journey, not a destination. The meanings are not meant to be simply memorized like vocabulary words. They are meant to be contemplated, internalized, and applied to one’s own life.
This deeper understanding is cultivated within the Lodge. Through participation in rituals, listening to educational lectures, and engaging in discussions with fellow Masons, the symbols come to life. Each man brings his own perspective, and through shared exploration, the meanings of the symbols deepen and expand for everyone.
Ultimately, the path to understanding is personal. It requires an inquisitive mind and a sincere desire for self-improvement. The true secrets of Masonry are not passwords or handshakes, but the profound personal insights one gains by applying its symbolic teachings. The best way to learn is often by participating, which is why visiting a local Masonic lodge can be an enlightening step for those who are curious.
Freemasonry offers a timeless and effective system for moral and intellectual development. Its symbols are not archaic relics but a living language that speaks to the core of the human condition. They are a roadmap, offered to any good man who wishes to build a better version of himself.
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 are architectural tools so prominent in Masonic symbolism?
The prominence of architectural tools in Masonic symbolism stems directly from the fraternity’s origins in the operative stonemason guilds of the Middle Ages. These guilds were responsible for building Europe’s great cathedrals and castles, and tools like the square, compasses, and level were the literal instruments of their craft. As Freemasonry transitioned from an operative craft to a speculative, philosophical society, it retained these tools as its primary symbols.
In modern Freemasonry, these tools are used allegorically to teach moral and ethical lessons, with members tasked to work on themselves as "speculative" masons. For example, the square is used to "square our actions" and teaches morality, while the compasses are used to "circumscribe our desires" and teach self-control. These emblems serve as constant, tangible reminders for a Mason to build his character with the same precision and care that ancient masons used to build structures.
Is the All-Seeing Eye an exclusively Masonic symbol?
No, the All-Seeing Eye, often called the Eye of Providence, is not an exclusive symbol of Freemasonry, although it is an important one within the fraternity. The symbol’s history as a representation of divine watchfulness and omniscience predates its Masonic use by centuries. It has appeared in various cultures and belief systems, including as the Eye of Horus in ancient Egypt and in Renaissance-era Christian art to symbolize God.
Freemasonry adopted this powerful, pre-existing symbol to represent the constant presence of the Grand Architect of the Universe, reminding Masons that their thoughts and actions are always observed by a higher power. Its famous placement on the Great Seal of the United States, and consequently the dollar bill, was not a Masonic initiative, though it has fueled much speculation. The symbol’s widespread use across different groups speaks to its universal message of divine oversight.
Do all Freemasons interpret these emblems in the exact same way?
While the fundamental meanings of the emblems are taught consistently across Masonic lodges, personal interpretation is a crucial aspect of a Freemason’s journey. The core lessons—such as the plumb representing uprightness of character—provide a universal foundation for all members. This shared understanding ensures a common language and purpose within the fraternity.
However, Freemasonry encourages each member to reflect on the symbols and discover deeper, personal significance in them, a process often referred to as seeking more "light." A Mason is expected to contemplate how these allegorical lessons apply to his own life, conduct, and spiritual beliefs. Therefore, while the foundational interpretation is shared, the full meaning of an emblem can be a unique and evolving discovery for each individual Mason.
