Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
For centuries, the symbols of Freemasonry have captured the public imagination, evoking a sense of mystery, tradition, and profound meaning. These emblems, seen on buildings, rings, and historic documents, are not merely decorative. They are the building blocks of a complex system of moral and philosophical instruction, designed to guide a man on his journey of self-improvement.
Freemasonry is often called a ‘beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’. This means that its core tenets are taught through stories and symbolic representations. Instead of simple instruction, a Mason is encouraged to contemplate these emblems and discover their lessons for himself. This guide provides a look into the world of Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings, aiming to demystify their purpose for all who are curious.
Understanding these symbols is key to understanding the heart of the Craft. Each one is a key that unlocks a deeper aspect of Masonic philosophy, ethics, and the timeless pursuit of light and knowledge. They form a universal language that connects Masons across the globe and throughout history.
Why Does Freemasonry Use So Many Symbols?
To understand the prevalence of symbols in Freemasonry, one must look back to its origins. The fraternity evolved from the guilds of operative stonemasons, the skilled craftsmen who built the magnificent cathedrals and castles of Europe. These men used physical tools like the square, level, and plumb to create perfect structures from rough stone.
When Freemasonry transitioned from an operative craft to a speculative one, these tools were not discarded. Instead, they were adopted for their rich symbolic potential. A ‘speculative’ Mason learns to use these tools not on stone, but on himself. He works to transform his own character from a rough, imperfect state into a more virtuous and enlightened being, fit for a spiritual house.
Symbols serve as a powerful teaching method. They convey complex ideas more effectively than words alone, engaging the mind on a deeper, more intuitive level. A symbol can hold multiple layers of meaning, revealing more to a person as they grow in experience and understanding. This makes them ideal for a system of lifelong learning.
Furthermore, this symbolic language is universal. It transcends cultural, national, and linguistic barriers, allowing men from all walks of life to meet on common ground and share in the same fundamental lessons of morality and fellowship. The symbols provide a shared framework for personal and collective growth.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
The landscape of Masonic symbolism is vast and intricate, with each emblem contributing to the larger philosophical structure. However, a few key symbols are central to the Masonic experience and are recognized worldwide. These are the foundational icons upon which the entire system is built.
Exploring these primary symbols provides a clear window into the core values of the Craft. They teach lessons of virtue, self-control, equality, and reverence for a higher power. Let’s delve into some of the most significant emblems and uncover the meanings they hold.
What is the Meaning of the Square and Compasses?
No symbol is more synonymous with Freemasonry than the Square and Compasses. It is the universal emblem of the Craft, instantly recognizable around the world. This icon is not a single symbol but a combination of two stonemason’s tools, often with the letter ‘G’ at the center.
The Square is an instrument used to test the accuracy of right angles and to ensure that a stone is ‘true’. Symbolically, it represents morality, truth, and honesty. To ‘act on the square’ is a Masonic phrase meaning to deal fairly and virtuously with all people. It is the emblem of the Master of the Lodge and reminds Masons to square their actions by the square of virtue.
The Compasses are used to draw circles and arcs, defining boundaries and proportions. In speculative Masonry, they symbolize the importance of self-restraint and circumspection. A Mason uses the symbolic compasses to ‘circumscribe his desires and keep his passions within due bounds’. It is a tool for defining the limits of one’s own conduct.
Together, the Square and Compasses illustrate the core of Masonic philosophy. It is the balance between our moral duty to others (the Square) and our obligation to control ourselves (the Compasses). The letter ‘G’ often placed between them is typically said to represent God, the Grand Architect of the Universe, and Geometry, the mathematical science that underlies creation and stonemasonry.
What Does the All-Seeing Eye Represent?
The All-Seeing Eye, or the Eye of Providence, is another powerful Masonic symbol, though it is not exclusive to the fraternity. It is an image of a single eye, often enclosed within a triangle and surrounded by rays of light. This emblem is a profound reminder of a constant divine presence.
For a Mason, the All-Seeing Eye symbolizes the watchfulness of the Supreme Being. It signifies that all of a person’s actions, and even their innermost thoughts, are observed by the Grand Architect of the Universe. This is not meant to be an intimidating or fearful concept, but a comforting and motivating one.
It serves as a moral compass, encouraging a Mason to live and act honorably, even when no one is watching. The symbol reinforces the idea of accountability and the importance of integrity in every aspect of one’s life. The rays of light emanating from the eye represent divine light, knowledge, and truth, which Masons are encouraged to seek. To explore the rich masonic symbols and their meanings is to begin a journey of personal discovery that can last a lifetime.
What is the Significance of the Masonic Apron?
The Masonic apron is one of the most important and personally significant symbols for a Freemason. It is the first gift a Mason receives upon his initiation and is considered a badge of honor and distinction. Its origins trace directly back to the protective leather aprons worn by operative stonemasons to shield them from rough stone and chipping debris.
In speculative Masonry, the apron’s meaning is transformed. It is traditionally made of white lambskin, a material that symbolizes purity and innocence. When a new Mason is presented with his apron, he is reminded that its unblemished surface represents a pure heart and the honorable life he is expected to lead. It is a constant visual reminder of his obligations.
Throughout a Mason’s journey, the style of his apron may change to reflect his rank and office, but its fundamental meaning remains the same. It is a symbol of dedicated labor, not for personal gain, but for the betterment of humanity and the glory of the Grand Architect. Learning about the history of masonic symbols shows how practical items became profound allegorical tools.
Why Are the Sun, Moon, and Stars Important?
The celestial bodies play a prominent role in the symbolism of a Masonic Lodge. The Sun, Moon, and Stars are often depicted within the Lodge room, representing the magnificent order and predictability of the universe. They serve as a macrocosmic parallel to the well-regulated environment a Lodge is meant to be.
The Sun is said to rule the day, and the Moon to govern the night. Symbolically, the Sun represents the Master of the Lodge, whose duty is to preside and impart light and knowledge to the Brethren. The Moon, in turn, represents the Senior Warden, the second-in-command, who assists the Master in governing the Lodge.
The Stars, scattered across the celestial canopy, symbolize the countless Masons spread across the globe. They also represent the divine order and the fixed principles of nature and morality that are as constant as the northern star. These celestial symbols remind a Mason of his place in the universe and the importance of regularity and discipline in his own life.
What Do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, Symbolize?
Prominently featured at the entrance to a Masonic Lodge are two pillars, named Boaz and Jachin. These are symbolic representations of the two great bronze pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, a central setting in Masonic allegory. Their names are Hebrew, with Boaz meaning ‘in strength’ and Jachin meaning ‘He will establish’.
Together, their meaning is often interpreted as ‘In strength, He will establish this His house in peace’. For a Mason, these pillars symbolize the dual concepts of strength and establishment. They represent the solid foundation upon which the fraternity is built and the enduring power of its principles. They are pillars of support, both literally for the symbolic temple and figuratively for the individual Mason.
The pillars also represent the concept of duality, a recurring theme in esoteric philosophy. They stand for the passive and active principles, darkness and light, and the two great pillars of the law and the prophets. A candidate entering the Lodge passes between them, symbolizing his transition from the profane outer world to the sacred inner space of Masonic light.
What is the Meaning of the Plumb, Level, and Rule?
Beyond the Square and Compasses, other working tools hold deep symbolic value. The Plumb, Level, and the 24-Inch Gauge are a set of tools that teach important moral lessons. They are central to the teachings of the first two Masonic degrees.
The Plumb is a weight suspended from a line, used to determine a true vertical. Symbolically, it represents rectitude of conduct and moral uprightness. It reminds a Mason to live an upright life before God and man, never deviating from the line of integrity. The Level is an instrument used to ascertain a true horizontal line. Its Masonic lesson is one of equality. It teaches that all men meet on the same level in the Lodge, regardless of their wealth, status, or station in the outside world, for all are equal in the eyes of the Creator.
The 24-Inch Gauge is essentially a ruler, which operative masons used for measuring. Symbolically, it represents the twenty-four hours of the day. It is a tool for time management, reminding a Mason to divide his day into three equal parts: a portion for service to God and a distressed Brother, a portion for his usual vocations, and a portion for refreshment and sleep. These common Freemason symbols are practical reminders for daily living.
How Are Symbols Used in Masonic Degrees?
Freemasonry’s teachings are imparted through a series of degrees, which are essentially ritualistic plays. The primary system, known as the Blue Lodge, consists of three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Each degree represents a stage in a man’s personal and spiritual development, and each introduces a new set of symbols.
The symbolism becomes progressively more complex as a candidate advances. In the Entered Apprentice degree, the lessons focus on beginnings, purification, and the basics of moral conduct, using simple tools like the gavel and the 24-inch gauge. As he progresses to the Fellowcraft degree, he is encouraged to focus on intellectual pursuits, learning, and the sciences, with symbols like the pillars and the winding staircase.
By the time he reaches the Master Mason degree, the symbols address the profound themes of mortality, legacy, and resurrection. Each degree builds upon the last, weaving a rich tapestry of meaning. The way symbols are revealed during the Freemason initiation process is a carefully structured educational experience. Understanding each degree’s specific masons’ emblem is a key part of this journey.
Are Masonic Symbols Secret?
A common misconception is that Masonic symbols are ‘secret’. While Freemasonry is a private fraternity, its primary symbols are anything but secret. The Square and Compasses are one of the most recognized logos in the world, openly displayed on buildings, lapel pins, and car emblems.
The true ‘secret’ of Masonic symbolism lies not in the image itself, but in its interpretation and application. The meaning of a symbol is revealed within the context of the Masonic rituals and through personal contemplation. It is the experience of learning about the symbol in a specific, allegorical context that is reserved for members.
The journey of unveiling the secrets behind the craft is a personal one. Two men can look at the same symbol and, based on their life experiences and Masonic education, derive slightly different shades of meaning from it. The power is in the individual’s connection to the symbol’s lesson. The public can easily view various Freemason logos, but their full significance is unlocked through participation in the Craft.
How Can I Learn More About Masonic Symbolism?
This glossary provides a foundational understanding of the key symbols in Freemasonry, but it only scratches the surface. The study of Masonic symbolism is a deep and rewarding pursuit that can occupy a lifetime. Each symbol is a gateway to broader philosophical, historical, and spiritual concepts.
For those who are truly curious, the path to deeper knowledge involves further reading, reflection, and for some, seeking membership in the fraternity itself. The symbols are not a code to be ‘cracked’ but a language to be learned. The more one engages with this language, the more eloquent it becomes in teaching the great lessons of life.
These ancient emblems have guided generations of men in their quest to become better versions of themselves. They are tools for building character, fostering community, and connecting with timeless principles of virtue and truth. They are a testament to the idea that the most profound lessons are often hidden in the simplest of forms.
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
What is the practical purpose of an Emblematic Chart in a Masonic lodge?
A Freemason Emblematic Chart serves primarily as a visual aid and educational tool within the lodge. It acts as a comprehensive "Masonic map," consolidating the key symbols and allegories a Mason learns as he progresses through the degrees. During lectures and instruction, the chart provides a focal point, helping candidates and members alike to visualize the moral and philosophical lessons being taught.
Beyond its use in formal instruction, the chart is also a powerful object for personal contemplation and reflection. Masons are encouraged to study the chart to deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness of the symbols and their application to their own lives. It stands as a constant and beautiful reminder of the core principles and virtues that form the foundation of the Masonic fraternity.
Are the meanings of the symbols on the chart fixed or open to interpretation?
The interpretation of the symbols on a Masonic Emblematic Chart involves both established tradition and personal insight. There are generally accepted meanings for the primary symbols which are taught as part of Masonic education, ensuring a common foundation of understanding among all members. This shared symbolism provides a universal language that connects Masons across different lodges and jurisdictions.
However, Freemasonry strongly encourages a journey of personal discovery, famously described as making "a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge." Masons are expected to meditate on the symbols and find meanings that resonate with their own experiences, character, and spiritual path. Therefore, while the core explanations are fixed, the ultimate goal is for each individual to build a deeper, more personal layer of understanding.
Are all Freemason Emblematic Charts the same, or do different versions exist?
While the fundamental symbols of Freemasonry are consistent, there is no single, standardized design for the Emblematic Chart. Over the centuries, various artists and Masonic scholars have created their own interpretations, resulting in a rich diversity of styles. These differences can reflect the artistic trends of a particular era, the specific rituals of a Masonic Rite, or the unique vision of the creator.
Some versions have become more famous and widely replicated than others, such as the iconic charts designed by John Harris in the 1820s for the United Grand Lodge of England. Nonetheless, exploring different historical and contemporary charts reveals a fascinating evolution in Masonic art and interpretation. Each version, while distinct, ultimately aims to convey the same timeless moral and philosophical tenets of the craft.
