Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
Freemasonry, often shrouded in an aura of mystery, communicates its most profound lessons not through complex doctrines but through a rich and intricate language of symbols. For centuries, these emblems have captivated the imagination of both the public and its own members, leading to speculation and wonder. But far from being sinister secrets, Masonic symbols are powerful tools for moral and philosophical instruction, designed to guide a man on a journey of personal growth and enlightenment.
The use of symbolism is central to the Masonic experience. Each emblem, from the simple to the complex, is a piece of a larger allegorical puzzle. Exploring the full catalog of Masonic symbols explained: a complete glossary of meanings reveals a rich tapestry of wisdom drawn from geometry, scripture, nature, and the traditions of ancient stonemasons. These are not objects of worship but visual aids for contemplation.
This guide will demystify some of the most common and significant symbols found within the Masonic lodge. We will delve into their history, their interpretation, and their role in the Masonic system of self-improvement. Understanding these symbols is the first step toward appreciating the deep philosophical heritage of the Craft and its enduring relevance in the modern world.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
To understand Masonic symbolism, one must look back to its origins. Freemasonry evolved from the guilds of operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. In an era when most of the population was illiterate, symbols and allegories were the primary method of teaching complex concepts, trade secrets, and moral lessons.
A stonemason’s tools were not just for shaping rock; they became metaphors for shaping one’s character. The square taught a man to be ‘square’ in his dealings with others. The level reminded him of equality, and the plumb rule of uprightness. These simple, tangible objects conveyed powerful ethical principles that every craftsman could understand and remember.
As Freemasonry transitioned from an ‘operative’ craft of actual builders to a ‘speculative’ one of moral philosophers, it retained this symbolic method of instruction. The tools of the stonemason became the working tools of the speculative Mason, used to build a spiritual temple within himself. This allegorical approach is why so many are fascinated by Masonic symbols and their meanings, as they represent a timeless method of education that speaks directly to the human spirit, transcending language and cultural barriers.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
The landscape of Masonic symbolism is vast, with emblems that relate to specific degrees, offices, and philosophical concepts. However, a core set of symbols is recognized universally and forms the foundation of Masonic teaching. These are the emblems you are most likely to encounter, each holding layers of meaning that unfold as a Mason progresses in his journey.
What Do the Square and Compasses Represent?
This is undoubtedly the most recognized symbol of Freemasonry. Often depicted with the letter ‘G’ in the center, the Square and Compasses are the quintessential emblem of the Craft. Separately, each tool has a distinct meaning, but together, they represent the harmonious balance required for a virtuous life.
The Square is an emblem of morality, truth, and honesty. It is the tool used to ensure stones are perfectly cut and will fit squarely into a building. For a speculative Mason, it is a constant reminder to ‘square’ his actions by the ‘square of virtue’ and to conduct himself with integrity toward all mankind. It represents our duty to our fellow man and the earthly, material world.
The Compasses are used to draw circles, symbolizing the spiritual and intellectual realm. They represent the importance of self-restraint and keeping one’s passions within due bounds. By circumscribing our desires, we avoid excess and maintain balance. The Compasses symbolize a Mason’s duty to himself and to the Great Architect. The true Mason symbol meaning is deeply personal and reflects this balance between the earthly and the divine.
The letter ‘G’ in the center has two primary interpretations. It stands for Geometry, the mathematical science upon which the art of masonry is founded. It also stands for God, or the Great Architect of the Universe, who is the central focus of a Mason’s faith and work. The ‘G’ reminds a Mason that all his actions are done in the presence of a higher power.
What is the Meaning of the All-Seeing Eye?
The All-Seeing Eye, or Eye of Providence, is another symbol that often sparks curiosity and sometimes misunderstanding. It is a symbol of divine omniscience; a representation of the ever-watchful eye of the Great Architect of the Universe. It is not an object of worship itself but a powerful reminder to every Mason that his thoughts, words, and actions are observed by a supreme being, even when in solitude.
This symbol encourages sincerity and high moral conduct, as it implies that one can never truly hide from the consequences of their behavior. The Eye of Providence reinforces the Masonic tenets of truth and justice. It is a symbol of comfort and accountability, suggesting that a Mason is always under the care and observation of the divine.
It is also important to note that this symbol is not exclusively Masonic. It has appeared in various cultures and religious traditions for thousands of years, most famously on the Great Seal of the United States. In Freemasonry, it was adopted for its clear and universal message about the nature of divinity and its relationship with humanity.
Why is the Masonic Apron So Important?
The lambskin or white leather apron is the single most important piece of a Mason’s regalia. It is the badge of a Mason and the first gift he receives upon his initiation. Its significance is rooted in both the operative and speculative aspects of the Craft. For operative stonemasons, a sturdy leather apron was a practical necessity to protect them from the hazards of their work.
In speculative Freemasonry, the apron’s meaning is transformed. The white lambskin is a symbol of innocence, purity of heart, and a clean conscience. It is a visual representation of the ‘spotless life’ that a Mason should strive to live. Wearing the apron signifies the noble dignity of labor and the importance of leading a useful and productive life.
Over time, aprons can be adorned with various symbols depending on the Mason’s rank and the specific lodge traditions. You will often see these emblems featured on various pieces of Masonic symbols and regalia, each adding another layer of meaning to this foundational emblem. Regardless of any decorations, the simple white apron remains the true emblem of a Mason, a symbol that unites all Brothers, from the newest apprentice to the most experienced master.
What Are the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin?
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 porch or entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, a structure of immense symbolic importance in Freemasonry. The names are derived from the Old Testament and carry significant allegorical weight.
Boaz is typically translated as ‘in strength’ or ‘strength’. Jachin is translated as ‘He will establish’ or ‘establishment’. When placed together at the entrance of the lodge, they symbolize the idea that every important undertaking must be established in strength. They represent stability, permanence, and the foundation upon which the spiritual temple of one’s life is built.
The pillars also symbolize the concept of duality, a recurring theme in Masonic philosophy. They represent opposing forces that must be held in equilibrium: light and darkness, active and passive, reason and emotion, life and death. A Mason is taught to pass between these pillars, symbolically learning to find balance and harmony in his own life. Many lodges offer resources where these Masonic symbols are explained for new members to help them grasp these foundational concepts.
What is the Significance of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars?
The ashlars are two symbolic stones found in a Masonic lodge, representing the beginning and end of a Mason’s spiritual and moral development. They are a direct allegory for the process of self-improvement that is at the heart of the Masonic journey.
The Rough Ashlar is a stone taken directly from the quarry. It is unworked, crude, and imperfect. This stone represents man in his natural state: ignorant, uncultivated, and subject to the vices and passions of his base nature. It is the raw material with which a Mason begins his work.
The Perfect Ashlar, in contrast, is a stone that has been carefully shaped, squared, and smoothed by the tools of the craftsman. It is ready to be a building block in a perfect structure. This stone represents man after he has applied the lessons of Freemasonry to his own life. Through education, discipline, virtue, and self-control, he has smoothed the rough edges of his character and become a more enlightened and useful member of society.
What is the Volume of the Sacred Law?
At the center of every Masonic lodge, upon the altar, rests the Volume of the Sacred Law. This is the holy book that is considered sacred by the members of that particular lodge. In many lodges in the Western world, this is the Holy Bible. However, in lodges with members of different faiths, it could be the Torah, the Quran, the Vedas, or another text. Sometimes, several sacred texts are present.
Its presence signifies that a Mason’s work is guided by a belief in a supreme being and by the moral precepts found within that sacred text. It is considered the great light of Freemasonry, providing the spiritual and ethical illumination needed to guide a man’s path. The Square and Compasses are always placed upon the open Volume of the Sacred Law during lodge meetings, symbolizing that a Mason’s actions and self-governance should be framed by divine law.
Freemasonry does not dictate which religion a member should follow, only that he must have a belief in a supreme being. The Volume of the Sacred Law reinforces this principle of religious tolerance, serving as a universal symbol of man’s connection to the divine, much like how a Masonic little blue book can serve as a personal guide for a Brother’s journey.
What is the Meaning of the Beehive?
The beehive is a less common but deeply significant Masonic symbol. It is a powerful emblem of industry, cooperation, and order. A beehive is a masterclass in efficiency, where every bee has a role and works tirelessly for the benefit of the entire colony. It teaches Masons the virtues of hard work and the importance of contributing to the welfare of society.
This symbol reminds a Mason that he has a duty to be productive and avoid idleness. Just as bees work together to create something sweet and enduring, Masons are encouraged to work together in harmony to build a better world. The beehive represents the perfectly organized and industrious nature of the Masonic lodge itself, where every member works together for the common good.
A deeper dive into the catalog of Freemason symbols uncovers many such allegories for a virtuous life, drawn from the natural world to provide clear and relatable moral lessons.
How Are These Symbols Used in Masonic Rituals?
Masonic symbols are not merely static images for study; they are actively woven into the fabric of Masonic rituals and degree ceremonies. These rituals are essentially allegorical plays in which the candidate is the main character. As he progresses through his Masonic journey, he physically and intellectually interacts with these symbols, and their meanings are explained to him in a dramatic context.
This immersive method of teaching helps to impress the moral lessons upon the candidate’s mind in a way that reading a book never could. For example, a candidate will be presented with the working tools and taught how to use them, not on stone, but on his own character. He will learn about the pillars by symbolically passing between them. The full meaning of Freemason signs and symbols is often unveiled gradually, with new layers of interpretation revealed as he advances through the degrees.
This process ensures that the symbolism of the Craft is not just an academic exercise but a lived experience. It transforms abstract principles into tangible lessons, encouraging a Mason to continually reflect on the symbols and apply their teachings to his daily life. The ritualistic use of symbols is what makes Freemasonry a unique and transformative system of self-development.
The symbols of Freemasonry are a timeless and beautiful language. They are a collection of tools designed to build better men, who in turn build a better world. They are not secrets to be hoarded, but lessons to be lived. By understanding this symbolic alphabet, we can begin to read the profound story of moral and spiritual striving that Freemasonry has been telling for centuries.
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 does Freemasonry rely so heavily on symbols instead of just stating its principles directly?
Freemasonry uses symbolism as its primary teaching method because symbols engage the mind on a deeper, more personal level than simple text. These allegorical tools, drawn from the craft of stonemasonry and geometry, are designed to provoke thought and encourage self-discovery. By contemplating a symbol’s meaning, a Mason is prompted to reflect on his own character and moral development in a way that is more profound and lasting than memorizing a set of rules.
This method also makes the fraternity’s lessons universally accessible, transcending language and cultural barriers. A symbol like the All-Seeing Eye or the Square and Compasses can convey complex ideas about divinity, morality, and discipline without a single word. The process of uncovering these layers of meaning is a key part of the Masonic journey, making the lessons learned more personal and impactful for each individual member.
Are Masonic symbols connected to the occult or devil worship?
No, Masonic symbols are in no way connected to the occult, satanism, or any form of devil worship. This is a common misconception fueled by the private nature of the organization and the esoteric appearance of some of its symbols. The emblems used in Freemasonry are tools for teaching morality, self-improvement, and philosophical principles, with meanings rooted in virtue, integrity, and faith in a Supreme Being.
The symbols are allegorical in nature, intended to remind a Mason of his duties to himself, his family, and his community. For example, the trowel symbolizes the spreading of brotherly love, while the rough ashlar represents an uneducated man and the perfect ashlar represents a man improved by virtuous education. These are positive, constructive symbols designed to guide members toward living a more examined and honorable life.
Do all Freemasons interpret these symbols in the exact same way?
While there is a foundational and generally accepted meaning for each symbol taught within the lodge, individual interpretation is also a key aspect of the Masonic experience. The core teachings associated with symbols like the level, plumb, and square provide a common framework and a shared language for all Masons. This ensures that the fundamental moral and ethical lessons are universally understood throughout the fraternity.
However, Freemasonry strongly encourages its members to "make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge" through personal study and reflection. This means that while the core definition of a symbol is fixed, its deeper, personal resonance can vary from one Mason to another as he applies its lessons to his own life and spiritual journey. This duality of shared meaning and personal discovery is what makes Masonic symbolism such a powerful and enduring educational tool.
