Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
For centuries, the symbols of Freemasonry have captivated the public imagination, sparking curiosity and speculation. From the iconic Square and Compasses to the mysterious All-Seeing Eye, these emblems are often seen as part of a secret code, a language known only to initiates. But what if they were less about secrecy and more about a profound method of teaching?
At its core, Freemasonry is a system of morality that uses allegory and symbolism to convey its lessons. Each symbol is a key, unlocking a deeper understanding of ethics, self-improvement, and one’s place in the universe. They are not secrets to be hidden, but truths to be discovered through personal reflection. This journey into the heart of Freemasonry symbols reveals a rich tapestry of philosophical thought.
This glossary is designed for the curious seeker. We will demystify some of the most common Masonic symbols, explaining their meanings in a clear and accessible way. Join us as we explore the visual language of the Craft and uncover the timeless wisdom it holds.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
The use of symbols is fundamental to the Masonic method of education. This tradition has its roots in the guilds of operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. In an era when many were illiterate, symbols served as a universal language to convey complex architectural principles and craft secrets.
When Freemasonry evolved from an operative craft to a speculative or philosophical one, it retained this symbolic language. However, the tools and rules of stonemasonry were given new, moral meanings. A builder’s square was no longer just for ensuring a perfect right angle in stone; it became a tool for squaring one’s actions with the principles of virtue.
This symbolic approach makes learning a deeply personal experience. Instead of being told what to believe, a Mason is presented with a symbol and encouraged to reflect on its meaning. This process of discovery, veiled in allegory, allows the lessons to resonate more profoundly, guiding a member on their path of personal growth and enlightenment. Symbols are the vocabulary of this unique educational journey.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
While there are hundreds of symbols used in Freemasonry, a few stand out as central to its teachings. These are the emblems you are most likely to encounter, each carrying layers of meaning that unfold as a Mason progresses through the degrees of the Craft.
What is the Meaning of the Square and Compasses?
This is undoubtedly the most recognized symbol of Freemasonry. It features a builder’s square and a pair of compasses, often with the letter ‘G’ in the center. Each component has a distinct and important meaning.
The Square is a symbol of morality, truth, and honesty. It reminds a Mason to ‘square’ his actions by the ‘square of virtue’ and to regulate his conduct according to Masonic principles. It represents the earthly, material world and our duties to our fellow man.
The Compasses, conversely, symbolize the spiritual and intellectual realm. They are used to draw circles, representing a boundary for self-restraint and a reminder to keep one’s passions within due bounds. The compasses teach a Mason to circumscribe his desires and live a balanced life.
The letter ‘G’ at the center has multiple interpretations. For many, it stands for God, or the Great Architect of the Universe, the supreme being to whom all Masons must profess a belief. It can also stand for Geometry, the mathematical science that was highly esteemed by ancient stonemasons and is seen as a pathway to understanding the divine order of the cosmos.
What Does the All-Seeing Eye Represent?
Often depicted within a triangle, the All-Seeing Eye, or Eye of Providence, is another prominent Masonic symbol. While it also appears in other contexts, including on the US dollar bill, in Freemasonry it holds a specific significance.
It symbolizes the omnipresence and watchfulness of the Great Architect of the Universe. It is a constant reminder that a Mason’s every thought and action is observed by a higher power, even when in secret. This is not a symbol of fearful surveillance but one of divine conscience and accountability.
The Eye encourages a Mason to act with integrity and truth, knowing that his deeds are always known. It represents the search for light and knowledge, as the eye is the organ of sight and perception. The triangle surrounding it, called a delta, often represents the deity and the perfection of divine wisdom.
What is the Significance of the Plumb and Level?
The Plumb and the Level are two more working tools of an operative mason that have been adopted for their symbolic lessons in speculative Masonry. They represent core tenets of Masonic character and social interaction.
The Plumb is a weighted tool used to determine a true vertical line. Symbolically, it represents rectitude of conduct, integrity, and the importance of living an upright life. It reminds a Mason to be just and true in all his dealings.
The Level is used to ascertain a true horizontal line. In Freemasonry, it is a powerful symbol of equality. It teaches that all men meet on the level, regardless of their wealth, social standing, or position outside the Lodge. Within the fraternity, all Brothers are considered equal. These concepts are a great starting point, but many more masonic symbols explained in further detail can illuminate the craft.
Why are the Sun, Moon, and Stars Important?
The celestial bodies play a significant role in Masonic symbolism, representing the order, regularity, and vastness of the universe as created by the Great Architect. They adorn the ceiling of many Masonic Lodges, creating a symbolic representation of the heavens.
The Sun represents the light of day and is a symbol of the Master of the Lodge, who is responsible for providing intellectual and spiritual light to the brethren. The Moon, which governs the night, symbolizes the Senior Warden, the Master’s second in command.
The stars represent the countless Masons scattered across the world and the divine beauty of the cosmos. They remind members of the vastness of creation and the importance of looking towards a higher source for guidance and inspiration. Unlocking the deeper masonic symbols meanings helps one appreciate the intricate connection between the Lodge and the universe itself.
What Do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, Symbolize?
At the entrance to every Masonic Lodge stand two symbolic pillars named Boaz and Jachin. These are representations of the two great bronze pillars that stood at the porch of King Solomon’s Temple, a central structure in Masonic allegory.
Boaz is typically translated as ‘in strength’, while Jachin means ‘he will establish’. Together, they symbolize stability and establishment. They represent the strength required to uphold one’s convictions and the divine power that establishes moral and spiritual truth.
Passing between these pillars is a symbolic act of entering a sacred space of learning and enlightenment. They mark the threshold between the profane outer world and the sanctified inner world of the Lodge. The journey through these pillars is a key part of the freemason initiation ceremony uk and in ceremonies worldwide.
What is the Meaning of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars?
The ashlars are two symbolic stones that are often found in a Lodge room. They represent the process of self-improvement and moral development that is at the heart of the Masonic journey.
The Rough Ashlar is a stone as taken from the quarry, in its natural, unworked state. It symbolizes man in his ignorant, unrefined condition, before he has benefited from education, discipline, and the teachings of Freemasonry. It is the raw material of character.
The Perfect Ashlar is a stone that has been shaped, smoothed, and finished by the hands of the skilled craftsman. It represents a man who has, through perseverance, education, and living a virtuous life, transformed himself into a more enlightened and disciplined individual. The journey from the rough to the perfect ashlar is the lifelong work of every Mason, and it is a powerful Freemason symbol of personal transformation.
What Does the Masonic Apron Signify?
The lambskin or white leather apron is one of the most significant pieces of Masonic regalia. It is the first gift a Mason receives upon his initiation and is considered his ‘badge of a Mason’. Its symbolism is rooted in both history and morality.
Historically, operative stonemasons wore aprons of hardened leather to protect themselves from rough stones and sharp tools. In speculative Masonry, the apron’s protective function becomes symbolic. It represents a shield against vice and a commitment to a pure and honorable life.
The whiteness of the lambskin apron symbolizes innocence, purity, and the clean slate upon which a Mason begins to build his moral character. It is considered more honorable than any other decoration or order that can be conferred, as it is a mark of a man dedicated to labor and virtue. The history and design of online masonic regalia often provides fascinating insights into this and other symbolic attire.
What is the Beehive a Symbol Of?
The beehive is a less common but equally profound Masonic symbol. It represents the virtues of industry, cooperation, and order. Just as each bee in a hive works diligently for the benefit of the entire community, so too should a Mason work for the good of society.
The symbol teaches that man was not created to live in isolation but to be a productive member of a community. It highlights the importance of hard work, systematic effort, and the idea that our collective labor can create something far greater than any individual could achieve alone.
The beehive is a lesson in social responsibility and the organized, harmonious effort required to build a better world. It reminds Masons that idleness is a vice and that productive labor is a noble pursuit that benefits both the individual and the fraternity.
What is the Point Within a Circle?
This is a more esoteric symbol that carries deep philosophical meaning. It consists of a central point enclosed by a circle, which is itself bounded by two parallel vertical lines.
The point represents the individual Mason, at the center of his own world. The circle represents the boundary line of his conduct, a moral and spiritual limit beyond which he should not stray. It is a symbol of self-control and the domain of one’s duty to God and man.
The two parallel lines touching the circle’s circumference are said to represent the two Holy Saints John: St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. They were revered as perfect parallels of faith and conduct. Atop the circle often rests the Volume of the Sacred Law, representing the divine word that guides a Mason’s path between these two exemplars. This is one of the more complex Masonic symbols for members to contemplate.
What is the Trowel Used For?
While many tools are symbolic in Freemasonry, the trowel holds a special place as the working tool of a Master Mason. An operative mason uses a trowel to spread the cement that binds stones together into a single, strong structure.
Symbolically, the trowel is used to spread the ‘cement of brotherly love and affection’. This is the spiritual bond that unites the members of the fraternity into a cohesive and supportive community. It represents the importance of harmony, goodwill, and reconciliation.
The trowel teaches Masons to smooth over differences, to build bridges of understanding, and to strengthen the bonds that connect them to their brethren. It is a symbol of peacemaking and the constructive power of love to create a solid and enduring fellowship. Many resources offer further reading on how these tools are masonic symbols explained within the context of the degrees.
How Do These Symbols Connect to a Mason’s Journey?
The symbols of Freemasonry are not merely decorative or intellectual curiosities. They are woven into the very fabric of the Masonic experience, particularly within the rituals of the three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.
As a candidate progresses, he is introduced to different symbols and working tools. Each one corresponds to a particular stage of his moral and spiritual development. The symbols act as signposts on a lifelong journey of self-discovery and improvement.
A Mason’s understanding of these symbols is not static. It is expected to evolve and deepen over time through study, reflection, and discussion with his brethren. The true meaning of a symbol is ultimately a personal revelation, a flash of insight that connects an ancient emblem to one’s own life and conduct. Freemasonry is, in this sense, a ‘system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’.
This glossary has only scratched the surface of a deeply rewarding field of study. Each symbol is a gateway to a world of history, philosophy, and personal insight. The language of symbolism is what makes Freemasonry a timeless and transformative path for those who walk it.
To explore the profound world of Masonic symbolism further, there is no better guide. 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 the "All-Seeing Eye" so often linked to the Freemasons?
The connection largely stems from the fact that the Eye of Providence was officially adopted as a prominent Masonic symbol in the late 18th century, around the same time the Great Seal was being designed. This historical overlap has led many to assume a direct link between the two uses. Furthermore, the symbol’s esoteric nature, representing a divine overseer, aligns well with the spiritual and philosophical themes explored within Masonic traditions.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the "All-Seeing Eye" was a common artistic and religious motif long before the Freemasons adopted it. It appeared in religious art for centuries to represent God’s omniscience. Therefore, while the Masons do use the symbol, its presence on the dollar bill is not exclusive proof of their influence, as the designers were likely drawing from a shared pool of common iconographic symbols of the era.
Were the men who designed the Great Seal on the dollar bill actually Freemasons?
This is a common point of confusion, but the key designers of the final version of the Great Seal were not Masons. Charles Thomson, the Secretary of Congress who finalized the design by combining elements from previous proposals, was not a Freemason. Similarly, William Barton, the artist and consultant who introduced the pyramid and Eye of Providence, was also not a member of the fraternity.
While it is true that one of the initial committee members, Benjamin Franklin, was a very prominent Freemason, his proposed design was ultimately rejected. The final seal, approved in 1782, was a composite of ideas from multiple sources and committees over six years. The lack of Masonic membership among the final, influential designers strongly refutes the claim that they intentionally embedded secret symbols.
If they aren’t Masonic, what is the official meaning of the pyramid and eye on the dollar?
The official symbolism of the Great Seal is deeply rooted in the aspirations of the newly formed United States. The unfinished 13-step pyramid represents the new nation, with room for future growth, while the 13 steps signify the original 13 colonies. The Latin motto Annuit Cœptis translates to "[Providence] has favored our undertakings," suggesting divine approval of the new country.
Above the pyramid, the Eye of Providence within the triangle signifies the watchful eye of God guiding the nation. The motto Novus Ordo Seclorum, meaning "A New Order of the Ages," declares the beginning of a new American era. Together, these elements were meant to convey strength, permanence, and divine blessing for the United States, not to hide a secret society’s agenda.
