Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
Freemasonry, one of the world’s oldest and most well-known fraternities, often evokes images of secrecy and mystery. At the heart of this mystique lies a rich and complex system of symbols. These emblems are not meant to conceal but to reveal, acting as visual guides for moral and philosophical lessons that have been passed down through centuries.
For those outside the Craft, these symbols can seem cryptic. Yet, for a Mason, they are a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, teaching principles of integrity, truth, and self-improvement. This glossary is designed to peel back the layers of allegory and provide clear explanations for the general audience, offering a window into the profound world of Masonic thought.
Understanding this visual language is key to appreciating the fraternity’s core tenets. Each symbol is a stepping stone on a path of personal enlightenment, representing a piece of a larger philosophical puzzle. Our guide to Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone seeking to understand this intricate system of knowledge.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
Freemasonry’s use of symbolism is a deliberate and ancient pedagogical method. It is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. This approach allows timeless truths to be taught in a way that encourages personal reflection and interpretation rather than dogmatic acceptance.
The fraternity’s origins are rooted in the guilds of operative stonemasons, the craftsmen who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. These artisans used physical tools like the square, level, and plumb rule in their daily work. When Freemasonry evolved from an operative craft to a speculative one, it adopted these tools as symbols for building a better inner self.
This symbolic language allows men from diverse backgrounds and faiths to meet on common ground. A symbol can convey a complex ethical concept far more effectively than words alone. It invites each Mason to contemplate its meaning and apply its lesson to his own life, character, and conduct, making the learning process deeply personal and impactful.
What Are the Three Great Lights of Freemasonry?
The foundation of Masonic symbolism rests upon what are known as the Three Great Lights. These are considered the most essential symbols in the Lodge room, and no Lodge can be officially opened or conducted without their presence. They are the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses.
Together, these three items provide the moral and spiritual framework for a Mason’s life and work. They are prominently displayed on the Lodge’s altar during all proceedings, constantly reminding the members of their duties to God, their neighbors, and themselves. Each light has a distinct and profound meaning that interlocks with the others.
What Does the Square and Compasses Represent?
The Square and Compasses are arguably the most recognized symbol of Freemasonry. They are often depicted together, sometimes with the letter ‘G’ in the center. While they appear as a single emblem, each component has its own specific lesson.
The Square is an instrument used to test the accuracy of right angles and the straightness of surfaces. Symbolically, it represents morality, truthfulness, and honesty. To act ‘on the square’ is a Masonic phrase meaning to act with integrity and fairness. It is the emblem of the Master of the Lodge and reminds Masons to square their actions by the square of virtue with all mankind.
The Compasses are a tool for drawing circles and arcs. In a symbolic sense, they represent the importance of circumscribing one’s desires and keeping passions within due bounds. They are a reminder of self-restraint and the need to maintain control over one’s own life, defining the limits of conduct. The beautiful and universally recognized Masons’ emblem is a constant guide for a member’s journey.
The letter ‘G’ often found in the center has multiple layers of meaning. For many, it stands for God, the Great Architect of the Universe, who is central to Masonic philosophy. It can also represent Geometry, the mathematical science upon which the art of stonemasonry was founded and which symbolizes the order and design of the cosmos.
What is the Significance of the Volume of the Sacred Law?
The Volume of the Sacred Law is the third of the Great Lights. It is the holy book that is central to a particular Mason’s faith. In many Lodges in the Western world, this is the Holy Bible, but it can be the Quran, the Torah, the Vedas, or another sacred text, depending on the beliefs of the Lodge’s members.
Its presence on the altar signifies that a Mason’s work is grounded in faith and a belief in a higher power. It is referred to as the ‘inestimable gift of God to man’ and serves as the rule and guide for his faith and practice. It provides the moral and spiritual light by which a Mason is expected to live his life, illuminating his path towards truth and righteousness.
What Do the Masonic Working Tools Symbolize?
Beyond the Great Lights, Freemasonry employs a host of other symbols, many of which are derived from the working tools of an operative stonemason. These tools are presented to a candidate as he progresses through the degrees of the Craft. Each set of tools teaches specific moral lessons relevant to that stage of his Masonic journey. The vast array of Freemason signs and symbols provides a rich tapestry of moral instruction.
What Are the Tools of an Entered Apprentice?
An Entered Apprentice, the first degree of Freemasonry, is presented with the 24-Inch Gauge and the Common Gavel. These are the first tools he is taught to use in a speculative sense.
The 24-Inch Gauge is a ruler with 24 inches, which symbolically represents the 24 hours of the day. It teaches a Mason about the proper division of his time, recommending that he dedicate parts of his day to serving God and a distressed worthy Brother, his usual vocations, and to rest and refreshment.
The Common Gavel is a type of hammer used by stonemasons to chip away the rough edges of stones. Symbolically, it represents the force of conscience and the will. It is used to divest the heart and mind of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting one’s own mind as a living stone for that spiritual building, that ‘house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens’.
What Do the Fellowcraft’s Tools Mean?
As a Mason advances to the degree of Fellowcraft, he is introduced to tools associated with a more skilled and knowledgeable craftsman. These are the Plumb, the Square, and the Level.
The Plumb is a weight suspended from a line, used to determine if a wall is vertically true. Its symbolic lesson is one of rectitude of conduct. It reminds a Mason to walk uprightly and with integrity before God and man.
The Level is an instrument used to check if a surface is perfectly horizontal. As a symbol, it teaches the lesson of equality. It reminds Masons that they are all traveling on the same level of time, toward the same ultimate destination, and that all men are equal in the eyes of the Great Architect.
The Square, already discussed as one of the Great Lights, is reintroduced here as a working tool to emphasize the importance of morality and virtue in all aspects of life and work.
What Are the Master Mason’s Tools?
A Master Mason, having reached the third and final degree of basic Craft Masonry, is presented with a final set of working tools. The primary tool is the Trowel. The Trowel is used by operative masons to spread cement, binding stones together into a single, solid structure.
Symbolically, the Trowel is the tool for spreading brotherly love and affection. It is the instrument that binds the members of the fraternity together with the ‘cement’ of mutual kindness and support, creating a strong and harmonious society. All other tools, such as the Skirret, the Pencil, and the Compasses, are also explained as tools by which the skilled Master can draw the designs that guide the Craft in their labor. Each of these tools contributes to the broader narrative of building a moral and spiritual edifice. The journey through these degrees is a universal experience, shared by Freemasons in the UK and across the globe.
What Other Symbols Are Important in Freemasonry?
Beyond the Lights and the working tools, Masonic lodges are filled with a variety of other powerful symbols. Each one adds another layer to the fraternity’s philosophical system, providing further avenues for contemplation and self-discovery. These emblems are found on tracing boards, lodge furniture, and personal regalia.
What is the Meaning of the All-Seeing Eye?
The All-Seeing Eye, often depicted within a triangle, is one of the most famous and sometimes misunderstood Masonic symbols. It represents the Eye of Providence, a symbol of the omnipresence and watchfulness of the Great Architect of the Universe.
It is a constant reminder to every Mason that his thoughts, words, and actions are always being observed by a higher power. This is not a symbol of surveillance in a negative sense, but rather a source of comfort and a call to accountability. It encourages a Mason to live a life worthy of such divine observation. While not exclusive to the fraternity, its use in Masonry is central, and there are many resources where these Masonic symbols are explained.
Why Are the Sun and Moon Pictured in Lodges?
The Sun and Moon are often depicted in Masonic artwork and within the Lodge room itself, typically on either side of the Master’s chair. They represent the great principles of duality and balance in the universe: light and darkness, day and night, activity and rest.
Symbolically, the Sun is said to rule the day, and the Moon to govern the night. Within the Lodge, the Sun represents the authority and wisdom of the Master, while the Moon reflects that light, symbolizing the other officers who assist him. Together, they signify that Masonic work continues day and night and that a Mason should always be seeking light.
What Do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, Represent?
Prominently featured at the entrance to a Masonic Lodge are representations of two large bronze pillars named Boaz and Jachin. These are based on the pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, a central setting in Masonic allegory.
Boaz is said to mean ‘in strength’, while Jachin means ‘to establish’. Together, they symbolize strength and establishment. They serve as a symbolic gateway, and every candidate for Freemasonry must pass between them to enter the Lodge. This passage represents a transition from the profane outer world to the sacred inner space of Masonic light and knowledge. Deeper exploration of these and other Masonic symbols explained reveals their connection to ancient architecture and philosophy.
What is the Symbolism of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars?
The Ashlars are two stone blocks found in every Lodge. The Rough Ashlar is a stone as taken from the quarry, in its natural, unworked state. It symbolizes man in his ignorant, uncultivated condition.
The Perfect Ashlar, by contrast, is a stone that has been shaped, squared, and smoothed by the hands of the skilled craftsman. It symbolizes man who, through education, discipline, and the application of Masonic principles, has improved himself and become a more virtuous and enlightened individual. The journey from the Rough to the Perfect Ashlar is the symbolic work of every Freemason.
What Does the Masonic Apron Signify?
The lambskin or white leather apron is the first gift a Mason receives and is considered his primary badge of membership. Its symbolism is rooted in both the practical gear of operative stonemasons and in ancient traditions where white garments signified innocence and purity.
The apron is said to be ‘more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, and more honorable than the Star and Garter’. This statement emphasizes that a Mason’s honor comes not from wealth or worldly power but from a life of virtue and service. The simple apron is a powerful reminder of humility, innocence, and the honor of honest labor. Its design and decoration can vary, but its core meaning remains a constant among all Freemason symbols.
What is the Beehive a Symbol Of?
The beehive is a classic Masonic symbol that teaches the virtues of industry and cooperation. A hive is a perfect example of a society where every member works diligently for the common good of the whole community.
It serves as a lesson to Masons that they too should be industrious and work together in harmony to build a better society. It reminds them that humanity is a collective, and idleness should be avoided. The fruits of industry, like the honey produced by bees, are the rewards of a well-ordered and virtuous life.
What is the Point Within a Circle?
This is a profound and complex symbol, often depicted as a point contained within a circle, which is itself bordered by two parallel vertical lines. The point represents the individual Mason, and the circle represents the boundary line of his conduct, beyond which he should not stray.
The two parallel lines are said to represent the two Holy Saints John, St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, who were historical patrons of the fraternity. The circle touches these lines, suggesting that by staying within the circle of virtue, a Mason will be guided by their example. The entire emblem is a guide for self-governance and moral circumspection, truly unveiling the secrets behind the craft for those who study it.
The journey into Masonic symbolism is a lifelong pursuit, with each emblem offering new insights upon repeated reflection. They are not secrets to be hoarded but lessons to be lived. By understanding these symbols, one can better appreciate the enduring appeal and philosophical depth of the Masonic fraternity.
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. Explore our archives and continue your journey into the heart of Freemasonry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Freemasonry use symbols in its logos instead of plain text?
Masonic logos and rituals are rich with symbols because they serve as a universal language for teaching complex moral and philosophical lessons. This allegorical method encourages members to think for themselves and discover deeper truths, rather than simply being told what to believe. The symbols act as constant, visual reminders of the fraternity’s core tenets, such as morality, integrity, and self-improvement.
Furthermore, this use of symbolism connects modern Freemasons to the fraternity’s historical roots in the guilds of operative stonemasons. Just as ancient builders used working tools to create physical structures, Freemasons use the symbolic meaning of those tools to build their character. This shared symbolic language fosters a unique bond among members from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, uniting them in a common pursuit of knowledge.
Are people who are not Masons allowed to use Masonic symbols?
While many foundational Masonic symbols like the Square and Compasses are in the public domain, their use by non-members is a matter of respect and context. Legally, you cannot use a specific, trademarked logo belonging to a Grand Lodge or other official Masonic body without permission. However, the general symbols themselves are not typically protected by copyright for broad use.
Beyond the legal aspect, using these symbols without understanding their significance is often considered disrespectful by members of the fraternity. These emblems are tied to solemn promises and represent deeply personal lessons in morality and ethics for Freemasons. Using them out of context, for commercial purposes, or as a mere aesthetic can trivialize their meaning and misrepresent the character of the organization.
Is there one single correct meaning for every Masonic symbol?
While there are universally accepted core interpretations for symbols taught within the lodge, Freemasonry strongly encourages personal reflection and individual understanding. A symbol’s meaning is not intended to be a rigid, dogmatic definition that every member must accept verbatim. Instead, the symbols are presented as tools for contemplation and moral guidance.
This approach means that a Mason’s relationship with and understanding of a symbol will evolve and deepen over time with study and life experience. The aim is to use the symbols as a framework for personal growth, allowing each member to derive their own valuable lessons. Therefore, two Masons can look at the same emblem and draw different, yet equally valid, insights from it.
