Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
From architecture to currency, the symbols of Freemasonry are woven into the very fabric of society, often hidden in plain sight. For the uninitiated, they can seem cryptic, fueling speculation and mystery. But for the Freemason, these emblems are not secret codes; they are profound tools for self-discovery and moral instruction, forming a universal language of character and philosophy.
These symbols are the bedrock of Masonic education, designed to impart complex truths in a way that transcends words alone. They are allegorical instruments that guide a Mason on his journey from a state of ignorance to one of enlightenment. This glossary aims to demystify these emblems, offering a clear window into the rich world of Freemasonry symbols and their timeless meanings.
Each symbol is a lesson, a reminder, and a guide. By understanding them, we can begin to appreciate the intricate system of morality that has guided men for centuries, encouraging them to be better individuals, partners, and citizens of the world.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
Freemasonry is famously described as ‘a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’. This approach is not accidental. Symbols are powerful communicators, capable of conveying deep, multi-layered concepts more effectively than simple text. They speak directly to our intuition and intellect, allowing for personal reflection and interpretation.
This symbolic language ensures that the core tenets of Freemasonry remain consistent across different cultures, languages, and generations. While words can be mistranslated or lose their meaning over time, a symbol like the square or the level retains its essential message. It provides a common ground for all Masons, regardless of their background, to connect with the Craft’s central teachings.
Ultimately, symbols engage the mind in a more active way. They are not passive instructions but puzzles that require contemplation. This process of discovery helps a Mason internalize the lessons on a much deeper level, making them a part of his own moral and ethical framework.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
The landscape of Masonic symbolism is vast and rich, with each emblem adding another layer to the Craft’s philosophical structure. While some are universally recognized, others are more specific to certain degrees or rituals. Here, we explore some of the most central and illustrative symbols a person is likely to encounter.
What is the Meaning of the Square and Compasses?
This is undoubtedly the most recognized symbol of Freemasonry. The Square and Compasses are the quintessential emblem of the Craft, representing the combination of the material and the spiritual, the earthly and the divine. They are two of the three Great Lights of Masonry, alongside the Volume of the Sacred Law.
The Square is a builder’s tool for ensuring that angles are true and correct. Symbolically, it reminds a Mason to ‘act on the square’, meaning to live with morality, honesty, and fairness in all dealings with mankind. It represents the earthly, material world and the importance of virtue in our conduct within it.
The Compasses are used to draw circles, defining boundaries and creating perfect forms. For a Mason, they are a symbol of self-restraint, teaching him to ‘circumscribe his desires and keep his passions within due bounds’. The Compasses represent the spiritual, intellectual, and higher aspects of human nature.
Often, the letter ‘G’ is found in the center of the Square and Compasses. Its meaning is twofold. It stands for God, or the Grand Architect of the Universe, the supreme being to whom all Masons look for guidance. It also stands for Geometry, the mathematical science upon which architecture and Masonry were founded, representing the order and perfection of the universe.
What Does the All-Seeing Eye Represent?
Often a source of modern conspiracy theories, the All-Seeing Eye, or the Eye of Providence, has a straightforward and profound meaning in Freemasonry. It is a symbol of the omniscience and watchfulness of the Grand Architect of the Universe. It is not an emblem of sinister control but a reminder of divine oversight.
For a Mason, the All-Seeing Eye signifies that his thoughts and actions are always observed by a higher power. This is not meant to inspire fear but to provide comfort and encourage accountability. It is a reminder that one can never truly be alone and that truth and justice will always prevail. The symbol encourages a life of integrity, as one’s deeds are known even when hidden from human eyes.
What is the Significance of the Plumb Rule and Level?
These are two more working tools of an operative stonemason that have been adopted for their symbolic lessons. The Level is a tool used to ensure a surface is horizontally true. In speculative Masonry, it is a powerful symbol of equality. It reminds Masons that all men are created equal, regardless of their station in life, wealth, or background.
The Plumb Rule is used to check that a wall is vertically straight. Its symbolic meaning is that of uprightness and integrity. It teaches a Mason to live an erect and honorable life, staying true to his moral principles and the teachings of the Craft. Together, the Plumb and Level represent the foundations of a just and equitable society.
Why is the Rough and Perfect Ashlar Important?
The symbolism of the ashlars is a beautiful allegory for self-improvement and the entire purpose of the Masonic journey. The Rough Ashlar is a stone as it is taken from the quarry, rugged, imperfect, and unpolished. It represents man in his natural state, ignorant and uncultivated, with all the rough edges of his character yet to be smoothed.
The Perfect Ashlar, by contrast, is a stone that has been shaped, smoothed, and polished by the hands of a skilled craftsman. It is ready to be fitted into a larger structure. This symbolizes a man who, through Masonic education, self-discipline, and the pursuit of virtue, has improved his character and mind. He has worked to divest himself of vice and is now prepared to be a valuable and harmonious part of society. The transformation from the Rough to the Perfect Ashlar is the work of a lifetime for every Mason, reflecting the vast array of masonic symbols dedicated to this path.
What Do the Sun, Moon, and Stars Symbolize?
The celestial bodies hold a special place in the Masonic lodge room, representing order, regularity, and the vastness of the universe. The Sun and Moon are often depicted to represent the cycles of day and night, signifying the time that Masons should dedicate to their work, their rest, and their service to God.
More specifically, the Sun is symbolic of the Master of the Lodge, whose role is to preside and illuminate the Craft with knowledge and wisdom. The Moon represents the Senior Warden, the second in command. Together, they symbolize the principle of ordered governance. The stars represent the multitude of Masons who, together, form a brilliant constellation within the Lodge.
Can You Explain the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin?
These two prominent pillars are a direct reference to the pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, a central setting for Masonic allegory. The pillar on the left was named Boaz, meaning ‘in strength’, and the one on the right was named Jachin, meaning ‘He will establish’.
For a Mason, these pillars represent entry into the sanctuary of the Craft. They symbolize stability and the foundation of a moral life. Passing between them is an allegorical act of entering a new state of being, one founded on strength of character and established in faith and truth. This is a foundational lesson in the journey of a 1st degree Mason, who is taught that all great undertakings must begin with a solid base.
What is the Meaning of the Beehive?
The Beehive is a classic symbol of industry, diligence, and cooperation. It teaches Masons that, like bees in a hive, they should work together productively and harmoniously for the common good. Each member has a role to play, and the success of the whole depends on the contribution of every individual.
It serves as a powerful reminder against idleness and vice, encouraging a Mason to be a productive member of society. The honey collected in the hive symbolizes the sweet rewards of hard work and virtuous living. The Beehive is one of the more easily understood emblems, yet it carries a deep lesson about social responsibility and the strength found in community, and it is one of the most common freemason symbols found on regalia.
What Does the Anchor and Ark Represent?
The Anchor and Ark are symbols of hope and faith, often associated with the journey through life. The Ark is a representation of the vessel that carries us through the turbulent seas of life, our passions, and our trials. It symbolizes the belief that a well-ordered life, guided by faith, can weather any storm.
The Anchor represents a well-grounded hope. It is the symbol of security and stability, the thing that keeps the Ark from being ‘tossed to and fro’ by the winds of doubt or despair. For a Mason, it signifies the hope of a peaceful harbor at the end of life’s journey, achieved through a life well-lived. This duality is a recurring theme in the catalogue of masonic symbols.
What is the Trowel’s Symbolic Purpose?
The Trowel is considered the specific working tool of a Master Mason. While operative masons use a trowel to spread mortar to bind stones together, speculative Masons see it as a tool for a higher purpose. It symbolizes the act of spreading the ‘cement’ of brotherly love and affection.
Its purpose is to unite the members of the fraternity into a single, cohesive, and sacred band of friends and brothers. It is an emblem of reconciliation and unity, reminding Masons to smooth over conflict and build strong, positive relationships based on mutual respect and kindness. There are many further masonic symbols explained that build upon this idea of unity.
What about the Gavel or Hiram’s Hammer?
The Gavel, or common mallet, has a dual meaning within Freemasonry. Firstly, it is an emblem of authority. The Master of the Lodge uses it to signal actions and maintain order, much like a judge’s gavel in a courtroom. It represents the necessity of discipline and leadership for any group to function effectively.
Secondly, the Gavel is a symbolic working tool. It is used to break off the rough corners of stones, helping to shape them into Perfect Ashlars. In this sense, it represents the force of conscience and the focused effort required to divest our hearts and minds of the vices and superfluities of life. It is the tool of self-mastery, as explored in many texts that detail more masonic symbols explained.
How Are Symbols Used in Masonic Degrees?
Masonic education is a progressive journey, typically through three initial stages known as the Blue Lodge degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Symbols are introduced gradually throughout this process. Each degree has its own set of symbols and lessons tailored to the candidate’s stage of development.
An Entered Apprentice is introduced to foundational symbols like the 24-inch gauge and the common gavel, teaching basic lessons about time management and self-control. A Fellowcraft delves deeper into the liberal arts and sciences, symbolized by tools like the plumb, square, and level. A Master Mason confronts more profound themes of mortality, fidelity, and resurrection, with symbols like the Trowel and the Acacia.
This structured approach ensures that the philosophical weight of the Craft is not overwhelming. It allows a Mason to build his moral and spiritual temple one layer at a time, with each symbol serving as a blueprint for the next stage of his personal growth.
Are Masonic Symbols Secret?
This is one of the most persistent myths surrounding Freemasonry. The symbols themselves are not secret. The Square and Compasses, the All-Seeing Eye, and the pillars of Boaz and Jachin are ancient emblems that predate Freemasonry and appear in many other cultures and traditions. You can find them in historical art, architecture, and religious texts.
What is considered private to the fraternity is not the symbol itself, but its specific application and interpretation within the context of Masonic ritual. The ‘secret’ is the personal journey of discovery a Mason undertakes as he learns to apply these symbolic lessons to his own life. It is an experiential knowledge, not a password or a hidden plot.
Freemasonry uses this symbolic language to inspire its members to live by the high ideals of friendship, morality, and brotherly love. The symbols are not hidden; they are illuminated for those who choose to walk the path and learn their profound lessons.
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 do so many Masonic symbols relate to stonemasonry and architecture?
The origins of Freemasonry are directly linked to the guilds of operative stonemasons who constructed the great cathedrals and castles of the Middle Ages. These craftsmen used specific tools, like the square, compasses, plumb, and level, which became the foundational symbols of the fraternity. For these early Masons, the tools were not just for building but also represented key principles for living an honorable and precise life.
As the organization evolved from "operative" (physical building) to "speculative" (philosophical) Masonry, these tools retained their importance but took on purely symbolic, allegorical meanings. Today, a Freemason uses the idea of the square to "square his actions" by the principles of virtue and the compasses to "circumscribe his desires" and keep them within due bounds. This architectural framework provides a tangible way to teach and remember complex moral and ethical lessons.
Are Masonic symbols connected to the Illuminati or other secret societies?
There is no formal or historical connection between the symbols of Freemasonry and those of the historical Bavarian Illuminati. While both were societies that existed during the Age of Enlightenment, they were separate organizations with different structures, goals, and symbolic traditions. The popular association seen in movies and novels is a modern invention, largely fueled by conspiracy theories that conflate various esoteric groups.
Some symbols, such as the All-Seeing Eye, have been used by many different cultures and groups throughout history, including Freemasons. For Masons, this symbol represents the omnipresent eye of a Supreme Being, serving as a reminder of accountability and divine truth. Its occasional use by other groups does not imply a shared ideology or secret alliance, but rather a common symbolic language that has been misinterpreted over time.
How do individual Masons use these symbols in their personal lives?
For a Freemason, these symbols act as daily reminders of the ethical and moral principles they have vowed to uphold. Seeing a symbol like the Square and Compasses on a piece of jewelry or a building can trigger a moment of self-reflection, encouraging a Mason to consider if his actions are just and his passions are controlled. They are not merely decorative emblems but are intended to be active tools for continuous self-improvement and character development.
Beyond personal reminders, the symbols serve as a universal language that connects Masons around the world and provides a framework for contemplation. A Mason is encouraged to study the allegorical meanings of the symbols to gain deeper insight into his own character and his relationship with others. This ongoing process of interpretation and application is central to the Masonic journey of building oneself into a more virtuous and upright individual.
