Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
For centuries, the symbols of Freemasonry have captivated the imagination of the world. Veiled in allegory and rich with historical significance, these emblems are often misunderstood, seen as cryptic codes of a secret society. In reality, they are profound tools for moral and philosophical instruction, a universal language designed to guide a Mason on his journey toward self-improvement and enlightenment.
Freemasonry is often called a ‘peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’. This means that its deepest teachings are not written in plain text but are conveyed through a complex and beautiful visual language. To understand the Craft, one must first learn to speak this language. This guide offers a comprehensive look into the world of Freemasonry symbols, decoding their meanings for the curious seeker and the dedicated Brother alike.
Each symbol in a Masonic Lodge serves a purpose. They are not mere decorations but are integral parts of the Masonic educational system. They are designed to make a man reflect on his place in the universe, his duties to his fellow man, and his relationship with the Grand Architect of the Universe. This symbolic approach allows the lessons of Freemasonry to resonate on a personal level, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
The use of symbols in Freemasonry is a tradition rooted in its origins. The fraternity evolved from the guilds of operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. These craftsmen used the tools of their trade, such as the square, compasses, and level, not only for building physical structures but also as emblems of their guild and a means to teach apprentices.
As Freemasonry transitioned from an operative craft to a speculative one, these tools took on a new, allegorical meaning. They became instruments for building a spiritual and moral edifice within the individual. A Mason learns to use the common gavel to chip away at the vices of his own character, and the trowel to spread the cement of brotherly love. This symbolic method proved to be a powerful way to convey complex philosophical ideas.
Symbols also serve as a common ground for men of different backgrounds and faiths. A symbol like the All-Seeing Eye can represent the divine watchfulness of God, a concept understood across many religions without needing to specify one particular doctrine. This universality is a cornerstone of the fraternity, allowing it to unite men who might otherwise have little in common. The symbolic language becomes a shared heritage and a focus for contemplation.
Ultimately, symbols engage the mind in a way that plain words cannot. They encourage introspection and personal interpretation. A Mason is not simply told to be a good person; he is given a set of symbolic tools and challenged to discover for himself how to build a better life, making the lessons more personal, profound, and lasting.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
While the catalog of Masonic symbolism is vast, a few key emblems are central to the teachings of the Craft. These are the symbols a person is most likely to encounter, and they form the foundation of Masonic philosophy. Each one carries layers of meaning that are gradually revealed to a Mason as he progresses through the degrees of the fraternity.
What is the Meaning of the Square and Compasses?
This is arguably the most recognizable symbol of Freemasonry. When people ask what is the Freemason symbol, this is the image that immediately comes to mind. The Square and Compasses are two separate tools, but their combination and arrangement are deeply significant.
The Square is an emblem of virtue and morality. It is used by stonemasons to test the accuracy of right angles and to ensure that a stone is ‘true’. For a speculative Mason, it is a constant reminder to ‘square’ his actions by the ‘square of virtue’ with all mankind. It represents fairness, honesty, and living an upright life.
The Compasses are used to draw circles and are a symbol of self-restraint and the importance of circumscribing one’s desires and passions. Just as the compasses create a boundary, a Mason is taught to keep his passions within due bounds. It represents a disciplined and well-regulated life, a key component of spiritual growth.
Often, the letter ‘G’ is found in the center of the Square and Compasses. This letter has multiple meanings. For many, it represents God, or more universally, the Grand Architect of the Universe. It also stands for Geometry, the mathematical science upon which the art of masonry is founded and a subject held in the highest esteem within the Craft.
What Do the Three Great Lights Represent?
In any Masonic Lodge, the Three Great Lights are considered the most important symbols and are essential for a Lodge to be considered ‘regular’ or authentic. These Lights are the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses. They are said to be the spiritual and moral guides for a Mason.
The Volume of the Sacred Law is the holy book appropriate to the faith of the Masons present. In lodges in English-speaking countries, this is often the Holy Bible, but it can be the Torah, the Quran, or other sacred texts. It represents the revealed will of the Grand Architect and serves as the ultimate rule and guide for a Mason’s faith and conduct.
The Square and Compasses, as discussed, are also part of this trio. When placed upon the Volume of the Sacred Law, they represent the interplay between our spiritual and moral obligations. The Square is said to regulate our actions, while the Compasses are to circumscribe our passions. Together, the Three Great Lights illuminate the path a Mason must walk. These are just some of the many Masonic mason symbols that adorn the Lodge and guide its members.
What is the Significance of the All-Seeing Eye?
The All-Seeing Eye, or Eye of Providence, is another powerful and often misinterpreted symbol. It is not an exclusively Masonic symbol, appearing in various cultures and religious traditions, but it holds a specific meaning within the fraternity. It is a potent reminder of the omnipresence and watchfulness of a Supreme Being.
For a Mason, the All-Seeing Eye symbolizes that all his actions, thoughts, and words are observed by the Grand Architect of the Universe. This is not meant to be a threatening or fearful concept, but rather a comforting and guiding one. It encourages a life of sincerity and integrity, as one is always in the presence of ultimate truth and wisdom.
This emblem reinforces the idea that true character is defined by what you do when no one is watching. It prompts a Mason to live a life worthy of such divine scrutiny, to act with justice and mercy not for public praise, but because it is the right thing to do. A deeper dive into masonic symbols often starts with this powerful emblem of divine oversight and moral accountability.
Why is the Beehive a Masonic Symbol?
The Beehive is a symbol of industry, cooperation, and the rewards of hard work. It teaches Masons that, like bees in a hive, they should be productive members of society, working together for the common good. It is an emblem of order, diligence, and the importance of contributing to the welfare of the community.
Each bee has a role and contributes to the success of the hive, and so too should each Mason contribute his skills and efforts to the Lodge and to the world at large. The symbol warns against idleness and encourages a life of purpose and activity. The honey produced is a metaphor for the sweet rewards that come from a virtuous and industrious life.
This symbol reminds a Mason that he has a duty not only to himself and his family but also to humanity. It underscores the social aspect of the Craft, where members are expected to support one another and engage in charity and community service. Many resources have offered a look at masonic symbols explained in different ways, but the Beehive consistently represents the virtue of productive labor.
What Do the Sun, Moon, and Stars Symbolize?
The celestial bodies of the Sun, Moon, and stars hold a special place in Masonic symbolism, representing the order and regularity of the cosmos and the Lodge itself. They are often depicted within the Lodge room to remind the brethren of the universal harmony governed by the Grand Architect.
The Sun is said to rule the day, and in the Lodge, it is a symbol of the Worshipful Master, who presides over the Lodge and provides light and direction to the brethren. The Moon governs the night and represents the Senior Warden, the second-in-command, who assists the Master in his duties.
The stars represent the numerous brethren of the Lodge. Just as the stars illuminate the night sky, the members of the fraternity are meant to spread light and knowledge in the world. Together, these symbols illustrate the perfect harmony and structure of a well-governed Lodge, where every member has a role and works in concert with the officers and his brothers.
What is the Meaning of the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin?
The two pillars, named Boaz and Jachin, are prominent symbols that represent the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, a central allegory in Masonic teachings. According to the biblical account, these great bronze pillars stood at the porch of the Temple. Their names are Hebrew and carry significant meaning.
Jachin is said to mean ‘He will establish’, while Boaz means ‘In strength’. Placed together, they form the sentence ‘In strength, He will establish’, referring to the promise of divine support in establishing the house of God. For a Mason, these pillars symbolize the entrance into the fraternity and the world of Masonic light and knowledge.
They represent concepts of stability, establishment, and the duality of nature, such as light and darkness, active and passive, or good and evil. To pass between them is to enter a place of equilibrium and enlightenment. Further reading on the topic of masonic symbols explained-3 often focuses on these powerful architectural elements and their deep allegorical importance to the Craft’s foundation.
What Does the Anchor and Ark Represent?
The Anchor and the Ark are a pair of symbols that represent a well-spent life and the hope for a peaceful journey into the afterlife. They are emblems of faith and stability. The Anchor, a classic symbol of hope, represents a life that is well-grounded, steadfast, and secure in its convictions.
It is a reminder to remain firm in the face of life’s storms and tribulations. A life built on a foundation of truth and virtue is like a ship with a strong anchor; it will not be easily tossed about by the waves of adversity. It symbolizes a sense of security and hope for a peaceful end.
The Ark is a symbol of safety and divine favor, referencing the story of Noah’s Ark, which safely weathered the great flood. For Masons, it represents the belief that a life lived in accordance with divine principles will be carried safely over the turbulent seas of life into a harbor of eternal peace. This pair of symbols, as detailed in texts like masonic symbols explained-4, speaks directly to the spiritual journey and ultimate hopes of a Mason.
How Are Working Tools Used as Symbols?
Beyond the major emblems, the everyday working tools of a stonemason are repurposed to teach moral lessons. Each tool corresponds to a particular virtue or principle. Understanding how these tools build character is key to understanding what is a Masonic group at its core: a system for self-improvement.
The 24-Inch Gauge is a simple ruler, symbolizing the 24 hours of the day. A Mason is taught to divide his day into three equal parts: one for service to God and a distressed brother, one for his usual vocations, and one for refreshment and sleep. It is a lesson in time management and living a balanced life.
The Common Gavel is used to break off the rough and superfluous parts of stones. Symbolically, it represents the force of conscience and the effort required to divest our hearts and minds of the vices and impurities of life. It is a tool for self-discipline and purification.
The Trowel is used by operative masons to spread the cement that unites the individual stones into a single, solid structure. For a speculative Mason, the Trowel is an emblem of brotherly love and affection. It is the symbolic tool used to spread the ‘cement’ that binds the members of the fraternity together into a strong and supportive community.
How Do These Symbols Connect to a Mason’s Journey?
The journey of a Freemason is one of progressive enlightenment, often described as a journey from darkness to light. This path is marked by a series of degrees, each with its own unique lessons and symbols. The symbols are not just abstract concepts; they are integral to this transformative process.
An individual enters Freemasonry as a ‘rough ashlar’, a stone that is uncut and unpolished. Through the lessons of the fraternity, illustrated by its symbols, he learns to chip away at his imperfections. He uses the symbolic working tools to smooth his character and build himself into a ‘perfect ashlar’, a stone fit to be part of the spiritual temple of humanity.
Each symbol a Mason encounters is a new subject for contemplation. The Square and Compasses remind him of his moral and spiritual boundaries. The All-Seeing Eye encourages him to act with integrity. The Pillars mark his entrance into a new state of being. The symbols are a roadmap for this internal work, guiding him toward becoming a better man.
This symbolic journey is what makes Freemasonry so profound and enduring. It is not about memorizing secrets, but about engaging in a lifelong process of self-discovery and moral development, using the ancient language of symbols as a 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
How do Masonic symbols relate to religion and the concept of God?
While Freemasonry is not a religion, its symbolism is deeply connected to spirituality and morality. Symbols like the All-Seeing Eye and the letter ‘G’ represent the Great Architect of the Universe, a non-denominational term for the Supreme Being in whom all Masons must profess a belief. This allows men from various religious backgrounds to unite on a common ground of faith and ethical conduct without conflicting with their specific doctrines.
The symbols serve as universal reminders of divine oversight and geometric or moral order in the universe. They encourage a Mason to contemplate his relationship with his creator and his duties to mankind. The focus is not on theology or a path to salvation, but on using these symbolic tools for personal reflection and moral self-improvement within one’s own faith.
Do Masonic symbols have secret meanings that are hidden from the public?
The meanings of Masonic symbols are considered private and illustrative rather than secret and concealed. Many symbols, like the Square and Compasses, are widely recognized, and their basic interpretations are publicly available. However, the deeper allegorical significance is revealed progressively to a Mason as he advances through the degrees of the fraternity.
This method of teaching is designed to create a personal and impactful journey of moral discovery for the individual member. The full meaning is understood through participation in rituals and contemplation, an experience that cannot be replicated by simply reading a definition. The goal is to internalize the lessons, not just to learn a set of secret facts.
Are Masonic symbols just for identification, or do they serve a deeper purpose for members?
Masonic symbols serve a far more profound purpose than simply identifying a member to the public or to other Masons. Their primary function is to act as complex allegorical tools for teaching the fraternity’s system of morality, philosophy, and ethics. Each symbol is a "working tool" intended to help a Mason build his character.
For example, the plumb is a tool for establishing a true vertical line, symbolically reminding a Mason to live an upright and moral life. Similarly, the level signifies that all men are equal before God, encouraging humility and respect for others. These symbols act as constant, tangible reminders for a Mason to practice self-improvement and live by the virtues taught within the Lodge.
