Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
From building cornerstones to the lapels of members, the symbols of Freemasonry are some of the most recognized yet misunderstood emblems in the world. The Square and Compasses, the All-Seeing Eye, and the mysterious letter ‘G’ evoke a sense of ancient secrets and hidden knowledge. This widespread curiosity often leads to speculation, but the truth is far more profound and less conspiratorial than many imagine.
The symbols of the Craft are not signs of a secret society bent on world domination. Instead, they form a rich and complex allegorical language. Freemasonry is often described as a ‘peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’. Each emblem is a tool designed to teach a specific moral, ethical, or philosophical lesson, guiding a member on a lifelong journey of self-improvement.
These visual aids make abstract principles tangible, encouraging contemplation and personal reflection. They are a universal language that transcends cultural and religious barriers within the fraternity. This guide offers a deep dive into Freemasonry symbols, aiming to demystify their meanings and reveal the beautiful system of knowledge they represent for the general audience.
What is the Purpose of Symbolism in Freemasonry?
Why does Freemasonry rely so heavily on symbols? The answer lies in its origins as an operative craft of stonemasons. These early builders used tools and architectural plans to construct magnificent physical structures. When Freemasonry evolved into a speculative fraternity, it adopted the tools and terminology of its operative predecessors for a new purpose: to build better men.
This symbolic framework turns abstract concepts into concrete lessons. It is easier to understand the principle of acting with integrity when it is represented by a physical tool like the square, which tests the accuracy of angles. The journey of self-improvement becomes clearer when visualized as the process of shaping a rough, imperfect stone into a smooth, perfect one.
Symbolism also allows for layers of meaning to be revealed over time. A new Mason might understand a symbol on one level, but as he progresses through the degrees and continues his studies, deeper interpretations unfold. Each masonry symbol meaning is designed to be a starting point for a lifetime of contemplation and learning, making the Craft a continually rewarding pursuit.
What are the Great Lights of Freemasonry?
At the heart of every Masonic lodge are three essential symbols known as the Great Lights. They are considered the indispensable spiritual and moral foundation of Freemasonry, providing the core guidance for every member. These are the Square, the Compasses, and the Volume of the Sacred Law.
What do the Square and Compasses Represent?
This is arguably the most famous symbol of the fraternity. The Square and Compasses are architectural tools, but in Freemasonry, their meaning is purely symbolic. They are almost always displayed together, representing the interconnectedness of a Mason’s moral and spiritual duties.
The Square is a tool for ensuring that stones are cut to perfect 90-degree angles. Symbolically, it represents morality, honesty, and fairness. It reminds a Mason to ‘square his actions’ by the ‘square of virtue’ with all mankind. It is the emblem of our duty to our neighbors and to society at large.
The Compasses are used to draw circles. In the Masonic context, they symbolize the importance of circumscribing one’s passions and desires. They are a reminder to keep one’s conduct within due bounds, practicing self-control and moderation. The Compasses represent a Mason’s duty to himself and to God.
When displayed together, they illustrate the balance required for a well-lived life: a commitment to both earthly morality and higher spiritual consciousness. A deeper look at these core Masonic symbols explained shows just how central this concept of balance is to the entire Masonic philosophy.
What is the Volume of the Sacred Law?
The third Great Light is the Volume of the Sacred Law. This is the holy book that is open in every regular Masonic lodge during its proceedings. For many lodges in the Western world, this is the Holy Bible. However, Freemasonry is not a religion and embraces men of all faiths.
Therefore, the Volume of the Sacred Law can be the scripture that is held sacred by the members of a particular lodge. In a lodge with members of different faiths, multiple sacred texts like the Bible, the Quran, and the Torah might be displayed together. Its presence symbolizes a Mason’s acknowledgment of a divine authority and the importance of moral and spiritual truth in his life. It is the ultimate source of ‘light’ that guides his path.
How are Working Tools Used as Symbols?
Beyond the Great Lights, Freemasonry employs the common working tools of a stonemason as powerful symbols for character development. Each tool, from the simple gavel to the precise level, is imbued with a lesson that applies to a Mason’s conduct and inner life. These tools are introduced as a Mason progresses through the three degrees of Blue Lodge Freemasonry.
What are the Tools of an Entered Apprentice?
The Entered Apprentice is the first degree, representing a man’s first steps into the Craft. The tools presented to him are foundational.
The Common Gavel is a type of hammer used by operative masons to break off the rough corners of a stone. Symbolically, it represents the force of conscience and the will. It is used to divest the heart and mind of the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting the individual as a living stone for the spiritual temple.
The Twenty-Four-Inch Gauge is a simple ruler. It is a symbol for 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 worthy brother, one for his usual vocations, and one for refreshment and sleep. It is a lesson in time management and balanced living. These simple implements show how even the most basic items can hold deep meaning, and you can find further Masonic symbols explained to see how this educational system builds upon itself.
What are the Tools of a Fellowcraft?
The Fellowcraft degree represents a man in the prime of his life, focusing on education and intellectual pursuits. The tools reflect this theme.
The Plumb is a weighted line used to determine if a wall is perfectly vertical. It is a symbol of rectitude and uprightness. It reminds a Mason to walk uprightly in his several stations before God and man, living a life of integrity.
The Level is used to check for a horizontal surface. It is a symbol of equality. It teaches that all men are on the same level in the eyes of the Great Architect, regardless of their wealth, status, or power in society. It is a powerful reminder of humility and our common humanity.
The Square is also a tool of this degree, used to test the accuracy of stones and ensure they will fit perfectly into the building. It reinforces the lessons of morality and virtue learned in the first degree.
What is the Master Mason’s Primary Tool?
In the third degree, the Master Mason degree, the focus shifts to spiritual wisdom and the bonds of brotherhood. The primary working tool is the Trowel.
An operative mason uses a trowel to spread the cement that binds stones together into a single, solid structure. For a speculative Mason, the Trowel is the symbol of brotherly love and affection. It is the tool used to spread the ‘cement’ of fellowship and kindness that unites the members of the fraternity into one sacred band of friends. It represents the ultimate Masonic goal of building a better world through charity, relief, and truth.
What are Some Other Key Masonic Emblems?
While the Great Lights and working tools form the core of Masonic symbolism, many other emblems are prominent within the Craft’s visual language. These symbols often represent larger, more abstract philosophical concepts.
What is the Meaning of the All-Seeing Eye?
The All-Seeing Eye, often depicted within a triangle, is one of the most misunderstood Masonic symbols. It is not an emblem of Masonic surveillance. Instead, it is the Eye of Providence, representing the omniscience of the Great Architect of the Universe.
It is a constant reminder to a Mason that his thoughts and actions are always observed by a higher power. This encourages him to act with sincerity and to live a life that is worthy of such divine observation. It is a symbol of accountability and truth, not of control. There are many excellent sources with Masonic symbols explained in detail that explore its deep theological and philosophical roots.
Why is the Letter G so Important?
The letter ‘G’ is often seen at the center of the Square and Compasses. It holds a dual significance within the fraternity. Firstly, and most simply, it stands for God, or as Masons refer to the deity in a non-denominational way, the Grand Architect of the Universe. It places reverence for a supreme being at the center of the Masonic system.
Secondly, it stands for Geometry. To the ancient stonemasons, geometry was the basis of their art and the foundation of architecture. To speculative Masons, it represents the principles of order, harmony, and reason that govern the universe. It symbolizes the intellectual path a Mason walks in his search for light and truth.
What do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, Symbolize?
Representations of two large pillars are prominent in every Masonic lodge. They are named Boaz and Jachin, representing the two bronze pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, a central allegory in Masonic lore.
Boaz is said to mean ‘in strength’, while Jachin means ‘He will establish’. Together, they symbolize establishment in strength. They mark the symbolic entrance to a sacred place, reminding a Mason that he enters a space of enlightenment supported by faith and founded on the enduring principles of the Craft. They represent stability and the promise of a firm foundation for one’s moral and spiritual life.
What are the Rough and Perfect Ashlars?
The ashlars are two symbolic stones found in a lodge. The Rough Ashlar is a stone as it is taken from the quarry, in its natural and unworked state. It is a symbol of man in his crude, uneducated condition, subject to the vices and ignorance of the profane world.
The Perfect Ashlar is a stone that has been carefully dressed and squared by the working tools of the mason. It is a symbol of man who, through the education, discipline, and moral teachings of Freemasonry, has perfected his character. This journey from the rough to the perfect state is the allegorical work of every Mason, a transformation guided by the rich tapestry of masonic signs and symbols.
How Do These Symbols Connect to the Masonic Journey?
No Masonic symbol exists in a vacuum. They are all part of a cohesive and progressive system of education. As a candidate moves through the degrees of the lodge, he is introduced to new symbols and new layers of meaning for symbols he has already seen. This structured revelation is the core of the Masonic method.
The entire structure of the Freemason organization is built to support this symbolic journey of self-discovery. The lodge is a school, the rituals are the lessons, and the symbols are the textbooks. The goal is not to hoard secrets but to use this ancient allegorical system to build men of character, integrity, and compassion.
The process is one of personal enlightenment, of turning inward to improve oneself for the benefit of family, community, and the world. It is a system dedicated to unveiling the secrets behind the Craft, which are ultimately timeless truths about how to live a virtuous and meaningful life.
The rich symbolism of Freemasonry is not a code to be cracked but a language to be learned. It is a roadmap for personal growth, a collection of tools for building a better self, and a source of light for those who seek it. Each emblem is an invitation to look deeper, to think more critically, and to live more virtuously.
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 to teach its lessons?
Freemasonry uses symbols as its primary teaching method because they serve as a universal language for conveying complex moral and philosophical ideas. This tradition stems from the fraternity’s origins in operative stonemason guilds, where many members were illiterate, making visual emblems the most effective way to communicate shared values and principles. This method allows timeless lessons to be impressed upon the mind, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers in a way that plain text cannot.
Furthermore, symbolism encourages personal reflection and individual discovery, which is a core tenet of the Masonic journey. Instead of simply providing direct answers, symbols act as allegorical tools that prompt a Mason to contemplate their meaning and apply the lessons to his own character. This process ensures that the journey of self-improvement is deeply personal and that the lessons learned are more profound and lasting.
Are the symbols used in Freemasonry exclusive to the fraternity?
Many prominent Masonic symbols are not exclusive to Freemasonry and can be found in various other cultures, religions, and philosophical systems throughout history. For example, the All-Seeing Eye has roots in ancient Egyptian iconography and is also used in a Christian context, while the beehive has long been a universal emblem of industry and cooperation. Freemasonry adopted these powerful, pre-existing symbols and assigned them specific meanings that align with its own system of morality and ethics.
While the individual emblems may have external origins, their specific combination, arrangement, and interpretation within the Masonic framework are unique to the fraternity. The way symbols like the Square and Compasses are combined and presented, for instance, is distinctly Masonic. The true power of the symbolism lies in how these universal archetypes are woven together to create a cohesive allegorical narrative for moral and spiritual development.
Do all Masons interpret the symbols in the exact same way?
Within Freemasonry, each symbol is presented with a general, foundational meaning that provides a common ground of understanding for all members. This ensures that the core lessons of morality, truth, and virtue are communicated consistently across the fraternity. For example, the common gavel is universally taught as a tool for divesting the heart and conscience of the vices of life, providing a shared starting point for discussion and reflection.
However, Masons are strongly encouraged to expand upon this foundational knowledge through personal contemplation, a concept often referred to as "light" in Masonry. While the basic meaning is shared, the ultimate significance of a symbol is what it inspires within the individual’s own life and spiritual journey. Therefore, two Masons can look at the same symbol and, while agreeing on its core lesson, derive unique personal insights that are equally valid in their respective paths to self-improvement.
