Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
Walk down any major city street, and you are likely to encounter a building adorned with a compass and a square. These emblems, often misunderstood, are the most visible signs of Freemasonry, a fraternity that has captivated the public imagination for centuries. But these are just the tip of the iceberg in a rich visual language designed to teach profound lessons about life, morality, and one’s place in the universe.
These are not merely decorative elements or secret codes for a hidden society. Instead, they are allegorical tools, a glossary of virtue meant to guide a member, or a Brother, on a personal journey of self-improvement. Understanding these emblems is the first step to demystifying the Craft. This guide will explore the most important Freemasonry symbols and illuminate the timeless principles they represent.
Each symbol in Masonry is a chapter in a book of moral science, veiled in allegory and illustrated by these powerful images. From the tools of a stonemason to the celestial bodies in the sky, every emblem has a purpose. It encourages introspection and serves as a constant reminder of the fraternity’s core tenets: brotherly love, relief, and truth.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols? Freemasonry uses symbols because they are a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Long before literacy was widespread, humanity used images and allegories to convey complex ideas, spiritual truths, and ethical guidelines. The Craft continues this ancient tradition, employing a system of symbolism to communicate its core philosophies.
This method is incredibly effective. A simple lecture on morality might be forgotten, but the image of a Square, reminding a Mason to square his actions, remains a constant and immediate guide. The symbols act as mnemonic devices, imprinting lessons onto the mind in a way that plain text cannot. They invite contemplation, allowing each Mason to discover deeper layers of meaning through personal reflection and study over a lifetime.
The symbolism is rooted in the guilds of medieval operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals of Europe. These craftsmen used physical tools to shape rough stones into perfect blocks for building. Speculative Freemasonry adopts these same tools not for physical construction, but for a metaphorical one: building a better self and, by extension, a better society.
Are Masonic Symbols Secret? This is a common and understandable question. The symbols themselves, like the Square and Compasses or the All-Seeing Eye, are not secret at all. They are displayed publicly on buildings, rings, and documents. What is considered private within the fraternity is the specific context in which these symbols are explained during Masonic degree ceremonies.
Think of it like a university course. The textbook is available for anyone to buy, but the real understanding comes from attending the lectures, participating in discussions, and having a professor guide you through the material. The symbols are the textbook, and the lodge experience is the classroom where their full allegorical meaning is unveiled.
Therefore, the meaning is not so much a ‘secret’ as it is a matter of personal revelation and earned understanding. A non-Mason might see a Gavel as just a hammer. A Mason, however, sees it as a reminder to chip away at the vices and imperfections of his character. The image is public; the lesson is personal and contextual.
What are the Three Great Lights of Masonry? At the heart of every Masonic lodge are what are known as the Three Great Lights. These are considered the foundational sources of Masonic knowledge and the spiritual and moral guides for every member. They are the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses.
No Masonic lodge can be officially opened or conduct its work without the Three Great Lights being prominently displayed on its central altar. They serve as a constant reminder of a Mason’s relationship with the Great Architect of the Universe and his duties to himself and his fellow man. Their combined wisdom forms the ethical bedrock of the entire fraternity.
What Does the Volume of the Sacred Law Represent? The Volume of the Sacred Law, or VSL, is the primary Great Light. In lodges within the English-speaking world, this is typically the King James Bible. However, Freemasonry is not a religion and accepts men of all faiths.
Therefore, the VSL can be the holy book of the predominant faith of the lodge’s members. A Mason takes his obligations on the sacred text of his personal faith, be it the Bible, the Quran, the Torah, or another scripture. It symbolizes a Mason’s duty to the divine and serves as the ultimate rule and guide for his faith and conduct.
What is the Meaning of the Square? The Square is the second Great Light and an emblem of virtue. As an operative tool, a stonemason uses it to test the accuracy of angles and to ensure a stone is perfectly true. In speculative Masonry, it has a profound moral application.
The Square reminds a Mason to ‘square’ his actions by the ‘square of virtue’ with all of mankind. It is a symbol of morality, truthfulness, and honesty. It teaches Masons to be fair and just in all their dealings, ensuring their behavior aligns with the principles of righteousness. The lessons taught by the free masons symbolic tools are central to this journey.
How are the Compasses Interpreted? The Compasses are the third Great Light, and they symbolize the importance of self-restraint and circumspection. Just as a draftsman uses compasses to draw a circle and define its limits, a Mason uses the symbolic Compasses to ‘circumscribe his desires and keep his passions within due bounds’.
This tool teaches wisdom and prudence. It is a reminder to establish proper boundaries in life, to moderate one’s ambitions, and to avoid excess. The Compasses, often shown overlaying the Square, represent the spiritual over the material and the importance of a well-governed life.
What are the Working Tools of a Freemason? Beyond the Three Great Lights, Freemasonry employs a host of other symbols, many of which are derived from the ‘working tools’ of an operative stonemason. Each tool, from the simplest chisel to the complex level, has been given a deep, speculative meaning.
These tools are introduced to a Mason as he progresses through the three initial degrees of the Craft: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Each set of tools provides a new set of moral lessons appropriate to that stage of his Masonic journey. Their study is a key part of understanding the broader masonry symbol meaning that the fraternity teaches.
What do the Gavel and Chisel Symbolize? The Common Gavel and the Chisel are among the first tools presented to a new Mason. The Gavel represents the force of conscience, while the Chisel represents the benefits of education and perseverance. Together, they symbolize the process of self-improvement.
A Mason is taught to use the Gavel of his conscience to chip away at the rough edges of his character with the Chisel of learning. This allegorical work aims to divest his heart and mind of the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting him as a living stone for the spiritual building of humanity. Many sources offer further insight into how these are masonic symbols explained in detail.
Why is the Level an Important Symbol? The Level is a tool used to check for a horizontal surface. In Freemasonry, it is a powerful symbol of equality. It teaches that all men are created equal and share the same journey from life to death.
Within the lodge, the Level reminds Masons that they meet on common ground, regardless of their station in life, wealth, or social standing. It promotes humility and underscores the principle that a person’s inner worth is far more important than any external distinction.
What Does the Plumb Rule Teach? The Plumb, or Plumb Rule, is a weight suspended from a line used to determine a true vertical. As a Masonic symbol, it represents rectitude of life and uprightness of conduct. It is the standard of integrity.
A Mason is encouraged to use the Plumb Rule as a guide for his actions, to walk uprightly and with integrity before God and man. It is a constant reminder to be true to his principles and to never deviate from the line of moral probity.
What is the Significance of the Trowel? The Trowel is an instrument used by operative masons to spread the cement that binds stones together into a single, solid structure. For speculative Masons, it has a more noble and glorious purpose: to spread the ‘cement’ of brotherly love.
This symbol teaches Masons to unite the members of the fraternity into a cohesive and supportive band of friends and brothers. The Trowel represents the importance of affection, kindness, and reconciliation, which are the very forces that hold the Masonic family together.
What Other Prominent Masonic Symbols Exist? Beyond the working tools, the Masonic landscape is rich with other powerful emblems. These symbols often draw from geometry, astronomy, and ancient history to convey their lessons.
What is the All-Seeing Eye? Perhaps one of the most misunderstood symbols, the All-Seeing Eye, or Eye of Providence, is not a symbol of sinister surveillance. It is an emblem of the Great Architect of the Universe, a representation of divine watchfulness and omnipresence.
For a Mason, it is a reminder that his thoughts and actions are always observed by his creator and that he cannot deceive the ultimate source of truth. It encourages sincerity and a life lived with the knowledge of divine oversight. Many have explored the history of these 12 masonic symbols explained across different cultures.
What Does the Letter ‘G’ Stand For? The letter ‘G’, often seen suspended in the center of the Square and Compasses, has a dual meaning. Primarily, it stands for Geometry, the mathematical science upon which stonemasonry and all of architecture are founded. It is considered the noblest of sciences and the basis for understanding the universe.
Secondarily, and just as importantly, it stands for God, or the Great Architect of the Universe. It serves as a reminder of the central place of divinity in a Mason’s life and in the workings of the lodge. The study of Freemason symbols often begins with this central emblem.
Why are the Sun and Moon Depicted in Lodges? The Sun and Moon are frequently depicted within a Masonic lodge. They represent the great governing principles of day and night and, by extension, the regularity and order of the cosmos. The Sun is said to rule the day, and the Moon to govern the night.
Symbolically, they represent the senior officers of the lodge, the Worshipful Master and the Senior Warden, who provide light and guidance to the Brethren. They also symbolize the necessity of discipline and punctuality in all of life’s undertakings.
What Do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, Represent? Every Masonic lodge symbolically features two prominent pillars, named Boaz and Jachin. These are based on the two great bronze pillars that stood at the porch of King Solomon’s Temple, a central structure in Masonic allegory.
Boaz is said to mean ‘in strength’, and Jachin means ‘to establish’. Together, they symbolize stability and the foundation of the Masonic institution. They remind a Mason that any great undertaking must be established in truth and supported by divine strength.
What is the Meaning of the Blazing Star? The Blazing Star is another important symbol, often depicted with the letter ‘G’ inside it. It is not an astronomical object but a representation of divine light, truth, and providence guiding the Mason on his path.
It is also interpreted as a symbol of prudence, one of the cardinal virtues, which guides us through the difficulties of life. For the dedicated student, the star represents the ultimate truths of the Craft, which become more apparent with further study and contemplation.
What does the Masonic Apron Signify? The Masonic apron is perhaps the most recognizable piece of Masonic regalia. It is the first gift given to a new Mason and is considered a badge of honor. Its historical roots lie in the protective leather aprons worn by operative stonemasons.
Made of white lambskin, the apron is a symbol of innocence, purity of heart, and honorable labor. It reminds a Mason that all work is noble and that a life of service is a life of honor. The different styles and decorations on masonic symbols like the apron can denote rank and office within the lodge.
What is the Point Within a Circle? This is a complex symbol with deep esoteric 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 Brother, and the circle represents the boundary line of his conduct.
The two parallel lines are said to represent St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, two historic patrons of Freemasonry. They symbolize the periods of the year governed by the sun’s path. The symbol as a whole teaches a Mason to limit his actions within the bounds of virtue while being guided by faith and reason.
What does the Beehive symbolize? The beehive is a classic emblem of industry and cooperation. It teaches Masons that, like bees in a hive, they should work together diligently and harmoniously for the common good. It underscores the virtue of productivity and the idea that humanity can achieve great things through coordinated effort.
The beehive serves as a lesson against idleness and vice, promoting the idea that every member of society has a productive role to play. It is a symbol of a well-organized and thriving community, which is what a Masonic lodge aspires to be.
Does Symbolism Change Between Degrees? Yes, the understanding and application of symbolism evolve as a Mason progresses through the degrees. In the first degree, the Entered Apprentice is presented with a foundational set of symbols and tools related to preparing oneself for the work ahead.
As he advances to the Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees, new symbols are introduced, and the meanings of earlier ones are expanded upon. This layered approach allows for a gradual unfolding of Masonic philosophy, ensuring that the lessons are absorbed and understood before more complex concepts are presented. It is a journey of continuous learning.
How Do Different Masonic Groups Use Symbols? While the core symbols of the first three degrees are universal in mainstream Freemasonry, other appendant bodies have their own unique sets of symbols and allegories. These organizations are open to Master Masons who wish to continue their Masonic education.
For instance, the Scottish Rite uses a system of 33 degrees, each with its own rich symbolism, often drawing from chivalric and philosophical traditions. The York Rite comprises several bodies, including the Royal Arch and Knights Templar, which also have their own distinct emblems and rituals. Exploring these different Freemason groups reveals an even wider tapestry of symbolic thought built upon the foundation of the Blue Lodge.
The symbols of Freemasonry are not a secret language of exclusion but a shared vocabulary of enlightenment. They are tools for contemplation, guides for moral conduct, and reminders of the timeless pursuit of light and truth. By studying them, we can all learn a little more about building a better self and a better world.
Embark on your own journey of discovery. 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 function as a universal language, conveying complex moral and philosophical ideas that transcend words. This allegorical approach encourages a member to engage in personal reflection and discover meaning for himself, rather than simply being told what to believe. This method, often described as a "system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols," makes the lessons more impactful and memorable.
The symbols are not merely decorative but are integrated into Masonic rituals to illustrate principles for self-improvement and building one’s character. For example, the working tools of a stonemason, like the plumb and level, are used to teach lessons about uprightness and equality. This symbolic approach helps a Freemason internalize the fraternity’s core tenets as he progresses through its degrees.
Are the meanings of Masonic symbols actually secret?
While Freemasonry is a private fraternity, the general meanings of its most prominent symbols are not secret and are widely available in books and online. Symbols like the Square and Compasses or the All-Seeing Eye are visible on public buildings and their basic Masonic interpretations are openly discussed. The fraternity does not attempt to hide the existence or general meaning of these emblems from the public.
The true "secrets" of Freemasonry pertain to its unique rituals, specific modes of recognition, and passwords that allow members to identify one another. The privacy lies in the personal and collective experience of how these symbols are presented and contemplated within the context of degree ceremonies. This shared, private journey is what creates a unique bond among Masons, rather than the concealment of a symbol’s definition.
Do all Freemasons interpret symbols like the ‘G’ in the same way?
Masonic symbolism is intentionally multi-layered, and while there are commonly accepted interpretations, personal understanding is highly encouraged. For instance, the letter ‘G’ found at the center of the Square and Compasses emblem is widely taught to represent both God, the Great Architect of the Universe, and Geometry. This dual meaning allows the symbol to resonate with members from various spiritual paths and intellectual interests.
Freemasonry does not require a single, dogmatic interpretation of its symbols from its members. Instead, a Mason is encouraged to contemplate the symbols throughout his journey and find personal relevance in their teachings as he applies them to his own life. This process of individual discovery is a central part of the Masonic experience, making the symbolism a dynamic tool for moral growth.
