Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
Walk past a Masonic lodge or see a car with a familiar emblem, and you are bound to encounter them. The Square and Compasses, the All-Seeing Eye, the letter G. These images are deeply woven into the fabric of our culture, yet they often remain shrouded in mystery for those outside the fraternity. They are far more than mere decoration or secret signs; they are the very language of Freemasonry, a complex system of allegory and symbolism designed to teach profound moral and philosophical lessons.
Freemasonry is often called a ‘peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’. This means that its core tenets are not spelled out in simple text but are instead embedded within a rich tapestry of visual metaphors. For a Mason, these symbols are tools for self-discovery and personal growth, guiding him on a lifelong journey toward becoming a better man. Understanding the vast world of Freemasonry symbols is the first step in appreciating the depth and beauty of the Craft.
This guide will serve as your glossary, decoding the essential symbols of Freemasonry. We will explore their origins, their meanings, and how they fit together to form a coherent philosophy. Whether you are a curious seeker or a new Brother, this exploration will illuminate the path of Masonic light.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
To understand Masonic symbolism, one must look to the fraternity’s origins. Freemasonry evolved from the guilds of operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. In an era when most of the population was illiterate, complex ideas, architectural principles, and moral codes had to be taught through other means. Symbols and rituals became the primary method of instruction.
A symbol can convey a complex idea instantly and universally, transcending language barriers. The tools of the stonemason, like the square, level, and plumb, were physical objects with practical uses. For speculative Masons, these tools were adopted as emblems to teach spiritual and ethical principles. A square was no longer just for ensuring a perfect right angle in stone; it became a reminder to ‘square’ one’s actions with virtue.
This symbolic language also encourages personal reflection. Instead of being told a plain fact, a Mason is presented with a symbol and encouraged to contemplate its various layers of meaning. This process makes the lesson more personal and profound, as the individual actively participates in his own moral and intellectual development.
What Are the Three Great Lights?
At the heart of every Masonic lodge are the Three Great Lights, which form the foundation of Masonic teaching. They are considered the most important symbols in the Craft and are always present when a lodge is open. These are the Square, the Compasses, and the Volume of the Sacred Law.
What Do the Square and Compasses Represent?
The Square and Compasses are arguably the most recognized symbol of Freemasonry. They are stonemason’s tools, but in a speculative lodge, they represent the tools for building a spiritual and moral life. The Square is an emblem of virtue, morality, and truthfulness. It reminds a Mason to test his actions against the ‘square of virtue’ and to deal honestly and fairly with all of mankind.
The Compasses are used to draw circles, and symbolically they represent the importance of self-restraint and circumscribing one’s desires. They teach a Mason to keep his passions within due bounds and to practice moderation in all aspects of life. The two points of the Compasses are a reminder of the boundary between self and society, and the duties a Mason owes to both.
Often, the letter ‘G’ is found in the center of the Square and Compasses emblem. This letter has multiple meanings. The most common interpretation is that it stands for God, or the Grand Architect of the Universe, who is central to all Masonic work. It also stands for Geometry, the mathematical science upon which the art of stonemasonry was founded and which reveals the harmony and order of the cosmos.
Why Is the Volume of the Sacred Law Important?
The third Great Light is the Volume of the Sacred Law. This is the holy book that is open in the lodge during its proceedings. In many lodges in the Western world, this is the Holy Bible. However, in a testament to Freemasonry’s universality, it can be the sacred text of any member’s faith, such as the Torah, the Quran, or the Vedas.
The Volume of the Sacred Law represents a Mason’s revealed duty to God. It is his spiritual guide, the ultimate source of truth and moral guidance. Its presence in the lodge signifies that a Mason’s work should always be guided by faith and a higher moral law. It provides the light that illuminates his path toward spiritual and ethical perfection.
What Other Common Symbols Will You Encounter?
Beyond the Three Great Lights, the Masonic lodge is filled with a host of other symbols, each carrying its own specific lesson. These emblems, from the furniture of the lodge to the jewels worn by its officers, all contribute to the rich allegorical system of the Craft. Exploring the extensive masonry symbol meaning can be a lifelong pursuit for any dedicated Brother.
What Is the Significance of the All-Seeing Eye?
The All-Seeing Eye, or Eye of Providence, is another well-known Masonic symbol. Often depicted within a triangle and surrounded by rays of light, it represents the omnipresence and watchfulness of the Grand Architect of the Universe. It is a powerful reminder to every Mason that his thoughts, words, and actions are always observed by a higher power.
This symbol is not one of sinister surveillance, as sometimes portrayed in popular culture. Instead, it is a source of comfort and a call to sincerity. It encourages a Mason to act with integrity and righteousness, not for the praise of others, but because he is in the constant presence of the divine. The eye symbolizes truth, clarity, and the light of conscience.
What Do the Sun, Moon, and Stars Symbolize?
The celestial bodies play an important role in Masonic symbolism. The Sun and Moon are often depicted as the ‘lesser lights’ that adorn the lodge. The Sun, which rules the day, is a symbol of reason, logic, and the authority of the Worshipful Master of the lodge. It represents the full light of Masonic knowledge.
The Moon, which governs the night, symbolizes reflection and the lesser light which guides us in times of uncertainty. It is often associated with the Senior Warden, the Master’s second in command. The stars, scattered across the celestial canopy, represent the vastness of the universe and the countless Masons who are part of the fraternity worldwide, as many masonic symbols explained in various lectures point out.
What Is the Meaning of the Masonic Pavement?
Many Masonic lodges feature a floor with a distinctive black and white checkered pattern, known as the Mosaic Pavement. This pavement represents the dualities of human existence on the material plane. It symbolizes the mixture of good and evil, light and darkness, joy and sorrow that every person experiences in life.
The lesson of the Mosaic Pavement is one of balance and perseverance. A Mason is taught to walk upon this checkered ground with equanimity, maintaining his integrity and moral footing amidst the ups and downs of life. The pavement is often bordered by a Tessellated or Indented Border, which symbolizes the blessings and comforts of life that are protected by divine providence.
What Do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, Represent?
At the entrance to the symbolic lodge stand two large pillars, named Boaz and Jachin. These are based on the two bronze pillars that stood at the porch of King Solomon’s Temple, a central setting in Masonic allegory. The pillar on the left, Boaz, represents strength. The pillar on the right, Jachin, is said to mean ‘to establish’.
Together, these pillars symbolize stability and the enduring foundation of the Masonic institution. They mark the transition from the profane, outer world to the sacred, inner space of the lodge. For a candidate entering the lodge, passing between these pillars signifies the beginning of his journey in search of light and knowledge. These pillars are a constant reminder that strength and establishment are necessary for any great and important undertaking.
How Do Working Tools Teach Moral Lessons?
As Freemasonry evolved from an operative to a speculative science, the tools of the stonemason were imbued with symbolic meaning. Each of the three primary degrees of Freemasonry, known as the Blue Lodge degrees, has its own set of working tools that are used to impart moral instruction. These tools are some of the most fundamental freemason symbols in the entire Craft.
What Are the Tools of an Entered Apprentice?
The Entered Apprentice is the first degree of Freemasonry, representing youth and the beginning of a Mason’s journey. The working tools of this degree are the Twenty-Four-Inch Gauge and the Common Gavel. The Twenty-Four-Inch Gauge is a simple ruler, symbolizing the twenty-four hours of the day.
It teaches a Mason to properly apportion his time, dividing the day into periods for labor, for refreshment and rest, and for serving God and his fellow man. The Common Gavel is a type of hammer used to break off the rough corners of stones. Symbolically, it represents the force of conscience, which should be used to divest the heart and mind of the vices and impurities of life, thereby fitting one’s self as a living stone for the spiritual temple.
What Are the Tools of a Fellow Craft?
The second degree, or Fellow Craft, represents the stage of manhood and intellectual pursuit. The working tools are the Plumb, the Square, and the Level. The Plumb is a weight suspended from a line, used to determine verticality. It symbolizes rectitude of conduct and teaches a Mason to walk uprightly and with integrity before God and man. The Square, as we have seen, is the symbol of morality and virtue.
The Level is an instrument used to ascertain a horizontal plane. It is an emblem of equality, reminding Masons that all men are on the same level in the eyes of the Grand Architect, regardless of their worldly wealth or station. This idea of equality is a cornerstone of Masonic brotherhood, with more detailed lectures often available to further explore how these masonic symbols explained the liberal arts and sciences.
What Are the Tools of a Master Mason?
The third degree, that of a Master Mason, represents maturity, wisdom, and the completion of the symbolic temple. A Master Mason is taught to use all the tools of the previous degrees, but his principal working tool is the Trowel. The Trowel is used by operative masons to spread the cement that binds stones together into a single, durable structure.
Symbolically, the Trowel is used to spread the ‘cement of Brotherly Love and Affection’. It is the emblem of the master workman, teaching him to unite the members of the fraternity into a strong and harmonious society, bound by friendship, morality, and mutual support. These Masonic symbols are not just for show; they are active reminders of a Mason’s duties.
Are There Other Symbols I Should Know?
The symbolic vocabulary of Freemasonry is vast, and many other emblems convey important lessons. While some are more prominent than others, each contributes to the overall philosophical system.
What Is the Point Within a Circle?
This is a beautiful and complex symbol. It consists of a central point enclosed by a circle, which is itself bounded by two perpendicular parallel lines. The point represents the individual Brother. The circle represents the boundary line of his conduct, a limit of duty and propriety beyond which he should never stray.
The two parallel lines represent the Holy Saints John, namely John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, who were eminent patrons of Freemasonry. At the top of the circle often rests the Volume of the Sacred Law, which prescribes the duties and illuminates the path of the Saints John. The symbol as a whole teaches that if a Mason keeps himself within these bounds, guided by the holy book, he cannot materially err.
What Does the Beehive Symbolize?
The Beehive is a classic emblem of industry and cooperation. It teaches Masons that they should be industrious and that their labor should be for the common good of the community, or ‘hive’. Just as each bee contributes to the welfare of the colony, each Mason is expected to contribute his part to the welfare of society.
It serves as a powerful admonition against idleness and selfishness. The Beehive reminds a Mason that humanity is a collective enterprise and that by working together in harmony, great things can be accomplished for the benefit of all.
Why Is the Anchor and Ark a Masonic Symbol?
The Anchor and the Ark are symbols of hope and safety. The Anchor has long been a religious emblem representing a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life. For a Mason, it symbolizes that which gives him stability and security through the trials of life, a hope in a glorious immortality.
The Ark, in this context, is a symbol of the divine covenant and a reminder of the journey through the turbulent seas of life. Together, the Anchor and Ark symbolize a firm faith and a steadfast hope, which can provide safety and security as a Mason navigates his mortal existence.
What about the Masonic Handshake?
Perhaps no aspect of Freemasonry is more sensationalized than its modes of recognition, including the so-called secret handshake. In truth, these are simply another form of symbolism. The various grips and words are tied to the allegorical lessons of each degree and serve a practical purpose within the fraternity.
They allow a Mason to prove his legitimacy and standing to another Brother when visiting a new lodge or meeting in private. Rather than being sinister, each freemason symbol of recognition is a key that unlocks a shared understanding and confirms a common bond built on the principles of the Craft.
How Does a Mason Learn All These Meanings?
No one is expected to understand this intricate symbolic language overnight. The journey of a Mason is one of gradual enlightenment. The meanings of the symbols are revealed slowly, through participation in the degree rituals, through lectures presented in the lodge, and through personal study and contemplation.
Freemasonry is not a destination but a path. The symbols are not secrets to be learned and forgotten but concepts to be lived with and reflected upon throughout a Mason’s life. Their meanings can deepen and evolve as he gains more experience and wisdom. The best way to truly begin this journey of understanding is to engage with the Craft directly. For those looking to start, the first step is often finding a community of like-minded men by searching for freemasons near me and reaching out to a local lodge.
The symbols of Freemasonry are a beautiful and timeless language. They are a set of tools designed not for building cathedrals of stone, but for building a temple of character within the heart of every man. They are a guide to living a life of virtue, integrity, and brotherly love.
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
Are Masonic symbols considered secret or evil?
Masonic symbols are not secret in the sense that they are hidden from the public; in fact, their meanings are widely discussed in books and online resources. Rather, they are considered illustrative tools used to teach moral and philosophical lessons within the privacy of the lodge. The true "secret" lies in the shared experience and personal understanding a Mason gains through the rituals and his own reflections on these symbols.
Furthermore, these symbols are not evil and have no connection to nefarious activities, despite common misconceptions. Their purpose is to represent positive virtues such as morality, truth, integrity, and charity, serving as constant reminders for a Mason to live an upright life. For example, the square encourages Masons to be "square" in their dealings with all people, while the compasses remind them to circumscribe their passions.
Do Masonic symbols have the same meaning in all lodges?
The fundamental meanings of the most prominent Masonic symbols, such as the Square and Compasses or the Plumb and Level, are remarkably consistent across the globe. These core symbols represent the foundational tenets of Freemasonry, ensuring that a Mason from any country can understand the basic moral lessons being presented. This universal symbolic language is a key element that unites Freemasons from different cultures and jurisdictions.
However, while the core concepts remain stable, the specific emphasis or depth of interpretation can vary slightly between different Masonic Rites and Grand Lodges. A Mason is also encouraged to engage in personal contemplation of the symbols, leading to individual insights that enrich his understanding. This combination of universal meaning and personal reflection is a central part of the Masonic educational journey.
Is it appropriate for non-Masons to wear or use Masonic symbols?
While there are no laws prohibiting a non-Mason from displaying these emblems, it is generally considered inappropriate within the Masonic community. Wearing a primary symbol like the Square and Compasses is a public declaration of membership and a commitment to the values the fraternity upholds. For someone who has not taken the obligations of a Mason to wear it can be viewed as misleading or disrespectful to the members who have.
This can also create awkward situations, as a Freemason might approach someone wearing the emblem with the assumption that they are a fellow brother. Essentially, these symbols are earned emblems of identity for members of a specific fraternity. Using them without belonging to the group is akin to wearing a professional certification or military honor that one has not earned.
