Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
The world of Freemasonry is often seen as one shrouded in mystery, its rituals and teachings hidden from public view. At the heart of this ancient fraternity lies a rich and complex language, one that speaks not in words but in images. This is the language of symbolism, a method of teaching that has been used for centuries to convey profound moral, ethical, and philosophical truths to its members.
These symbols are not arbitrary decorations. Each one is a key, designed to unlock a deeper understanding of oneself, one’s relationship with others, and one’s place in the universe. From the iconic Square and Compasses to the lesser-known working tools, every emblem has layers of meaning waiting to be explored. Understanding this visual lexicon is the first step toward appreciating the depth of Masonic philosophy.
For those seeking to journey beyond the surface, a comprehensive exploration of Freemasonry symbols provides a foundational map to the allegorical landscape of the Craft. It is through these timeless images that a Mason learns to build a better life, not with stone and mortar, but with virtue and integrity.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
The use of symbols is fundamental to the Masonic method of teaching. The fraternity famously describes its lessons as being ‘veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’. This approach serves several crucial purposes, making the teachings both memorable and universally accessible. It transforms abstract concepts into tangible ideas that can be contemplated and internalized over a lifetime.
Historically, Freemasonry evolved from the guilds of operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. These craftsmen used physical tools like the square, level, and plumb rule in their daily work. When Freemasonry transitioned into a ‘speculative’ fraternity, it adopted these tools not for building structures, but for building character. Each tool was given a symbolic meaning to teach a moral lesson.
This symbolic language also transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. A Mason from any country can walk into a lodge anywhere in the world and, despite any language difference, understand the core teachings through the shared understanding of its symbols. They form a universal bridge connecting brethren across the globe in a common pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
While the Craft employs a vast array of emblems, a few stand out as central to its identity and philosophy. These are the symbols a new Mason encounters first and which he will continue to study throughout his Masonic journey.
What is the Meaning of the Square and Compasses?
This is undoubtedly the most recognized symbol of Freemasonry. Often depicted with the letter ‘G’ in the center, the Square and Compasses are a visual representation of the core tenets of the Craft. They are two of the Three Great Lights of Masonry and are considered essential for illuminating a Mason’s path.
The Square is an emblem of virtue and morality. It reminds a Mason to ‘square his actions’ with all of mankind, meaning he should be fair, honest, and upright in all his dealings. It is the tool used to test the accuracy of angles and the straightness of lines, symbolically representing the need to test one’s own character against the unerring standard of moral law. A deeper look at understanding the Square and Compasses reveals the layers of this foundational emblem.
The Compasses, on the other hand, symbolize the importance of self-restraint and circumspection. They are used to draw circles, and in Masonry, they remind a brother to circumscribe his desires and keep his passions within due bounds. The two points of the compasses represent the spiritual and the material, and a Mason learns to find the proper balance between them. The letter ‘G’ typically stands for God, the Great Architect of the Universe, and also for Geometry, the mathematical science upon which the art of masonry is founded.
What Do the Three Great Lights Represent?
The Three Great Lights of Masonry are the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses. No Masonic lodge can be officially opened or conduct its work without these three items being prominently displayed on its central altar. They are said to ‘furnish’ the lodge and provide spiritual and moral illumination.
The Volume of the Sacred Law is the holy book appropriate to the faith of the members of that particular lodge. It could be the Bible, the Torah, the Quran, or another sacred text. Its presence signifies that a Mason’s work should be grounded in faith and a belief in a higher power. It serves as the ultimate guide for his spiritual and moral conduct.
As mentioned, the Square teaches a Mason to regulate his life and actions according to principles of morality and virtue. The Compasses teach him to subdue his passions and practice self-control. Together, these Three Great Lights guide a Mason’s journey from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge, truth, and wisdom, which is central to the symbolic nature of the Craft.
What Is the Significance of the All-Seeing Eye?
The All-Seeing Eye, often depicted within a triangle and surrounded by rays of light, is one of the most misunderstood Masonic symbols. It is not, as some conspiracies suggest, a symbol of sinister surveillance or control. Instead, it is a profound emblem of divine omniscience and watchfulness.
For a Mason, the All-Seeing Eye, or the Eye of Providence, represents the constant presence of the Great Architect of the Universe. It is a reminder that all thoughts and actions are observed by a higher power, encouraging a Mason to live and act in a way that is honorable and just, even when no one else is watching.
The symbol encourages introspection and accountability. It reinforces the idea that a Mason is never truly alone in his struggles or his triumphs. This divine oversight is not meant to be intimidating but comforting, a sign that there is a universal order and a divine witness to one’s journey of self-improvement.
What Do the Pillars of Boaz and Jachin Symbolize?
At the entrance of every Masonic lodge stand two prominent pillars, representing the two bronze pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. These pillars are named Boaz and Jachin. They are rich in symbolic meaning and represent a gateway to greater knowledge.
Boaz, which is said to mean ‘in strength’, and Jachin, meaning ‘He will establish’, together form a powerful statement of faith and stability. They signify that any great and important undertaking must be entered into with strength and established in truth and righteousness. They remind the Mason that his journey into the Craft is built upon a solid foundation.
These pillars also represent the concept of duality, a recurring theme in Masonic philosophy. They symbolize the balance between opposing forces like light and darkness, good and evil, and active and passive principles. A Mason is taught to find harmony and equilibrium between these forces in his own life.
Why Is the Rough and Perfect Ashlar Important?
The ashlars are two symbolic stones that are often found in a lodge room. They represent the beginning and the end of a Mason’s spiritual and moral development. They are a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of education, discipline, and virtue.
The Rough Ashlar is a stone taken directly from the quarry. It is crude, unfinished, and imperfect. This stone represents man in his natural state, ignorant and uncultivated. It is the raw material with which a Mason begins his journey, full of potential but requiring work and refinement.
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 used as a building block in a greater structure. This stone represents a man who, through Masonic education, self-discipline, and a virtuous life, has perfected his character and become a better version of himself. The journey from rough to perfect ashlar is the very essence of the Masonic experience.
Are There Other Important Symbols in Freemasonry?
Beyond the most prominent emblems, the fraternity uses a wide range of other symbols to teach its lessons. Each degree and each lecture introduces new images and tools, adding more layers to a Mason’s understanding. To truly appreciate the breadth of the Craft, one must explore other masonic symbols that enrich its teachings.
What Does the Masonic Apron Mean?
The Masonic apron is one of the most significant pieces of regalia. It is the ‘badge of a Mason’ and the first gift a candidate receives upon his initiation. Its origins trace back to the protective leather aprons worn by operative stonemasons, but its symbolic meaning is far deeper.
In speculative Masonry, the apron, traditionally made of white lambskin, is an emblem of innocence and purity. It reminds a Mason that he should strive to live a life that is unblemished by vice and immorality. It also serves as a constant reminder of the dignity of labor and the importance of engaging in productive work, whether for personal gain or for the benefit of humanity.
What Is the Symbolism of the Trowel?
While operative masons used the trowel to spread mortar to bind stones together, speculative Masons use it for a nobler purpose. The Trowel is a symbol of brotherly love and affection, the ‘cement’ that unites the individual members of the fraternity into a single, solid, and harmonious whole.
It teaches Masons to spread kindness and goodwill, smoothing over differences and healing divisions within the brotherhood and in society at large. The Trowel reminds a Mason that the strongest bonds are not made of stone and mortar but of mutual respect, compassion, and a shared commitment to building a better world. There is a great deal of further masonic symbol information available for those who wish to delve deeper into these tools.
What Do the Level and Plumb Represent?
The Level and the Plumb are two more working tools of an operative mason that have been adopted for their symbolic value. The Level is an instrument used to check for horizontal surfaces, and in Masonry, it symbolizes equality. It reminds Masons that they are all equal before God, regardless of their station in life, wealth, or background.
The Plumb, or plumb rule, is used to ensure that a wall is vertically true. It is a symbol of uprightness and integrity. It teaches a Mason to live an upright life, acting with rectitude and moral straightness in all his personal and professional affairs. Together, the Level and the Plumb guide a Mason toward a life of fairness and integrity.
What Is the Meaning of the Gavel and Chisel?
The Gavel and Chisel are tools used to work on the Rough Ashlar. The Chisel represents the benefits of education and disciplined learning, which allow a person to see the potential within the rough stone of their character. It is the intellectual force that guides the transformation.
The Gavel represents the force of will and conscience, the power needed to break off the rough and superfluous parts of one’s character. It is the tool that chips away at vices and bad habits. Understanding the symbolism of the Gavel is key to grasping the Masonic concept of active self-improvement. Together, the Gavel and Chisel are the instruments of personal transformation.
How Are Symbols Used in Masonic Rituals?
Masonic symbols are not merely static decorations in a lodge room. They are integral components of the fraternity’s rituals and degree ceremonies. The meanings of these symbols are progressively revealed to a candidate as he advances through the three degrees of Craft Masonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.
In each degree, the candidate is presented with specific symbols and working tools. He is taught their moral and philosophical applications through a series of lectures and allegorical plays. This experiential learning process is designed to make a lasting impression, embedding the lessons deep within the Mason’s consciousness.
The entire experience of the Freemason induction ceremony and subsequent degrees is a symbolic journey. It represents the path of a man from a state of intellectual and spiritual darkness toward the light of knowledge and enlightenment. The symbols act as signposts along this path, guiding him and reminding him of the lessons he has learned and the commitments he has made.
This system of progressive revelation ensures that the teachings are not simply memorized but are truly understood and integrated into the Mason’s life. The symbols become a personal framework for moral development, a set of tools that he can use long after the ceremonies are over to continue building his character and contributing positively to the world.
The language of symbolism is the very soul of Freemasonry. It is a timeless and powerful method for communicating the deepest truths about morality, self-awareness, and the human condition. Each symbol is a door to a new level of understanding, inviting every Mason to a lifelong journey of discovery and personal growth.
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 connected to the occult or devil worship?
This is a common misconception often fueled by conspiracy theories and a misunderstanding of esoteric symbolism. In reality, Masonic symbols are not connected to the occult or any form of satanism; their purpose is to teach moral, ethical, and philosophical lessons. Symbols like the Square and Compasses or the Plumb Rule are used as allegorical tools to encourage members to live virtuous lives and improve themselves.
The association with dark arts is largely due to historical anti-Masonic propaganda and the misinterpretation of symbols that have been used by various groups over time. The All-Seeing Eye, for example, is a Masonic emblem for the watchfulness of a higher power, not an object of sinister surveillance. Within the context of the lodge, every symbol is a positive reminder of principles like truth, charity, and integrity.
Is it appropriate for a non-Freemason to wear or use Masonic symbols?
Generally, it is considered inappropriate for someone who is not a Freemason to wear or display core Masonic symbols, especially the Square and Compasses. These emblems signify that the wearer has taken specific vows and is a member of the fraternity, so a non-member displaying them would be making a false claim. It is seen as a matter of respect for the commitments that members have made.
While some Masonic symbols have crossed into public use, wearing a ring, lapel pin, or other item clearly identifying you as a Mason is reserved for members. These items serve as a way for brothers to recognize one another and represent a personal connection to the craft’s teachings. Using them without that connection is discouraged as it dilutes their meaning and purpose within the Masonic community.
Do all Freemason lodges interpret these symbols in the exact same way?
The foundational meanings of the most important symbols are consistent across all regular Masonic lodges worldwide. For instance, the Square and Compasses universally represent the need to square our actions by the square of virtue and to circumscribe our desires, keeping them within due bounds. This shared symbolism creates a common language and understanding that unites Freemasons regardless of their country or culture.
However, Freemasonry encourages individual contemplation, so while the core concepts remain the same, personal interpretations can vary. Different lodges or jurisdictions might place a greater emphasis on certain aspects of a symbol’s meaning during educational discussions. This allows for a rich and layered understanding, where the primary lesson is universal but the personal journey of discovery is unique to each Mason.
