Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
Walk through any historic city or town, and you are likely to encounter them. Carved into the stone of old buildings, worn on a gentleman’s ring, or printed on a cornerstone, the symbols of Freemasonry are a familiar yet mysterious part of our cultural landscape. The Square and Compasses, the All-Seeing Eye, the letter ‘G’; these emblems evoke a sense of ancient wisdom and closely guarded secrets.
But these symbols are not meant to conceal; they are designed to reveal. Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. It uses the language of symbolism to convey complex philosophical and ethical lessons that might otherwise require volumes of text to explain. Understanding these emblems is the key to unlocking the fraternity’s teachings, and our guide to Masonic symbols explained: a complete glossary of meanings serves as a comprehensive resource for the curious mind.
This article will act as your guide, demystifying some of the most significant symbols used in the Masonic tradition. We will explore their origins, their meanings, and how they fit together to form a coherent system of personal and moral development. This is a journey into a visual language that has guided men for centuries.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
To understand Freemasonry, one must first appreciate its historical roots. The fraternity evolved from the guilds of operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. These craftsmen used specific tools to do their work, and their guild meetings involved trade secrets and methods of recognition. When ‘speculative’ Masonry emerged, it adopted the tools and terminology of these operative masons, but for a different purpose.
A stonemason’s square, level, and plumb rule were no longer just tools for shaping stone; they became emblems for shaping one’s character. This allegorical method of teaching is at the heart of the Craft. Symbols are a universal language, capable of transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. They communicate profound ideas in a compact and memorable form.
Furthermore, symbols encourage personal interpretation and reflection. Rather than presenting a rigid set of doctrines, Freemasonry offers symbols that each man can contemplate and apply to his own life. This method engages both the intellect and the heart, making the lessons more personal and impactful. The symbolism connects a modern Mason to the long chain of Brothers who came before him, all of whom used these same emblems to guide their path.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
While the Craft uses a vast array of symbols, a few stand out as central to its identity and teachings. These are the emblems most frequently encountered and most fundamental to the Masonic journey.
What is the Meaning of the Square and Compasses?
This is unquestionably the most recognizable symbol of Freemasonry. Often depicted with the letter ‘G’ in the center, the Square and Compasses are the primary emblems that represent the fraternity. Each component has a distinct and layered meaning.
The Square is an instrument used to test the accuracy of right angles and to ensure that a stone is ‘true’. Symbolically, it represents morality, honesty, and virtue. It is the tool by which a Mason should ‘square his actions’ toward all of mankind, reminding him to live an upright life based on the principles of fairness and truth.
The Compasses are a tool for drawing circles and circumscribing boundaries. In Masonic symbolism, they represent the importance of self-control and restraint. A Mason uses the Compasses to ‘circumscribe his desires and keep his passions within due bounds’. It is a reminder to moderate one’s impulses and live a balanced life.
The letter ‘G’ in the center has two primary meanings. It stands for Geometry, the mathematical science that was highly esteemed by ancient masons and is seen as a pathway to understanding the universe. It also stands for God, or the Great Architect of the Universe, who is the central focus of Masonic reverence.
What Does the All-Seeing Eye Represent?
Often depicted within a triangle and surrounded by rays of light, the All-Seeing Eye, or Eye of Providence, is another prominent Masonic symbol. While not exclusive to Freemasonry, it holds a specific meaning within the Craft. It symbolizes the constant, watchful presence of the Supreme Being.
For a Mason, the All-Seeing Eye is a potent reminder that his thoughts and actions are always observed, even when he is alone. It represents a divine omniscience that penetrates the innermost recesses of the human heart. This is not a symbol of fearful surveillance but one of divine truth and conscience. It encourages a Mason to act with integrity and sincerity at all times, as he is always in the presence of the Great Architect.
What Are the Three Great Lights of Freemasonry?
The Three Great Lights are considered the essential guides for a Mason’s path. These are the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses. Together, they are said to furnish a Mason’s Lodge.
The Volume of the Sacred Law (VSL) is the holy book central to a Mason’s individual faith. For Christians it is the Bible, for Jews the Torah, for Muslims the Quran, and so on. It is the ultimate source of spiritual and moral guidance. The Square is laid upon the VSL to teach a Mason to regulate his life and actions by its principles. The Compasses are placed upon it to teach him to circumscribe his passions and desires according to its wisdom.
These three lights work in harmony. The VSL provides the spiritual truth, the Square provides the moral framework for action in the world, and the Compasses provide the internal discipline required to live a virtuous life. They illuminate the path from ignorance to enlightenment.
What Do the Masonic Pillars Signify?
Every Masonic Lodge symbolically features two large pillars, known as Boaz and Jachin. These are based on the two bronze pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, as described in the Old Testament. Their names hold symbolic significance.
Boaz is translated as ‘in strength’, and Jachin means ‘to establish’. When read together, their meaning could be interpreted as ‘in strength, He shall establish’, a reference to God’s promise to David to establish his house forever. For Masons, these pillars represent the concepts of strength and establishment. They mark the symbolic entrance to the Lodge, a sacred space, and remind members that the fraternity is built on a foundation of divine strength and enduring principles.
What is the Significance of the Masonic Apron?
The lambskin or white leather apron is one of the most important symbols in Freemasonry. It is the first gift presented to a new Mason upon his initiation and is considered the ‘badge of a Mason’. Its symbolism is rooted in both the operative and speculative aspects of the Craft.
Historically, stonemasons wore aprons of hardened leather to protect themselves from rough stones and sharp tools. In speculative Masonry, the apron’s material and color are symbolic. The white lambskin represents innocence, purity of heart, and a clean conscience. It reminds a Mason that he should live a life of moral purity and that honorable labor, whether physical or intellectual, is a worthy pursuit. The apron is a constant reminder of his obligations and the pure principles upon which the fraternity is founded.
What Are Some Other Important Symbols in the Craft?
Beyond the most common emblems, Freemasonry is rich with a host of other symbols, many of which are drawn from the stonemason’s craft, ancient history, and the natural world. These further elaborate on the core Masonic teachings.
What is the Role of the Plumb, Level, and Trowel?
These three implements are known as the working tools of a Master Mason, each teaching a specific moral lesson. The Plumb is a weight suspended from a line, used to determine a true vertical. Symbolically, it represents rectitude of conduct and encourages a Mason to live an upright life before God and his community.
The Level is a tool for ascertaining a true horizontal line. It is a powerful symbol of equality, reminding Masons that they are all on the same level, regardless of their station in life, wealth, or background. Within the Lodge, all Brothers meet as equals.
The Trowel is a tool used by operative masons to spread the cement that binds stones together into a single 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’ of kindness and fellowship that unites the individual members of the fraternity into a strong and harmonious whole. Taking a deeper look at freemason symbols helps one understand how these simple tools are imbued with such profound moral instruction.
Why is the Rough and Perfect Ashlar Important?
The ashlars are two symbolic stones that are typically found in a Masonic Lodge. They represent the process of human development and self-improvement. The Rough Ashlar is a stone as it is taken from the quarry: crude, unfinished, and imperfect. It symbolizes man in his natural state, ignorant and uncultivated.
The Perfect Ashlar is a stone that has been carefully dressed, squared, and smoothed by the mason’s tools. It represents man who, through education, discipline, virtue, and the enlightening influence of Freemasonry, has perfected his character and become a better version of himself. The journey from the Rough Ashlar to the Perfect Ashlar is the allegorical work of every Mason’s life. There are many more masonic symbols explained that reinforce this central theme of personal transformation.
What Does the Beehive Symbolize?
The Beehive is a classic Masonic emblem representing industry, order, and the need for cooperative labor. It teaches that just as bees work together in a structured society for the benefit of the entire hive, so too should Masons work together for the good of the community. It is a symbol of systematic work and social duty.
The beehive reminds a Mason that he has a responsibility to be a productive member of society and to avoid idleness. It underscores the virtue of hard work and the principle that humanity, like a colony of bees, can achieve great things when individuals cooperate in harmony. This is one of many emblems whose meaning is layered, and you can find further masonic symbols explained to understand the full scope of the Craft’s social teachings.
What is the Meaning of the Anchor and Ark?
Often shown together, the Anchor and Ark are symbols of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life. The Anchor is an ancient emblem of hope and security. For a Mason, it represents the hope of a peaceful harbor after the turbulent seas of life, a hope that is anchored in a steadfast faith and a virtuous character.
The Ark is a symbol of safety and divine providence, harkening back to the story of Noah’s Ark. It represents the refuge a Mason finds in his faith and in the moral teachings of the fraternity, which can carry him safely through the trials and tribulations of his mortal existence. By exploring masonic symbols and meanings, one can appreciate how these allegories provide comfort and guidance throughout a Mason’s journey.
How Are Light and Darkness Used Symbolically?
The contrast between light and darkness is one of the most fundamental concepts in Masonic symbolism. It represents the central journey of every Mason. Darkness is a symbol of ignorance, falsehood, and the profane world outside of Masonic knowledge. Light is a powerful and multifaceted symbol representing truth, knowledge, reason, and spiritual enlightenment.
The entire Masonic initiation ceremony is structured as a symbolic journey from darkness to light. A candidate begins in a state of ‘darkness’ and is progressively brought into the ‘light’ of Masonic wisdom. This quest for ‘more light’ is the driving force behind a Mason’s continuing education. It has nothing to do with the supposed masonic lodge secrets often depicted in fiction; rather, it is a deeply personal pursuit of intellectual, moral, and spiritual illumination.
How Do These Symbols Connect to Masonic Degrees?
Freemasonry’s teachings are conveyed through a progressive series of ceremonies or degrees. The three foundational degrees of the Blue Lodge are Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Each degree introduces new symbols and expands upon the meanings of previous ones.
The Entered Apprentice degree focuses on the basics of morality and self-discipline, introducing symbols like the 24-inch gauge and common gavel. The Fellowcraft degree encourages the pursuit of knowledge, especially in the liberal arts and sciences, with symbols like the pillars and the winding staircase. The Master Mason degree confronts the profound themes of mortality, fidelity, and the hope of resurrection, using symbols like the trowel, the coffin, and the acacia sprig.
This progressive structure allows a Mason to absorb the fraternity’s lessons gradually. The symbols are not merely shown; they are woven into allegorical plays in which the candidate is the central character. This experiential approach ensures that the symbolism is not just learned but felt, making the journey from Rough to Perfect Ashlar a lived experience.
The symbols of Freemasonry are not secrets but a sophisticated language for those willing to learn. They are tools for building a better self, reminders of our duties to others, and guideposts on a lifelong journey toward wisdom and enlightenment. From the simple apron to the great pillars, each emblem is a key that unlocks a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.
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 is the meaning of Masonic symbols considered a secret?
The "secrecy" surrounding Masonic symbols is more about the method of learning than a true concealment of information in the modern era. The meanings are revealed gradually to members through participation in allegorical plays and rituals, known as degrees. This process is designed to encourage personal contemplation and allow each Mason to discover the symbol’s significance for himself, rather than simply being told. The true lesson is found in the personal journey of applying the symbol’s moral teachings to one’s own character.
This method ensures that the symbols serve as powerful tools for self-improvement rather than just academic trivia. By reserving the full context of these symbols for members, Freemasonry protects the integrity of its teaching system, which relies on shared experience and personal reflection. The "secret," therefore, is not the definition of the symbol but the personal impact it has when learned within the unique framework of the Masonic lodge.
Are Masonic symbols religious or connected to a specific faith?
While many Masonic symbols have a spiritual dimension, they are not tied to any single religion or specific dogma. Freemasonry requires its members to believe in a Supreme Being, but it allows each man to define that belief for himself, making the symbolism intentionally universal. For example, the All-Seeing Eye is used to represent the omniscience of the Great Architect of the Universe, a non-denominational term for God.
This approach allows men from various religious backgrounds to come together and find common ground in the pursuit of morality and virtue. The symbols provide a shared language to explore philosophical concepts without conflicting with an individual’s specific faith. In this way, Masonic symbols are tools for moral instruction, not objects of religious worship.
How do Freemasons use these symbols outside of the lodge?
For a Freemason, symbols serve as constant, practical reminders of the moral and ethical principles they have sworn to uphold. They are not merely historical or decorative elements but are meant to be integrated into one’s daily conduct and thinking. For instance, the square and compasses remind a Mason to "square his actions" with all mankind and to "circumscribe his desires" to keep them within due bounds.
This application turns everyday objects and concepts into prompts for self-reflection and virtuous behavior. Seeing a level might remind a Mason of the equality of all people, while a plumb line can symbolize the importance of moral uprightness. In this way, the symbolism extends far beyond the lodge room, acting as a personal guide for living an honorable and principled life.
