Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
For centuries, Freemasonry has captured the imagination of the world. Its blend of history, philosophy, and fraternity is often shrouded in an aura of mystery, largely due to its rich and complex use of symbolism. These emblems are not secret codes for clandestine plots but rather a profound visual language designed to teach moral and ethical lessons.
To the uninitiated, these images may seem arcane or confusing. However, for a Freemason, they are guideposts on a lifelong journey of self-improvement. Understanding these core Masonic symbols is the first step in appreciating the deep philosophical system that underpins the Craft. They are tools used to unlock a better understanding of oneself and one’s place in the universe.
This glossary will serve as your guide, demystifying the most prominent symbols used in Freemasonry. We will explore their origins, their meanings, and the timeless virtues they are meant to inspire in every member. It is a language of allegory and metaphor, accessible to all who seek to learn.
What is Freemasonry and Why Does It Use Symbols?
At its heart, Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternities. It is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Its central purpose is to take good men and help them become better men, improving themselves, their families, and their communities.
So why the reliance on symbolism? The tradition dates back to the stonemasons’ guilds of the Middle Ages. These operative masons used the tools of their trade, like the square, level, and plumb, to build magnificent cathedrals. They also used specific marks to identify their work. As the fraternity evolved from an operative craft to a speculative one, these tools and marks took on new, symbolic meanings.
Symbols serve several key functions in the Craft. They are universal, transcending language and cultural barriers. They act as powerful mnemonic devices, helping members remember complex philosophical concepts. Most importantly, they encourage personal reflection, as each Mason is encouraged to contemplate the symbols and find his own personal meaning within the framework of the teachings.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
The iconography of Freemasonry is vast, but a core set of symbols appears consistently across lodges worldwide. These emblems form the foundation of Masonic education and represent the fundamental principles of the fraternity.
What Do the Square and Compasses Represent?
This is undoubtedly the most recognized symbol of Freemasonry. The Square and Compasses are architect’s tools, and together they represent the balanced interplay between the spiritual and the material, the divine and the human.
The square is a tool for testing angles and ensuring that a stone is perfectly true. Symbolically, it represents morality, truth, and honesty. To ‘act on the square’ is to live a life of integrity and fairness in all dealings with mankind.
The compasses are used to draw circles, representing a boundary or a limit. In a symbolic sense, they teach a Mason to circumscribe his desires and keep his passions within due bounds. It is a reminder of self-control and moderation.
Often, the letter ‘G’ is found in the center of this emblem. This multifaceted letter stands for both God, whom Masons refer to as the Great Architect of the Universe, and Geometry, the mathematical science upon which the art of masonry is founded. Many of the lessons in the Craft are rooted in geometric principles, making this a central tenet of Masonic thought.
What Is the Significance of the All-Seeing Eye?
The All-Seeing Eye, or the Eye of Providence, is another potent and widely known symbol. It depicts an eye, often enclosed within a triangle and surrounded by rays of light. This symbol is not exclusive to Freemasonry, but it holds a special place within its teachings.
It represents the constant, watchful care of the Great Architect of the Universe. It is a reminder to every Mason that his thoughts, words, and actions are always observed by a higher power. This is not meant to be a symbol of surveillance or fear, but rather one of comfort and accountability.
It encourages a life of rectitude, reminding a Mason that he can never truly be alone and that his commitment to virtue is a constant, witnessed duty. The symbol reinforces the concepts of divine truth and omniscience, urging members to be upright in all things.
Why Is the Letter G So Important?
As mentioned, the letter G is a cornerstone of Masonic symbolism. Its dual representation of God and Geometry provides a deep well of philosophical insight. It is a constant reminder of the central place of a supreme being in the life of a Mason.
Freemasonry is not a religion, but its members must profess a belief in a supreme being. The term ‘Great Architect of the Universe’ is used to allow men of different faiths to meet in harmony, without doctrinal conflict. The ‘G’ is a direct reference to this unifying concept.
Its connection to Geometry is equally vital. To the ancient stonemasons, geometry was the key to their craft. For modern, or speculative, Masons, it symbolizes the precision, order, and logic that should be applied to one’s own character. It is through the ‘science’ of self-examination and moral geometry that a man can build a better version of himself. The study of the liberal arts and sciences, with geometry at their core, is highly encouraged, as reflected in this exploration of further freemason symbols.
What Do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, Mean?
Prominently featured in every Masonic lodge are two pillars, named Boaz and Jachin. These are direct references to the two great bronze pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, a central setting for Masonic allegory.
Boaz is said to translate to ‘in strength’, while Jachin means ‘to establish’. Together, they convey the concept of ‘in strength, this house shall be established’. They represent stability, permanence, and the foundation upon which the symbolic temple of a man’s life should be built.
These pillars mark the entrance to the sacred space of the lodge room, symbolizing a Mason’s passage from the profane outer world to the enlightened inner world of the fraternity. They are also seen as representing the duality found in nature and human life, such as light and darkness, good and evil, and active and passive principles. The journey of a Mason is to find balance between these opposing forces, a theme often found when Masonic symbols explained in detail are examined.
What Does the Masonic Apron Symbolize?
The Masonic apron is the badge of a Mason and one of the most important pieces of his regalia. It is the first gift an Entered Apprentice Mason receives. Its symbolism is rooted in purity, innocence, and the dignity of labor.
Traditionally made of white lambskin, the apron represents the pure and innocent state to which a Mason should aspire. It is a constant reminder of the need for a spotless life and conduct. Just as the operative mason wore an apron to protect his clothing from the dust and debris of his work, the speculative Mason wears it as a symbolic shield against vice and impurity.
Over time, aprons may become more ornate as a Mason progresses through the degrees or serves as an officer, but the simple white apron remains the most honorable emblem. It signifies that merit, not rank or wealth, is the true measure of a man. The importance of this and other masonic mason symbols cannot be overstated.
What Is the Meaning of the Masonic Trowel?
While the operative mason used a trowel to spread mortar to bind stones together, the speculative Mason uses it for a nobler purpose. The trowel is the symbolic tool for spreading the ‘cement’ of brotherly love and affection.
It represents the importance of unity and fellowship within the fraternity. The trowel teaches Masons to smooth over differences, heal discord, and bind the members of the lodge into a single, cohesive family. It is a tool not for building walls, but for building bonds between people.
This symbol beautifully encapsulates the social and communal aspect of Freemasonry. It reminds members that their duty extends beyond self-improvement to include the support and care of their brethren, fostering a community built on mutual respect and kindness.
How Are the Sun, Moon, and Stars Used in Masonry?
The celestial bodies play a significant role in Masonic symbolism, representing order, regularity, and the vastness of the universe. A Masonic lodge is said to be a representation of the world, and as such, it is symbolically illuminated by the sun, moon, and stars.
The sun represents the Master of the Lodge, who symbolically rules the lodge during the ‘day’ or when it is in session. The moon represents the Senior Warden, his second in command. The stars represent the assembled brethren who support the work of the lodge.
These symbols also remind a Mason of the regularity of his duties. Just as the sun rises in the east to open the day, the Master of the Lodge presides from the east. This celestial imagery reinforces the idea that a lodge should be as harmonious and well-regulated as the cosmos itself. The depth of Masonic symbols and their meanings often ties back to these natural and universal principles.
What is the Symbolism of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars?
An ashlar is a block of stone. In Masonic symbolism, two ashlars are used to represent the process of human development. The Rough Ashlar is a stone taken directly from the quarry, in its natural, unworked, and imperfect state.
This symbolizes man in his crude, uneducated form, subject to the vices and ignorance of the world. It is the starting point of the Masonic journey. The goal is to transform this rough stone into a Perfect Ashlar.
The Perfect Ashlar is a stone that has been shaped, smoothed, and squared by the tools of the craftsman. It represents a man who, through education, discipline, virtue, and the guidance of the fraternity, has improved his character and become a more refined and moral being. This journey from rough to perfect is the very essence of speculative Masonry.
What Does the Anchor and Ark Symbolize?
Often seen together, the anchor and the ark are symbols of faith and security. The anchor is a classic emblem of hope. For a Mason, it represents a well-grounded hope in a peaceful and secure future, a hope that keeps him steadfast during the turbulent storms of life.
The ark is a symbol of the divine covenant and protection. It refers to the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, representing a vessel of safety that carries its passengers through trials and tribulations to a place of rest. It symbolizes the belief that a life lived in accordance with divine principles will be safely guided.
Together, these symbols represent a Mason’s faith in the Great Architect’s plan, providing a sense of security and hope that allows him to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and tranquility. The meaning of a specific freemason symbol can vary, but these are widely understood.
What Is the Point Within a Circle?
This is one of the more esoteric and complex symbols in Freemasonry. It consists of a point at the center of a circle, which is itself bounded by two parallel vertical lines. On top, the Holy Scriptures are often depicted.
The point represents the individual Mason. The circle represents the boundary line of his conduct, beyond which he should never stray. It is a line of duty to both God and his fellow man that keeps him in check.
The two parallel lines are said to represent St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, two patron saints of Freemasonry. The Holy Scriptures on top indicate that it is through study and faith that a Mason learns to properly circumscribe his actions. By staying within the circle and between the two lines, a Mason is said to be on the path of virtue.
Are There Other Important Masonic Symbols?
Beyond this core group, the world of Masonic symbolism is incredibly rich. Symbols like the Beehive represent industry and cooperation. The Scythe reminds Masons of the passage of time and their own mortality, while the Hourglass reinforces this lesson. The Gavel symbolizes the authority of the Master and the need to break off the rough corners of one’s own character.
The 47th Problem of Euclid, or the Pythagorean theorem, celebrates the love of arts and sciences and the joy of discovery. Each symbol adds another layer to the moral instruction of the Craft. In fact, many appendant bodies and even a freemason sister organization like the Order of the Eastern Star have their own unique sets of symbols that build upon the foundational lessons of Freemasonry.
This vast collection of emblems ensures that a Mason’s education is never complete. There is always a new layer of meaning to uncover, a new connection to be made. The journey of exploring Masonic symbols is a lifelong pursuit that enriches a member’s understanding of himself and the principles he vows to uphold.
How Do These Symbols Connect to Daily Life?
It is crucial to understand that Masonic symbols are not meant to remain as abstract concepts confined to the lodge room. Their true purpose is to be applied in the real world, serving as a practical guide for ethical living.
When a Mason acts ‘on the square’, he is conducting his business with fairness and honesty. When he uses the ‘compasses’ to circumscribe his passions, he is practicing self-control in his personal life. When he wields the ‘trowel’, he is actively working to create harmony in his family and community.
The Rough and Perfect Ashlars are a constant reminder of the ongoing project of self-improvement. The All-Seeing Eye encourages mindfulness and accountability in every moment. These are not just pictures on a chart; they are active principles for a well-lived life.
Ultimately, the symbolic language of Freemasonry provides a moral compass. It equips a man with a framework for making good decisions, for treating others with respect, and for building a character as strong and true as the cathedrals built by his ancient operative brethren.
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 do Freemasons rely so heavily on symbols to teach their lessons?
Freemasons use symbols as a primary teaching method because they convey complex moral and philosophical ideas more effectively than plain language. These allegorical tools are designed to "veil" lessons, encouraging a member to engage in personal reflection and contemplation to uncover deeper truths. This process makes the lessons more memorable and personally impactful for each individual Mason.
Furthermore, symbols serve as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers within the global fraternity. A Mason from any country can walk into a lodge anywhere in the world and understand the core teachings through this shared symbolic vocabulary. This timeless method ensures that the core tenets of Freemasonry remain consistent and are passed down through generations.
Is the All-Seeing Eye a symbol of control or related to the Illuminati?
Within Freemasonry, the All-Seeing Eye is not a symbol of sinister control or connected to the historical Illuminati. It represents the ever-watchful eye of the Great Architect of the Universe, reminding Masons that their thoughts and actions are always observed by a higher power. This symbol serves as a personal reminder for moral rectitude and accountability in one’s life.
Historically, the symbol of a divine eye has been used by many cultures and religions for centuries, long before its adoption by Freemasonry. Its association with conspiracies is a modern invention, while the symbol’s true meaning is rooted in traditional concepts of divine omniscience and guidance. The symbol’s presence in other contexts, like the U.S. dollar bill, has its own separate history unrelated to the fraternity.
Do all Freemason symbols have one single, fixed meaning for every member?
While most Masonic symbols have a standard, foundational meaning that is taught to all members, this is often just the starting point. These initial explanations ensure a common understanding and shared vocabulary within the lodge and the fraternity as a whole. This creates a consistent framework for the moral lessons presented in Masonic rituals.
Beyond this shared foundation, Freemasonry strongly encourages each member to contemplate the symbols and uncover deeper, personal layers of meaning. A Mason’s understanding of a symbol will often evolve and deepen over time with further study and life experience. This journey of personal discovery is a central part of the Masonic experience, as the symbols are intended to be tools for lifelong self-improvement.
