Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
Walk past a Masonic lodge or look at the history of civic leaders, and you are bound to encounter them: the enigmatic symbols of Freemasonry. From the iconic Square and Compasses to the cryptic All-Seeing Eye, these emblems have captivated the public imagination for centuries, sparking curiosity, speculation, and sometimes, misunderstanding. They are the silent language of one of the world’s oldest and most famous fraternities.
But these symbols are not meant to be merely decorative or secretive. They are profound teaching tools, designed to convey complex philosophical, moral, and spiritual concepts without the need for words. For a Freemason, each symbol is a stepping stone on a path of personal development and enlightenment. This article will serve as your glossary, decoding the visual language of the Craft and exploring the rich world of Freemasonry symbols.
This system of allegory allows men from different backgrounds, faiths, and languages to come together and understand a shared set of values. It is a universal method of instruction that has been at the heart of the fraternity since its operative origins. The journey of a Mason is a journey through this symbolic landscape, learning to apply its lessons to his own character.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
To understand Freemasonry is to understand its reliance on symbolism. This tradition stems from the fraternity’s origins as a guild for operative stonemasons, the master craftsmen who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. In an era when most of the population was illiterate, symbols were a vital way to teach skills and protect trade secrets.
A stonemason’s tools were his livelihood, and their correct use was paramount. Symbols derived from these tools, like the square, level, and plumb, were easily understood identifiers of the trade. They served as a practical language that transcended spoken words, ensuring quality and consistency in their craft.
As Freemasonry evolved from an operative guild into a speculative fraternity, it retained this symbolic method of teaching. The tools of the stonemason were given new, philosophical meanings. They became allegorical instruments for building not a physical temple, but a spiritual and moral one within the individual. This is what Masons mean when they describe the Craft as a ‘system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols’.
What Are the Most Important Masonic Symbols?
While the catalog of Masonic symbolism is vast, a core set of emblems appears consistently across lodges and jurisdictions worldwide. These symbols represent the fundamental principles of the fraternity. They are introduced to a candidate as he progresses through the degrees of Masonry, each layer of meaning revealing more about his duties to himself, his community, and a higher power.
What is the Meaning of the Square and Compasses?
No symbol is more widely recognized as the emblem of Freemasonry than the Square and Compasses. Often depicted with the letter ‘G’ in the center, this single image encapsulates the core tenets of the Craft. It is a constant reminder of a Mason’s relationship with the world and with his own conscience.
The Square is an architect’s tool used to test the accuracy of right angles and to ensure that a stone is ‘square’ and true. Symbolically, it represents morality, truth, and honesty. A Mason is taught to ‘square his actions’ by the square of virtue, ensuring his conduct with all of mankind is fair and just.
The Compasses are used to draw circles, defining their limits and boundaries. For a Mason, this symbolizes the importance of self-restraint and circumscribing one’s desires and passions within due bounds. It is a lesson in moderation and control, key aspects of a well-regulated life. Together with the Square, they represent the balance between our moral duties to others and our personal obligations to ourselves. Many resources explore many common Freemason symbols like this one.
The letter ‘G’ in the center has two primary meanings. It stands for Geometry, the mathematical science upon which the architecture of the universe was created. It also stands for God, or the Grand Architect of the Universe, who is the central focus of a Mason’s faith and work. The symbol as a whole is a guide for a righteous life.
What Does the All-Seeing Eye Represent?
The All-Seeing Eye, or Eye of Providence, is another powerful and often misinterpreted Masonic symbol. It is not an emblem of sinister surveillance but a symbol of divine omniscience. It consists of a single human eye, often enclosed within a triangle and sometimes surrounded by rays of light or glory.
This symbol represents the constant presence of the Grand Architect of the Universe. It serves as a potent reminder to every Mason that his thoughts, words, and actions are always observed by this higher power, even when no human is present. It encourages sincerity and high moral conduct at all times.
The Eye of Providence is a symbol of spiritual truth and enlightenment. It reminds a Mason that he can never truly be in darkness, as the light of divine oversight is perpetual. Understanding the layered meanings behind these symbols is a key part of the Masonic journey.
What Do the Rough and Perfect Ashlars Symbolize?
In a Masonic lodge, you will often see two stones placed in a prominent position. One is a Rough Ashlar, a stone as it is taken from the quarry, unshaped and unfinished. The other is a Perfect Ashlar, a stone that has been carefully squared, smoothed, and finished by a master craftsman.
The symbolism here is direct and profound. The Rough Ashlar represents man in his natural state: ignorant, uncultivated, and subject to the vices and passions of his base nature. It is a starting point, a block of raw potential waiting to be shaped.
The Perfect Ashlar represents man after he has improved himself through Masonic teachings, virtuous living, and education. He has worked to divest himself of his imperfections to become a more disciplined, enlightened, and moral being, fit to be a living stone in the temple of humanity. The transformation from the Rough to the Perfect Ashlar represents the entire purpose of speculative Masonry, and this powerful allegory of self-improvement is central to the Craft.
What Do the Working Tools of a Mason Symbolize?
Each of the three degrees of Blue Lodge Masonry has its own set of symbolic working tools, drawn from the trade of the operative stonemason. These tools are used to impart moral lessons appropriate to each stage of a Mason’s development. They are not just historical artifacts but active guides for building a better life.
In the first degree, the Entered Apprentice is introduced to the Twenty-Four Inch Gauge and the Common Gavel. The gauge represents the twenty-four hours of the day, which should be divided into parts for prayer, labor, refreshment, and service. The gavel represents the force of conscience, used to chip away the vices and superfluities of life.
In the second degree, the Fellowcraft uses the Plumb, Square, and Level. The Plumb teaches rectitude of conduct and how to walk uprightly before God and man. The Square teaches morality, and the Level symbolizes the fundamental equality of all men. Exploring the lessons these tools are meant to impart is a core part of the second degree’s work.
The Master Mason of the third degree is presented with the Trowel as his primary working tool. While other tools are used for preparing materials, the Trowel is used to apply the cement that binds them together. Symbolically, it represents spreading the ‘cement’ of brotherly love and affection, which unites the fraternity into one sacred and harmonious society. This is just one part of the broader system of masonic signs and symbols that Masons learn.
What Do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, Represent?
At the entrance to every Masonic Lodge stand two prominent pillars, named Boaz and Jachin. These are replicas of the two great bronze pillars that stood at the porch of King Solomon’s Temple, as described in the Bible. They represent entry, passage, and foundation.
Boaz, the left pillar, is said to mean ‘in strength’. Jachin, the right pillar, means ‘to establish’. Together, their names imply a powerful statement: ‘In strength, I will establish this house’. For a Mason, passing between these pillars symbolizes entering a place of sacred truth, founded on strength and stability.
These pillars also represent the dualities of nature, such as light and dark, active and passive, and life and death. They are a constant reminder that balance is essential in all things. The journey of a candidate begins by passing through this symbolic gateway, and understanding the significance of this entrance is an early step for anyone looking into the requirements to join Freemasonry.
What Other Symbols Are Common in Masonic Lodges?
The symbolic language of Freemasonry extends far beyond the most common emblems. A lodge room is filled with allegorical imagery, each piece contributing to the overall moral and philosophical instruction.
The Beehive is a symbol of industry and cooperation. It teaches Masons that they should work diligently and harmoniously together for the common good, just as bees work for the benefit of their hive. It is a lesson in productivity and social duty.
The Anchor and Ark are symbols of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life. The Anchor represents hope, providing security during the turbulent storms of life. The Ark represents a vessel of safety, guided by faith towards a divine harbor. Together, the symbolism of the anchor and ark signifies that a steadfast faith will see a Mason safely through the trials of his existence.
The Mosaic Pavement, or the black and white checkered floor of the lodge, symbolizes the duality of human life. It represents the coexistence of good and evil, light and darkness, joy and sorrow. A Mason walks upon this floor to learn the importance of navigating these opposites with integrity and balance.
How Does One Truly Understand Masonic Symbolism?
Simply memorizing the definitions of these symbols is not the goal of Freemasonry. True understanding comes from a lifetime of contemplation, reflection, and application. The symbols are not static icons; they are dynamic keys designed to unlock deeper truths within the individual.
A Mason is encouraged to meditate on the symbols and discover their meaning for himself. The lessons of the Square, for example, evolve as a man’s understanding of morality deepens throughout his life. The symbolism of the Perfect Ashlar becomes more poignant as he actively works to improve his own character.
This process of discovery is at the heart of the Masonic experience. The symbolism of the fraternity is a rich and endless source of light, guiding a man on his personal quest for knowledge, virtue, and a more profound connection to the world around him. It is a language of the soul, spoken through allegory and revealed through contemplation.
The symbols of Freemasonry are a beautiful and intricate map for self-improvement. They are not secrets to be hoarded but lessons to be lived. They are the timeless tools the Craft offers to any good man who wishes to build a better version of himself.
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 Masonic emblem charts sometimes show different symbols or arrangements?
Masonic emblem charts vary because Freemasonry is not a single, monolithic organization but a fraternity with many different branches and degrees. A basic chart might only show the symbols of the first three degrees of the Blue Lodge, which are the foundation of all Masonry. However, more comprehensive charts will include emblems from appendant bodies like the York Rite or the Scottish Rite, each of which has its own unique set of degrees, lessons, and corresponding symbols.
Furthermore, variations can occur between different Grand Lodge jurisdictions, which govern Masonry within a specific state or country. While core symbols like the Square and Compasses are universal, the specific presentation and inclusion of other emblems can reflect local traditions or the particular focus of the chart’s creator. Think of a chart not as a single, definitive guide, but as a map to a specific region of the vast Masonic landscape.
Are the meanings on a Masonic emblem chart considered secret?
While Freemasonry is a private fraternity, the meanings of most emblems found on a chart are not secret and are widely discussed in Masonic literature and online resources. The symbols, such as the Plumb, Level, and Trowel, are used as allegorical tools to teach moral, ethical, and philosophical lessons. The purpose of a chart is to serve as a visual reminder of these virtues, encouraging Masons to apply them in their lives. The actual secrets of Freemasonry pertain to the specific modes of recognition between members, not the moral philosophy represented by its symbols.
The true journey for a Mason involves internalizing these symbols and discovering a personal understanding of the lessons they convey. Therefore, while the general meaning of an emblem like the Anchor (representing a well-grounded hope) is public knowledge, its profound, personal impact on an individual’s character is part of their private Masonic experience. This personal reflection is a key aspect of the fraternity’s method of teaching.
Does the letter ‘G’ in the Square and Compasses emblem always have the same meaning?
The letter ‘G’ at the center of the iconic Square and Compasses emblem holds a significant dual meaning for Freemasons. Its primary representation is for God, or more universally, the Great Architect of the Universe, reminding a Mason that all actions are done in the presence of a supreme being. This interpretation underscores the fraternity’s foundational belief in a higher power and the importance of faith in a moral life.
Simultaneously, the ‘G’ also stands for Geometry, which is described in Masonic teachings as the noblest of sciences and the basis upon which the superstructure of Freemasonry is founded. It represents the pursuit of knowledge, logic, and reason, encouraging a Mason to explore the world and improve himself through learning. These two meanings are not seen as separate but as intertwined concepts, reflecting the harmony between faith and reason in the search for truth.
