Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
For centuries, the symbols of Freemasonry have captured the public imagination, evoking a sense of mystery, ancient wisdom, and closely guarded secrets. From the iconic Square and Compasses adorning buildings worldwide to the enigmatic All-Seeing Eye, these emblems are far more than mere decoration. They form a complex and profound visual language, designed to teach moral and philosophical lessons to its members.
Freemasonry is often described as 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 stories and symbols that require contemplation and study. To truly begin to understand this ancient fraternity, one must first explore the rich tapestry of Masonic symbols that communicate its most essential truths.
This glossary will serve as your guide, decoding the layered meanings behind the most significant emblems of the Craft. We will journey through the symbolism of the working tools, the celestial bodies, and the architectural elements that form the foundation of Masonic education. This exploration reveals a system dedicated not to secrecy, but to personal growth, enlightenment, and the building of a better self.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
Have you ever wondered why an organization would choose to teach through symbols rather than plain language? The use of symbolism is a tradition that stretches back to antiquity, found in ancient mystery schools, philosophical traditions, and religious systems across the globe. Symbols possess a unique power to convey complex ideas that words alone often struggle to express.
A symbol can hold multiple layers of meaning simultaneously, speaking to the intellect, the intuition, and the spirit. It acts as a universal language that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, allowing fundamental truths to be passed down through generations. For a Freemason, engaging with a symbol is an active process of discovery.
Furthermore, this symbolic method encourages a personal journey of interpretation. While the general meaning of a symbol is taught, its deeper resonance is left for the individual Mason to uncover through reflection. This process ensures that the lessons of Freemasonry are not just passively received but are actively integrated into one’s character, fostering genuine self-improvement and moral development.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
The landscape of Masonic symbolism is vast and intricate, but a few key emblems stand out as central to the Craft’s teachings. These are the symbols most frequently encountered by new members and most recognized by the public. Each one is a key that unlocks a different aspect of Masonic philosophy.
What is the Meaning of the Square and Compasses?
Without a doubt, the Square and Compasses are the most universally recognized emblem of Freemasonry. Often depicted with the letter ‘G’ in the center, this arrangement is a powerful visual representation of the fraternity’s core principles. Each component has a distinct and vital meaning.
The Square is an instrument used by stonemasons to ensure that stones are cut to a perfect 90-degree angle. Symbolically, it represents morality, truthfulness, and honesty. It reminds a Mason to ‘square his actions’ with all of mankind, living a life of virtue and fairness. It is the earthly and material measure of conduct.
The Compasses are used to draw circles, representing the spiritual and ethereal realm. They serve as a reminder to ‘circumscribe one’s desires and keep passions within due bounds’. This means practicing self-control, moderation, and spiritual discipline. It is a tool for defining the boundaries of one’s own character. It is perhaps the most famous [freemason symbol](https://esotericfreemasons.com/masonic-handshake/freemason-symbol/) in the world.
The letter ‘G’ suspended in the center holds dual significance. It stands for Geometry, the mathematical science upon which architecture and stonemasonry are founded, and it represents God, or the Grand Architect of the Universe, who is central to Masonic belief. The placement of the ‘G’ signifies that both scientific reason and divine reverence are at the heart of the Craft.
What Does the All-Seeing Eye Represent?
Often seen within a triangle and surrounded by rays of light, the All-Seeing Eye, or the Eye of Providence, is another potent Masonic symbol. While it also appears in other contexts, including on the Great Seal of the United States, within Freemasonry it has a specific and profound implication. It is a constant reminder of divine omniscience.
The symbol represents the ever-watchful eye of the Supreme Being, observing all the thoughts and actions of humanity. For a Mason, it is not a sign of oppressive surveillance but a source of comfort and a call to accountability. It teaches that one’s deeds, both public and private, are seen by a higher power and that true integrity means living virtuously even when no one is watching.
Why is the Masonic Apron So Important?
Upon his initiation, a Freemason is presented with a plain white lambskin apron. This is considered the ‘badge of a Mason’ and is, in many ways, his most important possession within the fraternity. Its symbolism is rooted in purity and the dignity of labor. Each piece of regalia, including the apron, serves as a powerful [freemason emblem](https://esotericfreemasons.com/masonic-degrees/freemason-emblem/) of a member’s progress.
The lamb has long been an emblem of innocence, and the apron’s white color reinforces this meaning. It signifies that a Mason’s life and actions should be pure and unblemished. It also connects modern Freemasons to the operative stonemasons of the past, whose leather aprons protected them as they worked. For today’s speculative Mason, it symbolizes the work of building a spiritual and moral character.
What Do the Sun, Moon, and Stars Symbolize?
The Masonic lodge room is designed to be a representation of the universe, and celestial symbols are essential to this cosmology. The Sun, Moon, and stars collectively symbolize the order, regularity, and precision of the cosmos, governed by the unerring laws of the Grand Architect.
The Sun represents the Master of the Lodge, who is meant to rule and govern the lodge with light and wisdom, just as the sun rules the day. The Moon represents the Senior Warden, the second-in-command, who presides in the Master’s absence, just as the moon governs the night. The stars represent the assembled brethren, a reminder of the vastness of creation and the countless moral virtues a Mason should strive to emulate.
What are the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin?
Standing at the entrance to every Masonic lodge are representations of two great 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 structure in Masonic allegory. Their names are Hebrew and translate to ‘in strength’ (Boaz) and ‘to establish’ (Jachin).
Together, they symbolize the concepts of strength and establishment, suggesting that any great undertaking must be built upon a firm and stable foundation. They mark the threshold between the profane outer world and the sacred space of the lodge. Passing between them signifies a Mason’s entry into a place of learning, light, and spiritual edification.
What is the Significance of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars?
The ashlars are two symbolic stones that are often displayed in a lodge. The Rough Ashlar is a stone taken directly from the quarry, in its natural, unworked, and imperfect state. It represents man in his ignorant and uncultivated condition, before he has received the benefits of education and self-discipline.
The Perfect Ashlar, by contrast, is a stone that has been carefully shaped, squared, and smoothed by the tools of the stonemason. It represents man as a perfected being, having improved his character through diligent study, virtuous living, and the application of Masonic teachings. The journey from the Rough to the Perfect Ashlar is the symbolic journey of every Freemason: a lifelong process of self-improvement. The goal is not secrecy for its own sake, but rather [unveiling the secrets behind the craft](https://1ety.com/masonic-symbols-unveiling-the-secrets-behind-the-craft/) through personal study and contemplation.
Are There Other Important Symbols in Freemasonry?
Beyond the most iconic emblems, the Craft utilizes a rich array of other symbols, many of which are drawn from the tools of operative stonemasons. These tools, which are some of the most ancient [freemason symbols](https://www.ghlilley.com.au/blogs/news/freemason-symbols), are used to build a spiritual and moral edifice within the heart of each member.
What is the Meaning of the Level and the Plumb?
The Level is a tool for ascertaining a horizontal plane, and in Freemasonry, it is a symbol of equality. It teaches that all men are created equal and that Masons meet ‘on the level’, regardless of their station in life, wealth, or social standing. Within the lodge, all brothers are considered peers.
The Plumb is a tool used to determine a true vertical line. It is a symbol of uprightness, integrity, and rectitude of conduct. It reminds a Mason to live an upright life, acting with justice and moral straightness before God and man. Together, the Level and Plumb represent the core Masonic virtues of equality and integrity.
What Does the Beehive Symbolize?
The Beehive is an emblem of industry and cooperation. It teaches that Masons, like bees in a hive, should work together harmoniously for the common good. It suggests that man was not meant to live in isolation but should be an industrious and productive member of society, contributing his efforts to the benefit of all.
What is the Anchor and Ark?
The Anchor and Ark are symbols of hope and a well-spent life. The Anchor has long been a religious emblem representing a ‘well-grounded hope’, a steadfast belief that can keep a person steady through the turbulent seas of life. The Ark is a symbol of the journey through life, suggesting that a life grounded in faith and virtue will ultimately arrive at a divine harbor of peace and rest. Understanding these various [masonic symbols meanings](https://symbolsage.com/masonic-symbols-meanings/) is a lifelong pursuit for many members.
What Does the Trowel Represent?
While other tools are for shaping stones, the Trowel is used to spread the cement that binds them together. Symbolically, it is the preeminent tool of Brotherly Love. The Trowel is used to spread the ‘cement of affection and kindness’, which unites the individual members of the fraternity into a single, solid, and sacred structure. It is the emblem of the Master Mason’s work in building unity and fellowship.
How Do These Symbols Connect to Masonic Degrees?
Freemasonry’s teachings are revealed progressively through a series of degrees. The principal body of Masonry, known as the Blue Lodge or Craft Lodge, confers three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. The symbols of the Craft are introduced and explained in stages throughout this journey.
In the Entered Apprentice degree, the candidate is introduced to the foundational symbols of morality and self-discipline, such as the 24-inch gauge and common gavel. He is presented with the Rough Ashlar as a representation of his current state and is given the lambskin apron as his badge of innocence. The lessons are focused on subduing the passions and beginning the process of self-improvement.
As a Fellowcraft, the Mason’s focus shifts from morality to intellectual and scientific pursuits. He is encouraged to study the liberal arts and sciences, symbolized by the two pillars and the winding staircase that leads to a ‘middle chamber’ of knowledge. The journey through the degrees reveals the deeper [freemasonry meaning](https://esotericfreemasons.com/masonic-degrees/freemasonry-meaning/) behind its teachings.
In the Master Mason degree, the candidate confronts the ultimate philosophical questions of life, death, and immortality. The symbols presented, such as the Trowel, the Coffin, and the Acacia sprig, deal with themes of mortality, faith, and the hope of a life beyond the grave. For those seeking additional perspectives, many resources have explored how [masonic symbols explained](https://buckinghamshirefreemasons.co.uk/blog/masonic-symbols-explained-6) can illuminate the path of a member.
This progressive revelation ensures that the lessons are absorbed and understood before more complex ideas are introduced. Each degree builds upon the last, using an expanding set of symbols to construct a comprehensive system of personal and spiritual development. The symbols are not merely memorized; they are meant to be lived.
Ultimately, the symbols of Freemasonry are not secrets to be hidden but truths to be discovered. They are a universal language of morality, virtue, and self-improvement, inviting each member to build a better world by first building a better self. They are the working tools of a timeless craft, as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
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
How does the arrangement of the Square and Compasses change based on a Mason’s degree?
The specific positioning of the Square and Compasses is highly symbolic and changes to reflect a Mason’s progression through the initial three degrees of the craft. For an Entered Apprentice, or first-degree Mason, both points of the Compasses are placed underneath the Square. This arrangement signifies that the Mason’s journey is in its infancy, and his moral and spiritual understanding is still developing under the governance of the lessons of the Square.
Upon advancing to the Fellowcraft (second) degree, one point of the Compasses is placed above the Square, indicating a growing enlightenment and a greater balance between moral duty and spiritual knowledge. Finally, for a Master Mason, who has completed the third degree, both points of the Compasses are displayed over the Square. This represents a more complete understanding, where the individual has learned to master his passions and apply spiritual wisdom to his moral life.
Are non-Masons allowed to wear or use the Freemason emblem?
While no law prohibits a non-member from wearing the Square and Compasses, it is strongly discouraged and considered disrespectful within the Masonic community. The emblem is a deeply meaningful symbol representing a member’s personal obligation to the principles of Freemasonry, such as morality, truth, and charity. Wearing it without having taken this commitment is viewed as making a false claim to an identity and a set of values you have not earned.
For a Freemason, displaying the symbol is a source of pride and a quiet declaration of his affiliation and the lessons he has learned. A non-Mason using the emblem can cause confusion and misrepresents the wearer’s relationship to the fraternity. It is a matter of respect for the institution and its members to reserve the use of its sacred symbols for those who are initiated.
Why is the letter ‘G’ sometimes missing from the Square and Compasses emblem?
The inclusion of the letter ‘G’ is a prominent tradition, particularly in Masonic lodges within the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, but it is not universal. In many other jurisdictions, especially in Continental Europe, it is common to see the Square and Compasses emblem without the ‘G’ in the center. This variation is not a sign of a fundamental difference in belief but rather a reflection of distinct historical and cultural Masonic traditions.
In lodges where the ‘G’ is omitted, the focus is placed more directly on the symbolism of the tools themselves—the Square representing morality and the Compasses representing self-control. The concept of a Supreme Being, often referred to as the Great Architect of the Universe, is still a central tenet, but it is considered to be fully embodied by the emblem as a whole. Ultimately, the presence or absence of the ‘G’ is a matter of jurisdictional custom rather than a core doctrinal issue.
