Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
For centuries, the symbols of Freemasonry have captured the imagination of the world. Seen on buildings, rings, and in historical texts, these emblems are often shrouded in an aura of mystery and speculation. But far from being signs of a secret society with a hidden agenda, they are part of a rich, complex language designed to teach profound moral and philosophical lessons.
At its heart, Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Each image, tool, and icon serves as a visual reminder of a principle or a truth, guiding a Mason on his journey of personal development and enlightenment. Understanding this visual language is key to appreciating the fraternity’s enduring legacy.
This glossary will demystify some of the most important and recognizable emblems of the Craft. By exploring their meanings, you can gain a clearer understanding of the timeless values that Freemasonry seeks to impart to its members and the world. For those seeking an even deeper dive, a comprehensive guide to Freemasonry symbols offers extensive insights into this fascinating subject.
What is the Purpose of Symbols in Freemasonry?
Why does Freemasonry rely so heavily on symbols instead of just writing down its lessons? The answer lies in the power of symbolism to convey complex ideas that transcend language and time. A symbol can hold multiple layers of meaning, revealing deeper insights as a person progresses in their understanding.
Think of it as a universal language of morality. The working tools of ancient stonemasons, for example, are repurposed to teach ethics. A simple square is no longer just for ensuring a perfect right angle in a stone; it becomes a constant reminder to act with fairness and integrity toward all people.
This method of teaching encourages contemplation. A Mason is prompted to reflect on a symbol’s meaning and apply its lesson to his own character. The symbolism is not ‘secret’ in the sense of being hidden, but its full meaning is ‘esoteric’, meaning it is unlocked through personal reflection, study, and experience within the fraternity.
What are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
While there are hundreds of symbols used in Masonic rituals and art, a few stand out as the most prominent and universally recognized. These core emblems form the foundation of Masonic philosophy and are central to the identity of the Craft.
What Do the Square and Compasses Represent?
The Square and Compasses are, without a doubt, the most famous symbol of Freemasonry. It is the universal emblem of the fraternity, instantly recognizable around the globe. This single image beautifully encapsulates the core tenets of Masonic life.
The Square is an emblem of virtue. It reminds a Mason to ‘square’ his actions by the ‘square of virtue’ with all mankind. It is a symbol of morality, truthfulness, and honesty, representing the need to live a life that is upright and fair.
The Compasses relate to self-control. They symbolize a Mason’s duty to ‘circumscribe’ his desires and keep his passions within due bounds. It is a reminder to practice restraint, moderation, and wisdom in all aspects of life. The two points of the compasses teach us to keep our conduct within limits toward all of humanity, but especially with our fellow Masons.
Often, the letter ‘G’ is found in the center of the Square and Compasses. This ‘G’ has a dual meaning. It stands for Geometry, the mathematical science upon which architecture and masonry are founded. More importantly, it represents God, or the Grand Architect of the Universe, who is the central focus of a Mason’s life and work. The core masonic emblem meaning is layered, inviting continuous reflection on one’s relationship with the divine and moral conduct.
Why is the All-Seeing Eye Important?
The All-Seeing Eye, or the Eye of Providence, is another powerful symbol often associated with Freemasonry. While it is not an exclusively Masonic symbol, its use within the fraternity is significant. It is typically depicted within a triangle, which itself symbolizes the deity, and surrounded by rays of light.
Its meaning is straightforward yet profound. The All-Seeing Eye represents the constant watchfulness of the Supreme Being. It is a perpetual reminder to a Mason that his every act, thought, and word is observed by the Grand Architect of the Universe.
This is not meant to be a symbol of fear or oppressive surveillance. Instead, it is a source of comfort and a call to accountability. It reinforces the idea that one can never truly be alone and that a higher moral authority provides guidance. It encourages a Mason to live and act in a way that is worthy of this divine observation, even when no human eye is watching.
What is the Meaning of the Masonic Apron?
The Masonic apron is one of the most significant pieces of regalia. When a man becomes a Mason, he is presented with a plain white lambskin apron. It is described as ‘the badge of a Mason’ and is considered more honorable than any other worldly order or decoration.
Its symbolism is rooted in purity and labor. The white lambskin represents innocence and the clean slate upon which a Mason will build his moral and spiritual character. It connects modern Masons to the operative stonemasons of the past, who wore protective aprons made of tougher material.
By wearing this emblem, a Mason is reminded of the dignity of labor and the importance of leading a pure and blameless life. It is a symbol of his commitment to the craft and its principles. Over time, as a Mason progresses through the degrees, his apron may become more ornate, but the foundational symbolism of the simple white apron remains paramount. These visual cues are part of a larger system of recognition, and understanding masonry symbols and meanings is a key part of the Masonic journey.
What Do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, Symbolize?
Prominently featured in every Masonic Lodge are two pillars, named Boaz and Jachin. These are representations of the two great bronze pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, a structure of immense importance in Masonic lore.
Boaz is said to mean ‘in strength’, while Jachin means ‘to establish’. When read together, their meaning can be interpreted as ‘In strength, God will establish His house’. For Masons, these pillars represent stability, permanence, and the foundation upon which the spiritual temple of one’s life must be built.
They serve as a gateway, symbolizing the entrance into a place of light and knowledge. They remind a Mason that to build something of lasting value, whether it is his own character or a better society, he must build it upon a foundation of divine strength and moral establishment. You can find more details when you see these masonic symbols explained.
How is Light Used as a Symbol in Freemasonry?
Light is one of the most important and pervasive symbols in the fraternity. The entire Masonic journey is framed as a progression from darkness to light. Darkness represents a state of ignorance and unenlightenment, while light symbolizes knowledge, truth, and wisdom.
A candidate for Freemasonry enters the Lodge in symbolic darkness. As he progresses through the degrees, he is said to receive ‘more light’. This is not a physical illumination but a gradual unfolding of intellectual and spiritual understanding through the teachings of the Craft.
The sources of this light in the Lodge are known as the Great Lights and the Lesser Lights. The Great Lights are the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses. The Lesser Lights are the Sun, Moon, and the Master of the Lodge. Together, they illuminate a Mason’s path, guiding his work and his life.
What is the Significance of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars?
The ashlars are two symbolic stones found in a Masonic Lodge. The Rough Ashlar is a stone as it is taken from the quarry, in its natural, unworked state. The Perfect Ashlar is a stone that has been shaped and smoothed by the tools of the stonemason into a perfect cube, ready to be used in a building.
Their symbolism is a beautiful allegory for self-improvement. The Rough Ashlar represents man in his crude, uneducated, and imperfect state. It is a symbol of ignorance and vice, the raw material with which a Mason begins his journey.
The Perfect Ashlar represents man after he has improved himself through education, discipline, virtue, and the teachings of Freemasonry. It is the ideal state of being, a character that is polished and perfected, fit to be a part of the great spiritual temple of humanity. The journey from Rough to Perfect Ashlar is the work of a lifetime. The study of the many Freemason symbols is a critical part of this transformative process.
Are There Other Important Symbols and Tools?
Beyond the most common emblems, Freemasonry uses a wide array of other symbols, many of which are derived from the tools of a stonemason. Each one carries a unique moral lesson that contributes to the rich tapestry of Masonic philosophy.
What Do the Plumb, Level, and Trowel Represent?
These three tools are central to Masonic instruction. The Plumb is a weight suspended from a line, used to determine a true vertical. Symbolically, it represents uprightness of conduct and reminds a Mason to live a life that is just and true before God and man.
The Level is a tool used to ascertain a true horizontal line. It is a powerful symbol of equality. It teaches that all men are created equal and meet on the same level, regardless of their station in life, wealth, or background. Within the Lodge, all brothers stand as equals.
The Trowel is used by operative masons to spread the cement that binds stones together. For Freemasons, it is an emblem of brotherly love and affection. It is the symbolic tool used to spread the ‘cement’ of friendship and kindness that unites the members of the fraternity into a single, strong, and supportive structure. There is a wealth of information available about these masonic symbols.
What is the Symbolism of the Beehive?
The Beehive is a classic symbol of industry and cooperation. It teaches Masons that, like bees in a hive, they should be industrious and work together for the common good. It is a reminder that humanity is a collective, and each person has a duty to be a productive and contributing member of society.
It also symbolizes the well-ordered structure of the Masonic Lodge itself. Just as a hive is organized for maximum efficiency and productivity, a Lodge is structured to effectively teach its members and carry out its charitable work. This focus on working together is a cornerstone of any masonic association.
What Does the Anchor and Ark Symbolize?
The Anchor and Ark are symbols of hope and safety. The Anchor has long been a symbol of a well-grounded hope and a life that is firmly anchored in truth and faith. It represents a sense of security that allows one to weather the turbulent seas of life’s passions and challenges.
The Ark is a symbol of divine providence and refuge. Referencing the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, it represents a place of safety and preservation. For a Mason, it symbolizes the belief that a life lived according to divine principles will be safely guided through any trials and tribulations. This is just one of many Freemason symbols that draws upon ancient stories to convey moral truths.
What is the Point Within a Circle?
This is a complex symbol with deep esoteric meaning. It consists of a central point enclosed by a circle. The point represents the individual Mason, and the circle represents the boundary line of his duty to God and man. A Mason is taught to keep his actions and desires within this circle of moral conduct.
On the circumference of the circle are often two perpendicular parallel lines. These represent the two Saints John, St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, who were esteemed as perfect parallels in their faith and conduct. The symbol as a whole reminds a Mason to circumscribe his passions and model his life on these exemplars of virtue.
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
Can a non-Mason use or display Freemasonry symbols?
While it is not illegal for a non-Mason to use Masonic symbols, it is generally considered inappropriate and disrespectful within the context of the fraternity. Symbols like the Square and Compasses represent a member’s commitment to the moral and ethical teachings they have sworn to uphold. For a non-member to wear or display them, especially on items like rings or car emblems, it implies an affiliation and understanding that they do not possess.
However, the context of the usage is important. Using images of Masonic symbols for academic, journalistic, or artistic purposes is generally acceptable as it serves to educate or comment on the fraternity. The core issue lies in using the symbols to misrepresent oneself as a member, which devalues the meaning for those who have earned the right to display them through initiation and commitment.
Do the meanings of Freemasonry symbols ever change or vary?
The foundational meanings of the principal Masonic symbols are standardized and remain consistent throughout the fraternity worldwide. The lessons taught through symbols like the Plumb, Level, and Square, which represent uprightness, equality, and virtue, are a core part of the Masonic ritual and education. This shared understanding ensures a universal experience for Masons, regardless of their location or specific lodge.
That being said, Freemasonry strongly encourages individual contemplation and study, often summarized by the phrase "making a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge." While the core allegorical meaning is fixed, a Mason’s personal understanding and relationship with the symbols are expected to deepen and evolve over time. This personal journey of reflection allows the symbolism to remain relevant and profound throughout a member’s life.
Why are Masonic symbols so often misunderstood or linked to conspiracy theories?
The long history of misunderstanding stems primarily from the fraternity’s nature as a private organization, which is often confused with being a "secret society." In past centuries, when Freemasonry faced political and religious persecution, discretion was necessary for survival, which fueled suspicion and speculation from outsiders. This historical aura of secrecy has made its symbols a target for those looking to project sinister motives onto the group.
Furthermore, the very nature of symbolism allows for multiple interpretations, especially when viewed without the proper context provided by Masonic teachings. Symbols like the All-Seeing Eye, which has esoteric roots but a simple moral meaning within the lodge, are easily taken out of context and linked to popular conspiracy narratives. These theories often flourish by ignoring the well-documented, philosophical, and charitable aims of the fraternity in favor of more sensationalist explanations.
