Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
From grand historic buildings to the lapels of community leaders, the symbols of Freemasonry are woven into the very fabric of our society. They are emblems of mystery and intrigue, often misunderstood and sometimes misrepresented. Yet, for those within the Craft and for curious minds alike, these symbols are not secrets but a rich visual language designed to teach profound moral and philosophical lessons.
This article serves as your guide, a key to unlocking the meaning behind these ancient and powerful emblems. We will explore the most significant symbols, moving beyond mere identification to understand their deeper purpose. The journey into Masonic symbolism is a journey into the heart of its teachings on self-improvement, integrity, and the pursuit of truth. For an even more exhaustive list, this guide to Masonic symbols explained: a complete glossary of meanings is an invaluable resource.
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 laid out in plain text but are instead communicated through stories, allegories, and the very symbols we see. This method encourages a Mason to think, to reflect, and to discover meaning for himself, making the lessons deeply personal and impactful.
What is the Purpose of Symbolism in Freemasonry?
Why use symbols at all? The answer lies in their universal and timeless nature. A symbol can convey a complex idea more efficiently and with greater emotional resonance than words alone. It transcends language barriers and cultural divides, speaking directly to the human intellect and spirit. For centuries, Freemasonry has used this powerful tool to transmit its teachings from one generation to the next.
The purpose is not to hide information from the public but to present it in a way that requires contemplation. A Mason is not simply told to be a good person. Instead, he is given tools like the square and compasses and taught to apply their symbolic meaning to his own character. This process of active engagement is what makes the lessons stick, transforming them from abstract concepts into lived principles.
Each symbol is a waypoint on a man’s journey to becoming better. They are reminders, guides, and sources of inspiration. By understanding them, we can gain a clearer picture of the ethical framework that has guided millions of men throughout history.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
The landscape of Masonic symbolism is vast and intricate. While some symbols are universally recognized, others may be specific to certain degrees or Masonic bodies. Here, we will focus on the most foundational and widely known emblems that form the bedrock of Masonic thought.
These are the symbols you are most likely to encounter. Each one holds layers of meaning, often relating to morality, architecture, and the Mason’s relationship with the Divine and with humanity.
What Do the Square and Compasses Represent?
This is unquestionably the most recognized symbol of Freemasonry. The Square and Compasses are so ubiquitous that they are often used to represent the fraternity as a whole. They are the essential working tools of an operative stonemason, repurposed to teach symbolic lessons to the speculative Mason.
The Square is a tool for testing the accuracy of right angles and the straightness of surfaces. Symbolically, it represents morality, truthfulness, and honesty. A Mason is encouraged to ‘act on the square’ with all of mankind, implying fairness and integrity in all his dealings. It is a constant reminder to square his actions by the square of virtue.
The Compasses are used to draw circles and arcs, defining the boundaries of a design. For a Mason, they symbolize the importance of circumscribing one’s passions and desires. They teach prudence and self-restraint, reminding a man to keep his conduct within due bounds. A deeper look at Masonic symbols reveals the intricate relationship between these tools.
What is the Meaning of the Letter G?
Often found in the center of the Square and Compasses, the letter G is another prominent Masonic emblem with multiple layers of meaning. Its interpretation can vary depending on the context and the individual Mason’s understanding, which is a common feature of Masonic education.
Most commonly, the G stands for God, or the Grand Architect of the Universe. It places the divine at the very center of a Mason’s life and work, reminding him that all actions are done in the presence of a higher power. This is a central tenet of the fraternity.
Additionally, the letter G is also said to represent Geometry. This ‘noblest of sciences’ was considered the foundation of architecture and a pathway to understanding the natural world. By studying geometry, a Mason learns to appreciate order, harmony, and reason, applying these principles to his own life. The symbolism extends beyond just objects; it is a complete way of thinking about one’s place in the universe.
Why is the All-Seeing Eye a Masonic Symbol?
The All-Seeing Eye, or the Eye of Providence, often depicted within a triangle, is a symbol that causes much speculation. It is not, as some believe, a symbol of sinister surveillance. Instead, its meaning within Freemasonry is straightforward and profoundly spiritual.
It represents the constant, watchful care of the Grand Architect of the Universe. It is a symbol of divine omniscience, reminding a Mason that his thoughts, words, and actions are always observed by a higher power. This is not meant to inspire fear but to offer comfort and encourage accountability. It reinforces the idea that no one is truly alone and that every deed, good or bad, is witnessed.
This emblem serves as a powerful prompt for self-reflection. Knowing that one is always in the presence of the Divine encourages a Mason to live and act in a way that is worthy and honorable. A further exploration of Masonic symbols explained can shed more light on this and other important emblems.
What are the Rough and Perfect Ashlars?
An ashlar is a block of stone, a key component in the craft of stonemasonry. In speculative Freemasonry, two ashlars, the Rough and the Perfect, are used to convey a central theme of the fraternity: self-improvement.
The Rough Ashlar is a stone as it is taken from the quarry. It is crude, unfinished, and imperfect. This symbolizes man in his natural state, ignorant and uncultivated. It represents the raw potential that exists within every person before they have benefited from education and discipline.
The Perfect Ashlar is a stone that has been shaped, smoothed, and squared by the master craftsman, ready to be fitted into the temple. This symbolizes a man who, through education, cultivation, and the application of Masonic principles, has improved his character and moral standing. The journey from the Rough to the Perfect Ashlar is the symbolic work of every Mason, a lifelong process of refining one’s own nature. This journey is central to the free masons symbolic path.
What is the Significance of the Masonic Apron?
The lambskin or white leather apron is the first gift a Mason receives and is considered his primary badge of membership. Its significance is rooted in both the practical attire of operative stonemasons and deep symbolic meaning. It is arguably one of the most important pieces of Masonic regalia.
Historically, stonemasons wore aprons to protect themselves from rough stones and debris. In a symbolic sense, the apron’s whiteness represents innocence and purity. It is a reminder of the clean, unblemished character a Mason should strive to maintain throughout his life. It is worn as a mark of honor and distinction. Many different masonic symbols are associated with the various degrees and roles within the Craft.
When a Mason wears his apron, he is reminded of the noble tenets of the fraternity. It distinguishes him as a builder, not of physical structures, but of a moral and spiritual temple within himself. It is a symbol that connects him to a long line of brothers who have worn it before him.
What Do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, Symbolize?
Prominently featured in Masonic lodges and symbolism are two pillars, named Boaz and Jachin. These are based on the two great bronze pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon’s Temple, as described in the Old Testament.
Boaz, the pillar on the left, is generally interpreted to mean ‘in strength’. Jachin, the pillar on the right, is interpreted as ‘to establish’. Together, they can be understood as ‘He will establish in strength’. This relates to the promise of God to David to establish his house and kingdom forever.
For a Mason, these pillars represent the dual concepts of strength and establishment. They serve as a symbolic gateway, and passing between them represents entering a state of enlightenment and knowledge. They remind the Mason that any great undertaking must be established in strength and guided by divine wisdom. The handshake itself can be considered a freemason symbol of entering this new state.
What is the Meaning of the Beehive?
The beehive is a less common but equally profound Masonic symbol. It represents the virtues of industry and cooperation. Just as a hive is a bustling center of activity where every bee has a role, so too should a Masonic lodge and society at large be productive and collaborative.
It teaches that Masons should be industrious and avoid idleness, contributing to the good of their community and the fraternity. The hive also symbolizes the sweet rewards of labor. The honey produced by the bees is a metaphor for the fruits of one’s hard work and the satisfaction that comes from a job well done. It is a reminder that collective effort can achieve what an individual cannot.
Why is the Anchor and Ark a Symbol of Hope?
The Anchor and the Ark are a pair of symbols that represent a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life. The Ark, representing the vessel that survived the great flood, is a symbol of faith and deliverance. It suggests that a belief in a divine power can carry a person through the turbulent seas of life.
The Anchor is a classic emblem of hope and stability. It provides security and keeps a ship from drifting in a storm. For a Mason, it symbolizes that which keeps him steadfast and secure in his values during times of trial and adversity. Together, the Anchor and Ark are powerful reminders of the importance of faith and hope. Further reading on Masonic symbols explained can provide more context on these emblems of faith.
What Does the Hourglass Remind a Mason Of?
The hourglass is a poignant symbol of the passage of time and the transient nature of human life. It is a direct and powerful emblem of mortality. The constant flow of sand from one bulb to the other marks the moments of life slipping away.
This symbol is not meant to be morbid. Instead, it is a call to action. It urges a Mason to make the most of his limited time on Earth, to improve himself, and to contribute positively to the world. It is a reminder not to waste time on trivial matters but to focus on meaningful work and virtuous living before the ‘sands of time’ run out.
What is the Volume of the Sacred Law?
The Volume of the Sacred Law (VSL) is an essential symbol in any Masonic lodge. It is referred to as one of the three Great Lights of Freemasonry, along with the Square and Compasses. The VSL is typically the holy book appropriate to the faith of the members of that particular lodge. In most lodges in English-speaking countries, this is the Holy Bible.
It is a symbol of humanity’s acknowledgment of a divine authority and moral code. The VSL provides the spiritual and ethical guidance upon which a Mason is expected to build his life. It is the source of ‘light’, illuminating the path to truth and virtue. Many Masons keep personal study guides, sometimes called a masonic little blue book, to deepen their understanding of these teachings.
How Do Masons Use These Symbols Today?
In the modern world, these symbols are used in much the same way they have been for centuries. They are central to the rituals performed within the lodge, where their meanings are explained and explored in dramatic allegories. Each degree a Mason takes introduces new symbols and deeper layers of meaning for existing ones.
Beyond ritual, they serve as objects of personal contemplation. A Mason is encouraged to study these symbols and find his own personal meaning in them, applying their lessons to his daily life. They act as a moral compass, guiding his interactions with his family, his colleagues, and his community.
Finally, they remain a public badge of identity. When you see the Square and Compasses on a ring or a car, it is a quiet declaration of a man’s commitment to the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. It is an invitation to recognize a shared set of values aimed at making good men better.
The world of Masonic symbolism is a rich and rewarding field of study. It is a language of character, a blueprint for moral architecture, and a guide to a more examined life. Understanding these emblems is the first step toward appreciating the profound philosophical system they represent.
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 there so much secrecy surrounding Masonic signs and tokens?
The secrecy surrounding Masonic signs and tokens is not meant to conceal nefarious activities, but rather to preserve the integrity and impact of the fraternity’s traditions. These methods of recognition serve as a test of a candidate’s character and their ability to keep a solemn promise, which is a foundational tenet of Freemasonry. This privacy creates a unique and shared experience for members, ensuring that the lessons imparted are reserved for those who have earned the right to receive them.
Furthermore, the signs and tokens are integral parts of the allegorical ceremonies used to teach Masonic principles. Publicly revealing them would diminish the profound personal journey a new member undertakes when progressing through the degrees, similar to spoiling the plot of a compelling story. This discretion reinforces the bonds of brotherhood and ensures that the symbolic lessons are experienced as intended, making them more meaningful for every initiate.
Do Freemasons actually use these signs and tokens to recognize each other in public?
While historically these modes of recognition were vital for traveling operative stonemasons to prove their qualifications, their use today is far more nuanced and private. The popular idea of Masons using a "secret handshake" to gain advantages in daily life is largely a myth perpetuated by fiction. The primary and appropriate setting for the use of signs and tokens is within a tiled, or closed, lodge meeting during ritual and ceremonial work.
In modern society, Masons are more likely to recognize one another through openly displayed symbols like the square and compasses on a ring, lapel pin, or vehicle emblem. The traditional signs and tokens are primarily reserved for formal situations, such as when a Mason visits a lodge in another jurisdiction where he is not known. This practice, known as "due trial and lawful information," ensures that only qualified Masons are admitted to the proceedings, thereby protecting the lodge’s privacy.
Are the Masonic signs and tokens the same everywhere in the world?
While the fundamental principles and core symbolism of Freemasonry are largely universal, the exact execution of rituals, including signs and tokens, can have slight variations. Masonic jurisdictions are governed by sovereign Grand Lodges, typically at a state or national level, which oversee the lodges within their territory. Most "regular" Grand Lodges recognize one another, meaning the foundational elements of their recognition modes are similar enough to be understood by Masons globally.
However, minor differences in wording, grips, and gestures often exist from one Grand Lodge jurisdiction to another. These subtle variations are not errors but are part of the unique history and tradition of that specific Grand Lodge. This system helps maintain the integrity of each jurisdiction and serves as an additional method of verifying a visiting brother’s legitimacy and the regularity of his home lodge.
