Masonic Symbols Explained: A Complete Glossary of Meanings
Freemasonry, an institution shrouded in mystique and centuries of history, often evokes images of secret handshakes and solemn oaths. While these elements are part of its tradition, the true heart of the Craft lies not in secrecy, but in its profound use of symbolism. These symbols are not meant to hide, but to reveal deep truths about morality, philosophy, and the human condition. They form a universal language that transcends culture and time, speaking directly to the intellect and the soul.
To the uninitiated, these emblems can seem cryptic or strange. Yet, for a Freemason, each one is a working tool for self-improvement and a reminder of the fraternity’s core tenets. Understanding this visual language is the key to unlocking the rich philosophical system that Freemasonry offers. This article serves as a guide to that world, a glossary designed to illuminate a rich tapestry of Masonic symbols and their meanings for a general audience.
The symbols of Freemasonry are a bridge from the past to the present, connecting modern members to the stonemasons’ guilds of the Middle Ages. Each symbol, from the simple gavel to the iconic Square and Compasses, is a lesson veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. They are designed to be contemplated, studied, and applied to one’s life, guiding a Mason on his journey from a rough, unworked stone to a perfect ashlar, fit for the temple of humanity.
Why Does Freemasonry Use Symbols?
To understand the ‘why’ behind Masonic symbolism, we must look to the fraternity’s origins. Freemasonry evolved from the guilds of operative stonemasons, the skilled craftsmen who built the magnificent cathedrals and castles of Europe. These men used physical tools like the square, level, and plumb rule not just to build structures, but as a means of teaching geometry and ensuring the quality of their work.
As these guilds transitioned from ‘operative’ Masonry, focused on physical building, to ‘speculative’ Masonry, focused on moral and character building, they retained the tools of their trade. However, the tools themselves took on a new, allegorical meaning. A square was no longer just for ensuring a perfect right angle in a block of stone; it became a symbol for squaring one’s actions with virtue. The compasses were no longer just for drawing circles; they became a tool for circumscribing one’s passions and desires.
This method of teaching through allegory is incredibly powerful. A symbol can convey complex philosophical ideas more effectively than words alone. It acts as a universal language, allowing men from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages to meet on a common ground of shared understanding. The symbols of the Craft are a constant, tangible reminder of the lessons learned within the Lodge, encouraging a Mason to apply these moral principles in his daily life.
Ultimately, Freemasonry uses symbols because it is a system of morality, a journey of personal enlightenment. The symbols are the signposts and the tools for that journey. They engage the mind and spirit, prompting introspection and contemplation in a way that a simple list of rules could never achieve. They are the architecture of character.
What Are the Most Common Masonic Symbols?
While the body of Masonic symbolism is vast, a few key emblems are universally recognized and form the foundation of Masonic teaching. These are the symbols a person is most likely to encounter and they hold the most fundamental lessons of the fraternity. Each one is a chapter in the great book of the Craft, worthy of deep study and reflection.
What is the meaning of the Square and Compasses?
This is, without a doubt, the most widely known symbol of Freemasonry. It is seen on rings, buildings, and Masonic documents worldwide. The Square and Compasses are actually two separate tools, combined to form a single emblem with layers of meaning. Often, the letter ‘G’ is found in the center.
The Square is an emblem of virtue. It is a tool used by stonemasons to test the accuracy of right angles and to ensure that a stone is ‘true’. For a speculative Mason, it is a constant reminder to ‘square’ his actions by the ‘square of virtue’ with all mankind. It relates to our conduct in the world, our relationships with others, and our earthly duties. It represents morality, honesty, and fairness.
The Compasses are used to draw circles. In Masonic symbolism, they represent the importance of circumscribing one’s desires and keeping passions within due bounds. While the Square relates to our earthly duties, the Compasses relate to our internal world and our relationship with ourselves and our Creator. They remind a Mason to practice self-restraint and to keep his life in balance, defining the spiritual boundaries of his conduct.
The letter ‘G’ in the center has two primary meanings. The first and most common is that it stands for God, or more inclusively, the Great Architect of the Universe. It places divinity at the center of a Mason’s life. The second meaning is Geometry, which Masons refer to as the noblest of sciences and the basis upon which the superstructure of Freemasonry is founded. It represents the pursuit of knowledge and the understanding of the universe’s divine order.
What does the All-Seeing Eye represent?
The All-Seeing Eye, often depicted within a triangle and surrounded by rays of light, is another prominent Masonic symbol. While it has been used by many cultures and religions throughout history, in Freemasonry it holds a specific and profound meaning. It is a symbol of divine omniscience.
This symbol, sometimes called the Eye of Providence, represents the constant watchfulness 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, even when he is alone. It is not a symbol of surveillance or control, but one of accountability and conscience.
The All-Seeing Eye encourages a Mason to live and act as though the principles of truth and justice are always in effect. It serves as a deterrent to wrongdoing and an encouragement to virtuous conduct. The symbol reminds him that he can never truly hide from his own conscience or from the ultimate arbiter of his life’s work. The rays of light emanating from it symbolize the divine light of wisdom and truth being shed upon the Mason’s path.
What is the significance of the Plumb, Level, and Square?
These three symbols are often presented together as they represent the ‘working tools’ of a Fellowcraft Mason, the second degree in Freemasonry. They are also the symbols of the three principal officers of a Masonic Lodge. Each tool has a distinct moral lesson attached to it.
The Plumb is a tool used by builders to ensure that a wall is vertically straight. As a Masonic symbol, the Plumb represents uprightness of conduct. It is a constant reminder to live a life that is just and true before God and man. It teaches a Mason to walk uprightly in his various stations before heaven and earth, maintaining his moral integrity without wavering.
The Level is a tool used to ensure that a surface is perfectly horizontal. Symbolically, the Level represents equality. It teaches Masons that all men are created equal and share the same journey from life to death. Within the Lodge, Masons meet ‘on the level’, meaning that worldly rank, wealth, and status are left at the door. It is a powerful reminder of humility and the shared human condition.
The Square, as discussed earlier, is the emblem of morality and virtue. When grouped with the Plumb and Level, it reinforces the need to apply these principles in a comprehensive way. Together, these three tools instruct a Mason to be upright in his actions, equal in his dealings with his brothers, and virtuous in all aspects of his character.
Why are the Sun and Moon important symbols?
The Sun and Moon are powerful symbols depicted in every Masonic Lodge. They represent the great dualities of existence: light and darkness, day and night, activity and rest. Their presence signifies that Masonic work and principles are universal and constant, just as the celestial bodies govern the cycles of the earth.
In the Lodge’s allegorical framework, the Sun represents the Master of the Lodge. Just as the sun rules the day, the Master is charged with ruling and governing the Lodge, providing light and instruction to the brethren. The Moon, which rules the night, represents the Senior Warden, the Master’s second in command. This celestial symbolism reinforces the order and harmony that should exist within the Lodge.
Furthermore, the Sun and Moon symbolize the need for a Mason to regulate his life and actions. Just as these bodies follow a precise and unvarying course, a Mason should conduct his life with regularity and discipline. They serve as a reminder that the principles of Freemasonry should be practiced at all times, day and night, in every season of life.
What do the Two Pillars, Boaz and Jachin, signify?
At the entrance to every Masonic Lodge stand representations of two great pillars, named Boaz and Jachin. These are symbolic replicas of the two bronze pillars that stood at the porch of King Solomon’s Temple, a central structure in Masonic allegory. Their names and meaning are significant.
Boaz is typically translated as ‘in him is strength’ or ‘in strength’. Jachin is translated as ‘he will establish’ or ‘to establish’. When read together, they suggest the promise ‘In strength, He will establish His house’. For a Mason, these pillars represent the concepts of strength and stability. They mark the entrance to a sacred space, a place of enlightenment and learning.
To pass between these pillars is to enter the sanctuary of Freemasonry, leaving the profane world behind. They symbolize the importance of establishing one’s character on a firm and stable foundation of truth and virtue. They are a constant visual cue that the work done within the Lodge is meant to build a strong and well-established inner temple within each member.
How Do Symbols Change Through Masonic Degrees?
Freemasonry is a progressive system of education, taught through a series of degrees. As a candidate advances, the symbols he encounters become more complex, and the meanings of earlier symbols are expanded upon. This gradual unfolding of knowledge is central to the Masonic method.
An Entered Apprentice, the first degree, is introduced to a foundational set of symbols and tools, such as the 24-inch gauge and common gavel. These relate to the beginning of his Masonic journey: dividing his time wisely and divesting his heart of vice. The lessons are direct and focus on building a moral foundation. As he proves his proficiency, he moves on to the next stage of his education.
In the Fellowcraft degree, the Mason is encouraged to expand his mind and pursue intellectual growth, particularly through the study of the liberal arts and sciences. The working tools change to the Plumb, Square, and Level, shifting the focus to his relationship with his peers and the importance of equality and uprightness. The journey becomes more about applying knowledge and interacting with the world. A deeper freemasonry symbol meaning is revealed at each step.
By the time he reaches the Master Mason degree, the focus shifts again, this time to more profound philosophical questions about life, death, and immortality. The primary working tool becomes the Trowel, a tool for spreading the cement of brotherly love. The entire world of free masons symbolic teachings culminates in this degree, preparing the Mason to be a master of himself and a contributing member of the fraternity and society.
Are There Other Important Masonic Symbols?
Beyond the most common emblems, Freemasonry is rich with a multitude of other symbols, each carrying a unique lesson. These symbols appear in the Lodge’s decorations, in the lectures, and on the regalia worn by its members. Many guides and resources have had masonic symbols explained to help both Masons and the public understand their depth.
What is the meaning of the Masonic Apron?
The Masonic apron is one of the most significant pieces of regalia. It is the first gift a Mason receives and is considered the ‘badge of a Mason’. Traditionally made of pure white lambskin, it is an emblem of innocence and purity. Its white, unadorned state in the first degree signifies that a Mason’s character should be equally pure and unstained.
As a Mason progresses through the degrees and holds various offices, his apron may become more ornate, but its fundamental meaning as a symbol of honorable labor and innocence remains. It connects the modern Mason to the operative stonemasons of old, who wore aprons to protect their clothing, and it elevates the idea of labor to a noble and virtuous pursuit.
What does the Beehive symbolize?
The Beehive is a classic symbol of industry and cooperation. It teaches Masons that, like bees in a hive, they should work together in an orderly and productive fashion for the common good. It is an allegory for a well-governed Lodge or society, where every member has a role and contributes to the welfare of the whole.
This emblem of industry is just one of many, as other resources have had these masonic symbols explained-4 the uninitiated. The Beehive serves as a powerful lesson against idleness and vice, reminding the Mason that he has a duty to be a productive and contributing member of his community, both within and outside the Lodge.
What about the Anchor and Ark?
The Anchor and Ark are symbols of hope and safety. The Anchor is an emblem of a well-grounded hope. Just as a ship’s anchor keeps it secure amidst storms, a Mason’s hope in the Great Architect should keep him steadfast during the trials and tribulations of life. It represents a firm and stable faith.
The Ark, referencing the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, is a symbol of refuge and divine providence. It represents a state of security, a belief that adherence to divine law and moral principles will provide a safe journey over the ‘tempestuous seas of life’. Many sources have had these particular masonic symbols explained-8 with great clarity for those seeking understanding.
What is the significance of the Rough and Perfect Ashlars?
The Rough and Perfect Ashlars are two stones that are always present in a Lodge. The Rough Ashlar is a stone as taken from the quarry, in its natural, unworked state. It represents man in his ignorant and uncultivated condition. It is the starting point of the Masonic journey.
The Perfect Ashlar is a stone that has been squared and smoothed by the hands of the craftsman, ready to be used in the construction of a building. It represents man who, through Masonic education, discipline, and a virtuous life, has improved himself and become a more perfect being. The journey from the Rough to the Perfect Ashlar is the very essence of speculative Masonry: the process of self-improvement and moral development.
What do the Trowel and Gavel mean?
The Gavel is an instrument of authority used by the Master of the Lodge to maintain order. Symbolically, it represents the force of conscience. It is a tool for divesting the heart and mind of the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our minds as living stones for the spiritual building.
The Trowel is the principal working tool of a Master Mason. While operative masons use a trowel to spread cement to bind stones together, speculative Masons use it for a nobler purpose. It is an emblem for spreading the ‘cement’ of brotherly love and affection, which unites the fraternity into one sacred and harmonious band. Many other tool-based symbols exist, and some resources have had these masonic symbols explained-6 in great detail.
How are symbols introduced to the next generation?
The tradition of teaching moral lessons through symbolism is not confined to Freemasonry itself. The values of the Craft, such as integrity, charity, and self-improvement, are considered so important that a family of related organizations exists to impart them to young people.
These values are passed on through masonic youth groups, which operate under the guidance of Masonic Lodges and related bodies. Organizations like DeMolay International for young men, Job’s Daughters International, and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls use their own unique sets of rituals, allegories, and symbols to teach leadership, public speaking, community service, and personal responsibility.
While their symbols and ceremonies are distinct from those of Freemasonry, the underlying goal is the same. They aim to provide young people with a moral compass and a set of tools for building a successful and virtuous life. These groups ensure that the timeless principles illustrated by Masonic symbolism continue to inspire and guide future generations.
In conclusion, the symbols of Freemasonry are far more than mere decorations or cryptic signs. They are the very fabric of its teachings, a complex and beautiful language designed to guide a man on a lifelong journey of self-discovery and moral improvement. From the moment he puts on the white apron to the day he learns to use the Trowel, a Mason is immersed in a world of allegory that challenges him to be a better man. These emblems are not secrets to be hoarded, but truths to be lived.
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?
Freemasonry uses symbolism as its primary teaching method because symbols are a universal language that can convey complex ideas across different cultures and times. Instead of providing rigid, written-down doctrines, symbols encourage personal interpretation and contemplation. This method, often described as "a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols," allows each Mason to discover truth for himself.
This approach ensures that the lessons remain relevant and impactful on a personal level. A symbol can hold multiple layers of meaning, which are gradually revealed to a Mason as he progresses in his Masonic journey and life experience. This makes the learning process dynamic and continuous, fostering intellectual curiosity and deep moral reflection rather than simple memorization of facts.
Are Masonic symbols connected to any specific religion?
While many Masonic symbols have a spiritual or divine connotation, they are not tied to any single religion. Freemasonry requires its members to believe in a Supreme Being but intentionally leaves the specific nature of that being to the individual’s personal faith. Symbols like the All-Seeing Eye or the letter ‘G’ are used to represent this universal concept of a higher power, which could be God, the Great Architect of the Universe, or another divine entity.
This purposeful universality allows men from diverse religious backgrounds—be it Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or otherwise—to come together under a shared moral framework. The symbols provide a common language to explore concepts of morality, truth, and divinity without conflicting with specific religious dogma. They serve to unite men, not divide them by creed.
Can non-Masons understand the full meaning of these symbols?
A non-Mason can certainly understand the exoteric, or outward, meaning of many Masonic symbols, as much of this information is publicly available. For example, one can easily learn that the square is a symbol of morality and the compasses represent the importance of circumscribing one’s passions. This academic understanding provides a foundational knowledge of what the symbols represent on the surface.
However, the deeper, esoteric meaning of these symbols is revealed through participation in Masonic rituals, lectures, and personal reflection within the context of the fraternity. This richer understanding is interwoven with the moral obligations and philosophical lessons a Mason experiences as part of his journey. Therefore, while a non-Mason can know about a symbol, they may not grasp the full personal and transformative significance it holds for an initiated member.
