Freemasonry uses many symbols to convey philosophical, moral, and spiritual concepts. These symbols have layered meanings that teach initiates the values, ideals, and tenets of Freemasonry.
The most well-known Masonic symbols include the square and compasses, the letter “G”, and the all-seeing eye. However, there are many lesser known emblems that also hold deep significance. In this article, we will explore some of the most important Masonic symbols and examine their origins, meanings, and purposes within the fraternity.
The Square and Compasses
The most ubiquitous and universally recognized symbol of Freemasonry is the square and compasses. The square represents virtue, morality, and ethics. It teaches Masons to “square their actions” by the square of virtue. The compasses represent the ability to keep one’s passions in due bounds toward all mankind, especially fellow Masons. Together, the square and compasses represent the dual moralistic and spiritualistic foundations of Freemasonry.
In many jurisdictions, the square and compasses are depicted with the letter “G” in the center, which stands for both God and Geometry. This alludes to the philosophical and spiritual roots of Freemasonry as well as its origins in stonemason guilds.
The All-Seeing Eye
The all-seeing eye is an ancient symbol representing divine providence. It depicts an eye, often enclosed in a triangle, gazing outwards. This eye is meant to represent the watchful eye of God observing humanity. Masonically, it reminds Masons that their thoughts and deeds are observed by God.
The all-seeing eye is featured prominently in Masonic artwork, ritual, and architecture. It appears on the seal of the Grand Lodge of many jurisdictions and is sometimes represented as the “Eye of Providence”, most famously seen on the US one dollar bill.
The Letter “G”
As mentioned previously, the letter “G” is one of the most ubiquitous Masonic symbols. It stands for both “God” and “Geometry”, two foundational concepts in Masonic philosophy. Geometry is significant because Masonry originated from medieval stonemasons who incorporated geometric principles into their craft. God, in the non-sectarian Masonic conception, is the Grand Geometrician of the Universe.
The Masonic Trestleboard
The trestleboard is a design board used by stonemasons to draw out their architectural plans. In Freemasonry, it holds symbolic meaning. For the speculative Mason, the trestleboard represents the moral blueprint toward spiritual advancement. It outlines the Masonic path toward moral uprightness and virtue.
The Point Within a Circle
The point within a circle depicts a point at the exact center of a circle. In Masonry, it represents the individual Mason at the center of his moral and social responsibilities. The circle represents the collective fraternal world of Freemasonry. The symbol teaches that every Mason has a duty to contribute to the greater whole while still cultivating his individual talents and pathways.
The Columns
The Masonic usage of columns originates from the pillars of King Solomon’s Temple, known as Boaz and Jachin. They represent the duality of existence – good and evil, positive and negative, light and shadow. The columns demonstrate the importance of balance through contrasts. It serves as a reminder to Masons to find equilibrium between varied aspects of their lives.
The Blazing Star
The blazing star, sometimes called the glory or commemorative star, is a five or six-pointed star. It likely originated from the pentalpha of Pythagoras, which itself has origins in ancient Egypt as a symbol of divinity. To Masons, the blazing star represents enlightenment and the Providential Eye of God watching over the works of humanity. It instills the virtues of vigilance, justice, wisdom, and divine guidance.
The 47th Proposition of Euclid
In geometry, the 47th Proposition of Euclid states that for a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This formula is of importance in Freemasonry for its moral lesson. The right triangle represents Man, the square of the hypotenuse represents God, and the sum of the squares of the two sides represents the Universe. The proposition teaches Masons of the interconnections between Man, God, and the Universe.
The Hourglass
Masonic rituals and symbolism often feature the hourglass, representing the sands of time slipping away. This reminds Masons that their time on Earth is limited and precious. As such, the hourglass serves as a memento mori, impressing upon Masons the importance of living morally upstanding lives before time runs out.
The Scythe
In relation to the hourglass, the scythe appears periodically in Masonic art and rituals as another reminder of mortality. The grim reaper’s scythe cuts short the thread of life, just as time runs out in the hourglass. Masons are urged to heed the warnings of mortality represented by these symbols and live good, virtuous lives.
The Sprig of Acacia
According to Masonic tradition, a sprig of acacia marked the resting place of the fallen master builder Hiram Abiff. The sprig of acacia thereby represents immortality and spiritual awakening. Just as green acacia leaves mark the site of Hiram’s grave, so does the soul live on beyond the mortal plane.
The Skull and Crossbones
Skulls and crossbones epitomize the Masonic focus on mortality. As with the hourglass and scythe, the skull and crossbones symbolize the inevitability of death. The skull and crossbones also signify rebirth; as one life ends, the next phase begins. This reminds Masons to reflect on mortality and make the most of their time on Earth.
The Apron
Freemasons don aprons during rituals for symbolic purposes. The Masonic apron represents the value of hard work and diligence. Just as stonemasons wore aprons to perform their labors, the apron reminds Masons to work towards moral uprightness. The apron is also pure white to symbolize innocence and spiritual cleanliness.
The Gavel
The gavel is instrumental during Masonic rituals to call order and signify authority. Symbolically, it reminds Masons of the importance of self-control and keeping one’s inner world ordered. Just as the gavel exerts control over a Masonic lodge, so must each Mason exert control over himself.
The Five Senses
The five human senses – sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell – are associated with the initiation into different degrees of Masonry. Each sense corresponds to teachings about its respective degree. For example, by touching certain objects while blindfolded, the initiate learns the lessons of the degree through tactile experience.
Jacob’s Ladder
Jacob’s ladder appears in Masonic rituals and symbology as a stairway to heaven. The steps represent the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, which Masons must cultivate to gain access to the heavenly realm. Accordingly, Jacob’s ladder serves as a metaphor for Masonic advancement through cultivating these virtues.
The Pyramid
The pyramid appears periodically in Masonic symbology, particularly in certain Masonic degrees. The pyramid’s shape gives it stability and balance, representing the importance of a firm foundation for life. Additionally, the blocks of the pyramid decrease in size from bottom to top, symbolizing Masonic progression from lower to higher knowledge.
The Slipshod
Initiates into certain Masonic degrees wear slipshod slippers, one shoe on and one shoe off. This represents the concept of Charity, wherein the initiate symbolically enters the lodge in a “poor and penniless” state to learn Masonic charity. It also signifies being imperfect as a new Mason embarking on the pathway to self-improvement.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Square and Compasses | Morality, ethics, duality |
| All-Seeing Eye | Divine providence |
| Letter “G” | God, Geometry |
| Trestleboard | Moral blueprint |
| Point Within a Circle | Individuality, collectivity |
| Columns | Duality, balance |
| Blazing Star | Enlightenment, vigilance |
| 47th Proposition | Interconnection |
| Hourglass | Mortality |
| Scythe | Mortality |
| Acacia Sprig | Immortality |
| Skull and Crossbones | Mortality, rebirth |
| Apron | Diligence, purity |
| Gavel | Self-control |
| Five Senses | Experiential learning |
| Jacob’s Ladder | Self-improvement |
| Pyramid | Stability, progression |
| Slipshod | Charity, imperfection |
Conclusion
Masonic symbols encapsulate the spiritual teachings, philosophies, and morals of Freemasonry. These symbols use familiar objects and concepts to impart core Masonic values regarding mortality, morality, balance, enlightenment, and self-cultivation. Through layered meanings and varied interpretations, Masonic symbols provide a profound system of guidance and growth for initiates.
The ubiquity of certain symbols like the square and compasses demonstrates their universal importance to Masonic identity. Meanwhile, lesser known emblems like the slipshod or trestleboard offer more niche lessons. As a whole, this tapestry of symbols forms an enlightened path that Masons follow in the pursuit of self-improvement and service to humankind.