From the Junior Warden

Symbols of Freemasonry

Brethren:

The symbols of Freemasonry are unique in a couple of ways.

First, as the Brother begins to study the degrees, he often finds that the symbols have several meanings in addition to the obvious one explained in the ceremony of initiation, if indeed the meaning of the symbol was even explained during the ceremony.

Second, he may someday be told that the symbols are interpreted by each Brother for himself and that the meaning may vary from person to person.

Third, he may come to realize that the variation in the interpretation of these symbols is perfectly OK with the Fraternity. He is not forced to accept someone else’s interpretation of a symbol, but rather, his opinion of the interpretation is tolerated by Brethren with different views.

This leads to a plethora of symbols and interpretations and to the discovery of new interpretations and moral lessons all the time. This encourages Masons to think. It also leads to an exchange of ideas among the Brethren, resulting in a never ending quest for more hidden truth in our mysteries. It also explains why they are called mysteries. Here are just a couple of common Masonic symbols.

The Square and Compasses is the single most identifiable symbol of Freemasonry. Both the square and compasses are architect’s tools and are used in Masonic ritual as emblems to teach symbolic lessons. The square stands for morality, and it comes from the 90-degree angle used to test the accuracy of the sides of a stone to ascertain that its angles matched the square’s “true” right angle. The compass is meant to symbolize the strength to “circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds.”

Together they symbolize the importance of exploring your desires in a morally true way.

This is a deep cut in the world of Masonic symbiology, but it has an important meaning within the organization. The 47th Problem of Euclid, also called the 47th Proposition of Euclid, or the Pythagorean Theorem, is represented by what appears to be three squares. To non-Masons it can just look like a bunch of wonky squares, but to Masons, the Pythagorean Theorem is a way to square your square.

That’s not only a way to remind yourself to keep your life in order, but it’s also a handy way to lay a geometrically accurate cornerstone for your new foundation – which is exactly what a good Mason does. A brother is encouraged to explore the meanings and history behind the many symbols that Freemasonry employs.

Fraternally,
Brother Christopher Britt
Junior Warden