Masonry is also called Freemasonry. It is associated with several symbols that reflect what the organization represents. The symbols reflect the traditions and beliefs of the organization and we will look at some of them below. We will also enlighten you on what each of these masonic symbols stands for so that you can get to understand better what Freemasonry stands for, enabling you to separate facts from fictions
Contents
Masonic Symbol Pictures and Meanings
Square and Compasses
It is a popular symbol in Freemasonry. It is composed of architect’s tools, like compasses and square. These items are very common in Masonic rituals and they are used as emblems for teaching symbolic lessons. The symbol; usually consist of the letter G placed in the middle.
The letter G stands of geometry which is a very powerful science helping in unraveling the wonder and mysteries of nature. In ancient time, it was argued that the letter G stands for God and not Geometry since believe in God is the main requirement for being a Freemason. It also means that an atheist cannot become a Freemason.
Lambskin Apron
It is considered the most iconic of the symbolic emblems in Freemasonry. It is the badge of Mason and also used as a tool. Some even said it is conferred with more honor than the Golden Fleece or the Roman Eagle. It is the badge of Mason carried into the next existence.
This symbol is equally celebrated in prose and poetry. It is the initial gift of Freemasonry to candidates. It is placed on the remains of the member at the end of his life before being buried. The badge stands for a new life or regeneration.
Masonic Gloves
The gloves stand for Works of the Hands and it is handed over to the candidate to teach him that the activities of a mason should be spotless and pure as the gloves he has received. They are usually given at the same time the candidate is given the apron in Europe. This custom has also spread to America.
They are worn as part of Masonic clothing but are never involved in the ceremony. The gloves tradition is very old and dated as far back as 1331. As stated earlier, it is used for denoting the need for a pure life.
Solomon’s Temple
The temple stands for the temple of improvement, knowledge, and humanity. It also stands for the symbol of the goal, as well as, the union of Freemasonry itself. It is also considered as the path to the divine. There is a link between this Hermetic thought and Christina Cabala in the tradition of Freemasonry.
It is believed by many that philosophy is linked directly to King Solomon’s Temple and the past, present, and future of Freemasonry. It is equally considered as a progress to spiritual elevation.
All-Seeing Eye
It is also called the Eye of Providence. This masonic symbol has been around for hundreds of years and it is very powerful with very strong significance in Freemasonry. Its history has been traced to ancient Egypt by some scholars and it is equally linked to the Eye of Horus.
The symbol is highly important to Christianity and is usually found on the stained gals windows of some churches. It is, however, associated with Freemasonry, Vatican, , and conspiracies in the United States. These organizations started using it publicly in 1797. The symbol indicates that the deeds and thoughts of humanity are always seen by God, who is called the Great Architect of the Universe in Masonry. The eye has a circle of glory below it and can be enclosed by a triangle.
Ashlars
They are divided into two:
- Ashlar perfect
- Ashlar rough
The two types represent man’s spiritual life and morals. The two have a similar relationship to each other the same way that knowledge relates to ignorance, life relates to death and darkens relates to life. Ashlar rough indicates the natural state of man’s ignorance and the symbol of the profane world. Ashlar perfect, on the other hand, indicates the state of perfection possible via education.
Labor
In freemasonry labor is seen as nobility and necessity, but not as a punishment some labor creates a better society. Freemason makes use of different symbols on their clothes that represent tools that are used for labor to promote the dignity of labor.
In Freemasonry, it is believed that a man shows appreciation and respect to God by working. It is also believed that the highest duty of a man is to carry out assigned tasks very well. It is also held strongly that labor should give the man the greatest internal satisfaction and happiness. Freemason sees labor as worship.
Level
The level is among the working tools of a Fellow Craft. It symbolizes equality of station of every man before God. It also measures the levelness of surfaces, especially horizontal surfaces. The symbol reminds masons that their lives are lived upon the level of time.
Blazing Star
This masonic symbol stands for Mercury, Anubis or Sirius. It also represents the Guide and Guardian of Souls. In ancient England, it was seen as at the emblem of the Sun. This symbol is considered as an emblem of Divine Providence and equally commemorates the star appearing to guide men of the East to the location of where Jesus Christ was born at the nativity.
That blazing star located in the center points to the Sun, the grand luminary that lightens up the earth dispensing blessings to mankind by its genial influence. It is also referred to as an emblem of Prudence.
Light
Light is significant in Freemason. It is a symbol standing for knowledge and truth. After going through the initiation a candidate will be taught the truths of masonry and will be considered as being enlightened. The Sun is worshiped by many ancient civilizations, but the light is a representative of knowledge in Freemasonry and not a material.
Cedar
This is regarded as a symbol of eternity. The tree is a powerful and long-lived tree. The tree can grow as tall as 40 meters at times and belongs to the pine family. It is the national tree of Lebanon and can even be found on the national flag of that country it appears in the higher grades of Masonic legends.
Books of Masonic Symbols
See masonic symbols in Washington here