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The Masonic Emblems

From Whitby's Ritual of Freemasonry

Freemasonry is the most ancient and honourable Order in existence, as every character, figure, and emblem

depicted on its Tracing Boards serve to inculcate the practice of piety and virtue: and the industrious student

of its mysteries cannot fail to draw from them food for moral reflection and enable him to remove the

rubbish of ignorance and vice which prevent him from beholding that eternal foundation of truth and

wisdom upon which he is to erect his spiritual temple.

As Masonry does not admit any person on account of his rank or opulence, the candidate should divest his

mind of all selfish and worldly considerations, and lay aside the trinkets and trappings of the outward world,

and for a time become poor and penniless, as in this state he is better able to appreciate that virtue which

ought to be the distinguishing characteristic of every Freemason - Charity.

THE HOODWINK

The candidate for Freemasonry is prepared to close his eyes on the past and think of the dark mysterious

future. This blindness is emblematical of man entering into this world helpless, ignorant, and blind: also

youth groping in mental darkness for intellectual light. It will also remind him that as he was received into

Masonry in a state of darkness, so also should he keep those of the outside world in darkness as regards our

secrets.

THE LEFT BREAST

is made bare to symbolise his sincerity of purpose and purity of mind, as also to reveal his sex.

THE RIGHT ARM

is made bare in token of his unreserved confidence.

THE LEFT KNEE

is made bare in token of his humility to bend before the Author of his being.

THE SLIP SHOE

is emblematical of his fidelity, as he was prepared to slip the shoe from off his foot.

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THE CABLE-TOW

will remind him of the dangers which surround him in this life. It will also remind him to submit when in

ignorance; to be led by those whom he knows to be enlightened.

THE SHARP-POINTED INSTRUMENT

pressed to his naked left breast will remind him to be cautious. and at all times to put his trust in God.

THE RIGHT HAND

placed over the Holy Bible. the Square, and Compasses will remind him of his oath of fidelity and of the

obligations he owes to God and his fellow-men

THE GREAT LIGHTS

In Masonry are the Holy Bible, the Square, and the Compasses, so called because the Holy Bible is God's

gift to man, wherein He has revealed His Divine will, by which we are to rule and govern our faith; the

Square reminds us to square our actions by the Masonic rule and line; while the Compasses remind us to

keep our passions and prejudices within due bounds with all mankind, but more especially with our

Brethren in Freemasonry.

THE THREE LESSER LIGHTS

are represented by three burning candles situated due East, South, and West, and figuratively represent the Sun, the Moon, and the Master of the Lodge, and as the sun rules the day and the moon governs the night, so ought the Master to rule and govern his Lodge

THE MASONIC APRON See Clothing Charge in the First or Entered Apprentice Degree.

THE FOUNDATION STONE

is, or ought to be, placed in the North-East part of the building; hence the reason that every candidate is placed in that part of the Lodge room to receive his first Masonic lesson in moral architecture, which, it is hoped, will never be effaced from his memory-namely Charity.

THE 24-INCH GAUGE

reminds us of the twenty-four hours of the day, and directs us to apply them to their proper objects namely. prayer, labour, refreshment and sleep.

THE COMMON GAVEL

is the emblem of reason Its use to the operative mason is to break off corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builders' use. It should teach the Freemason to break off all habits of vice, thereby fitting his mind as a living stone fit to form part of that spiritual temple, that house not made with hands eternal in the heavens.

THE CHISEL

is an emblem of perseverance which is necessary to establish perfection, promote the habit of virtue

enlighten the mind, and make the soul pure, As the chisel with perseverance gives polish to the stone. so

will education give polish to the mind

THE THREE VIRTUES

or precious Jewels of an Entered Apprentice Mason are an attentive ear. a silent or instructive tongue, and a

faithful heart

AN ATTENTIVE EAR

should be given to our superiors in knowledge and the call of a distressed brother. There are many entering

the porch of Masonry who for want of this virtue fall asleep in the arms of indolence, and do not penetrate

beyond the surface, hence they fail to find the golden treasure the rich mine contains.

A SILENT (OR INSTRUCTIVE ) TONGUE

is an emblem of prudence aid discretion. This virtue is essential to Masons, so that our secrets may not

inadvertently become known. It also reminds us that we should speak evil of no man whom we cannot

approve; we should pity in silence.

A FAITHFUL HEART

is the safest repository in which to lock up our secrets. It also reminds us to be faithful to our obligations,

CHALK, CHARCOAL, AND EARTH

are emblems of freedom., fervency, and zeal. As there is nothing freer than chalk, the slightest touch of

which leaves a trace behind; there is no heat more fervent than burning charcoal; and nothing more zealous

than earth to bring forth. These are characteristics which should be possessed by every Freemason, as we

should love god with freedom, fervency, and zeal.

THE LODGE ROOM

is a representation of the world, and all Masonic Lodges and places of Divine worship are (or ought to be)

situated due East and West, for which we assign three Masonic reasons. Firstly the sun rises in the east and

sets in the west secondly, learning originated in the east and spread to the west; and thirdly, the tent or

tabernacle erected by Moses in the wilderness was so situated to commemorate that miraculous east wind

which wrought the mighty deliverance of the children of Israel from their Egyptian bondage.

IT’S DIMENSIONS

embrace every clime. In length from east to west, in breadth between north and south, in depth from the

surface of the earth to the centre, and in height from earth to Heaven, denoting the universality its influence,

and that a Mason's charity should know no bounds save those of prudence.

ITS SUPPORTS

are three great pillars, called Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. Wisdom to contrive, govern, and instruct;

Strength to support; and Beauty to adorn. Wisdom to conduct us in all our undertakings; Strength to

support us under all our difficulties; and Beauty to adorn the inward man. They also represent Solomon,

King of Israel, for his wisdom; Hiram, King of Tyre, for his assistance in building the Temple; and Hiram

Abiff for his cunning and beautiful workmanship. These three pillars are represented by the three principal

orders of architecture-the Ionic, the Doric, and the Corinthian.

ITS COVERING

is the celestial canopy or starry-decked heavens. The sun, moon, and stars are emblems of God's power, goodness, omnipresence, and eternity.

The spacious Firmament on high.

With all the blue ethereal sky

And spangled heavens, a shining frame.

Their great original proclaim.

The unwearied sun from day to day

Does his Creator's power display,

And publishes to every land

The work of' an Almighty hand.

Soon as the evening shades prevail

The moon takes up the wondrous tale,

And nightly to the listening earth

Repeats the story of her birth.

While all the stars that round her hum,

And all the planets in their turn

Confirm the tidings as they roll,

And spread the truth from pole to pole.

What though in solemn silence all

Move round this dark terrestrial ball;

What though no real voice nor sound

Amid their radiant orbs be found.

In Reason's ear they all rejoice,

And utter forth a glorious voice;

Forever singing as they shine,

The hand that made us is Divine.'

ITS FURNITURE

consists of the Holy Bible, the Square, and the Compasses. The Holy Bible is the symbol of God's will, and

is dedicated to His service. It is also the rule and guide for our faith. being God's gift to man for that

purpose, The Square is dedicated to the whole Craft; the Craft, being obligated within the Square, are bound

to act thereon. The Compasses belong to the Master in particular, that being the chief instrument made use

of in the formation of all architectural plans and designs; is peculiarly appropriated to the Master as an

emblem of his dignity, he being the chief head and ruler of the Lodge.

ITS ORNAMENTS

are the Blazing Star, the Mosaic Pavement, and the Indented Border.

THE BLAZING STAR

is the emblem of prudence, which should shine conspicuous in our conduct and be the guiding star of our lives, instructing us to regulate our actions by the dictates of reason and experience; to judge wisely, and determine with propriety on everything that tends to our present or future happiness. Its proper place is in the centre of the Lodge room, so as to be ever present to the eye; that the heart may be attentive to its dictates and steadfast in the laws of prudence.

THE MOSAIC PAVEMENT

represents the world chequered o'er with good and evil, pain and pleasure, grief and joy. Today we walk in prosperity, tomorrow we totter in adversity; but united in the bond of brotherhood and walking uprightly we may not stumble.

THE INDENTED BORDER

may be likened to the wavy ocean which skirts the land, and by indenting it adds beauty to the earth, but it is emblematically intended to represent the many blessings and comforts by which we are surrounded in this life, but more especially those which we hope to enjoy hereafter.

THE TASSELS

which adorn the four corners of the Indented Border are emblematical of the cardinal virtues -Prudence. Fortitude, Temperance, and Justice.

PRUDENCE

for delineation of Prudence see Blazing Star.

FORTITUDE

is that noble and steady purpose of the soul which enables us to encounter dangers and difficulties, resist

temptation, and keep us in the straight path o virtue.

TEMPERANCE

sets bounds to our desires, frees the mind from the allurements of vice, and renders our passions tame and governable, and the dignity of man depends upon the faithful observance of this virtue.

JUSTICE

is the boundary of right and the cement of civil society. Without the exercise of this virtue social

intercourse could not exist, might would usurp the place of right, and universal confusion ensue. Justice

commands that you 'Do unto others as you would that others should do unto you'. Therefore let Prudence

direct you, Fortitude support you, Temperance chasten you, and Justice be the guide of all your actions.

THE JEWELS

of a Lodge are six in number-three movable and three immovable. The three movable are the Square,

Level, and the Plumb-Rule, the immovable being the Rough Ashlar, the Perfect Ashlar, and the Trestle

Board. (For the Square, Level, and Plumb-Rule see the Working Tools in the Second or Fellow~ Craft

Degree,)

The Rough Ashlar, the Perfect Ashlar, and the Trestle Board are called immovable Jewels, because they lie

in open Lodge for the Brethren to moralise on.

The Rough Ashlar is for the Entered Apprentice to work, mark, and indent on; the Perfect Ashlar for the

more experienced workman to try and adjust his Jewels on; while the Trestle Board is for the Master to lay

lines and draw designs on.

THE ROUGH ASHLAR

represents man in his natural state- ignorant, unpolished, and vicious, like the rough stone taken from the

quarry or a precious stone surrounded by a dense crust, its beauty unseen till the rough surface is removed.

THE PERFECT ASHLAR

represents man in a high state of civilisation, with his mind divested of all vice prepared for that house not

made with hands eternal in the heavens; like a stone of a true die or square, fit only to be tried by the Square

and Compasses.

THE TRESTLE BOARD

for the Master to lay lines and draw designs upon, the better to enable the Brethren to carry on the, intended

structure. So may the Volume of the Sacred Law be justly deemed the spiritual Tracing Board of the Great

Architecture of the Universe, wherein He had laid down the Divine laws and moral plans, according to

which we are to erect our spiritual temple and find acceptance into the City of our God

THE LEWIS

denotes strength to support. It also represents the son of a Mason, whose duty it is to support his aged

parents when they are unable to labour or bear the burden of care gathered upon them in their journey

through life. For this filial duty he can claim the privilege

of being made a Mason at an earlier age than any other person, however dignified by birth or fortune. It is

depicted on the Trestle Board by certain pieces of metal dovetailed into the Perfect Ashlar.

THE THEOLOGICAL LADDER which Jacob saw in his vision, extending from earth to heaven, represents the way of salvation, the many

steps composing it representing so many moral virtues, the principal being Faith, Hope. and Charity

Faith in the Great Architect of the Universe, Hope in immortality, and Charity to all mankind. This ladder

rests on the Volume of the Sacred Law. because by the doctrines in that Holy Book we are taught to believe

in the wise dispensations of Divine providence, which belief strengthens our faith and enables us to ascend

the first step. This faith naturally creates in us a hope of becoming partakers of some of the blessed

promises therein contained. which hope enables us to ascend the second step: but the third and last, being

Charity, comprehends the whole, and the Mason who is in possession of this virtue may be said to wear the

brightest Jewel that can adorn our fraternity.

THE VOLUME OF THE SACRED LAW

is represented on the Trestle Board as resting on the top of a circle which is bounded on the north and south

by two perpendicular lines, representing Moses and King Solomon, or in Christian Lodges, St. John the

Baptist and St. John the Evangelist who in Masonry, it is understood, were parallels and exemplary of those

virtues which we as Masons are taught to revere.

THE CIRCLE

represents the boundary line of a Mason's conduct and in going round this circle we must of necessity touch

on both these parallel lines as well as the Volume of the Sacred Law, and were we as conversant with that

Holy Book as were those two parallels we could not materially err.

THE TWO PILLARS

which were placed at the porch or entrance of King Solomon's Temple are described in Ist Kings. seventh

chapter. They were adorned with chapiters or capitals, one on each, These chapiters

were each five cubits high, and were adorned with network, lilywork, and pomegranates. Network from

the connection of its meshes denotes 'Unity'; lilywork from its whiteness denotes 'Peace'; and pomegranates

from the exuberance of their seed denote 'Plenty'. They were further adorned with two spherical balls or

globes. on which were delineated maps of the celestial and terrestrial globes. which point out to us

'Masonary Universal'. Pillars of such magnitude, strength, and beauty could not but impress upon the minds

of their beholders the idea of strength and stability which their names imply. The destruction of those

pillars, the magnificent Temple, and the city itself is significant of the weakness and instability of human

greatness, and that our strength can only be in God, and faith in Him is the only sure foundation on which

we can build our future Temple of Happiness to stand Firm for ever

AN EAR OF CORN

depicted on the Trestle Board as growing near a running stream also denotes 'Plenty'.

THE WINDING STAIRCASE

leading from the ground floor to the Middle Chamber symbolises the laborious ascent to eminence in the

attainment of the hidden mysteries of learning and science. The symbolical winding stair is composed of

three, five, and seven (or more) steps-three to rule a Lodge, five to hold a Lodge, and seven (or more) to

make it perfect. The three who rule a Lodge are the Master and his two Wardens; the five who hold a

Lodge are the Master, his two Wardens, and two Fellow-Crafts; the seven who make it perfect are two

Entered Apprentices added to the former number.

THE THREE STEPS

represent Youth, or the Entered Apprentice Degree. First, his being born into Masonic life; second, his

ignorance of the world in his childhood; and third, the lessons which he receives in his youth to prepare his

mind for the instruction which is given in the succeeding Degrees. They also represent the three supports in

Masonry, Wisdom, Strength. and Beauty.

THE FIVE STEPS

represent Manhood, or the Fellow-Craft Degree, the five Orders of Architecture. and the five Human

Senses.

THE ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE

Are the Tuscan, the Doric. the Ionic. the Corinthian, and the Composite.

THE FIVE HUMAN SENSES

are Seeing, Hearing, Feeling. Tasting, and Smelling. The first three are essential to Masons to see the

signs, to hear the words, and feel the grips.

THE SEVEN STEPS

represent Old Age, or the Master Mason Degree. They also refer to the seven Sabbatical years, seven

golden candlesticks, the seven years of plenty, seven years of famine, seven days of the week, seven years

and over in building and dedicating the Temple. but more especially to the seven Liberal Arts and Sciences,

namely. Grammar, Logic. Rhetoric. Arithmetic. Geometry, Astronomy. and Music.

The ancients considered odd numbers more perfect than even ones, hence odd numbers predominate in

Masonry. and are intended to symbolise 'perfection'. It is as a symbol. and as a symbol only, that we study

the winding staircase, for as an allegory we see beauty in it, as it points out to us a 'Mason's duty', which is

to be ever on the search for knowledge even though the steps in the

attainment of it are winding and difficult. But by study and perseverance we gain our reward, and that

reward more precious than either-money, corn. wine, or oil.

CORN, WINE, AND OIL

are emblematical of plenty. cheerfulness, and peace.

A Master Mason's Lodge duly opened represents the sanctum sanctorum-um, or Holy of Holies, of King

Solomon's Temple, where not even Kings are allowed to enter unless duly Initiated, Passed, and Raised to

that sublime privilege by the help of God, His good name and the united aid of the Square and Compasses,

which represent Virtue, Morality, Friendship, and Brotherly Love.

THE PORCH

or entrance to the Holy of Holies is emblematical of death and the grave, or that porch through which we

must all pass to enter that sanctum sanctorum or celestial Lodge, where the Grand Master of the Universe

presides for ever and ever.

THE CHEQUERED PAVEMENT

for the High Priest to walk on and burn incense on the golden altar. praying the Almighty for peace and

prosperity. is emblematical of our choice between light or darkness. Pleasure or pain, good or evil, God or

mammon. For 'Ye cannot serve God and mammon; if ye reject one ye must take the other'.

THE DORMER

or window which gave light to the sanctum sanctorum is emblematical of the Holy Bible, that fountain of

light and wisdom, which enlightens the mind and instructs us how to die.

THE THREE STEPS

are emblematical of the three stages of human life.

Youth. manhood. and old age, also the three periods of our existence, Time, Death and Eternity.

THE MALLET

is an emblem of power and authority, morally teaching us to correct all irregularities and to reduce man to a

proper level.

For the Hour Glass, the Scythe, the Coffin, Skull and Crossbones, the Spade, and the Sprig of Acacia see

Emblem Charge after raising 'In the Third or Master Mason Degree.

THE FIVE-POINTED STAR

is emblematical of the five points of fellowship. It will remind the Master Mason of.

F. to F. that we should go

When sickness lays a Brother low

To cheer him on his bed of pain,

And nurse him back to health again.

K. to K. when’re we pray,

At early morn or close of day;

A Brother's name should claim a share

In every thought and every prayer.

B. to B. that we should keep

A Brother's secrets hidden deep,

To all the world but us unknown,

And hold them sacred as our own.

H. to B. with firmest grasp,

Encircling arm-, and friendly clasp:

We should be found at duty's call

To stay a Brother's tottering fall.

M to E. when’re we find

To err a Brother is inclined:

We'll counsel give in gentlest tone,

And breathe it to his ear alone.

Then F. to F. and K. to K.,

True Brothers we should ever be:

With H. to B. and B. to B.

Each striving still to do his best,

We'll whisper words of hope and cheer

With C. to C. and M. to E.

THE TROWEL

is an emblem reminding us to spread the cement of brotherly love which binds us into one vast holy, good,

universal Brotherhood.

THE SKIRRIT

is an emblem reminding us of that straight and undeviating line of conduct which leads to immortality, as

revealed to us in the Volume of the Sacred Laws.

THE PENCIL

reminds us that our thoughts, words, and actions are recorded by the Great Architect of the Universe, who

will reward or punish as we obey or disregard His Divine commands.

THE COMPASSES

particularly belong to the Master Mason Degree, as when

they are properly extended they embrace all the tenets and precepts of our Order, and enable us to make the

circle of our Masonic duties complete.

THE MONUMENT

erected to the memory of' H.A.B. was a broken column of white marble supporting a book. with a virgin

weeping over them. an urn in her left hand and a sprig of acacia in her right. Time standing behind her with

his Fingers entwined in the ringlets of the virgin's hair.

THE BROKEN COLUMN

is emblematical of the weakness and frailty of man, the uncertainty of life, and all things human.

THE OPEN BOOK

is emblematical of the revealed will of God and the Book of Nature open for our investigation.

THE VIRGIN

weeping over them illustrates the melancholy contemplation that 'Thy doom is written: dust thou art, and

shall to dust return'. And that time will sooner or later overtake us and wield the scythe which will launch us

into eternity.

THE BEEHIVE

is an emblem of industry. Idleness. which leads to immorality, vice and ruin, is severely reprimanded by

this emblem. We should therefore be industrious, and give to each flying minute something to keep in

store', so that we may not be considered a useless drone in the busy hive of Nature.

THE ARK

is an emblem of safety, reminding us to put our 'trust in God' to pilot our barque over the tempestuous sea of

life.

THE ANCHOR

is the emblem of a well-grounded hope in a glorious immortality, when the storms of life are past and we

are anchored on that shore ‘'Where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.’

THE POT OF INCENSE

is emblematical of the cloud of celestial white which filled the Temple at Jerusalem, and of a pure heart

glowing with fervent love and ascending to Heaven in perfumes of Filial gratitude.

THE ALL - SEEING EYE

of the Incomprehensible, Omnipotent God reminds us that wherever we are or whatever we do His all,-

seeing eye beholds us. and that while we continue to act in accordance with the genuine tenets and

principles of our Order, let us not forget to discharge our duty towards Him with freedom. fervency, and

zeal.