The Symbolism of The Symbolism of MasonryMasonry

►Among Freemasons the principle rounds are Among Freemasons the principle rounds are named, and they are Faith, Hope, and named, and they are Faith, Hope, and Charity.Charity.

►Masonry is founded upon: Faith in God, Masonry is founded upon: Faith in God, Hope of Mortality, and Charity of all Hope of Mortality, and Charity of all Mankind.Mankind.

►Charity is the greatest of these mentioned.Charity is the greatest of these mentioned.►Faith ends in sightFaith ends in sight►Hope terminates in fruition, but Charity Hope terminates in fruition, but Charity

extends beyond the grave.extends beyond the grave.►Masons pray to find access to him how is the Masons pray to find access to him how is the

sub-faith, the object of Hope and the eternal sub-faith, the object of Hope and the eternal fountain of Charity.fountain of Charity.

► Symbolically we hope to reach that clouded canopy Symbolically we hope to reach that clouded canopy of our Lodges by the assistance of Jacob’s of our Lodges by the assistance of Jacob’s theological ladder.theological ladder.

► The Ladder in Masonic Symbolism is a The Ladder in Masonic Symbolism is a representation of the progressive advancement from representation of the progressive advancement from a lower to a minor sphere, which is common to a lower to a minor sphere, which is common to Freemasonry and to many, if not all of the Ancient Freemasonry and to many, if not all of the Ancient Mysteries.Mysteries.

► In each, generally, as in Freemasonry, the number In each, generally, as in Freemasonry, the number of steps are Seven.of steps are Seven.

► The extended ladder is a symbol of the rapport The extended ladder is a symbol of the rapport between the Sky, and the Earth, between the Spirit between the Sky, and the Earth, between the Spirit and the Material.and the Material.

►The Seven Steps also represent:The Seven Steps also represent:► The Seven States of ConsciousnessThe Seven States of Consciousness► The Seven Planes of ExistenceThe Seven Planes of Existence►The Seven Lords of Entities of CreationThe Seven Lords of Entities of Creation►The Seven Stages in the Creative ProcessThe Seven Stages in the Creative Process►The Seven Sacred Breaths of the Dragon of The Seven Sacred Breaths of the Dragon of

WisdomWisdom►The Seven Branches of the Tree of The Seven Branches of the Tree of

KnowledgeKnowledge►The Seven Sons of LightThe Seven Sons of Light►The Seven Lords of Being, just name a few.The Seven Lords of Being, just name a few.

The Seven Sciences of MasonryThe Seven Sciences of Masonry► Astronomy Astronomy - The study of the universe and the celestial - The study of the universe and the celestial

bodies, gas, and dust within it. Astronomy includes bodies, gas, and dust within it. Astronomy includes observations and theories about the solar system, the stars, observations and theories about the solar system, the stars, the galaxies, and the general structure of space. the galaxies, and the general structure of space.

► Music Music – The artful arrangement of sounds across time. This – The artful arrangement of sounds across time. This definition is obviously very broad, but a narrower one would definition is obviously very broad, but a narrower one would exclude too much. Music is part of virtually every culture on exclude too much. Music is part of virtually every culture on Earth, but it varies widely among cultures in style and Earth, but it varies widely among cultures in style and structure.structure.

► Geometry Geometry - The branch of mathematics that deals with - The branch of mathematics that deals with shapes and sizes. Geometry may be thought of as the science shapes and sizes. Geometry may be thought of as the science of space. Just as arithmetic deals with experiences that of space. Just as arithmetic deals with experiences that involve counting, so geometry describes and relates involve counting, so geometry describes and relates experiences that involve space. experiences that involve space.

► Logic Logic – (Greek logos, “word,” “speech,” “reason”), – (Greek logos, “word,” “speech,” “reason”), A science dealing with the principles of valid A science dealing with the principles of valid reasoning and argument. The study of logic is the reasoning and argument. The study of logic is the effort to determine the conditions under which one effort to determine the conditions under which one is justified in passing from given statements, called is justified in passing from given statements, called premises, to a conclusion that is claimed to follow premises, to a conclusion that is claimed to follow from them. Logical validity is a relationship between from them. Logical validity is a relationship between the premises and the conclusion such that if the the premises and the conclusion such that if the premises are true then the conclusion is true.premises are true then the conclusion is true.

► Rhetoric Rhetoric - - In its broadest sense, the theory and In its broadest sense, the theory and practice of eloquence, whether spoken or written. practice of eloquence, whether spoken or written. Spoken rhetoric is oratory. Rhetoric defines the Spoken rhetoric is oratory. Rhetoric defines the rules that should govern all prose composition or rules that should govern all prose composition or speech designed to influence the judgment or the speech designed to influence the judgment or the feelings of people.feelings of people.

► Arithmetic Arithmetic – The branch of mathematics that arises – The branch of mathematics that arises from counting, the most basic mathematical from counting, the most basic mathematical operation. Arithmetic encompasses various ways of operation. Arithmetic encompasses various ways of counting, or manipulating numbers: addition, counting, or manipulating numbers: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The subtraction, multiplication, and division. The ancient Greek word arithmētikē combined the words ancient Greek word arithmētikē combined the words arithmos, meaning “number,” and technē, referring arithmos, meaning “number,” and technē, referring to an art or skill. Thus, arithmetic means the art of to an art or skill. Thus, arithmetic means the art of numbers.numbers.

► Grammar Grammar – The branch of linguistics dealing with – The branch of linguistics dealing with the form and structure of words (morphology), and the form and structure of words (morphology), and their interrelation in sentences (syntax). The study their interrelation in sentences (syntax). The study of grammar reveals how language works.of grammar reveals how language works.

► The Bible on the Altar is more than the Rule and The Bible on the Altar is more than the Rule and Guide of our Faith. Guide of our Faith.

► It is the Greatest of Freemasonry Symbols.It is the Greatest of Freemasonry Symbols.► The Bible is a symbol of Holy Books of All Faiths.The Bible is a symbol of Holy Books of All Faiths.► The Bible is the Masonic way of setting forth the The Bible is the Masonic way of setting forth the

simplest truths which Masonry so peculiarly “her” simplest truths which Masonry so peculiarly “her” own.own.

► That there is a way, there does a run a road on That there is a way, there does a run a road on which men of all creeds and of every race may travel which men of all creeds and of every race may travel happily together, be their differences of religious happily together, be their differences of religious faith what they may.faith what they may.

► God has many names, but in the Masonic Lodge he God has many names, but in the Masonic Lodge he is referred to as “The Great Architect of the is referred to as “The Great Architect of the Universe”.Universe”.

►The book of the will of the Great Architect The book of the will of the Great Architect read. read.

►““What shape we will … let it be emphasized What shape we will … let it be emphasized these are the teachings of Freemasonry in these are the teachings of Freemasonry in every tongue, in every land, for those of every every tongue, in every land, for those of every faith. Our Great Light is but a symbol of the faith. Our Great Light is but a symbol of the volume of the Sacred Law. Freemasonry is volume of the Sacred Law. Freemasonry is no more a Christian organization than it is no more a Christian organization than it is Jewish or Islamic or Brahmin”.Jewish or Islamic or Brahmin”.

►Masonry is a “Beautiful system of morality, Masonry is a “Beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.

►The Holy Books represent symbolically the The Holy Books represent symbolically the Wisdom to the Universal mind and the Wisdom to the Universal mind and the Collective Divine Intelligence to the Masonic Collective Divine Intelligence to the Masonic philosophy.philosophy.

►The Holy Book which appears on the altar of The Holy Book which appears on the altar of an opened Lodge is Masonically called “The an opened Lodge is Masonically called “The Volume of Sacred Lore”.Volume of Sacred Lore”.

►There is no religion higher than “truth”.There is no religion higher than “truth”.

The Septenary Nature of Man Masonically The Septenary Nature of Man Masonically ConsideredConsidered

► 7 – Worshipful Master = The Spirit (Pnema) of Man.7 – Worshipful Master = The Spirit (Pnema) of Man.► 66 - Senior Warden = The Soul (Psyche) of Man.- Senior Warden = The Soul (Psyche) of Man.► 5 – Junior Warden = The Mind (Nous) of Man5 – Junior Warden = The Mind (Nous) of Man► 4 – Senior Deacon = The Link between the Spirit and 4 – Senior Deacon = The Link between the Spirit and

Soul.Soul.► 3 – Junior Deacon = The Link between the Soul and 3 – Junior Deacon = The Link between the Soul and

Mind.Mind.► 2 – The Inner Guard = The Inner Sense-Nature 2 – The Inner Guard = The Inner Sense-Nature

(Astral)(Astral)► 1 – The Outer Guard = The Outer Sense – Nature – 1 – The Outer Guard = The Outer Sense – Nature –

(Physical).(Physical).

The ApronThe Apron

Worn by the Entered Apprentice has the same learning as the Worn by the Entered Apprentice has the same learning as the “Perfect Cube” surrounded by a four-sided pyramid or the “Perfect Cube” surrounded by a four-sided pyramid or the square beneath the compass, which is a symbol of “physical square beneath the compass, which is a symbol of “physical matter not yet infused with and dominated by spiritual force.matter not yet infused with and dominated by spiritual force.

Spirit

Matter

Fire Water

Air Earth

►The Apron, as a Square, symbolizes the four The Apron, as a Square, symbolizes the four elements of nature: Earth, Air, Fire and elements of nature: Earth, Air, Fire and Water; which in turn also symbolizes the four Water; which in turn also symbolizes the four material bodies of man.material bodies of man.

►The Physical Body, the Astral or Emotional The Physical Body, the Astral or Emotional Body, the Mental or Psychic Body and the Body, the Mental or Psychic Body and the Vital Body.Vital Body.

►The “triangular flap” stands for the three The “triangular flap” stands for the three parts of the Tribune Self, which has the body parts of the Tribune Self, which has the body case of the Entered Apprentice and are case of the Entered Apprentice and are within the body in case of the Master Mason.within the body in case of the Master Mason.

The Mystery of the Compass and SquareThe Mystery of the Compass and Square

The Square is an angle of 90 degrees represents the The Square is an angle of 90 degrees represents the “perfect or cube stone” a symbol of materiality. The “perfect or cube stone” a symbol of materiality. The compass opened on an angle of 60 degrees, compass opened on an angle of 60 degrees, represents an “equilateral triangle, which is a represents an “equilateral triangle, which is a symbol pf Divinitysymbol pf Divinity or of Spiritual Power.or of Spiritual Power.

Spiritual Essence

Spiritual Essence

Reason Rightness

Material Body

Material Body

The Right Angle Triangle, A Symbol of The The Right Angle Triangle, A Symbol of The Tribune SelfTribune Self

►The Right Triangle depicts the relationship of The Right Triangle depicts the relationship of the Tribune Selves.the Tribune Selves.

►The Spirit – AkhThe Spirit – Akh►Incarnates in the Body –Kha, which the Soul – Incarnates in the Body –Kha, which the Soul –

Ba annihilates during Life and escapes at Ba annihilates during Life and escapes at Death.Death.

►Ka – remains more or less attached to Ka – remains more or less attached to Terrestrial Life and eventually recalls the Terrestrial Life and eventually recalls the Being to be reborn again, if necessary.Being to be reborn again, if necessary.

► That Masonry promises Light to those in Darkness.That Masonry promises Light to those in Darkness.► Charts the Way to Uprightness.Charts the Way to Uprightness.► And indicates the Qualifications and Conditions of And indicates the Qualifications and Conditions of

Progress.Progress.► We are Imperfect Beings, conscious of something We are Imperfect Beings, conscious of something

lacking to us, that would make us what?lacking to us, that would make us what?► What is that which is lost to us?What is that which is lost to us?► The Answer for to the aforementioned questions The Answer for to the aforementioned questions

is…is…► The Genuine Secrets of a Master MasonThe Genuine Secrets of a Master Mason► The True Knowledge of OurselvesThe True Knowledge of Ourselves► The Conscious Realization of our Divine The Conscious Realization of our Divine

Potentialities.Potentialities.

Are We to Believe as Masons……..

Mystic Masonic SymbolismMystic Masonic Symbolism

► The purpose of Freemasonry is not the repetition of The purpose of Freemasonry is not the repetition of the Ritual, nor the guarding of Secrets, but the the Ritual, nor the guarding of Secrets, but the Regeneration of the BrethrenRegeneration of the Brethren..

► Masonry is designed to teach Masonry is designed to teach Self KnowledgeSelf Knowledge..► LightLight is an important word in the Masonic System. is an important word in the Masonic System.► It conveys a far more recondite meaning than it is It conveys a far more recondite meaning than it is

believed to possess by generality readers.believed to possess by generality readers.► LightLight is in fact ‘The first of all symbols presented to is in fact ‘The first of all symbols presented to

the candidate and continues to be a a part of him as the candidate and continues to be a a part of him as he progresses in his Masonic career.he progresses in his Masonic career.

►Light is the symbol for knowledge and Light is the symbol for knowledge and knowledge properly used leads to wisdom and knowledge properly used leads to wisdom and power. power.

►Therefore the search for Light is a search for Therefore the search for Light is a search for knowledge.knowledge.

►It is not Light but Enlightenment is desired.It is not Light but Enlightenment is desired.►The Entered Apprentice on being brought The Entered Apprentice on being brought

“To Light” takes his first step towards “To Light” takes his first step towards Mystical Rebirth – The beginning of the Mystical Rebirth – The beginning of the Entered Apprentices journey toward Light.Entered Apprentices journey toward Light.

Other Symbols of LightOther Symbols of Light

►The Three Greater Lights are:The Three Greater Lights are:► The Holy Bible:The Holy Bible:►The SquareThe Square►The Compass.The Compass.►The Three Lesser Lights are:The Three Lesser Lights are:►The Three Burning Tapers (or candles), which The Three Burning Tapers (or candles), which

represent The Sun, The Moon and The represent The Sun, The Moon and The Worshipful Master.Worshipful Master.

►The Master of the Lodge is a symbol of one’s The Master of the Lodge is a symbol of one’s will power, enabling one to master one’s own will power, enabling one to master one’s own Life, control one’s own actions, and keep Life, control one’s own actions, and keep down the impulse of one’s Lower Nature. down the impulse of one’s Lower Nature. Even as the stroke of the Masters Gavel Even as the stroke of the Masters Gavel controls the Lodge.controls the Lodge.

►By assistance of the Three Lesser Lights By assistance of the Three Lesser Lights within us a man is enabled to perceive what within us a man is enabled to perceive what is, again symbolically called the “Form of the is, again symbolically called the “Form of the Lodge.Lodge.

►A mans Body and Soul are symbolically A mans Body and Soul are symbolically considered Holy Ground.considered Holy Ground.

►A man should build his own A man should build his own Spiritual LifeSpiritual Life, , an Altar which should suffer no “Iron Tool”.an Altar which should suffer no “Iron Tool”.

►The Sufi Diagram – Is known as the Magic The Sufi Diagram – Is known as the Magic Square of Fifteen.Square of Fifteen.

4

3

8

9

5

1

2

7

6

►Whichever way the lines of figures of the Sufi Whichever way the lines of figures of the Sufi Diagram are added they all add up to the Diagram are added they all add up to the number fifteen.number fifteen.

►The Sufi Diagram is used in Kabalism as a The Sufi Diagram is used in Kabalism as a code frame to convey a message.code frame to convey a message.

►Thus the Mason’s Mark looks like this:Thus the Mason’s Mark looks like this:

►Superimposed upon the Sufi Diagram we Superimposed upon the Sufi Diagram we can read off which numbers have been can read off which numbers have been involved in the message.involved in the message.

►The outline crosses all the squares except The outline crosses all the squares except the number the one occupied ny the number the number the one occupied ny the number eight.eight.

►““Eight” symbolizes the number of “Perfect Eight” symbolizes the number of “Perfect Expression”.Expression”.

►Therefore the number eight means Therefore the number eight means “Balance” is the way to the nine.“Balance” is the way to the nine.

►Nine in Arabic stands for the letters “TA”, Nine in Arabic stands for the letters “TA”, whose hidden meaning is “Secret whose hidden meaning is “Secret Knowledge”Knowledge”

The Cube StoneThe Cube Stone► The “Cube Stone or Perfect Ashlar” is emblematic of Man, The “Cube Stone or Perfect Ashlar” is emblematic of Man,

because when unfolded it becomes a Cross, representing the because when unfolded it becomes a Cross, representing the Physical Body of Man standing erect with arms out stretched Physical Body of Man standing erect with arms out stretched to the sides.to the sides.

► As a cube viewed from one side appears a Square and was As a cube viewed from one side appears a Square and was the symbol of the Material or Physical.the symbol of the Material or Physical.

► It symbolizes Material Man.It symbolizes Material Man.

The So-Called Forty Seventh Problem of The So-Called Forty Seventh Problem of EuclidEuclid

► This Right Triangle is one of the most Mystical Emblems that is delineated upon the This Right Triangle is one of the most Mystical Emblems that is delineated upon the Masters Carpet. The Horizontal or Level is a symbol of the Physical Human Body and or Masters Carpet. The Horizontal or Level is a symbol of the Physical Human Body and or the Material Universe.the Material Universe.

► The Perpendicular or Plumb is a symbol of the Physical. These two joined to form a Right The Perpendicular or Plumb is a symbol of the Physical. These two joined to form a Right Angle which produces the Hypotenuse or Right Angle which represents the Spiritual.Angle which produces the Hypotenuse or Right Angle which represents the Spiritual.

► When the Horizontal and the Perpendicular meet they form a Perfect Square – The When the Horizontal and the Perpendicular meet they form a Perfect Square – The Intellectual Man, composed of Body and MindIntellectual Man, composed of Body and Mind

► The Hypotenuse typifies the Spiritual and the three sides form one figure – The Complete The Hypotenuse typifies the Spiritual and the three sides form one figure – The Complete Man.Man.

Hypotenuse

Product of Offspring

Horus

Spiritual

Osiris – Horizontal – Male - Physical

Perpendicular

Female

Isis

Physical