The most common and widely recognized symbol for a Master Mason is the Square and Compasses. The Square and Compasses consists of a square, which represents virtue, morality, and keeping your passions in due bounds, intertwined with a compass, which represents spiritual discernment and doing right. Together, the Square and Compasses symbolizes the principles of Freemasonry that Master Masons are charged with upholding.
Origins of the Square and Compasses
The origins of the Square and Compasses symbol are somewhat uncertain, but it seems to have come into use in the early 1700s during the rise of speculative Freemasonry. Some of the earliest documented uses of the symbol come from Masonic tracing boards and certificates from the 1720s and 1730s in England. However, the basic symbols of the square and compass were used in operative stonemason guilds long before speculative Freemasonry.
In operative masonry, the square was used to check right angles on blocks of stone to ensure they fit together smoothly and securely in buildings. The compass was used to draw perfect circles and arcs. Together, they represented the tools of the mason’s trade. Speculative Freemasonry adopted these tools for their symbolic meaning regarding virtue, discernment, and behavior.
The intertwined Square and Compasses seems to originate from older Masonic symbols of just a square and a compass overlapping. By intertwining the two parts, speculative Masons further emphasized the interconnected nature of the principles square and compass represent. Other symbolic additions like the letter “G” in the center emerged later.
Symbolic Meaning
The Square and Compasses symbolize key philosophical and moral lessons taught in Freemasonry regarding how a Mason should live their life:
- The Square represents the earthly, physical world and virtue. The square’s precise right angles are symbolic of righteousness, fairness, truthfulness, integrity, and keeping your passions in moderation.
- The Compass represents the heavenly, spiritual world and discernment. The compass’s circular sweeping motions represent the belief that Masons should strive for spiritual insight, wisdom, and doing good works for humanity.
Together, the Square and Compasses embody the dual earthly and spiritual natures of humanity. Masons must navigate between both aspects of existence to become balanced, upright individuals.
The Letter “G”
In many depictions of the Square and Compasses, there is a letter “G” in the center where the two parts intersect. This letter has several meanings:
- It stands for Geometry, which is central to Masonic teachings. Geometry and mathematics are seen as divine laws that underpin the universe.
- It represents God, the Supreme Being.
- It stands for Gnosis, the Greek word for knowledge, pointing to how Freemasonry imparts wisdom.
The letter G is not always included, but it adds an extra layer of mystical symbolism for many Masons.
Use in Culture and Media
Beyond its use within Masonic lodges, the Square and Compasses has entered mainstream culture and recognition through its use in various media over the past centuries:
- It appears on Masonic lodge buildings around the world.
- It is found on Masonic graves and tombstones to denote the burial place of a Master Mason.
- It is included in depictions of Masonic tracing boards which show symbolic emblems and tools.
- It is incorporated into Masonic paintings, certificates, insignia, and more.
- It appears in Hollywood movies, books, and conspiracy theories involving Freemasons.
This widespread use and exposure has made the Square and Compasses one of the most iconic and recognizable fraternal symbols worldwide today.
Use in Freemasonry
Within Freemasonry lodges and rituals, the Square and Compasses carry deep symbolic meaning for members:
- It reminds Masons to be virtuous, ethical, and seek spiritual wisdom.
- It represents security, morality, and trust to Masons.
- It bonds Masons worldwide in a common brotherhood with shared values.
- It is an identifying emblem worn by Freemasons on rings, lapel pins, and lodge regalia.
- It appears on Masonic altars inside lodges and temples.
- It is an important part of Masonic rituals and ceremonies.
Master Masons take solemn vows regarding the lessons of the Square and Compasses, making it the most significant symbol of their fraternal experience.
Use on Masonic Rings
One of the most common ways members display the Square and Compasses is on Masonic rings. Masonic rings featuring the symbol represent a Master Mason’s deep connection and loyalty to the craft. The symbol on a ring shows that the wearer is a Mason in good standing. Masonic rings come in many designs and variations but almost always feature the Square and Compasses in a prominent position.
Here are some examples of how the Square and Compasses symbol is incorporated into Masonic ring designs:
- Two overlapping squares and compasses on the top face or sides of the ring
- One square and one compass joined together on the top – the classic intertwined design
- The compass and square separated but both visible on the sides
- The letter G featured in the center square
- One or both of the parts integrated into the ring band design itself
The symbol may stand alone or include other Masonic emblems. This versatility allows Masons to customize rings to suit their personal taste while upholding tradition.
Conclusion
In summary, the Square and Compasses is the preeminent symbol representing the brotherhood of Master Masons worldwide. Its origins trace to the tools of operative stonemasons but it took on important philosophical significance in speculative Freemasonry. The intertwined square and compass represent virtue, discernment, wisdom and other Masonic values. Master Masons take vows regarding these principles, making the Square and Compasses an internationally understood emblem of the fraternity.
| Location | Year First Appeared |
|---|---|
| Freemason Tracing Boards | 1720s |
| Freemason Certificates | 1730s |
| Freemason Lodge Buildings | 1700s |
| Freemason Member Rings | 1800s |
| Hollywood Movies & Books | 1900s |