Understanding Masonic Symbols

If you walk into a Masonic Lodge, you might feel like you've stepped into a different world. The walls are adorned with strange imagery: beehives, anchors, stars, suns, and moons. To the outsider, these might look like cryptic codes or ancient secrets.

But to a Freemason, they are simply a language.

Freemasonry is often described as a system of morality "illustrated by symbols." Just as a traffic light symbolizes "stop" or "go" without using words, Masonic symbols serve as visual reminders of important virtues. They are tools for the mind, helping members recall moral lessons at a glance.

Let's decode three of the most famous symbols in the Craft.

1. The Square and Compasses

This is the single most recognizable symbol of Freemasonry. You'll see it on rings, bumper stickers, and cornerstones of buildings. It consists of a builder's Square (the right-angle tool) and a pair of Compasses (used to draw circles), joined together.

While they are architecturally used to build structures, symbolically, they are used to build character.

The Square: In operative masonry, the square is used to test the accuracy of a stone's corners—to see if they are "true." In speculative Masonry, it symbolizes Morality. It reminds us to "square our actions" with all mankind—meaning to be honest, fair, and truthful in our dealings. When we say someone is giving us a "square deal," we are unknowingly using Masonic language.

The Compasses: These are used to draw a boundary. Symbolically, they represent Self-Restraint. They remind a Mason to "circumscribe his desires and keep his passions within due bounds." It teaches moderation and the importance of knowing one's limits.

Together, they represent the interaction between our earthly duties (the Square) and our spiritual aspirations (the Compasses).

2. The Letter 'G'

Often found suspended in the East of the Lodge room or nestled in the center of the Square and Compasses, the letter 'G' is a source of great curiosity. Does it stand for Gold? Geometry? Gnosis?

In Freemasonry, it actually has a beautiful dual meaning.

Geometry: Historically, Freemasonry is rooted in the guild of stonemasons. Geometry was the "noblest of sciences" because it allowed builders to construct cathedrals that pointed toward the heavens. It represents the order and beauty of the natural world.

God: More importantly, the 'G' stands for God, or the Grand Architect of the Universe. It is a constant reminder that every Mason, no matter his specific religion, lives under the watchful eye of the Divine. It reminds us that all our works should be done with reverence.

3. The All-Seeing Eye

Perhaps no symbol has generated more conspiracy theories than the "All-Seeing Eye" (or the Eye of Providence). It is frequently seen on the U.S. one-dollar bill, leading many to confuse Masonic history with American government history.

While it is true that the Eye is a Masonic symbol, its meaning is far from sinister. It is not a symbol of government surveillance or hidden control.

For a Mason, the All-Seeing Eye represents the Watchfulness of the Supreme Being. It reminds us that even when we are alone, our thoughts and actions are never truly hidden. The sun, the moon, and the stars may obey the physical laws of nature, but the heart of man is under the moral law of the Creator.

It is a symbol of accountability. It encourages a Mason to live with integrity, knowing that his character is always being observed by the Great Architect.

Conclusion

These symbols are not magic sigils. They don't have power in themselves. Their power lies in what they make us think about.

When a Mason sees the Square, he thinks of honesty. When he sees the Eye, he thinks of his conscience. By surrounding himself with these visual reminders, he gently shapes his mind to focus on higher things.

What symbols have you seen on Masonic buildings that you've always wondered about? Let us know in the comments, and we might cover them in a future article!