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Freemason SymbolsMasonic Symbols and MeaningsMasonic Symbols DefinedFreemason symbols represent the heart of Freemasonry. Masonic Symbols and Meanings: Masonic symbols are visual Masonic images used to teach morals and lessons...much as we use "visuals", like PowerPoint presentations, today, to import meaning to an embodiment of picture images and data. The statement "A picture is worth a thousand words." as the best way to learn, is just as true, today, as it was 5,000 years ago. Masonic scholars, today, question the origin of the Point within the Circle, whose parallel upright lines on both sides of the circle, closely resemble an Egyptian hieroglyphic (circa 1570–1342 B.C.). Is it one of the first Freemason symbols? It is not known; however this information creates questions in scholarly circles as to whether Freemasonry began with the operative stone masons during the Middle Ages...or possibly more than 600 years before King Solomon's temple was built (circa 953 B.C.) Learning the Meanings of Freemason Symbols: Symbols were used in past centuries, not due as much to Masonic secrecy, (as many people believe), but due to the fact that most of the world's population was illiterate. During the Middle Ages (also known as the Dark Ages), and through subsequent centuries, most of the population, being working people, were illiterate or had only a rudimentary (basic) ability to sign their names, make their "mark" to signify their acceptance, or read simple words. During the Middle Ages, many Lords (wealthy landowners) could read (and some could not), but the Serfs (working class people), almost as a whole, had never been taught to read. This period in history is called the Dark Ages because of the loss of classical learning due to the many wars, bloodshed and unrest in which most of the old hand-printed scrolls, papyrus paper, books and records were burned by the opposing forces...much like King Solomon's temple was dismantled and carried off, never to return. Illiteracy did not make these Masons stupid or lesser operative Masons in the craft. They were simply working people, taking care of their families, who, by necessity, had to begin working at a very early age...usually from dawn until dusk, 6 days a week and did not have the time nor the teachers to avail themselves of the ability to learn to read or of any higher education. Making Your Mark: Some of you can, even now, remember people in your past (or present) who were illiterate and signed their name (made their mark) with an "X". Schools were for the wealthy. Thus, operative Freemason symbols were taught to these stone masons (workers in stone) as a part of their obligation for the betterment of their craft. Actual (operative) stone masons made their "mark" by inscribing their work with their symbol (or logo), just as artists and other craftsmen have "signed" their work throughout the centuries. This "mark" symbolizes the uniqueness of the piece as well as the intent of the Master craftsman that each person who views it, be aware of its unique and personal craftsmanship. Today, there are mass-printed books, everywhere, and a wealth of information on the internet about Freemasonry. However, before Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press (circa 1440 A.D.) ...568 years ago, there were only scribes who painstakingly copied down the the verbal words they heard or copied, (letter by letter) the words from other hand-printed scrolls, which later became hand-bound books. Hand-Written Book Inscription: Many scribes only heard the spoken words (without the advantage of being able to copy any written text) and spelled the words as best they knew how. This accounts for the numerous different spellings of so many names and words in the Old Charges (Old Manuscripts) (1390 - 1714). This also accounts for the many translation differences in the Holy Books of the major religions of the world which Freemasonry embraces...(the Bible, the Torah, the Veda, the Koran, etc.). Masonic Scholars Study Freemason Symbols: True Masonic scholars have devoted a portion of their time to the study of the meanings of Freemason symbols. Consequently, they have a strong foundation of knowledge which the non-scholar lacks. (The word "scholar" in this instance refers to a person who studies...and not a person who has a genius-level I.Q. mind, which others were not blessed with.) Your Symbolic Foundation Beneath Your Middle Chamber: The perfect ashlars which made up the foundation of King Solomon's Temple were gargantuan (huge) in size, ..some as large as 41 feet x 11.5 feet,... because in his wisdom; King Solomon understood the need to build a solid foundation for his temple...just as each of us must do. Q: So, ...now that nearly everyone has been taught to read A: While there are lots of books and information available; Therefore, it is impossible to fully understand Masonic ritual without understanding its underlying foundation...that of the biblical meanings within ritual and the rich history of Freemason symbols we have inherited. Lodge education officers valiantly attempt to impart pieces of Masonic knowledge; ...however the only true path to Masonic education is when you begin to link and understand the meaning of the words in the ritual to their biblical meaning coupled with the Freemason symbols which underlie it. Only then can you "feel" the biblical power of our Creator's words within Freemasonry's tenets because this is where the rubber-meets-the-road. Ritual, alone will not fulfill your quest. 50 years of perfect lodge attendance cannot create true "light". Without a true understanding of the ancient and biblical tenets, Freemason symbols, Masonic history and why we circumambulate in our ancestor's footsteps around an altar glorified to our Creator;...the titles upon which we have been bestowed may possibly only be words which attempt to attach a scholarly credibility and experience to a man which he may not, in fact, yet possess. "...Each Master Mason becomes his own architect. Each supervises the building of that "temple not made by hands." Each builds into his structure beauty, harmony and knowledge to the extent he is willing to work." ...The Craft and Its Symbols, p. 84, 1974, Allen E. Roberts, MaCoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Co. Deciphering these Masonic Cryptograms: A Masonic scholar is simply one who reads for greater understanding in his "quest for more light". He learns the meanings of each cryptogram (a figure or representation having a secret or mysterious significance),so that he may build on it to understand the whole. Think back a moment to your childhood...before you could read. You were riding along with your parents in the car and saw a big red, octagonal sign with black letters on it which was stuck on a post in the ground. Until you were taught that a stop sign meant that you must (by law), stop the car, it is simply an imposing big red sign by the side of the road...and thus an enigma (a mystery) to you as to its meaning. Later, after you learned to read, you learned other road signs. You learned the meanings of "Merge", "On Ramp", "MPH", etc. Therefore, if you can read, (and apply yourself) you, too, can become a Masonic scholar...but more important than becoming a scholar, is feeling the purity of Freemasonry's (and our Creator's) goals for each of us. The real goal of understanding, ...the Masonic "light" which each of us seeks, is not how many books you've read, but whether you "get" their message in your heart. So, as you can see, the history of Freemasonry is best represented by its Freemason symbols, which have come down to us through the ages. The Freemason symbols that you see on this page, ..from which our ancient brethren were taught, ... are the same Masonic symbols and meanings that have come down through the centuries...and the very same ones that you, too, will study in your quest for more light.
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