Moral Lessons in Stone and Steel
Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols
The ancient stonemasons used their tools to build cathedrals that would stand for centuries. Speculative Masons use the same tools as symbols for building something just as lasting: a life of integrity. Here are the best-known emblems of the Craft and what they teach.
The universal emblem of Freemasonry. The Square and Compasses together remind a Mason to keep his conduct within proper bounds and to deal fairly with all. Their arrangement changes as a candidate advances through the degrees, symbolizing his progress from the material toward the spiritual.
An instrument used by operative masons to test the corners of stones. To a Freemason, the Square represents morality and virtue. Masons are taught to "square their actions" with all mankind, which is the origin of the everyday phrases "a square deal" and "on the square."
Used by the builder to draw circles and lay out designs. The Compasses teach a Mason to circumscribe his desires and keep his passions within due bounds toward all mankind, especially toward a brother Mason.
Placed at the center of the Square and Compasses, the letter G stands for Geometry, the science on which Masonry was founded, and for God, the Great Architect of the Universe, before whom all men are equal.
A symbol of the watchful care of the Supreme Being, who sees into the hearts of men and rewards them according to their merit. It reminds the Mason that his thoughts, words and actions are always observed.
Boaz and Jachin, the bronze pillars that stood at the porch of King Solomon's Temple, represent strength and establishment. Topped with globes, they appear in every lodge and remind Masons that a life of virtue must be built on a firm foundation.
The Level is used to lay horizontals. It teaches equality: Masons meet "upon the level," where rank and wealth are set aside, and all are travelers on the same journey through life. It is the jewel of the Senior Warden.
Used to try perpendiculars, the Plumb admonishes a Mason to walk uprightly in his station before God and man. It is the jewel of the Junior Warden and the source of the phrase "acting by the plumb."
The working tool of the Master Mason, used by operative masons to spread the cement that binds a building together. Freemasons use it to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection that unites the fraternity.
A tool used to break off the rough corners of stones. It teaches the Entered Apprentice to divest his mind and conscience of the vices and imperfections of life, fitting himself as a living stone for that spiritual building not made with hands.
A rule divided into twenty-four parts, representing the hours of the day. Masons are taught to divide their time into three parts: part for service to God and a distressed worthy brother, part for their usual vocations, and part for refreshment and sleep.
An emblem of industry. Just as bees work together for the good of the hive, Masons are taught never to sit down contented while their fellow creatures around them are in want, when it is in their power to relieve them.
An evergreen that symbolizes the immortality of the soul. It is a prominent emblem of the Master Mason degree and is often placed by Masons at the funeral of a departed brother.
A point bounded by a circle and two parallel lines, with the Holy Bible above. The point represents the individual, the circle the boundary of his conduct. While a Mason keeps himself so circumscribed, it is impossible that he should materially err.
The black and white checkered floor of the lodge represents human life, checkered with good and evil, joy and sorrow. It reminds the Mason to walk uprightly and humbly, trusting in Providence through every change of fortune.
These explanations only scratch the surface. The deeper lessons of Masonic symbolism are taught in the lodge, through the three degrees of Craft Masonry.
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