JBF_Symbolism_Freemasonic Flashcards
The Eye of Providence (or the All-Seeing Eye of God) is a symbol that depicts an eye, often enclosed in a triangle and surrounded by rays of light or glory, meant to represent divine providence, whereby the eye of God watches over humanity.[1][2][3] A well-known example of the Eye of Providence appears on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States, which is depicted on the United States one-dollar bill.
n 1782, the Eye of Providence was adopted as part of the symbolism featured on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States. It was first proposed as an element of the Great Seal by the first of three design committees in 1776, and is thought to be the suggestion of the artistic consultant, Pierre Eugene du Simitiere,[4] and at the time, was a conventional symbol for God’s benevolent oversight.[5]
In his original proposal to the committee, du Simitiere placed the Eye over shields so as to symbolize each of the original thirteen states of the Union. On the version of the seal that would eventually be approved, the Eye is positioned above an unfinished pyramid of thirteen steps (again symbolizing the original States, but also incorporating the nation’s potential for future growth). Such symbolism is explained through the motto that appears above the Eye, annuit cœptis, meaning “He approves [our] undertakings” (or “has approved”).
A mason’s mark is an engraved symbol often found on dressed stone in buildings and other public structures.
The Square and Compasses (or, more correctly, a square and a set of compasses joined), is the single most identifiable symbol of Freemasonry. Both the square and compasses are architect’s tools and are used in Masonic ritual as emblems to teach symbolic lessons.
Some Lodges and rituals explain these symbols as lessons in conduct: for example, Duncan’s Masonic Monitor of 1866 explains them as: “The square, to square our actions; The compasses, to circumscribe and keep us within bounds with all mankind”.[1] However, as Freemasonry is non-dogmatic, there is no general interpretation for these symbols (or any Masonic symbol) that is used by Freemasonry as a whole.
The phoenix is an immortal bird associated with Greek mythology (with analogs in many cultures) that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor. Some legends say it dies in a show of flames and combustion, others that it simply dies and decomposes before being born again.[1] In the Motif-Index of Folk-Literature, a tool used by folklorists, the phoenix is classified as motif B32.[2]
The origin of the phoenix has been attributed to Ancient Egypt by Herodotus and later 19th-century scholars, but other scholars think the Egyptian texts may have been influenced by classical folklore. Over time the phoenix motif spread and gained a variety of new associations; Herodotus, Lucan, Pliny the Elder, Pope Clement I, Lactantius, Ovid, and Isidore of Seville are among those who have contributed to the retelling and transmission of the phoenix motif. Over time, extending beyond its origins, the phoenix could variously “symbolize renewal in general as well as the sun, time, the Empire, metempsychosis, consecration, resurrection, life in the heavenly Paradise, Christ, Mary, virginity, the exceptional man, and certain aspects of Christian life”.[3] Some scholars have claimed that the poem De ave phoenice may present the mythological phoenix motif as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection.[
The pigpen cipher (alternatively referred to as the masonic cipher, Freemason’s cipher, Napoleon cipher, and tic-tac-toe cipher)[2][3] is a geometric simple substitution cipher, which exchanges letters for symbols which are fragments of a grid. The example key shows one way the letters can be assigned to the grid.
The Masonic Blazing Star is a very popular and straight-forward Masonic symbol – it represents the Sun which is, after all, a star itself. As it’s explained in Masonic Lectures: The Blazing Star or Glory in the center refers us to that Grand Luminary the Sun, which enlightens the Earth, and by its genial influence dispenses blessings to mankind.
In other Masonic sources, the Blazing Star is also used as a symbol of Anubis, Mercury, and Sirius. Either way, it’s a symbol of Divine Providence andis also connected to the Biblical star that guided the wise men of the East to the site of the Savior’s nativity.
Together, the Anchor and the Ark are meant to represent one’s journey through life and a life well-spent. The Ark in this symbol is not related to the Ark of the Covenant or Noah’s Ark but is instead meant to be just an ordinary water vessel. In essence, the Ark represents the journey while the Anchor represents both the end of the journey and what keeps you safe and secure through it. As the Freemasons put it: The anchor and the ark are emblems of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life.
The Freemasons took the Beehive as a symbol from the ancient Egyptians where it was a symbol of obedient people. The Egyptians viewed the Beehive that way because, as the Egyptian priest Horapollo said it of all insects, the bee alone had a king. Of course, bees actually have queens and are far from the only hierarchal insects out there but that’s beside the point.
The Freemasons altered the meaning of the Beehive symbol when they adopted it, however. For them, the Beehive symbolizes the need for all Masons to work together to keep the world operating. It’s also been adopted as a symbol of industry and hard work.
In Hebrew scriptures, Acacia is a sacred wood known as ‘shittah.’ In the Old Testament, it was severely used to make sacred furniture. The Ark of the Covenant and the tabernacle were all made from Acacia.
In Freemasonry, it is a symbol of the immortality of the soul.
‘This evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul. By this, we are reminded that we have an immortal part within us, which shall survive the grave, and which shall never, never, never die.’
This statement is used during Masonic funeral rites. Its meaning is derived from the evergreen and durability nature of the tree. The immortality of the soul is an unprovable fact; therefore, masons are required to take it by faith.
The sprig of Acacia is also a symbol of innocence and purity in Freemasonry. In Greek, the tree signifies the moral quality of the innocence of life. In his theory of Christianizing Masonry, Hutchison explains the interpretation as:
‘We masons, describing the deplorable estate of religion under the Jewish law, speak in figures…akakia being the greek word for innocence, or being free from sin; implying that the sins and corruption of the old law, and devotees of the Jewish Altar…’
It is further interpreted as a symbol of initiation. It is incorporated in the craft’s initiation ceremonies to represent the symbol of resurrection to a future life.
The Masonic gavel has two distinctive meanings. In the Stonemasons era, a gavel was used in shaping stones. Similarly, in Freemasonry, it serves as a speculative reminder for members to remain morally pure and separate themselves from societal vices.
Masons are viewed as living stones that can be shaped by breaking rough edges to live a life pleasing to our creator.
When used by a Master of a Lodge, the Masonic Gavel is a figure of authority. He uses it to manifest his power in the lodge through his actions. Through this, he can maintain order in proceedings.
Some lodges also in the United States have a travel gavel program used to promote visitation to other lodges as a unit. It promotes social interactions between lodges.
In the Bible, the Ark of the covenant was constructed by Moses following command from God. It was made from shittim wood (acacia), had four golden rings attached to the four corners, and two golden cherubim sat on the top.
It housed the two stone tablets containing the ten commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod.
The Ark was later used as a symbol of God’s promise to David and housed in Solomon’s Temple.
Freemasonry’s meaning of the Ark of Covenant is derived from biblical times. It is a universal symbol in the fraternity featured in numerous artworks. The Ark represents God’s unending forgiveness to human sins.
Masonic lodges are perceived as modern-day Solomon Temples. In the lodges, members are taught the importance of abiding by God’s commandments.
Therefore the Ark also reminds Masons that even though they are doing good by the fraternity teachings, heeding to God’s ten commandments will help them do better.
The Masonic shoe is also known as the Blue slipper. The name ‘Blue slipper’ ascertains the value the color Blue holds in Freemasonry. In the olden days, removing a shoe and handing it to someone else was a way of validating a contract.
The Masonic shoe connotes various meanings according to different degrees.
In the First Degree, it symbolizes a pledge and accepting to enter into a covenant. In the Third Degree, it connotes the removal of shoes when in a Holy Place. It is a reflection of different religious practices.
For example, Muslims take their shoes off before entering a mosque.
Moses was commanded to take his shoes off when he saw the burning bush. It, therefore, serves as an affirmation that what has been said will be done without a doubt.
During King’s Solomon times, laborers paid their wages (taxes) using corn. Ancient Master Masons received a sheaf of corn, wine, and oil as payment, which is currently paid in dollars.
In Freemasonry, the Sheaf of Corn symbolizes the benefits of our sweat and the rewards earned by those before us and the importance of partaking charitable activities.
The symbol reminds masons of the hard work put in by their former brothers. After a successful harvest, the leftovers in the field were left for widows and orphans.
Similarly to corn leftovers left for the unfortunate, Masons are required to participate in charitable activities that benefit the underprivileged in our society.
The 47th Problem of Euclid is also known as the 47th Proposition of Euclid or the Pythagorean Theorem. The name originated from Euclid, famously recognized as the father of geometry.
The mathematical representation of the symbol is in the ratio 3:4:5.
In Speculative Freemasonry, the 47th Problem of Euclid stands for Masons’ importance to ‘square their square.’
In other words, members of the craft are required to align their lives in order. Operative Freemasons used the symbol to lay out strong foundations in construction.
The Masonic pavement is one of the most recognized symbols of the fraternity.
The floor of Masonic lodges is made of mosaic pavements; various stones joined together to form a pattern in the form of painting. It is said that King Solomon’s temple flooring incorporated black and white mosaic pavements.
Mosaic pavements designs in freemasonry can be traced to the 18th century. At the time, most lodge furniture was made from these. The pavement symbolizes a bond uniting all members.
According to French Masons, the mosaic pavement educates members that they were once part of a Fraternity that bound people together; hence the pre-existing bonds should be maintained and strengthened.
It is also a symbol of care and providence. Masons are taught that it’s a pillar of comfort and blessings, which shows members the importance of relying on the Divine Providence of God.
The Two-Headed eagle is theorized to originate from Ancient Mesopotamia. It was a representation of polysepalous (multi-headed) beasts that were spoken of in legends and myths.
Over the years, the symbol was continuously used in flags, engraved in metallic work, garment embroidery, and many other places.
It was first used as a Freemasonry symbol in 1759. At the time, it delineated two bodies merging into one. The Two-headed Masonic eagle is also known as the ‘Eagle of Lagash.’
The name originated from the oldest symbol in the ancient Sumerian city of Lagash.
In Freemasonry, the double-headed eagle is a symbol of the thirty-third degree of the Scottish Rite.
It is used as a symbol of a completed alchemical process. In alchemy, the eagle represents purified sulfur and portrays a rising spirit. It stands for the reconciliation between matter and spirit.
These two pillars are constructed at the entrance of Masonic lodges. In the Bible, two pillars known as Boaz and Jachin stood at the porch of Solomon’s Temple.
Boaz was the left-hand pillar which meant ‘In Him is Strength,’ and the right-hand pillar Jakin means ‘ He Establishes.’
In Freemasonry, the two pillars symbolize opposite pairs. W.L Wilmuhurst described opposites as, ‘good and evil; light and darkness; active and passive; positive and negative; yes and no; outside and inside; man and woman…’
Masons are taught how to create a balance between his own thoughts and external actions. Brother C.W Leadbeater states that;
‘ In the harmonious working of these two laws, a man may attain stability and strength required to reach the circle within which a Master Mason cannot err.’
It also represents life and death, which are total opposites. Masons believe that death is a necessity to extinguish that which is old and withering. This creates room for germinating young ideas and principles.
