Masonic Symbols & Their Meanings
Within this section are some of the most popular symbols that Free Masons use in their rituals.
The free mason organization is a brotherhood that exists in countries around the world. It's membership is estimated at six million strong.
Many of these symbols have been used for a very long time and they have deep meaning. Beside each Masonic symbol we have also included the meanings of each symbol.
The Masonic Square Symbol
The Masonic Square is the most common symbol of Freemasonry and serves to remind Masons that they must be "square" in their relations with all men, that they must be honest.
The compass in the Masonic Square and Compass is to teach Masons to control their desires and that they should be temperate.
The Compass also represents the male generative principle, the sun and the heaven, and the spiritual nature.
The compass above the square symbolizes the sun, impregnating the passive female Earth with its life-producing rays.
The Masonic Lamb Symbol
The masonic lamb is seen as a symbol of innocence and purity. A Freemason's apron should be made of lambskin apron and is worn by Masons to keep their clothes free from stains (moral defilement).
Point Within a Circle Symbol
Masons have long been taught that the point within a circle symbol represents the individual Mason (point), contained and restricted by the boundaries of his duty (circle).
The more ancient Masonic meaning of this symbol is that of the phallus, positioned within the female sex organ.
The Masonic Point within a Circle is, without doubt, of phallic origin.
The Holy Bible
To the Masons the Bible represents the Truth.
The holy bible can be substituted for the Koran, the Hindu scriptures, or other holy book, by members of Masonry. All Masonic rituals originate from the bible.
Masonry is a search for the truth, and Masons believe firmly that truth is obtained from the writings in the Holy Bible.
The Masonic Cable Tow
The Masonic Cable Tow is a part of the attire that Masonic candidates wear when he agrees to aid his brothers with all his power and strength, if it be within the length of his tow rope.
The length of the cable tow rope is symbolic of the first brother's abilities.
Masonic Altar
The Masonic Altar is symbolic of the mason's place of communion with God.
In Masonic tradition each Mason must sacrifice himself up to the Supreme architect (God). Masons must also repent and atone for their sins.
In Masonic tradition the altar also symbolizes the sanctity of the Altar of Incense within the "Holy of Holies" - Sanctum Sanctorum - in King Solomon's temple.
The Masonic Eye Symbol
Among Masons it is known that the Masonic Eye symbolizes the Eye of God. The Masonic Eye is symbolic of God's watchfulness over us and his taking care of the universe and its creations.
The Masonic Eye is one of many symbols that was borrowed from more ancient civilizations and cultures.
The Masonic Star Symbol
The emblem of the Order of the Eastern Star is a five-pointed star with the white ray of the star pointing downwards towards the manger. In the Chapter room, the downward-pointing white ray points to the West. The character-building lessons taught in the Order are stories inspired by Biblical figures.