While not unique to
Freemasonry, the interlaced Square and Compasses are almost universally
recognized as the emblem of Freemasonry. However, the Square and Compasses
have not always been linked in Masonic ritual and it appears the symbolism
of these two emblems developed separately. In early 18th century Masonic
charts, the Square and Compasses are often depicted without the other, and
when they are both presented, they are rarely shown together and never are
they interlaced as we see them presented today. None of the early Masonic
publications appear to have contained representations of either the Square
or the Compasses. It appears, based on early Masonic disclosures, that the
Square and Compasses were considered simply Furniture of the Lodge until
later in the 1700's when they were elevated to Great Lights in the Masonic
ritual. Furthermore, it was into the 19th century before the interlaced
Square and Compasses were being depicted in Masonic charts and publications.
A glimpse of the symbolic nature of the Square and Compasses as individual
symbols has been discussed in previous articles.
Over the years, these two symbols of Freemasonry have become inextricably
linked as a public symbol of the Fraternity. In 1873, a flour manufacturer
attempted to trademark the interlaced square and compasses but the United
States Patent Office denied the trademark request. In rendering its
decision, the Patent Office said, "this device, so commonly worn and
employed by Masons, has an established mystic significance, universally
recognized as existing; whether comprehended by all or not, is not material
to this issue. In view of the magnitude of the Masonic organization, it is
impossible to divest its symbols, or at least this particular symbol -
perhaps the best known of all - of its ordinary signification, wherever
displayed…"
The Freemason is introduced to the Square and Compasses during the Entered
Apprentice Degree and they are prominent symbols through the Fellowcraft and
Master Mason Degrees. As obvious as the lessons of these two symbols may
appear upon first glance, deeper reflection suggests far greater symbolism
that can be grasped only after long and patient study of the Square and
Compasses. As individual symbols, the Square and Compasses take on special
meanings for the pupil of Freemasonry. However, as the degrees progress, an
increasing seriousness and depth of meaning are discoverable to the
Freemason.
When the Square and Compasses are viewed as a compound symbol, their
individual symbolism takes on greater meaning. In the Entered Apprentice and
Fellowcraft Degrees the Square and Compasses symbolize the earth and impress
upon the Freemason the importance of controlling our desires. In the Master
Mason Degree the Compasses represent those things Heavenly. Within the
context of the three degrees they represent our personal journey in life
where our understanding progresses from a worldly viewpoint of life to the
ultimate spiritual perspective.
To help understand this symbolism, one must consider the use of the Square
and Compasses in each degree and the representation of the three degrees as
a whole. Without this reference, much of the meaning of the Square and
Compasses is lost to the Freemason. Viewed in the aggregate, the lodge is
emblematical of the world, while initiation is representative of birth, and
the three degrees represent man's existence here and in the hereafter.
In the Entered Apprentice Degree, one learns that the symbolic lodge extends
from East to West, from North to South, and from the center of the earth to
the heavens. As such the lodge symbolizes the world and the place where all
men live and work. If the lodge represents the world and the Mason
represents man, it follows that initiation must represent the introduction
of the individual to the world or the birth of a child.
The introduction of the Entered Apprentice candidate into the lodge
represents the entrance of man upon the world's stage. As a child we enter
this world dependent upon those around us for the necessities of life and
for our intellectual and moral development. Thus the Entered Apprentice
represents childhood and youth, that preparatory stage of life where we grow
into mature and responsible adults. The Fellowcraft Mason represents man
during the productive years of his life, where he worships his God, provides
for his family, serves society and continues his pursuit of knowledge and
understanding. Thus the lodge in the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft
Degrees represents the world where all workmen labor at their vocations and
in the acquisition of human knowledge and virtue.
In the Master Masons Degree, the lodge represents the Sanctum Sanctorum of
King Solomon's Temple, a symbol of Heaven. It is here the Freemason is
symbolically brought into the presence of Deity, where nothing earthly or
unclean is allowed to enter. In this degree, the Freemason is encouraged to
pursue divine truth and understanding and admonished to develop his
spiritual self. The reference to death and the afterlife is obvious, with
the emphasis being on the spiritual afterlife. Thus the Master Mason Degree
represents the reflective stage of life, old age, death, the resurrection,
and the everlasting life.
In ancient symbolism, the square signified the earth, while a circle, drawn
with the compasses, represented the heavens. For the Freemason, the Square
represents what is earthly and material while the Compasses signify the
heavenly and the spiritual. It is not without significance then that the
position of the points of the compasses within the interlaced Square and
Compasses changes as the Freemason progresses from an Entered Apprentice
Mason to a Fellowcraft Mason and finally to a Master Mason. It represents
his progression in life from the here to the hereafter, from birth to the
everlasting life, from the seeker of human knowledge to the seeker of divine
understanding where the spiritual has obtained full mastery and control over
the earthly and material.
The Square represents the moral law that dictates our relationships with
others and guides our actions here on earth. The Compasses signifies our
endless pursuit of spiritual understanding and our relationship to God.
Together, the Square and Compasses should constantly remind the Freemason of
the balance required between the earthly and the spiritual, that our
spiritual nature should rule and govern our earthly nature knowing that in
the end He will dispense impartial justice and will either reward or punish
us in the everlasting life according to our obedience to His divine commands
while on this earth.