Masonry tells us that it hides its secrets behind veils. As we know, in our ritual, the relative position of the Square and Compass change with each degree.
Why? What is the meaning behind this symbolism?
Please share what the changing position of these two tools might mean to you. As with all such things, the answer could well be different for everyone.
My knowledge of the meaning is very rudimentary. Like stairs, the compasses “steps up” through the square, representing the knowledge that has been imparted for each degree. We’re taught that Masonry is a progressive science taught by degrees. Now I’ve shared all my knowledge. 🤷♂️
From my point of view the changing of position reflects the change we are making on the inside of ourselves. The the obvious is that Freemasonry is a progressive science and that as science has refined its theories so has the development of man been refined.
For me, since I’m a retired Navy Veteran, I often view the difference in the arrangement of the Square and Compasses as I would someone of a different rank in the Military with one or more strips on their uniform. With each rank they achieve, comes with it a level of responsibility, technical expertise and leadership, which they have been tested and have proven they passed the requirements and will now assume the duties and responsibilities of this higher pay grade.
As a Fellowcraft or Master Mason we have also been found worthy and well qualified, and the changing of the position of the Square and Compasses have proven that we have the knowledge to assume the title of a FC or MM and we have taken an obligation swearing to uphold those duties and responsibilities.
Although, regardless of rank, as Veterans we all have a level of respect for each other, just like Freemasons who meet upon and Level and part upon the Square.
So we were all taught that the difference in the positions of the compasses in relation to the square is the progressiveness of our travels from being an EA to MM. With those progression comes with responsibilities. Here in the US, the responsibility is the ability to be able to return the basic ritual in a proficient manner. More often the brother is encourage to speed up with the memorization of the ritual or lecture in order to advance faster. In my travels to Lodges of other countries a brother had to wait a year or two before progressing to the next degree. I asked a Mexican Past Master why and his response was that a Brother needs to know his responsibilities for that degree, importance of waiting with patience to instill discipline and conformity, and imbedding in his taught that all Masons before him have done the same. With these the EA and FC have traveled significant amount of Lodges and met significant amount of Brothers.
I have often thought that the practice so common in United States Freemasonry, to move a Brother through the Degrees as quickly as he can return proficiency, and the Lodge can plan a Degree, does both the man in question, and the Lodge a disservice.
Likewise with the speed in which we put a man into the chairs.
As you mention the practice of waiting at least a year between Degrees is common in Central and South America, and I think something we would do well to emulate. It would give a man the time needed to actually learn the lessons of the Degree he has received, before sending him along to the next.
Going along with that, proficiency should also be deeper. Memorization of the Posting Lectures is an excellent tool, but so would be requiring the crafting and delivery of a paper in which the candidate researches and explores what he learned in the Degree he received.
In that way, fully committed and well educated Masons would be created.
It might be slower, but a Lodge should ask itself:
Is it better to create a Master Mason quickly, in order to get him into the chairs, knowing that doing so causes both retention and attendance issues, or is it better to take a very long period of time in crafting that Master Mason, knowing that he will be fully committed to Masonry and well educated in Masonry when he finally does become a MM?
In my view, the second scenario is clearly preferable. It would in the short term slow the growth of a Lodge, but in the long term it would hasten it. It would also ensure that the man in question was given every single opportunity possible to realize the promise of Freemasonry.
I do know that we have at least one Lodge in the Washington Jurisdiction that does hold its candidates to such a schedule. More of our Lodges should consider doing the same.
I went through al my degrees within 5 months. I returned my proficiencies flawlessly but I can’t say that I learned a lot about Masonry in those five months.
I would heartily agree, "Masonry tells us that it hides its secrets behind veils.", To me the square and compass go well beyond just their changing position on the altar.
These two working tools to me are the fundamental foundation of Geometry. Their usefulness to a well informed Craftsman are amazing, The square can be used to draw a horizontal straight line. From a certain point in the center of that straight line the compasses can draw a point within a circle.
By using the diameter of that circle as the radius and placing the center point of the compasses on the two points where the circle intersects the straight line one can draw arcs above and below the circle. Drawing a straight line connecting the two points where these 4 arcs intersect will divide the circle into 4 equal parts, Each part being the forth part of the circle or 4 square converging on that certain point with the circle. or four 90 degree angles.
Drawing two straight lines connecting where the horizonal line intersects the circle and where the arcs intersect above the circle creates and equilateral triangle with each angle being 60 degrees alludes to the angle of the compasses on the Altar.
The radius of the circle will also divide the circle into six equal parts forming points for an equilateral triangle and hexagon and Star of David.
A perfect Pentagon ( 5 sides), Heptagon (7sides), Nonagon (9 sides), and 3.4 5 triangle can also be drawn with just a square and compass without a protractor or measurements from a ruler
Franklin as you point out not only does the square helps transcribe these lines I. The physical world but also in that ever connected world of man to each other. As we work to smooth out those rough edges of ourselves it makes us open to the connections of other we interact with. You live about 2 hours away from me but we have sat in lodge many times and have grown because of this connection. Now I would also add that I have connected with many brother around the world just because I have my sq&c ring on or a shirt. Without ever really knowing this brother the bond still exist and I would not have understood this had I not progressed through the degrees and was given time to truly taking their meeting. As the square and compass change their orientation through our degrees so does the roles of the person going through the degree.
I'm getting well off topic here, but since you mention it...
I've also had tremendous experiences just wearing the Square and Compass on my shirt, and on my ring. I always wear a Masonic shirt when casual, or a Masonic lapel pin when more formal, and a Masonic ring on one hand, a Scottish Rite band on the other.
Many times it has resulted in some great interactions.
The most interesting ever was in the dining room of the Hotel Gillow in Mexico City some years ago. I don't know why there were so many Masons in the restaurant that night, as none spoke English, but I was wearing a Masonic Polo Shirt, and my wife and I didn't pay for a single drink all evening. It was quite a wonderful experience, we couldn't talk with each other well, but we had wonderful fellowship despite that.
It has been my view that the Square represents the material part of man. While the Compass represents the spiritual part of man. That when this duality is joined together, it represents the whole of man.
From that, I view that as an EA, the man is composed of both the material and the spiritual, but that the material reigns supreme. Hence the Square above the Compass.
That by learning to subdue his passions, and improve himself in Masonry while he is an EA, by the time he becomes a FC, the material and spiritual parts of his being become more equal in their influence over him. Shown by the intertwined Square and Compass.
By continuing to learn and better himself while a FC, by the time he becomes an MM, his spiritual nature reigns supreme over his baser material nature and desires. The Compass now over the Square.
Of course all of this is symbolic, and changes do not generally happen so quickly within men, but I think it is symbolic of the Masonic journey whereby a good man works on himself to become a better man. Largely done through subduing his unruly passions and drives.
Just a few tidbits from Bro. Albert Pike for your consideration:
"The Square is a right angle, formed by two right lines. It is adapted only to a plane surface, and belongs only to geometry, earth measurement, that trigonometry which deals only with planes, and with the earth, which the ancients supposed to be a plane. The Compass describes circles, and deals with spherical trigonometry, the science of the spheres and heavens. The former, therefore, is an emblem of what concerns the earth, and the body; the latter of what concerns the heavens and the soul."
"The Compass, therefore, as the Symbol of the Heavens, represents the spiritual, intellectual, and moral portion of this double nature of Humanity; and the Square, as the Symbol of the Earth, its material, sensual, and baser portion."
"The Square and Compasses, like the sun and the moon, are symbols of dynamic equilibrium, representing the active and passive forces in nature. The square, which is used to measure the surface of the earth, symbolizes matter, while the compasses, used to trace the movement of stars, symbolizes spirit. As the compasses progressively advance over the square in the Three Degrees of the Blue Lodge, they represent the spiritual influences asserting themselves over man's material nature."
I like that... "symbols of dynamic equilibrium." For me, one of the ideas that arises from the contemplation of these symbols, is how anywhere you have the intersection of two principles a third condition arises (sometimes referred to as the law of the triangle).
To borrow an example from the writings of the Torah, "God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
In the above example we see this law demonstrated in that which we call "soul" (Will and emotions) arising from the intersection of the spiritual (intellect) and material (physical).
Spiritual, intellectual, and moral principles must find their expression in the mundane affairs of our daily material existence, otherwise they remain etherical and intangible. In the same way that the "G" finds expression within the field created by the intersection of the square and compasses, so too the tenants of Masonry must "progressively" find expression in our lives as we become better men through Masonry in body, soul, and spirit.
My knowledge of the meaning is very rudimentary. Like stairs, the compasses “steps up” through the square, representing the knowledge that has been imparted for each degree. We’re taught that Masonry is a progressive science taught by degrees. Now I’ve shared all my knowledge. 🤷♂️
From my point of view the changing of position reflects the change we are making on the inside of ourselves. The the obvious is that Freemasonry is a progressive science and that as science has refined its theories so has the development of man been refined.
For me, since I’m a retired Navy Veteran, I often view the difference in the arrangement of the Square and Compasses as I would someone of a different rank in the Military with one or more strips on their uniform. With each rank they achieve, comes with it a level of responsibility, technical expertise and leadership, which they have been tested and have proven they passed the requirements and will now assume the duties and responsibilities of this higher pay grade.
As a Fellowcraft or Master Mason we have also been found worthy and well qualified, and the changing of the position of the Square and Compasses have proven that we have the knowledge to assume the title of a FC or MM and we have taken an obligation swearing to uphold those duties and responsibilities.
Although, regardless of rank, as Veterans we all have a level of respect for each other, just like Freemasons who meet upon and Level and part upon the Square.
Haven't really given it much thought, except what's explained in the conferrals.
So we were all taught that the difference in the positions of the compasses in relation to the square is the progressiveness of our travels from being an EA to MM. With those progression comes with responsibilities. Here in the US, the responsibility is the ability to be able to return the basic ritual in a proficient manner. More often the brother is encourage to speed up with the memorization of the ritual or lecture in order to advance faster. In my travels to Lodges of other countries a brother had to wait a year or two before progressing to the next degree. I asked a Mexican Past Master why and his response was that a Brother needs to know his responsibilities for that degree, importance of waiting with patience to instill discipline and conformity, and imbedding in his taught that all Masons before him have done the same. With these the EA and FC have traveled significant amount of Lodges and met significant amount of Brothers.
I have often thought that the practice so common in United States Freemasonry, to move a Brother through the Degrees as quickly as he can return proficiency, and the Lodge can plan a Degree, does both the man in question, and the Lodge a disservice.
Likewise with the speed in which we put a man into the chairs.
As you mention the practice of waiting at least a year between Degrees is common in Central and South America, and I think something we would do well to emulate. It would give a man the time needed to actually learn the lessons of the Degree he has received, before sending him along to the next.
Going along with that, proficiency should also be deeper. Memorization of the Posting Lectures is an excellent tool, but so would be requiring the crafting and delivery of a paper in which the candidate researches and explores what he learned in the Degree he received.
In that way, fully committed and well educated Masons would be created.
It might be slower, but a Lodge should ask itself:
Is it better to create a Master Mason quickly, in order to get him into the chairs, knowing that doing so causes both retention and attendance issues, or is it better to take a very long period of time in crafting that Master Mason, knowing that he will be fully committed to Masonry and well educated in Masonry when he finally does become a MM?
In my view, the second scenario is clearly preferable. It would in the short term slow the growth of a Lodge, but in the long term it would hasten it. It would also ensure that the man in question was given every single opportunity possible to realize the promise of Freemasonry.
I do know that we have at least one Lodge in the Washington Jurisdiction that does hold its candidates to such a schedule. More of our Lodges should consider doing the same.
George Washington received his 3 degrees in 9 months. I don't think some arbitrary waiting period is necessary.
I went through al my degrees within 5 months. I returned my proficiencies flawlessly but I can’t say that I learned a lot about Masonry in those five months.
Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.
Winston Churchill
I would heartily agree, "Masonry tells us that it hides its secrets behind veils.", To me the square and compass go well beyond just their changing position on the altar.
These two working tools to me are the fundamental foundation of Geometry. Their usefulness to a well informed Craftsman are amazing, The square can be used to draw a horizontal straight line. From a certain point in the center of that straight line the compasses can draw a point within a circle.
By using the diameter of that circle as the radius and placing the center point of the compasses on the two points where the circle intersects the straight line one can draw arcs above and below the circle. Drawing a straight line connecting the two points where these 4 arcs intersect will divide the circle into 4 equal parts, Each part being the forth part of the circle or 4 square converging on that certain point with the circle. or four 90 degree angles.
Drawing two straight lines connecting where the horizonal line intersects the circle and where the arcs intersect above the circle creates and equilateral triangle with each angle being 60 degrees alludes to the angle of the compasses on the Altar.
The radius of the circle will also divide the circle into six equal parts forming points for an equilateral triangle and hexagon and Star of David.
A perfect Pentagon ( 5 sides), Heptagon (7sides), Nonagon (9 sides), and 3.4 5 triangle can also be drawn with just a square and compass without a protractor or measurements from a ruler
Franklin as you point out not only does the square helps transcribe these lines I. The physical world but also in that ever connected world of man to each other. As we work to smooth out those rough edges of ourselves it makes us open to the connections of other we interact with. You live about 2 hours away from me but we have sat in lodge many times and have grown because of this connection. Now I would also add that I have connected with many brother around the world just because I have my sq&c ring on or a shirt. Without ever really knowing this brother the bond still exist and I would not have understood this had I not progressed through the degrees and was given time to truly taking their meeting. As the square and compass change their orientation through our degrees so does the roles of the person going through the degree.
I'm getting well off topic here, but since you mention it...
I've also had tremendous experiences just wearing the Square and Compass on my shirt, and on my ring. I always wear a Masonic shirt when casual, or a Masonic lapel pin when more formal, and a Masonic ring on one hand, a Scottish Rite band on the other.
Many times it has resulted in some great interactions.
The most interesting ever was in the dining room of the Hotel Gillow in Mexico City some years ago. I don't know why there were so many Masons in the restaurant that night, as none spoke English, but I was wearing a Masonic Polo Shirt, and my wife and I didn't pay for a single drink all evening. It was quite a wonderful experience, we couldn't talk with each other well, but we had wonderful fellowship despite that.
It has been my view that the Square represents the material part of man. While the Compass represents the spiritual part of man. That when this duality is joined together, it represents the whole of man.
From that, I view that as an EA, the man is composed of both the material and the spiritual, but that the material reigns supreme. Hence the Square above the Compass.
That by learning to subdue his passions, and improve himself in Masonry while he is an EA, by the time he becomes a FC, the material and spiritual parts of his being become more equal in their influence over him. Shown by the intertwined Square and Compass.
By continuing to learn and better himself while a FC, by the time he becomes an MM, his spiritual nature reigns supreme over his baser material nature and desires. The Compass now over the Square.
Of course all of this is symbolic, and changes do not generally happen so quickly within men, but I think it is symbolic of the Masonic journey whereby a good man works on himself to become a better man. Largely done through subduing his unruly passions and drives.
Just a few tidbits from Bro. Albert Pike for your consideration:
"The Square is a right angle, formed by two right lines. It is adapted only to a plane surface, and belongs only to geometry, earth measurement, that trigonometry which deals only with planes, and with the earth, which the ancients supposed to be a plane. The Compass describes circles, and deals with spherical trigonometry, the science of the spheres and heavens. The former, therefore, is an emblem of what concerns the earth, and the body; the latter of what concerns the heavens and the soul."
"The Compass, therefore, as the Symbol of the Heavens, represents the spiritual, intellectual, and moral portion of this double nature of Humanity; and the Square, as the Symbol of the Earth, its material, sensual, and baser portion."
"The Square and Compasses, like the sun and the moon, are symbols of dynamic equilibrium, representing the active and passive forces in nature. The square, which is used to measure the surface of the earth, symbolizes matter, while the compasses, used to trace the movement of stars, symbolizes spirit. As the compasses progressively advance over the square in the Three Degrees of the Blue Lodge, they represent the spiritual influences asserting themselves over man's material nature."
I like that... "symbols of dynamic equilibrium." For me, one of the ideas that arises from the contemplation of these symbols, is how anywhere you have the intersection of two principles a third condition arises (sometimes referred to as the law of the triangle).
To borrow an example from the writings of the Torah, "God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
In the above example we see this law demonstrated in that which we call "soul" (Will and emotions) arising from the intersection of the spiritual (intellect) and material (physical).
Spiritual, intellectual, and moral principles must find their expression in the mundane affairs of our daily material existence, otherwise they remain etherical and intangible. In the same way that the "G" finds expression within the field created by the intersection of the square and compasses, so too the tenants of Masonry must "progressively" find expression in our lives as we become better men through Masonry in body, soul, and spirit.