I was asked to consider having a discussion about the Point Within A Circle, a very ancient symbol, and a very important symbol within Freemasonry. So…
It will only take a few minutes, then let’s return here to discuss it. I am very much looking forward to reading your thoughts!
I will mention for your consideration that while I have read many Masonic texts that discuss the fact that this symbol was widely utilized in places like Egypt and India, I’ve never seen a Masonic text mention the fact that it was also used by the ancient people of the Americas. I have however seen with my own eyes it carved with great frequency on the structures of the ancient city of Teotihuacan.
Don’t forget that this upcoming Sunday evening we will be having our first Emeth gathering over Zoom! I’ll send the link information out for paid subscribers soon.
Well, this is certainly one of the more interesting topics I've seen out of masonic writing. Just goes to show that the founders of the fraternity would literally adopt just about any symbol to their own use.
A very interesting read. On first look you might consider the point within the circle, a brother staying within due bounds, to a rudimentary star chart of the sun and its different “positions” as it moves between the summer and winter solstices. The sun moves between the two parallel lines equally and on a “schedule” providing different amounts of light and warmth. The circle isn’t needed because the sun wouldn’t ever move out of the circle. If you substitute man for the sun, then you have a man traveling different paths of his life. Providing periods of greater light or enlightenment at times and at other times less light. The warmth of a brother’s company and conversation will always be present as long as the brother stays within due bounds or the right “orbit” of the circle.
Well, when a lodge is lucky to find 2 candidates who want to take the degrees together as a friendly competition, it sometime occurs with 2 degrees in one meeting. Between the degrees, the Master asks you to mentor the just obligated EA who has been returned to the lodge room to await watching his friend be obligated. So at the obligation, you guide your brand new charge to his place during the obligation. What explanation do you give him for the actions following that seem to involve the entire lodge?
Well, this is certainly one of the more interesting topics I've seen out of masonic writing. Just goes to show that the founders of the fraternity would literally adopt just about any symbol to their own use.
A very interesting read. On first look you might consider the point within the circle, a brother staying within due bounds, to a rudimentary star chart of the sun and its different “positions” as it moves between the summer and winter solstices. The sun moves between the two parallel lines equally and on a “schedule” providing different amounts of light and warmth. The circle isn’t needed because the sun wouldn’t ever move out of the circle. If you substitute man for the sun, then you have a man traveling different paths of his life. Providing periods of greater light or enlightenment at times and at other times less light. The warmth of a brother’s company and conversation will always be present as long as the brother stays within due bounds or the right “orbit” of the circle.
Well, when a lodge is lucky to find 2 candidates who want to take the degrees together as a friendly competition, it sometime occurs with 2 degrees in one meeting. Between the degrees, the Master asks you to mentor the just obligated EA who has been returned to the lodge room to await watching his friend be obligated. So at the obligation, you guide your brand new charge to his place during the obligation. What explanation do you give him for the actions following that seem to involve the entire lodge?
I suggest reading Plato's Socratic dialogue "The Timaeus" for a thorough discussion of this symbol from the Classical Greek perspective.