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.
I've tended to marvel at the apparent universality of many symbols. For example, as I mentioned, the prevalence of the Point Within A Circle carved throughout the ancient city north of current day Mexico City.
Also of interest, in Masonry the lesser lights are explained to symbolize the Sun, Moon, and Master of the Lodge. Arranged in a triangle, properly on three altar corners, so two are closer to each other than the third. Likewise the Pyramids of the Sun, Moon, and the Palace of Quetzalcoatl (not the better known Temple of Quetzolcoatl which is located elsewhere) are set in a very similar arrangement at Teotihuacan, and could be said to represent the same relationships.
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.
Thank you for providing this interpretation. I think it is equally interesting, and unique. Certainly utilizing this interpretation, the symbol can well serve the Masonic goal of continual striving towards self improvement.
Not mentioned, nor in Mackey, is the addition of the volume of sacred law at the top of the circle. In my view that is correct, for I think the VSL addition is a late and improper addition to the ancient symbol.
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 might suggest that they get to observe those members who are 'senior' in time served, giving a sense of belonging and 'place' in the lodge in terms of order. Until the obligation, the applicant has not seen the faces of the members. But why the unusual arrangement? At times it seems like fishermen casting nets from shore. Is it a sign we have 'captured' a point of consciousness that shares our innate motivations?
And what happened to the 'G-spot'? Does it not also contain a point withn a circle?
I was a little slow in understanding what you are alluding to. Sorry about that, but I think that what you are saying is that if we were to look down at the altar from above, while a candidate is being 'de-hoodwinked' (how's that for my own made up word!) the position of the people in the room would mirror the Point Within A Circle.
The Master, or The East at the top of the illustration.
There are certainly many implications that could be drawn from that.
I'd honestly never noticed that, although I think it is correct now that I've read your comments, so Thank You very much! I've learned something I think.
Hopefully I'm not misunderstanding you, if I am, I'm sorry.
I must however confess that I don't know what 'G-Spot' is in reference to? I'm unaware of that specific term being used outside of (to use Mackey's word) the Cteis.
Let's spend a moment in the moment. If you extend your arms, elbows at your sides, and place your hands facing another, will they appear as lines to you? Now with a change of perception, slide one hand under, whilst sliding the other, over. And remain silent. The degree of EA is about developing a mind, nearly mature, into his most valuable possession. Now if you look at the Bible, representing the Creator, the source of all 'things', you might think to trace a path down the left side as Involution; and continuing up to the right, evolution. So now if you stop exactly half-way up, and turn toward the center, you might encounter your Karmic Lesson, and draw a horizontal line from the center to the right side, well, here you are. And ahead of us all is this void., represented by removing a portion of the upper evolution. Now if you tear down the scaffolding of the parallel lines and 'dump' them straight down from your Karmic Lesson intersection as grist for the mill you have .... Gimbal, the balance between Heaven and Hell ?
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.
I've tended to marvel at the apparent universality of many symbols. For example, as I mentioned, the prevalence of the Point Within A Circle carved throughout the ancient city north of current day Mexico City.
Also of interest, in Masonry the lesser lights are explained to symbolize the Sun, Moon, and Master of the Lodge. Arranged in a triangle, properly on three altar corners, so two are closer to each other than the third. Likewise the Pyramids of the Sun, Moon, and the Palace of Quetzalcoatl (not the better known Temple of Quetzolcoatl which is located elsewhere) are set in a very similar arrangement at Teotihuacan, and could be said to represent the same relationships.
A good video of the site:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PibnTBi1rrQ&t=525s
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.
Thank you for providing this interpretation. I think it is equally interesting, and unique. Certainly utilizing this interpretation, the symbol can well serve the Masonic goal of continual striving towards self improvement.
Not mentioned, nor in Mackey, is the addition of the volume of sacred law at the top of the circle. In my view that is correct, for I think the VSL addition is a late and improper addition to the ancient symbol.
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 might suggest that they get to observe those members who are 'senior' in time served, giving a sense of belonging and 'place' in the lodge in terms of order. Until the obligation, the applicant has not seen the faces of the members. But why the unusual arrangement? At times it seems like fishermen casting nets from shore. Is it a sign we have 'captured' a point of consciousness that shares our innate motivations?
And what happened to the 'G-spot'? Does it not also contain a point withn a circle?
I was a little slow in understanding what you are alluding to. Sorry about that, but I think that what you are saying is that if we were to look down at the altar from above, while a candidate is being 'de-hoodwinked' (how's that for my own made up word!) the position of the people in the room would mirror the Point Within A Circle.
As illustrated here:
http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/glossary/images/slide_62_saints_john_the_baptist.jpg
The Master, or The East at the top of the illustration.
There are certainly many implications that could be drawn from that.
I'd honestly never noticed that, although I think it is correct now that I've read your comments, so Thank You very much! I've learned something I think.
Hopefully I'm not misunderstanding you, if I am, I'm sorry.
I must however confess that I don't know what 'G-Spot' is in reference to? I'm unaware of that specific term being used outside of (to use Mackey's word) the Cteis.
Let's spend a moment in the moment. If you extend your arms, elbows at your sides, and place your hands facing another, will they appear as lines to you? Now with a change of perception, slide one hand under, whilst sliding the other, over. And remain silent. The degree of EA is about developing a mind, nearly mature, into his most valuable possession. Now if you look at the Bible, representing the Creator, the source of all 'things', you might think to trace a path down the left side as Involution; and continuing up to the right, evolution. So now if you stop exactly half-way up, and turn toward the center, you might encounter your Karmic Lesson, and draw a horizontal line from the center to the right side, well, here you are. And ahead of us all is this void., represented by removing a portion of the upper evolution. Now if you tear down the scaffolding of the parallel lines and 'dump' them straight down from your Karmic Lesson intersection as grist for the mill you have .... Gimbal, the balance between Heaven and Hell ?
I suggest reading Plato's Socratic dialogue "The Timaeus" for a thorough discussion of this symbol from the Classical Greek perspective.