Azure Masada Lodge No. 22

Masonic Symbols

This is a page dedicated to the person who may be confused about what they hear regarding Masonry and it's
many symbols. The Masonic symbols and emblems are one of the most endearing things we have in Masonry
and have been chosen over the years carefully in order to communicate wise and serious truths. By
meditating on these symbols or in the process of going through life each day and seeing them in one way or
another we are reminded of these truths and our pledge to do good unto all mankind.

Another issue which has recently come up regarding these ancient symbols seems to stem from several
anti-Masonic persons who conclude (wrongly) that the Masonic symbols represent some kind of Satanic
worship or heathen activity. Nothing could be further from the Truth. Obviously, one can read anything they
want into a symbol. One person wrote me that Masons "worship" the Sun because we use it as a symbol. He
went on to claim that Sun worship was a heathen activity and added, for good measure, "...we all know who the
Angel of Light was...Lucifer!" This is plain nonsense! How long would any of us continue to be related to an
order if all this were true? Generally, these people and their organizations have been around a few years, at
the most. Masonry has existed in one form or another since the time of the pyramids.

Enjoy your tour through the symbols and be sure to email us if you have any questions.

The Square
The Square is one of the most recognized symbols of Masonry. It is probably one
of the most ancient building tools known to Man and was most definitely used in
the construction of the pyramids. Much has been written about this symbol and
it's name has come into our modern lexicon when we use the expression to
indicate truthfulness. I recently saw it used by EBay in it's "Square Trade" logo to
indicate good practices. This "T" square, at the left, was actually used by George
Washington to lay the cornerstone of the Capital Building.

The Compass
The compass was invented as a drafting tool by the ancient Egyptians and helped
lead to the production of many valuable monuments of antiquity. It was also used
to create charts for seafarers. As a Masonic symbol, it teaches us to
circumscribe our actions and reminds us to operate our lives within certain
defined or proscribed boundaries.

The Square and Compasses
There is no greater symbol of Masonry than the easily recognizable Square and Compasses. It reminds us to be
"square" and true to all mankind, while at the same time to limit our desires and "passions". The "G" in the
center refers to God or Deity, however the individual knows that Supreme Being. He is our center and defines
all we do.

The All-Seeing Eye
The All-Seeing Eye is simply a graphical way of communicating a means of understanding God. Reference is
made to Isaiah Chapter 6. There we read of beasts having many eyes looking in many directions and it is clear
from the symbolic context that these beasts are manifestations of God Himself. We are taught as Masons, that
God sees everything, even into our soul and our heart, so that even though our actions may be hidden from the
eyes of men, His eyes perceive what we do for good or ill.
It is interesting to note that many anti-masons point to this symbol on the back of a dollar bill and say that this is
evidence of a grand Masonic conspiracy. Again, this is nonsense. If the fraternity were secret, why would it
place a symbol like this on something so public? It is merely a very popular symbol from antiquity showing that
God looks out for us in every possible way.

The Plumb
The Plumb is very ancient and was used in the building of the pyramids. Essentially, it is a weight suspended by
a string. When held correctly, it shows whether a building is level perpendicuarly, that is, up and down. This is
critical in construction of a building to ensure that the edifice does not fall down. Masons use it's symbolism to
remind us to walk a pure and upright life and build our foundations strong and true.

The Level
Most everyone has heard the term being "on the level". That term is taken directly from Masonry where it
means just that. Just as the Masons level in building shows whether the construction is square and true and
level horizontally, we are expected to conduct our lives the same way and be "on the level" with all mankind. It
should be the hallmark of a Mason and be something that the public recognizes in him.

The Common Gavel
There are many names for this tool i.e. the gavel, the hammer, the setting maul, etc. Each has a slightly different
purpose in construction. Generally however, when the gavel or hammer comes down, it does so with force and
purpose. So it is with Masonic work. The gavel is the instrument of authority and one can readily see where
this has been used in the modern day. From courtrooms to assembly's of all kinds, the gavel, when struck, is
known as the symbol of the authority of the one wielding it. Now you know where it came from!

The Trowel
The trowel has been used since antiquity to spread cement by Masons and to "point" up their work. We still use
it today in modern construction. But the Mason is reminded that just as the operative mason spreads the
cement which binds the building together, we must strive daily to spread light and warmth in order to help bind
up those with afflictions or those less fortunate than ourselves. It also teaches us to bind our Fraternity
together.

The Sunburst
Believe it or not for a symbol that anti-masons say they see "everywhere" I had to spend hours trying to find this
picture on the internet. The sunburst in New Jersey Masonry is used on the apron of a Grand Master. It
symbolizes light and our desire as Masons to obtain it. The "light" we refer to is knowledge, knowledge of God,
knowledge of how to deal with our fellow man and knowledge of how to live with one another in peace and
harmony. We are what the Bible calls, "the children of light".

The Moon
The Moon is a reminder of reflected light. As Masons we are taught to search out the light, but become the
reflected light for others to see or learn by. The Moon governs the night and as it does, it reminds us that the
Sun, which stands for God himself, is still there although appearing to be hidden. The Moon is a reminder that
God and His light are everywhere.

The Great Seal of the United States of America
The anti-masons have claimed that the Great Seal is actually a Masonic symbol, proving
that Masons are in control of the country. As with all their other stories, this is nonsense.
Anyone with a computer and internet connection can find out the Truth, but it is here
presented to you to judge for yourself.

Creating the Great Seal of the United States was a collaborative effort by America's Founding Fathers beginning on July 4, 1776.
Finalized six years later on June 20, 1782, this unique combination of symbols and mottoes conveys their vision of America.

Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal on June 20, 1782 – the very same day that its secretary, Charles Thomson submitted
his recommendations. His report consists of a blazon and his "Remarks and Explanation."

NOTE: A blazon is the written description in heraldic terms that precisely describes the appearance of a seal. It is the starting point
for creating an accurate die or illustration of the Great Seal.

The Secretary of the United States in Congress assembled to whom were referred the several reports of committees on the device
for a great seal, to take order, reports

That the Device for an Armorial Achievement & Reverse of the great seal of the United States in Congress assembled is as follows.–

Arms
Paleways of thirteen pieces Argent and Gules: a Chief, Azure. The Escutcheon on the breast of the American bald Eagle displayed,
proper, holding in his dexter talon an Olive branch, and in his sinister a bundle of thirteen arrows, all proper, & in his beak a scroll,
inscribed with this Motto. "E pluribus unum".–

For the Crest
Over the head of the Eagle which appears above the Escutcheon, A Glory, Or, breaking through a cloud, proper, & surrounding
thirteen stars forming a Constellation, Argent, on an Azure field.–

Reverse
A Pyramid unfinished. In the Zenith an Eye in a triangle surrounded with a glory proper. Over the Eye these words "Annuit Coeptis".
On the base of the pyramid the numerical letters MDCCLXXVI & underneath the following motto. "novus ordo seclorum"

Remarks and Explanation
The Escutcheon is composed of the chief & pale, the two most honorable ordinaries. The Pieces, paly, represent the several states
all joined in one solid compact entire, supporting a Chief, which unites the whole & represents Congress. The Motto alludes to this
union. The pales in the arms are kept closely united by the chief and the Chief depends upon that union & the strength resulting
from it for its support, to denote the Confederacy of the United States of America & the preservation of their union through
Congress.

The colours of the pales are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red,
hardiness & valor, and Blue, the colour of the Chief signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice. The Olive branch and arrows denote
the power of peace & war which is exclusively vested in Congress. The Constellation denotes a new State taking its place and rank
among other sovereign powers. The Escutcheon is born on the breast of an American Eagle without any other supporters to denote
that the United States of America ought to rely on their own Virtue.–

Reverse. The pyramid signifies Strength and Duration: The Eye over it & the Motto allude to the many signal interpositions of
providence in favour of the American cause. The date underneath is that of the Declaration of Independence and the words under it
signify the beginning of the new American Æra, which commences from that date.–