User:Marc Kupper/Masonic Symbolism

Notice - WP:UP#OWN does not apply to this page. You are free to edit this page as though it were a mainspace article. --Marc Kupper|talk 05:55, 20 April 2010 (UTC)

This is a working document to see if an article about Masonic Symbolism is practical. Ideally, each of the symbols and interpretations documented here will be notable in their own right WP:NNC allows for non-notable content though WP:WEIGHT applies too.

Lead

A peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.

Mention tracing boards?

Historical:

• Symbols as mnemonic aids
• Evidence of early symbols (how early?... before the creation of Freemasonry?... then are they really "Masonic"?)

47th Problem of Euclid or the Pythagorean theorem

Main article: Pythagorean theorem

Ashlar

See Ashlar#Freemasonry (material is unsourced. Check for notability)

Rough ashlar ... smooth ashlar. (see if version where a stone is rough on one side and smooth on the other is notable.) (not notable... just rare)

Beehive

See Beehive#Beehive Symbolism (material is partially sourced)

Compass

Main article: Square and Compasses

Five-pointed star

Main article: Five-pointed star

Order of the Eastern Star version is mentioned in main article but not Freemasonry. (this is because it is not used in Freemasonry proper... only in Eastern Star)

Ladder

See Jacob's Ladder

The letter "G"

The letter "G" is frequently used inside the square and compass by English speaking lodges. The letter "G" is also displayed in a prominent location within many English speaking lodges. Freemasons define "G" as standing for God, Grand Architect of the Universe, and/or Geometry. Freemasonry requires that members believe in a deity and so "G" is used instead of spelling out "God" to avoid bias towards any specific religion. The letter "G" is also interpreted by Freemasons as a symbol for geometry. Stonemasons used geometry to help translate drawings or ideas into buildings and other structures. Geometry is also an important tool for exploring the world and universe around us. Thus, for Freemasons, the letter "G" connects to both the spiritual and physical world.

Handshake

Main article: Handshake

(I am not sure if this counts as "symbolism"... but if so, I would point to Secret handshake as a more appropriate article)

The number three

represent unity of earth wind and fire

Solomon's Temple

Solomon's Temple article does not discuss Masonic views.

Square

Main article: Square and Compasses

Trowel

See Trowel#Significance

Symbols incorrectly ascribed to Freemasonry

Goat

No, there is no actual goat anywhere in Freemasonry, a goat is not a Masonic emblem or symbol, nor is G.O.A.T. a Masonic term.

That said... When more than one candidate takes a degree, some lodges will choose to have one to act as an "exemplar" for parts of the ceremony (ie taking an active part in the rituals while the other candidates watch) ... this exemplar is often jokingly referred to as "the goat"... as in "scapegoat" (for more on this usage, see the third definition of "goat" at Wiktionary.) Similarly, there is a somewhat obsolete expression (rarely used today) that a candidate will "ride the goat" when he takes his third degree... this may refer to the "scapegoat" concept, but it is also a mild form of hazing (making the candidate think that he will be asked to do something embarrassing, such as ride a goat, during the degree)

All seeing eye

Discuss U.S. dollar and the eye over the pyramid. (already discussed at Eye of providence, as well as Great Seal of the United States)

Baphomet

Main article: Baphomet

References

• True Masonic Chart and Hieroglyphic Monitor by Jeremy Ladd Cross (1819) (contains illustrations that will be out of copyright and thus usable on Wikipedia) On Google Books.
• Freemason’s Monitor or Illustrations of Masonry by Thomas Smith Webb. On Google Books.
• Illustrations of masonry by William Preston (1772) On Google Books.