Freemasonry . No one knows what it is. No one knows how it was born. No one even knows if it really exists. Some theories say that the roots of Freemasonry date back to the construction of Solomon 's Temple . Others say it derives from the corporations or guilds of medieval masons. Still others say it has a direct lineage even from the Knights Templar . In any case, there are no documents proving the veracity of any of these theories. What is certain is that Freemasonry has always been spoken of as an initiatory and brotherly association with a moral basis, founded on a pact between free men. In short, everything and nothing. What we want to focus on is not the history of Freemasonry, as we would probably never finish it; but rather the entire symbolic universe that underlies it. We want to focus on the symbols of Freemasonry.
Square and compass
The most famous iconographic element of Masonic culture is undoubtedly the square and compass , basic and necessary symbols for creating stable and regular constructions. Thus, in Masonic symbolism, the square tends to represent matter, the concrete world . The square seeks to measure objective reality. At the same time, the compass represents the spirit, the mind, abstraction. Sometimes even subjective judgment. Thus, in other words, we could say that the square represents obligation, duty, the immutable norm; the compass, on the other hand, represents will and personal ability. Furthermore, the square and compass are often accompanied by the letter G. This symbol has no unanimous interpretation: in Italy, for example, the letter G is often indicated as the initial of the acronym GADU (Great Architect of the Universe) but also as a reference to geometry. In the Anglo-Saxon world, however, the reference should be to the word God.
Trowel
Another quintessential Masonic symbol is the trowel , the bricklayer's tool used to mix and spread mortar to join stones or bricks. In the world of Freemasonry, the trowel symbolizes charity , the desire to help others in need. It represents brotherly love which, like mortar, creates cohesion between the different stones.
Regolo
The ruler is a tool for comparing different quantities and for balancing proportions. Whatever scale is used, it refers to the need to establish constructive comparisons based on stable parameters and shared rules. Thus, in Masonic symbolism, the ruler signifies perfection and coherent, just, and balanced ways of acting. Furthermore, the ruler also represents the 24 hours that make up the day, part of which must be dedicated to thought while the other is spent working, resting, and helping those in need.
The columns
Columns represent height, strength, bearing capacity, and structural integrity. But they also represent stability and balance. In the world of Freemasonry, columns represent the cornerstones of a building and therefore symbolize solidity . Furthermore, columns have a very specific meaning in the initiation ceremonies of new adepts. Maximum importance is given to their very role as the foundation of the interior edifice that the initiate must design and build throughout his life.
Sun and Moon
Another symbol of Freemasonry is the Sun and the Moon . Generally, the Sun represents the masculine side, bringing light where darkness reigns and illuminating the intellect. At the same time, the Moon expresses the feminine side and represents darkness and the mutability of forms. Furthermore, the Moon also represents maternal care, manifested by its waxing and waning motion, regulating the rhythms of nature. Masonically, the Sun and Moon represent the alternation and balance of day and night, black and white, activity and rest, and the dialectic of opposites.
Acacia
The acacia is one of the Masonic elements with the most symbolic meaning. It represents hope and the continuation of life after death, and in the Masonic universe, it evokes the concept of immortality . The origin of this symbol is linked to the myth of Hiram , the architect of the Temple of Jerusalem. After his death, his assassins hid his body by burying it, but an acacia branch sprouted from his grave, revealing his presence and symbolizing his rebirth into a new life.
Delta
The Delta , also known as Solomon's Triangle, takes its name from the capital form of the third letter of the Greek alphabet . The Delta symbolizes the perfect geometry of the number three , which can be found in various philosophies. In the Christian religion, for example, it represents the Trinity, while in other contexts it appears as a symbol of divine perfection. As previously seen with the square and compass, the letter G often appears within the Delta , which lends itself to various interpretations (God, Geometry, Gnosis).
Zodiac
In Freemasonry, the zodiac is used as a symbolic system and has no divinatory or astrological character. Referring to Plato's concept of the zodiac as a " gate to heaven ," in Masonic temples the zodiac signs are represented at the top to indicate the variety of forms of the cosmos centered around the Earth. Furthermore, in the Masonic universe, the twelve signs of the zodiac represent the diverse characteristics of humanity.
Mallet and chisel
The mallet represents willpower , the iron determination to act for the good. The mallet is, in fact, the tool used to shape matter by acting upon it. The chisel , on the other hand, prefigures discernment , that is, the ability to distinguish the useful parts of the stone, essential to construction, from the useless ones. In Masonic symbolism, the combination of the two tools, mallet and chisel, that is, between willpower and the ability to discern, generates the progressive refinement of the work, that is, of the initiate's inner journey. Furthermore, the two tools signal the need to combine action and thought.
The pomegranate
The pomegranate is a fruit containing countless seeds. Each seed can be seen as a Freemason , unique in its singularity yet closely linked to its Brothers in one great family, whose prosperity is a direct consequence of this union. Since the function of the seed is to bear fruit, their abundance in the pomegranate also symbolizes the wish and desire of Masons worldwide to continue to proliferate. In Masonic iconography, the pomegranate is partially peeled to reveal its internal cohesion, while the covered part signifies the ability to defend one's ideals from profanity that might undermine them.
Plumb line and level
The plumb line symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth and the inner balance of each individual. The plumb line defines an ideally infinite vertical line that leads to perfection. The level signifies, on the one hand, the ability to build a frame of reference, and therefore spiritual enrichment; on the other, it symbolizes the common destiny of death, and admonishes humanity to prepare for the Great Leveler.
Rough stone and polished stone
The last Masonic symbol we will review is perhaps one of the most powerful in terms of its symbolic meaning. The stone symbolizes identification with the Mason himself, thus representing the work one must do on oneself to move from an imperfect state— the rough stone —to a higher one— the polished stone . In other words, the work of polishing the rough stone is equivalent to the work done on oneself. The ultimate purpose of the symbolism represented by the stone is to suggest that rough stone is unsuitable for the construction of stable buildings, as it combines poorly with adjacent stones. The result will therefore be disharmony and instability. The polished stone, on the other hand, blends perfectly with other similarly worked stones, bringing harmony and stability to the building. In Masonic symbolism, therefore , man works for the good and progress of humanity, first and foremost by continually and assiduously improving himself.
Dario Mastellone
