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The symbolism of the square and compass.

By Eduardo Casas.

These implements are the most recognized symbols of Freemasonry. Their use has always been explained to the candidates during the ceremonies of initiation. However, few of us understand the meaning and significance of the position of these instruments in the three Blue Lodge degrees: When Lodge is open in the Entered Apprentice degree, both points of the compass support the square: In the Fellow Craft degree, one point of the compass is elevated above the square: Both points of the compass are supported by the square in the Master Mason degree. The position of the square and compass in the three degrees has a special meaning.

There are many interpretations about the position of the square and compass in the Blue Lodge degrees. In the Master Mason degree, both points of the compass are elevated above the square to symbolize that the Brother has been brought to light. But, why is this? Why not the other way around? That is, why not both points of the compass supporting the square symbolize light in Masonry in the Master Mason degree? Bro. H. L. Haywood, in his "Symbolical Masonry" gives the most beautiful explanation on the reason for why we position these tools in different ways in the three degrees. I will use this interpretation and expand on it.

Until approximately five hundred years, people thought that the earth and the sky (The Heavens) had different shapes. It was thought that the earth was flat. Not only was it thought to be flat, but it was also thought to be a four-sided square. The sky, on the other hand, was thought to be a dome because stars and moons travel in curved tracks. All domes have a circular shape. Therefore, the four-sided square and the circle were the primary shapes to describe the earth and the Heavens.

Two different instruments are needed to trace the primary shapes of heaven and earth. To trace a four-sided square, a square may be used. The compass is needed to trace a circle. The square and compass are the implements needed to trace the representative shapes of heaven and earth. In this sense, the square and compass have come to represent the earth and the heavens. In Masonry, the compass is always placed above the square. The position of the square and the compass in Masonry is representative of the heavens above and the earth beneath us.

The square and compass represent more than the heavens and the earth. Material possessions and spiritual beliefs have always been part of human nature. Material possessions are part of the mundane wants of man, while spiritual knowledge is part of the spirituality in human nature. In every person, the mundane or earthly elements are represented by the square, while the divine or spiritual elements are represented by the compass. This is, the compass and square are representative of Heaven or the divine, and earth or the mundane, respectively.

The position of the square and compass in the three degrees is representative of the struggle between the mundane and divine in every person. When a man is initiated in the Entered Apprentice degree, he is a natural man, with his earthly nature dominating or covering the spiritual. The representation of this in the Entered Apprentice is the square supported by the compass. In the Fellow Craft degree, the Brother is half way to achieve spirituality, so only one point of the compass is elevated above the square. In the Master Mason degree, spirituality has conquered the mundane in the man. This is represented in the degree by having both points of the compass elevated above the square.

The square and compass are representatives of the duality of life: Heaven and earth, day and night, good and evil, male and female, black and white. All coexist in harmony in nature. We, as Masons, must assure that we square our work and actions and we keep our needs and wants within the framework of humanity.