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Masonic Symbols
by Bro Steve Grant

The interpretation of a compass, a square, will speak to us of rectitude, something that must be observed universally by everyone who is a Mason. But that is only an example, if one wants a basic one, of all the existing symbols for the members of this Order, because there are many Masonic symbols that were forgotten over time.

For Masons of the present, these symbols are little known, because they were representative of a period that is now past, or because they are no longer necessary, to speak of ideas that were left behind by the passage of time.

Masons always left traces hidden in their art, that could only be interpreted by their peers. This form of dialogue is, almost, an actual language of the old Masons; the symbols of their tools, their ethical values, their ideals, everything, were shaped in paintings, sculptures and even their writings.

The Masonic symbols are in fact a syntax of their ideas and in it is the idea of perpetuating a message.

Symbols

Eagle: Strength and freedom: Emblematic figure in all the degrees of Masonry known by the name Philosophers of the High Grades, as a symbol of boldness, of investigation and genius.
Anchor: Hope:
Torch: Purifying fire and illumination
Ear of wheat: Birth and death
Mystical tie: Masons are considered united to each other by a sacred and inviolable bond of brotherly character. For that reason they are called Brothers of the Mystic Tie. Around all the lodges there appears, painted or carved, a chain like symbol of the union of all Masons that extends around the globe.
Caduceus: Wand of the messenger. Attribute of Hermes. Masonry uses it as one of the symbols of science and progress.
Column: Symbol of the union between heaven and earth, of firmness and the lifting force. The complete column, with base and capital, is related to the symbolic content of the tree of life. To decorate the columns: one this says of the act when the members of the lodge occupy their respective positions when they work at Masonic meetings. Thus when the Watchmen [Wardens] talk about the workers who take seats that are at both sides of the Lodge, they say the brothers who decorate the column of the North
Compass: Creative force and calculating intellectual activity.
Cup, Chalice: Frequent symbol of overflowing abundance.
Crown: Symbol of nobility. Emblem of Majesty, Power, Martyrdom, Glory and Triumph, figure of the Masonic rites.
Dolphin: Emblem of speed
Diana: Light and perfection
Dionysus: Bacchus, the grapevine.
Square: Symbol of Masonic rectitude
Sphinx: Emblem of Masonic work, that must be secret and hidden
Sword: Honor, conscience and protection of steel.
Star: Perfection.
Globe: Emblem of regularity and wisdom.
Pomegranates: United brotherhood. This fruit is one of the few that rot. The symbolic explanation of this is that among Masons there can be a bad one.
Hermes: Agility, rapidity and activity.
Lion: Emblem of hermetic art
Book: Symbol of wisdom.
Mandala: An object to help, by means of meditation, to union with the Divine.
Gavel (Mallet): Name used for the hammer that is the symbol of authority and is used both bythe Venerable one [Master] and Watchmen [Wardens], who by means of their blows direct the works of the brothers.
Rule: Emblem of perfection
Rose: Symbol of discretion, innocence and virtue, also a symbol of union.
Wheel: Progress