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"Freemasonry is a peculiar system
of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols".
All of us Masons are familiar with this definition of
Freemasonry. Every Entered Apprentice is required to
memorise it. Illustrating by means of symbols is a method
Freemasonry uses for imparting its teachings and its
philosophy to its adherents. Just why it does so, that
is a different story and may well be the subject of
a separate paper. Symbols constitute the language of
Freemasonry. For us Masons, therefore, it is very necessary
that we should learn that language, by which means alone
we shall be able to make our daily advancement in Masonic
knowledge.
Of Symbols there are many. Volumes
have been written on them. The three most important
of them are V.S.L., the Square and the Compasses. In
fact they are so important and they convey such a comprehensive
meaning that when you have understood them you have
understood the whole philosophy of Freemasonry. That
is why they are called the three great emblematical
lights in Freemasonry.
"... the three great though emblematical
lights in Freemasonry are the V.S.L., the Square and
the Compasses; the sacred writings are to rule and govern
our faith, the Square to regulate our actions and the
Compasses to keep us in due bounds with all mankind,
particularly our Brethren in Freemasonry". We Masons
are all very familiar with this expression; it is one
of the first lessons we are taught. Yet, how beautifully
vague it is; and purposely so, because Freemasonry expects
us to make our own studies and find out for ourselves
its "hidden mysteries".
The begin with, first let us understand
the meaning of the word Light in the Masonic sense.
As opposed to darkness, which means ignorance, light
means knowledge; it is knowledge of Freemasonry in general
and a knowledge of the G.A.O.T.U. in particular., Initiation
is sometimes called seeing the Light of Freemasonry,
which means gaining some knowledge about Freemasonry.
When the candidate expresses a desire for light, it
is not merely for that material light, which is to remove
a physical darkness, - that is only the outward form
which conceals the inward symbolism; he craves an intellectual
illumination which will dispel the darkness of mental
and moral ignorance and give him a spark of the spiritual
light or wisdom which is the great design of Freemasonry.
In Freemasonry Light is a symbol; it
is in fact the first important symbol in Freemasonry
that is presented to the Initiate and contains within
itself the very essence of Speculative Freemasonry.
Now, keeping in mind that meaning of
Light in its Masonic sense, let us have a closer lock
at the three emblematical lights, the V.S.L, the Square
and the Compasses.
The V.S.L. is a record of the Will
of God as revealed to man. It is called the Tracing
Board of the G.A.O.T.U. Therein He has laid down His
designs, His plans and specifications for our guidance.
We are expected to study them, abide by them and to
regulated all our actions by the Divine precepts contained
in the V.S.L.
Although the V.S.L. is always kept
open while we are at work, we never have an occasion
to read any of its contents. This is significant. Because,
after all, the V.S.L. itself is only a symbol, a symbol
of Truth, of Justice and of guidance. In other words,
it symbolises the very foundation and the guiding principle
of our whole being.
Our whole being, our personality, has
two aspects or elements, human and divine and these
are represented or symbolised by the square and the
compasses.
The square "is an instrument which
brings rude matter into due form". It is a symbol
of that moral law which an individual must observe in
order to be a fit member of a regularly organised society.
When a man builds a house he must observe the laws of
engineering, otherwise his structure will fall. If an
individual does not observe the moral laws in building
up his character, he will have a wretched life. Thus,
the square symbolises a moral character. A man who possesses
a high moral character is said to be "on the square".
The Compasses, on the other hand, figuratively
comprehending the higher or spiritual principles mentioned
in our ritual, are a symbol of the higher nature or
spiritual part of man. Or, to put it more plainly, are
symbolic of the Soul or Consciousness itself - the divine
element.
The Compasses have a wider significance,
too. As we are aware, the shape of our Lodge is oblong
square on surface, meaning the world, and in height
it extends to the sky which is a circle. By what instrument
do we draw a circle? The compasses, of course. The sky
represents the heavens. Therefore, Masonically speaking,
one point of the compasses is on the world and the other
on the heavens. This means that in all our labour and
love our aspiration and aim should be towards heaven,
that is, towards a Life Divine. Of this aspect of Masonry
the Compasses are the symbol and they are perhaps the
most important of Working Tools.
On the V.S.L. the Square rests upon
Compasses before the Compasses rest upon Square. Just
as a perfect square is a fight that can be drawn only
within or about a circle so the earthly element of a
man's life man and is built within the circle of Divine
I the Divine Laws always guiding, sustaining protecting
it. The two symbols, therefore, combination, typify
the being and life of in their entirety, - the Divine
element is unite with its vehicle the body. They are
never seprated though they change their positions importance
relatively to each other. These be supported by the
V.S.L., symbolise that man is not only dependent on
the Will and Pleasure of the G.A.O.T.U. as the basis
of all his life of his whole existence, - in fact he
does and cannot exist as a separate entity. The symbols
are kept continually before our eyes remind us of the
three most important aspect of our being, namely (1)
the existence and nature of Divine Laws and Plans which
goven all created beings, (2) the material nature our
being and (3) the spiritual nature of our being.
An Entered Apprentice is symbolically
a man in a crude, natural state, - the rough ashlar,
his divine life covered and ruled by his earthly nature.
To him his true self is in subjection and overlaid or
dominated by merely extent and material influences.
The Square, the lower nature, is above the Compasses,
the sprites nature. That Degree is of the nature of
preparation and improvement of the lower man means of
education. In the first Degree the and conduct as individuals,
as citizens, as members of society and as Freemasons,
are taught and insisted upon, in preparation for the
farther studies which will alter the whole structure
of his being.
If he is industries as he makes progrest,
will soon learn that his true self in allied nature
to some immortal and active principle which cannot long
remain confined by the physical or lower nature which
at present dominates it and that his true destiny points
towards something for higher.
In the Second Degree the Fellowcraft
discovers a change in the symbol. He is expected to
have reached a stage of development which stimulates
a desire for more Light. One aspect of the spiritual,
- one point of the Compasses, one ray of Light, is disclosed
to him. He sees a change, of relation between the square
and the compasses, that is, between his lower nature
and higher; but their position on the V.S. L. that is,
their relationship to the Divine, remains unchanged,
because it is unchangeable. He has now made one step
towards liberty and light, and the nobler elements in
him are struggling to rise above and control his lower,
lesser nature.
In the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason,
by industry and by love, by the discipline of tragedy
and still more by Divine guidance, the Divine in him
has subjugated the earthly and has rendered him strong
and fearless and ready to lead his own Life Divine.
The Compasses are now over the Square.
"You are now at liberty to work
with both those points in order to render the circle
of your masonic duties complete."
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