Everything You Need To Know About Freemason Symbols In One Place

If you walk through the main districts of most major cities in English speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, the US and the UK you will likely see a Freemason lodge and the symbolism decorating the doorway and other exterior features. 

Masonic lodges as well as decorative doorways and other exterior features can all be customized using the very popular custom neon to create your own unique signage, and the beautiful warm neon lights at night make these Masonic lodges signs even more charming. Custom neon lights are low energy and handmade, no heat, no noise.

Although many people may recognise the more memorable symbols of Freemasonry, they may not be familiar with the whole range of symbols and their meanings. These symbols are used on various memorabilia such as medals and awards, as well as jewelry with Masonic symbols. They can also be used on clothing and other accessories like gowns and hats. For clothing articles, custom patches are a very popular choice for creating masonic symbols, with multiple material options like embroidery, pvc and chenille. If you are looking to customize your patches with masonic symbols, have a look at UltraPatches. For those of you interested in learning more about the symbolism associated with Freemasonry, here is a list of the most well-known Masonic symbols and what they mean.

The Compasses and Square

Probably the most recognizable Freemason symbol, the square and compass are often seen above the doorway of lodges. Even though this is the most commonly viewed Masonic symbol you can read more on Freemasonry symbols in this article to discover the meaning behind the more obscure symbols. Each symbol represents slightly different values involved with Freemasonry but they generally focus on virtues such as learning, moral integrity and respect.  You can customize your collectible Freemasonry medals here. They have high quality and exquisite details and can be a reminder of how you should behave in the Lodge and in everyday life.

In the square and compass symbol, the square represents morality as every Freemason must square their actions with what is expected of them by mankind. Whilst, the compass represents the measurement of the ability to undertake actions within certain constraints. In essence, the square and compasses act to remind Freemasons that whatever action they are conducting should stay within moral boundaries. 

The All-Seeing Eye

Quite possibly the most iconic symbol in Freemasonry is the all-seeing eye, which is also called the Masonic Eye or the Eye of Providence. Of course, many people will be familiar with the all-seeing eye from looking closely at the front of a dollar bill. For Freemasons, the eye atop of a pyramid provides masons with a reminder that God is omnipresent and capable of knowing everyone’s actions and thoughts.

The Masonic Blazing Star

In Freemasonry, the blazing star symbol is used to express the importance of knowledge and how it can guide a member to the pinnacle of their journey to enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment. 

The Acacia Tree

An extraordinarily durable and hardy tree, the acacia has been symbolic of immortality since ancient times, for example, Hebrews once used it to decorate the graves of their loved ones. The immortality that the acacia tree represents aligns with the belief in the afterlife held by Freemasons. 

Masonic Altar

Unless you are a member of a Freemason lodge, you are unlikely to have seen a Masonic altar in person as lodges are known for privacy. The Masonic altar provides the place for communion and ceremonies to take place, it is also where lodges store their holy books. 

The Masonic Shoe

Otherwise known as the ‘blue slipper’, the Masonic shoe originates from an ancient way of confirming a verbal contract by removing one shoe and handing it over to the person you are agreeing with. In Masonic circles, the shoe stands as a symbolic confirmation that a member will do what they have agreed to and follow the values of Freemasonry. 

The Anchor 

The anchor is a common occurrence throughout Christian symbolism, however, it was adopted by the Freemason’s and typically carries the same semantics. The meaning behind the anchor is hope and peace in troubled times, for masons this entails following the teachings and values of Freemasonry even during tough times to ensure they live a life that is based on morality, optimism and peace. 

The Gavel 

The gavel represents two things in Freemasonry, the first is the authority of the member wielding it who is usually a more senior member of a lodge. They will use the gavel to keep order and punctuate sessions after a member speaks. 

The second thing the gavel represents is a tool used to remove the rough edges from a stone, this interpretation of a gavel serves to remind Freemason’s of their history as well as to encourage them to get rid of vices in their lives and focus on living a life that moral and pure. 

The Sheaf of Corn

The history and symbology related to the sheaf of corn date back to the times of King Solomon when masons were required to provide the king with corn as part of their tax. However, nowadays it is displayed at dedication ceremonies and used to represent charitable deeds and supporting others less fortunate. 

The Ark of the Covenant

In the Bible, the Ark of the Covenant represented God’s promise to David, and today Freemasons regard it as a representation of God’s forgiveness for any transgressions made by its members. 

Cable Tow

During Freemason ceremonies and meetings, a cable tow is attached to every Freemason’s robe to represent the promise they made to always help and serve his fellow lodge members as long as the length of their cable tow allows. The length of the rope in a member's cable tow is important as it provides a measure of how capable a member is at helping others. 

The Letter G

Often seen in the center of the square and compass symbols on metal railings outside of lodges, the letter G is considered to have a few different meanings. Some believe that it simply stands for ‘geometry’ or ‘God’ as both are important parts of Freemasonry. Other commentators claim that it stands for ‘Gnosis’ which relates to the knowledge of spiritual mysteries whilst others believe that in ancient Hebrew language the letter G had a numerical value of 3, a number often used in history to refer to God. 

The Beehive

For Freemasons, the beehive represents the value of working together to maintain a functioning, moral and stable society. 

The 47th Problem of Euclid

The 47th Problem of Euclid otherwise referred to as Pythagoras’  Theorem, is geometric as it translates to ‘squaring your square’ in Freemason symbolism. In terms of daily practice for lodge members, this equates to maintaining an orderly life and creating foundations for a better future. 

Some symbols of Freemasonry are familiar to many such as the square, compass and all-seeing eye, however, others are more obscure and the meaning and history behind them can be less clear. Either way, reading about Freemason symbology can help to explain some of the mystery behind the organization.