What is so special about Freemasonry? What are the meanings behind esoteric imagery? Why does it matter?
(above; Masonic Compass and Square Sigil)
These questions may have crossed your mind in the past; driving by grand lodges and even smaller temples, there is an air of mystery to the "uninitiated." And some may even disregard them as simply clubs for men.
While the latter point may be the most accurate in masonic practice today, the imagery and inherent patterns in the tradition paint a different story. Using a critical eye of discernment, one can easily see the connection to the ancient world, translating into beautiful Alchemical language being conveyed through the symbolism and tracing boards.
I figured it would be an appropriate place to start in my breaking down of symbols. I have family involved in freemasonry, and freemasonry is the most widely known and misunderstood tradition in a multitude of ways; by practitioners and those who cast judgement alike.
It is a method of conveying knowledge through symbol. Neutral information.
Referring to the image above, this is the main sigil of Freemason temples. This is a depiction of the human mind. Now, this may sound bizarre to those who do not have an understanding of archetypes in symbol, so allow me to break it down from the top-down.
The Compass is a mason's tool for measuring geometry and circumference, ruling over the square, it is the malleable and intelligent form of the human mind, relating to the neocortex. Feminine Energy, the womb.
The Square is a builders' tool for measuring and cutting right angles, in symbolic language, this translates to a human's ability to take hard instinctual action. In alignment with the compass of the conscious mind, it is balanced. This relates to the R-Complex. Masculine Energy, the phallis.
The "G" represents many different spells, some being: Goddess, God, Generation, Gnosis, Geometry, etc. This is the generated force of creation that comes into being, when the human mind, emotions and actions are aligned. This represents the heart in alignment with the will of creation. Love. Androgynous Energy, the outcome.
Also relating to the number 7, but this is a topic I will get into at a later date.
Compass-eye-on. Compassion.
Now, will you receive the same response from your average mason working at the bank? Of course not, this knowledge of self is what is being kept from humanity, en-masse. it is not wanted to be known that man is /god in the making, as Manly P. Hall so eloquently described. This is why these secrets are kept in high echelons of Freemasonry, Order of the Temple of the East, Rosicrucianism and many other holders of ancient knowledge.
This will be a series of posts over a period of time. I hope this gives the reader a good understanding of their main sigil.
Thank you for reading.
"The pious pretense that evil does not exist only makes it vague, enormous and menacing."
-Aleister Crowley
(bold letters are words of interest to study further.)