Illustrated by Symbols

Early in their Entered Apprentice preparation each initiate is told that "Freemasonry is … a beautiful and profound system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols". Purposes and means are outlined, concluding with the admonition that he will now go "as all others have done who have gone this way before him", and with this introduction, the initiate begins his journey seeking Masonic knowledge and Light.

In his mind there have to be many questions about the lessons of morality to be learned: What is an "allegory?", "Why the lessons taught through allegories? ", "What symbols?", and "Why symbols?". And so it is that his learning begins.

Webster's dictionary defines a symbol as "something that stands for, represents, or suggests another thing, especially an object used to represent something abstract". Throughout the ages symbols have been used in rites and ceremonies to convey messages and lessons. Before paper and writing, papyrus and hieroglyphics, cuneiform and clay, is found the use of symbols in rites, rituals, and ceremonies. Every primitive group first used symbols as they developed, and so it is that symbols are used for instructing the Mason. Each symbol in the Lodge holds a lesson and the various working tools demonstrate the qualities of moral concepts. The plumb is a symbol of upright conduct, the level of fraternal equality, and the square of respectful conduct toward all. To reflect upon the Masonic symbols about us is to reflect upon the lessons of being a true Mason.

To the ignorant and uneducated mind, symbols are the first step in learning. Like a child learning their first letters or numbers, "A" is "apple, "B" is "banana", and so on, the initiate must learn the language and beauty of Freemasonry. It took thousands of years to develop the alphabets and number representations we have today, but each of us, as a child, started from the darkness of ignorance and move toward knowledge, as all have done before us.

. In Freemasonry the lessons and mysteries all are communicated in symbolic form and we must look deeply for the meanings and the Light. Among our Brothers and in our Lodge we are surrounded by symbols and moral lessons. We must reflect upon them carefully, learn their morality, and build a happy spiritual life, as befits a Freemason.