The Hand

Within operative Masonry the hand is a miraculous tool for creation and building. The hand is the instrument through which great art is painted, great statues are carved, great ideas traced upon the Trestle board of life, and history passed from one generation to the next. The ability to touch and feel, in the light as well as the dark, is a critical sense since we often must rely upon touch to survive and build.

It is easy to forget how the fingers may be both delicate to touch and strong to grip, unless one gently rubs a piece of silk, or firmly grasps a hammer. Watching a concert pianist on the stage or a master mason at work are both instances of seeing the hand in action. Dancing across the keyboard or moving cement to perfectly place stones, there is a flow in creation reflecting the best in man's effort to achieve and build.

There is the miracle of the thumb which allows a grip and separates man from most of the animals and beasts of the field. The common handshake becomes an expression of touch within humanity, while the various salutations are a part of many various cultures. The often used expressions of "give me a hand" or "I'll lend a hand" convey messages of need and support, especially within the Craft.

But it is within the speculative aspect of Freemasonry that the hand moves to higher meanings. Beyond the transfer of ideas into physical creations, the hand becomes a symbol of spiritual ideas and ideals. The left hand generally is the weaker and points to the weaker side of man, while the right hand and side are the stronger. Opposition of forces, good and evil, left and right, are to be understood and mastered if one is to build a spiritual Temple.

And so it is that the left hand should support the Light, while the right rests upon the Light for direction, and when Light is given, there is a grip that moves one onward and upward. When the left hand rests upon the Light, the right points toward greater understanding, there is a hand leading to more Light. Finally, when both hands rest upon the Light, true reliance upon a spiritual path is demonstrated and the hands following now offer rewards beyond this world.

Thus it is that we should reflect carefully upon our hands as tools of our livelihood, our creativity, or our profession, but more importantly use them to remind us each day that we are building a Temple through our lives. Our hands hold us together as Brothers through our bonds of support and reliance, and ultimately will allow us to be raised to the highest of heights and greatest of Lights. As Masons, that final grip and touch must be our constant goal.