Masonic Symbolism & Its Meanings

The Secret Meaning Of Freemasonry Symbols

One of the most prominent, and yet deceptive, aspects of Freemasonry is its symbolism. This imagery, like the teaching and practices of the Order, was inherited directly from the occult and is universally recognised. Its true significance is disguised beneath a thick veil of secrecy, mystery and deception; nevertheless, as we analyse the mystical nature of the symbolism employed within Freemasonry it is not difficult to recognise its occult origins.

Freemasonry is widely accepted as the largest and most influential occult body existing throughout the world today, and has inherited its imagery, known as esoteric (or occult) symbolism, directly from the fountainhead of the pagan ancient mysteries. Evangelical author of 'Christ the Christian and Freemasonry', and himself an Ulsterman, W.J. McK. McCormick states, "Whatever rite or symbol we examine in Masonry, in spite of protests well-meaning or otherwise, from those who have been deceived, we find that it derives its true origin and meaning from the Ancient Mysteries" (p. 94).

The Dualistic Nature of Masonic Symbols:

All occult symbolism is in fact dualistic in meaning or interpretation, in that, it has an exoteric or outward meaning (known to the masses) and an esoteric or hidden meaning (known only to the elect few). Occultist Fredrick Goodman in his book 'Magical Symbols' (p. 6) explains: The true magic symbol is an image which hides an inner meaning. This meaning is usually cunningly hidden behind a form which most people think they can understand immediately."
He further states that, "True magical symbols are 'disguises' for ideas, how their forms are so arranged as to provide a clue to some hidden meaning. The 'hidden meanings' are often very subtle, and an ability to recognise magical symbols must be developed by anyone who wishes to seek these out" (p. 11).
Christian authority on Freemasonry E.M. Storms, in his book 'Should a Christian be a Mason?' (p. 43) states, "Nowhere in Masonry is the 'brother' more cleverly deceived than in the presentation of its varied and ancient symbols. Most symbols are dualistic in nature and Masonic symbols are no exception. Behind all Masonic symbolism there is an undisclosed occult interpretation of which most Freemasons are ignorant."
The ironic fact is both evangelical and Masonic authorities are at complete agreement on the deceptive nature of secret society symbolism. The most authoritative Masonic writer ever, was held to be Albert Pike (1809-1891). He rose to Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the thirty-third degree (Mother council of the World) and Supreme Pontiff of Universal Freemasonry.

In his book 'Morals and Dogma' (accepted universally as 'the bible' of Freemasonry) Pike admits: "Masonry like all religions, all the Mysteries, Hermeticism and Alchemy, conceals its secrets from all except the Adepts and Sages, or the Elect and uses false explanations and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve to be misled; to conceal the Truth which it calls Light, from them, and to draw them away from it.

He further states, "The Blue Degrees are but the outer court or portico of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to the Initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them, but it is intended that he shall imagine he understands them" ('Final Notice' by Barry Smith pp. 328-329).
It is these dualistic symbols that disguise a hidden occult significance, and are in reality the devil's dirty imprints.

The Official Explanation On Freemasonry Logo:

We will begin with the symbol most commonly associated with Freemasonry. The Square, Compasses and Letter 'G'. Here we encounter the first problem. No individual can speak for Freemasonry, an individual may only express a personal view which may, or may not, be shared by other Freemasons. 

In the same way 'Freemasonry' does not impose meanings of its' symbols although many have obtained a general acceptance as to what they represent. In Scotland, however, Masonic symbolism is often different from that which pertains furth of the kingdom and the meaning of them several.

To return to the Square, Compasses and Letter 'G'. In many countries the Letter 'G' is taken to mean God, the Supreme Being, and whilst it is an interpretation held by many Freemasons it is not a universal view. There are some faiths which have an aversion to depicting the Supreme Being in any physical form whatsoever. For such individuals the Letter 'G' simply cannot stand for the God of their faith.

As Scottish Freemasonry does not impose the meaning of symbols (which would smack of dogma) on members, each individual is free to interpret them according to their own views.

Thus some take the Letter 'G' to represent GOODNESS, the essential goodness of Freemasonry and of humankind. Others argue that the letter 'G' stands for GEOMETRY the basis of the operative craft that gave birth to modern Freemasonry.

There is one Scottish Rosslyn Templar who argues vociferously that the Letter 'G' indicates GREEGRIMENT, an old Scots word meaning harmony or concord, and who are we to argue with such an appropriate interpretation?  There are other interpretations but these are, as far as we are aware, the three main ones, four if one includes the latter opinion. There are some countries, notably England, that no longer use the Letter 'G'.

 

THE ALL-SEEING EYE

Freemasonry employs a mystical eye in its imagery known throughout the occult world as "the all-seeing eye." This symbol which is shared with most false religions, cults and occult bodies today has always been used as a symbol of 'deity'. Occultist Fredrick Goodman explains that, "The eye plays a most important part in occult symbolism and probably owes its origin in western magical designs to the Eye of Horus, which was one of the most frequently used of Egyptian magical symbols" (Magical Symbols p. 101).

The Masonic third degree lecture teaches that the "All-Seeing Eye whom the Sun Moon and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even comets perform their stupendous revolutions, beholds the innermost recesses of the human heart, and will reward us according to our works" (Beyond The Light' p. 136).

Here, whilst addressing the subject of the all-seeing eye, Freemasonry once again outlines its erroneous teaching of 'salvation through an upright character and good works'. This is in complete violation of Scripture which teaches: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified" (Galatians 2:16).
The peculiar Masonic teaching that surrounds this esoteric symbol, not surprisingly, disguises an occult meaning. Evangelical author of 'Guardians of the Grail' J.R. Church states, "The symbol may represent a god, but it is not the God of the Bible. It is a human eye indicating that man is god. It represents so-called 'mind power', the ability to manipulate one's world with thought" (p. 165).
Occultist Fredrick Goodman writes that, "the eye relates to the 'God within' to the higher spiritual guardian who can 'see' the purpose of man's life, and in some mysterious way guide him" (Magical Symbols p. 101).
J.R. Church further points out that, "Many modern groups, though not related through organisation structure, nevertheless, claim to be offshoots of the original so-called Mystery Religion. They practice and believe the same so-called Secret Doctrine. Some organisations may even appear to be enemies, but their underlying philosophy is the same. They appear to be tributaries of the mainstream Babylonian philosophy. They all carry the same symbols, such as the All Seeing Eye, and believe in the same so-called Secret Doctrine." (p. 161) He also explains that "It is the symbol of the Illuminati, as well as the symbol of the Rosicrucians" (p. 165).

FIVE POINTED STAR

The five-pointed star, known as the pentagram, is probably the most blatant occult symbol in use today. Witches Janet and Stewart Farrar explain that the five-pointed star is "one of the main symbols of witchcraft and occultism in general" ('Hidden Secrets of the Eastern Star' p. 82). The star itself is known by different names throughout the occult world, such as a witch's foot, a goblin's cross, a wizard's star and the dog star. Wiccan witches use its five points to mystically represent the elements of nature, earth, fire, water, air and spirit.

This symbol is one of the most prominent emblems within Freemasonry, though its significance, like every symbol inherited from the occult, is concealed behind a smokescreen of secret society ambiguity.

The five-pointed star is found on most Masonic memorabilia and represents the blasphemous resurrection rite of the five points of fellowship, each point mystically symbolising a part of the resurrection act. First - Foot to foot. Second - Knee to knee. Third - Hand in hand. Fourth - Breast to breast. Fifth and last - Left hand behind back.
The symbol is normally seen within Masonry with the single point pointing upwards denoting its association with white witchcraft. However, like the Orange Order and Mormonism, Freemasonry uses the five-pointed star as an esoteric representation of the five points of fellowship - which is a blasphemous resurrection rite with these bodies.
In the 'Dictionary of Mysticism' by Frank Gaynor we learn that the five-pointed star "is considered by occultists to be the most potent means of conjuring spirits. When a single point of the star points upward, it is regarded as the sign of the good and a means to conjure benevolent spirits; when the single point points down and a pair of points are on top, it is a sign of the evil (Satan) and is used to conjure powers of evil" ('Hidden Secrets of the Eastern Star' p. 84).
Lewis Spence states in 'An Encyclopaedia of Occultism': "This symbol has been used by all secret and occult societies, by the Rosicrucians, the Illuminati, down to the Freemasons today" ('Should a Christian be a Mason?' p. 53).
The book of Acts tells us how the disobedient children of Israel brought such imagery into the camp and how God dealt with it: "Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon" (Acts 7:42-43).

SUN, MOON AND STARS

The sun, moon and stars, known in Scripture as the host of heaven, are found to be to the fore of Masonic imagery. These heathenish emblems, which have always been associated with Baal worship, are also found prominently displayed today within most New Age shops. It is not surprising to find such imagery spread widely throughout the occult world. Paganism has always showed its trinities in art by the sun (with a face) representing the male sun god, the moon (with a face) representing the moon goddess (or queen of heaven) and the all-seeing eye representing their offspring.

The children of Israel were often seen turning towards these objects of idolatry at times of great apostasy in Scripture. Such a time is revealed in II Kings 17:16, where "they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal."

OTHER MASONIC SYMBOLS & IMAGES

Albert Pike states within Morals and Dogma [page 631-32] that the Monad [#1] is male, and the Duad [#2] is female.  Their sexual union produces the Triad [#3], which is "represented by the letter 'G', the generative principle."  This term, "generative principle," is code for the sex act.

The lines of Washington D.C. intersect.

The point and the circle carries a sexual connotation.  Another Masonic author states that this symbol is used in Sun Worship, and then says: "The female principle, symbolized by the moon, assumed the form of a lunette [small circular opening], or crescent, while the male principle, symbolized by the sun, assumed the form of the lingam [Phallus] and placed himself erect in the center of the lunette, like the mast of a ship." ["Point Within A Circle," Short Talk Bulletin , August, 1931, Masonic Bulletin designed to read within the Lodges, p. 4]

Masonic author, R.H. MacKenzie, states that "among Egyptians, the base [of the triangle] represented Osiris, or the Male Principle; the perpendicular, Isis, or the Female Principle; and the hypotenuse, Horus, their son ..." [Kenneth R.H. MacKenzie, The Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia of History, Rites, Symbolism, and Biography , New York, J.W. Bouton, 1877, p. 743] Thus, you can see that the hypotenuse was conceived as a result of the sexual union of the base and the perpendicular. Within Masonic symbolism, the sex act is portrayed as the union of the perpendicular and the base.

Freemasonry uses many other esoteric symbols such as the 'blindfold,' the 'sword pointing to the heart,' a 'mystical ladder,' 'a coffin' and many more. All these symbols carry a hidden occult significance, which can only be comprehended by acquiring esoteric knowledge provided during ritual initiation. This teaching and imagery is common to all secret societies and is shared also with Mormonism and the New Age movement.

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