Symbolism

Freemasonry has fascinated the world for over three centuries, and certainly the most captivating aspect of the Craft is its iconic, colorful and complex symbolism.

The word symbol is from the Greek word sumbolon, which originally referred to a type of personal emblem that was broken in half. Only halves of the same original would ever really fit back together, thus authenticating those who possessed them to one another.

In Freemasonry, symbolism is used to convey profound meanings known only to the initiated. The symbols all point to the invisible "other half" of Masonry: its esoteric meaning.

"Tools and instruments ef architecture and symbolic emblems, most expressive, are selected by the Fraternity, to imprint on the mind wise and serious truths; and thus, through a succession of ages, are transmitted unimpaired the most excellent tenets of our ancient institution."

2° Monitor

A Personal Journey

While the interpretation of Masonic symbolism is up to each brother individually, the lodge can support this personal process if it so chooses. Casual discussion groups allow for members to bounce ideas off of one another and to share their own research and speculation. When a line of speculation has reached fruition in a paper, it can then be submitted to the Master of the lodge, who may elect to have the author present the paper formally to the lodge as an official address.

At Academia Lodge, it is our deeply held conviction that candidates and Master Masons should not be left "on their own" in their Masonic journeys. Masonry is not something that should be seriously considered only in one's reading chair at home.

"We cannot learn the message of a symbol with a merely passive and receptive mind, because it is of the genius of symbolism to hide as well as to reveal. When a thing is conveyed to us in clear, simple words, or in plain pictures, such as one sees in the movies, there is no need that one make a great effort of his own mind to comprehend it all; but when a symbol is put before us, and we have a reason for securing its message to us, our own minds must act, for no symbol wears its meaning on its sleeve. Its value for us is like gold hidden away in the mountain—the miner must dig for it. And that in itself is a virtue, because many men are cursed by the refusal to use their own faculties. They go through the whole of their lifes parroting other men's thoughts, and such a life is necessarily lacking in the pleasure of making mental discoveries, which is one of life's richest joys."

W∴ Bro. H.L. Haywood, 1921

"Treat not the allegory as a trivial thing, for by understanding allegory alone that one can understand the innermost secrets of the Law."

Song of Songs Rabbah 1:8

"Freemasonry is a complete system of symbolic teaching, and can be known, understood or appreciated only by those who study its symbolism, and make themselves fully acquainted with its occult meaning. To such, Freemasonry has a grand and sublime significance. Its symbols are moral, philosophical and religious, and all these are pregnant with great thoughts, and reveal to the intelligent Mason the awful mystery of life, and the still more awful mystery of death."

W. Bro. Robert Macoy