SYMBOLS

There is much significance found in symbols throughout history.

 Masons consider religion under Jewish law as deplorable:

 

MASONIC
	Acacia: Sacred wood known as Shittah in the Old Testament. The Ark of Covenant was made from this wood. Symbolizes immortality of the soul because it is an evergreen. The Acacia sprig symbolizes innocence and purity. During initiation, it represents resurrection to a future life.
	All Seeing Eye: Known as the Eye of Providence or the Masonic Eye and represents the Great Architect of the Universe (God) and that he is observing all deeds, actions, and human thoughts.
	Anchor and Ark: 3rd degree The anchor symbol of hope and peace against life challenges. The ark represents the journey of life well spent.They re;resent that divine ark and anchor which safely bears us over this tempestuous sea of troubles, and that anchor which shall safely moor us in a peaceful harbor, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary shall find rest.
	Anno Depositionis (A.D.) (In anno depositi): Royal/Select Masters or Cryptic Masons (York Rite who were Germans/Vikings) use this date which the Temple of Solomon was completed in 950 BCE. This means 'in the year of the Deposit' (from Deposition). The deposit is assumed to be the Ark of the Covenant and Moses ten tablets. Time is calculated by adding 1000 to the current date.
	Anno Inventionis (A.I.) (In anno Inventionis): Royal Arch Masons date/time from the year the second temple was commended by Zerubbabel translated as 'the discovery.' To calculate, add 530 to the current year.
	Anno Lucis (A.L.): Blue Lodge calendar begins with the creation of the world is called the 'year of the light.' Belief that the world began in 4,000 BCE with the Great Architect of the Universe and his utterance of 'Let there be light.' To derive, add 4,000 to current year.
	Anno Mundi (A.M.): Scottish Rite follow the pattern of craft (see Anno Lucis) instead using the Jewish Chronology which sets the date based upon the biblical accounts of the creation of the world. The formula is based on twelfth-century C.E. rabbinic estimates for the year of creation in the Hebrew calendar beginning at sunset of October 6, 3760 BCE. This creates a annual calculation of 3,760 + the given year to derive.
	Anno Ordinis (A.O) (In anno Ordinis): Knights Templar calendar began in 1,118 AD with the formation of the order and means 'in order' or 'in the year of the order.' To calculate, subtract 1,118 from the calculating year.
	Apron (Lambskin): Worn in ancient religions by religious leaders as an honorary badge. Worn to prevent clothes from staining and represents the importance of keeping oneself pure from moral vices and cleansing one's body and mind from all impurities. The apron is the badge of a Mason, more noble than a Roman Eagle and the Golden Fleece, which he carries with him into the next existence.
	Ark of Covenant: Constructed by Moses following God's command and made from acacia wood. Home to the two stone tablets containing the ten commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod. Used as a symbol of God's promise to David that he would rule forever and housed in Solomon's Temple.
	Ashlar (Rough and Perfect): Two types of Ashlars; rough and perfect. Each has a different meaning. Rough Ashlar is an unprepared stone and represents a Mason's life before enlightenment. Perfect Ashlar portrays a complete stone that has been molded by working tools; mallet, chisel, gavel. Symbol of members who undergone extensive teachings and living an upright life. No one is born a perfect stone and through teachings, education, and brotherly love, actions can be restricted within the circle.
	Beehive: Represents coming together to achieve a common goal, cooperation and industry. Works to receive wages to support himself and family and contribute to the distressed. The Egyptians used the bee as the symbol of an obedient people, because, says Horapollo, “of all insects, the bee alone had a king.” Bees were said to come from the carcass of a cow, which symbolized the ark, the father was esteemed an infernal god. Honey was used in funeral rites and in the Mysteries.
	Blazing Star: Represents God, the Most High who shines his light upon us and his omnipresent nature. It also represents the sun which shines its rays on earth giving everything life. It symbolizes the star of Bethlehem which guided the wise men and stands for prudence and wisdom. Also symbolizes God's unending forgiveness to human sins. Pike noted that the star in lodges represented Sirius, Anubis, or Mercury, and was 'an emblem of Divine Providence.' One of the three ornaments of the lodge.
	Broken Column: Represents the demise (fall) of Hiram Abiff, the chief architect, and the incomplete work of Solomon's Temple. The statue consists of a virgin weeping in front of a broken column. In one hand she holds a sprig of acacia and an urn in the other. Moral lessons on living virtual and upright lives. She is weeping over the death of the sun, slain by the wintery signs. Saturn assures her that Time will heal her sorrows, when the year has filled its circuit and she will triumph over the powers of darkness.
	Brotherly Love: The entire human species is one family, the high and the low, the rich and poor, who are all created by the Almighty Parent (God), and are to aid, support and protect each other.
	Cable Tow: Worn around a Mason's robe (with tassles). Used as strong rope for towing, tying together, and pulling. A visible symbol of a person's pledge to the craft and represents a vow that he will help a fellow brother to his full capability. The length represents how much he is willing to help.
	Cedar Tree: The Lebanese cedar from the Lebanon Mountains is a symbol of eternity. Cedar was used in the construction of the Temple of Jerusalem.
	Chamber of Reflection: Equivalent to the alchemical siphon, where the recipient experiences transmutation by the means of regulating recondite energies. The Profane must descend to the Infernos and must die first, in order to 'resuscitate' and attain the light of Initiation.
	Coffin: Associated with death. Displayed next to a sprig of acacia with a five-pointed star carved on the side symbolizes the death of a Mason's previous life, before engaging in Masonic duties.
	Compass (and Square): Stonemason's guild represents morality and the Golden Rule. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. Conscience testing the rightness of actions. Ability to set boundaries around desires and passion. Ability to exert self-control, which is the basis of morality and wisdom and represents self-restraint. Also represents the umbilical cord and when it is cut it is replaced by unconditional love. An emblem that describes circles and deals with spherical trigonometry, the science of the spheres (earth) and heavens (soul).
	Covering of a Lodge: Star-decked heaven where all good Masons expect to arrive by the aid of Jacob's ladder. Faith, Hope and Charity.
	Ear of Corn: Ear of corn has been sometimes displaced by a sheaf of wheat. This was done under the mistaken idea that corn refers only to Indian maize, which was unknown to the ancients. But corn is a generic word, and includes wheat and every other kind of grain. This is its legitimate English meaning, and hence an ear of corn, which is an old expression, and the right one, would denote a stalk, but not a sheaf of wheat. From Mackley’s Encyclopedia.
	Euclid (47th Problem): Known as the 47th Proposition or the Pythagorean Theorem which originated from Euclid, the father of geometry. The mathematical representaion of the symbol is in the ration 3:4:5. Strong foundations in construction.
	Faith: First ruling in the theological ladder, defined as 'the evidence of the qualities of the things not seen' essential to the qualification of a candidate.
	Gavel: Used for shaping stones. Serves as a reminder to remain morally pure and separate from societal vices. Masons view themselves as living stones that can be shaped by breaking rough edges to live a life pleasing to our creator. In the lodge, the gavel is a figure of authority to maintain order in proceedings.
	Globes: Used as maps to distinguish the outer parts and fixed stars in order to explain the phenomena arising from the annual revolution of the earth around the sun and its diurnal rotation on its own axis. Shows due reverence for the Deity and His works and to encourage the studies of astronomy, geography, navigation, and the arts, which benefit society so much.
	Gloves: Symbolizes work of the hands and that works should be as spotless as the gloves. Denotes purity of life.
	Great Work: The quest for knowledge that ends in wisdom.
	Hourglass: 3rd degree Signifies time and death. Time is moving forward and nothing can reverse the movement of the sand. Everyone is equal regardless of their position in life.
	Incense: The Pot of Incense is an emblem of a pure heart, which is always an acceptable sacrifice to the Deity; and, as this glows with fervent heat.
	Jacob's Ladder: A ladder is seen resting at the bottom on the earth, its top in the clouds, the stars shining above it; and this is deemed to represent that mystic ladder, which Jacob saw in his dream, set up on the earth, and the top of it reaching to Heaven, with the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
	Labor/Industry: Working shows respect and appreciation to God. To perform well-assigned tasks is a man's highest duty and labor should give a person the greatest happiness and internal satisfaction.
	Level: The level is to lay levels and prove horizontals. Symbolizes equality although we all have diffferent abilities, gifts and skills.
	Light: Represents truth and knowledge and is not material.
	Masonic Keystone: Eight engraved letters (HTWSSTKS) which stands for 'Hiram The Widow's Son Sent To King Solomon.' “The stone placed in the center of an arch which preserves the others in their places, and secures firmness and stability to the arch. The master architect would sign his name on the stone and plays an important part in the legend of the Royal Arch Degree.
	Masonic Pavement (black/white): Mosaic pattern most recognized symbol of the fraternity and was used in Solomon's Temple. Represents a bond uniting all members. Also a symbol of care and providence and a pillar of comfort and blessings which shows members the importance of relying on the Divine Providence of God.
	Masonic Pencil: Used for sketching and marking layouts during construction. The lead mason envisions the building and the blueprint guides the worker. God is the artist and we are the workmen. A reminder that God notes all actions and we will be judged according to our doings.
	Masonic Shoe: Also known as the Blue slipper indicating the value the color blue holds in masonry. It means different things according to different degrees such as; removal of shoes in holy place. Moses was commanded to take off his shoes when he saw the burning bush.
	Moon: Recognized as a less powerful light and the light from the East side of the moon is devoted to the master of the lodge. Alchemical rebirth.
	Mystic Tie: That sacred bond which unites men of the most discordant opinions into one band of brothers, which gives but one language to men of all nations and one altar to men of all religions, is properly, from the mysterious influence it exerts, denominated the mystic tie; and Freemasons, because they alone are under its influence, or enjoy its benefits, are called “Brethren of the Mystic Tie.”.
	North East Corner: The youngest apprentice is made to stand in the Northeast corner and the position shows 'new life' in the order. North is a place of dark and East is a place of light.
	Order Out of Chaos (Ordo Ab Chao): And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:3-4).
	Points within a Circle (Holy Saints John): Some representations of the symbol have letter B on the right side and E on the left. The point within a circle is linked to St. John the Baptist (B) and St. John the Evangelist (E), both essential Masonic saints. The black dot represents an individual Mason. The circumscribed circle stands for a boundary between a member's obligation to God and men. A Mason should be restricted within the circle and shouldn't let personal desires, passion, interests, lead astray. Individually strong, together they stand as a harnessed focus of zeal and knowledge.
	Ruffians: Conspiracy of the three assassins, spiritual signification, three winter months that destroy the life giving heat of the sun.
	Sheaf of Corn, Wine and Oil: Corn was used by laborers in King Solomon's day to pay taxes. Masters would receive a sheaf of corn, wine and oil as payment. Symbolizes the benefits of our sweat and rewards earned and the importance of charitable activities. After the harvest, the leftovers were left in the field for widows and orphans.
	Solomon's Temple: One of the most significant structures in the Bible and Masonry traces its origin to the institution and was conceived as a secret society by King Solomon during construction of the temple. The layout of the lodge represents the temple.  Hiram Abiff (the Widow's son), a Canaanite, was the chief architect and was killed for refusing to surrender the secret Masonic passwords therefore he is held as a symbol of loyalty.
	Speculative Masonry: Learn to subdue the passions, act upon the Square, keep a tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, and practice charity.
	Scythe: Often shown with the hourglass and represents the Angel of Death and the Grim Reaper. An emblem of destruction of institutions and symbolizes the end of our time on earth. Also stands for immortality.
	Tetragrammaton: In its simplest terms, it is the ineffable name of God.
	Three Pillars: Symbolic significance of the Three Pillars as did the ancient Hindus–the Three Supporting Pillars of the Lodge are, considered as a group, the symbol of Him Whose Wisdom contrived the World, Whose Strength supports the World, Whose Beauty adorns the World-Deity.
	Three Muses (Faith, Hope and Charity): The three muses represent Faith in God, Hope in Immortality, and Charity to all mankind.
	Trestle (Tracing) Board: Typical framework made of three vertical, horizontal, and slanted crosspieces and were designed for a master craftsman to outline their plans, similar to a blueprint. It represents an ideal, an a plan for life, or a blueprint to improve current conditions.
	Truth: Divine attribute and the foundation of every virtue.
	Twenty-Four Inch Gauge: Represents 24 hours in a day with three equal parts of 8 hours (1/3 for work, 1/3 for serving God, 1/3 for sleep and refreshment.
	Two-Headed Eagle: Originated in ancient Mesopotamia and was a representation of multi-headed (polysepalous) beasts that were written about in legends and myths. Two bodies merging into one, also known as the 'Eagle of Lagash' from the Sumerian city of Lagash. Symbol of the thirty-third degree of the Scottish Rite and represents a completed alchemical process, reconciliation between matter and spirit.
	Two Masonic Pillars: At the entrance of every lodge. In the Bible, known as Boaz and Jachin from Solomon's Temple. Symbolizes opposite pairs (good and evil, dark and light, man and woman, outside and in). It also represents life and death for rebirth.
	Trowel: Symbol of master workman and spreading brotherly love with the craft. Love is the trowel and affection is the cement. Brotherly love refers to resilience a person has built by restricting personal desires and passions in order to create peace and harmony and is shared with everyone.
	Volume of the Sacred Law: Book of Law is composed of the Old and New Testaments; in a country where Judaism was the prevailing faith, the Old Testament alone would be sufficient; and in Islam countries, and among Mohammedan Masons the Koran might be substituted. Masonry does not attempt to interfere with the peculiar religious faith of its disciples, except so far as relates to the belief in the existence of God, and what necessarily results from that belief.”
	Working Tools: Ancient Craft Masonry, not used in the higher Degrees, are the Twenty-four-inch Gage, Common Gavel, Square, Level, Plumb, Skirret, Compasses, Pencil, Trowel, Mallet, Pickax, Crow, and Shovel.
EGYPTIAN
	Ankh: A sign of life that indicated power to give and take away life. It was not allowed to be carried by ordinary Egyptians. It is an attribute of the gods, and is handed to the king who would bless the dead pharaoh to ensure his immortality.
	Baboon: Closely associated with Thoth, the god of wisdom, science, and measurement. The baboon was Thoth's sacred animal, often depicted with scribes during their work. As Thoth was a god of the moon, his baboons were often shown wearing the crescent moon on their head.
	Bennu (Benu) Bird: The Phoenix (Greek) bird is an ancient Egyptian deity linked with the sun, creation, and rebirth and means 'Oniris appears.' According to Egyptian mythology, the Bennu was a self-created being. The Egyptian meaning of the Bennu is ‘palm tree‘ and also ‘purple heron’. This bird is clearly associated with the Phoenix and its legend is associated with the Bennu. The Bennu bird has red and golden plumage and is the sacred bird of Heliopolis, one of the oldest cities of ancient Egypt.
	Crocodile: Sobek was the Egyptian crocodile god of strength and power. He was also and patron of the Egyptian army and royal warriors.
	Crook and Flail: Carried by Egyptian Pharaohs in important state ceremonies such as coronations of the pharaohs and were emblems of crops and livestock. They belonged to a minor agricultural deity, Anedijti, but were later adopted by followers of god Osiris and became emblems for moon gods.
	Eye of Horus: It was one of the most important symbols in ancient Egypt. It is often seen as an amulet in the form of "wedjat-eye." . The sun and the moon were considered he eyes of the god Horus. It was written that “when he opens his eyes he fills the universe with light and when he shuts them darkness appears”. The name Osiris means “place of the eye.” Tthe left-hand side of a coffin was decorated with a pair of eyes so the deceased could see their way to heaven.
	Eye of Ra: Functions as an extension of the sun god Ra's power, equated with the disk of the sun, but it often behaves as an independent goddess, a feminine counterpart to Ra and a violent force that subdues his enemies.
	Falcon: As the embodiment of Horus, the falcon wears a double crown. When the falcon represents the Egyptian god Ra, he wears a disk on his head. He could see all because one eye was the sun and the other was the moon.
	Lotus: The blue lotus was the sacred flower of Hathor, the cow goddess of magic, fertility, and healing, representing her powers of healing and regeneration and means creation and rebirth. The Egyptian Lotus is considered a symbol of Upper Egypt but is also associated with Heliopolis, in Lower Egypt. The lotus was also closely related to funeral ceremonies and the cult of Osiris.
	Scarab Beetle: The sacred beetle was an image of self-creation since the Egyptians believed that the beetle came into being of itself from a ball of dung, which in fact only served to protect the eggs and larva.
	Sphinx: Body of a lion and head of a woman. A beast of the sun god and symbolized the king's role as the son of Ra and indicated royalty. The Egyptian sphinx was viewed as benevolent, a guardian, while the Greek sphinx was malevolent towards people.
	Uraeus: The first uraeus, serpent, was created by the goddess Isis who formed it from the dust of the earth and the spittle of the sun-god. The uraeus was the instrument with which Isis gained the throne of Egypt for her husband Osiris. The king wore on a diadem or during the Middle Kingdom, on his crown, and this conveyed legitimacy to the ruler and was represented by a rearing cobra with an inflated hood.
	'Was' Sceptre: A long staff was depicted with many Egyptian gods and goddesses and that it had magical divine powers. The 'Was' symbolized power and was associated with the gods - Seth or Anubis - and with the pharaoh.
ANIMAL / TOTEMS
	Bull: Phlegmatic humor, calm, unemotional.
	Camel: Patience, strength and perseverence. Resilient and adaptable.
	Cat: Choleric humor, cruel, easily angered, feminine.
	Dogs: Symbolizes unconditional love, perserverance, loyalty, trust, family, companionship. - Celtics believed dogs escorted them to the underworld at death, kept them safe, and took them to their new life. - Bible doesn’t praise dogs as the rest of the world does and treats dogs as wild and unclean animals associated with negativity. However, the Bible does symbolize dogs for compassion and healing. - Buddhists believe that despite the differences between humans and dogs, if dead dogs are provided with respectful funeral rites, blessings, and prayers, they have the ability to reincarnate as a higher life form. - In Renaissance paintings large dogs symbolize loyalty and sometimes status. Small dogs are often shown on women's laps and symbolize fidelity and loyalty to their husband's.
	Dragonfly: Symbolizes rebirth.
	Dove: Symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Peace.
	Elk: Melancholic humor, despondent, sleepless, irritable.
	Ermine: Symbolizes fidelity and royalty and sometimes pregnancy. Otherwise known as a stoat or a weasel, an ermine’s coat turns brown in the summer but its winter coat is pure white with a tip of its tail black. For centuries it was the exclusive fur for royal robes of majesty representing moral purity.
	Goose: Both good (abundance and good fortune) and bad (goose-stepping). Bravery, aggression, compassion, protectiveness, love, loyalty, and devotion. Synchronicity (to guide a flock).
	Hawk: Message from divinity, all-seeing, big picture and small picture.
	Mountain Goat: Lust and damnation.
	Mouse: Male weakness.
	Parrot: Salvation, antidote to the serpent.
	Rabbit: Sanquine humor, sensual, courageous, hopeful.
	Serpent: Sometimes evil.
	Spider: Spiders can be a symbol of death because they are often associated with dark, hidden places. They can signify an ending. Symbol of transformation, change, strength, web spinning, and creativity. There are many different meanings of spider in religion. In Christianity, spiders are seen as a creature that is to be feared. In Islam, Spider is seen as a creature that is helpful and can be used for good. In Hinduism, Spiders are seen as a sacred creature that is to be worshiped.
SPIRITUAL / OCCULT
	Athamé/Sword: A ceremonial blade (not for physical cutting) used in ceremonial magic traditions, and by other neopagans, witchcraft, as well as satanic traditions. A black-handled knife called an arthamé appears in certain versions of the Key of Solomon. The athame stands as one of the four elemental tools in modern occultism, traditionally standing for fire (sword), for witches, and air (wand), for ceremonial magicians.
	Colors: - Blue was one of the most expensive colors to create and was reserved for very important people and was often used to indicate the Virgin. She’s often easy to spot in her blue and red gown. - Red can be a symbol of power and authority but it can also relate to sin. - Purple was usually related to royalty and was popularized by the Medici family. - Green was associated with youth. - Yellow was reserved for more lowly statuses.
	Curls: - Symbol of divine connection and spiritual power. - Painters often depicted curls to signify power, wisdom, and divinity. - Ancient curly hairstyles, seen in Egyptian art, show that curls were worn by the elite, signifying status and wealth. - The Greeks, too, revered curls, with their gods often depicted possessing thick, curly manes. - During the Renaissance, curls were seen as a symbol of beauty and nobility. - Orthodox Jews wear sidecurls because they are not allowed to 'round the corners of their hair.'
	Duality: Dual nature of the universe, such as good and evil, positive and negative, masculine and feminine, and projection and reception. It also symbolizes the dual nature of magic or the purpose it is used for, i.e., protection and attack, healing and destruction, or good or evil.
	Eight Auspicious Symbols: Tibetan Buddhism shows the offerings made to the Shakyamuni Buddha when he achieved enlightenment. Endless knot, two golden fishes, a white parasol, a victorious banner, a golden wheel, a lotus flower, a wish-fulfilling treasure vase, and a conch shell. The endless knot is one of the most famous symbols in Tibetan Buddhism and is often on its own.
	Elemental Tools: There are four elemental tools in modern occultism; the wand (fire), the athamé/sword (air), the pentacle (earth), and the cup/chalice (water). These four tools/weapons are used in several myths and magical practices and are also represented in Tarot cards. At times, they will have different purposes; athamé is used as an elemental tool whereas the sword is used for power. A double-edged blade shows the dual nature of the universe.
	Endless Knot: The endless knot is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols in Tibetan Buddhism and is often on its own.
	Four Temperaments/Humors: Phlegmatic, sanquine, melanholic, choleric, and the idea that all humans possessed all four humors.  Aligns with Carl Jung's ideas about the four personality types and how personality and ailments are determined by a person's predominant humor. Often represented by four different animals in artwork.
	Grimoire: Spellbook, book of spells, grammar (spelling). Can contain both good (white magic) and bad (black magic).
	Key of Solomon: A grimoire (spellbook) dating to the Renaissance.
	Juniper: Regarded a symbol of female virtue. Purification, protection, strength, renewal. Coals of Juniper comes from the White Broom (small white flowers), a desert tree, which is refered to in the Bible. It is used for firewood and to make charcoal. It burns with a loud crack and was said to be burning in the Garden of Gehtsemane when Jesus Christ was arrested by the Romans.
	Iconography:  People are identified by the items that they hold or accommodate them. Most often associated with saints and their martyrdom which allows continuity from painting to painting and artist to artist. For example, Saint Peter carries keys symbolising the Keys to Heaven , Saint Thomas is usually shown putting two fingers into Christ’s side, Saint Mark is pictured with a lion, Saint John with an eagle.
	Laurel: An aromatic evergreen shrub related to the bay tree. Success and wealth. The laurel wreath is a symbol of victory, power, fame, healing, and divination. Laurel sprig symbolizes chastity.
	Magic Circle: The ritual drawing of the boundary of the magic circle, known as "casting the circle" in traditional coven practice is usually done with either a ritual sword or an athame.
	Palm Branch: Signifies moral virtue.
	Pumpkin: Sign of abundance and that you will get more than you expect. They also stand for potential as well as generosity and gratitude. Symbolically they stand for prosperity, security and stability. White (ghost) pumpkins are more rare and are used for remembrance.
	Praying Mantis: Stands for courage and persistence, guide for those who need direction. Patience, mindfulness, bravery, female power, transformation. In the Bible means angels are watching over you. Calm, patient, and have the power and focus to manage their emotions even in the most chaotic times.
	Purple: The color purple represents royalty.
BODY PARTS
	Arm: The arm is a symbol of strength. Denotes influence, power, means of support or conquest. Embracing life experiences.
	Foot: The foot was often adopted as the symbol of swiftness.
	Hand: The hand is a symbol of fidelity.
	Head: Signifies wisdom, leadership, knowledge and divine power. Considered the most sacred part of the body. It is located in the highest part of the body. In many myths, the head is a sacred object that is sacrificed, hunted, preserved or venerated.
	Heart:
MYTHOLOGY
	Nine Worthies: 3 Jewish, 3 Christian, 3 Pagan.
	Pandora's Box: In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first human woman created by the gods. Zeus ordered her to be formed out of earth (clay) as part of humanity’s punishment for Prometheus’ theft of the secret of fire. The gods gave Pandora a jar that contained all the evils of the World and ordered her not to open it but her curiousity got the best of her. She unleashed all the evil into the world and closed the lid leaving hope inside the box (jar).