The Square and Compass

The most universal symbol associated with Freemasonry is the square and compass. Thousands of variations on this design have been produced through the centuries. Just this year, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania offered a new, alternative version of the square and compass, which is now used on our media and letterhead. Even the biggest Grand Lodge in the world, the United Grand Lodge of England, recently changed their use of the square and compass. But, why has this symbol become the one so predominantly used among Freemasons?

The square and compass is at the very heart of Masonic lessons. They are recognized as tools of the architect and builder, which Freemasons use to teach symbolic lessons. Commonly, the square is thought to enjoin a man to “act squarely,” meaning being true and honest to his fellow man. The compass is said to remind a man to keep himself in check and not to overindulge in life’s vices. By combining these two key lessons, Freemasonry encourages man to look at himself and keep these lessons in mind during his daily life.

The third part of the Masonic symbol is the letter “G.” Most interpret the use of this letter to stand for God, as a belief in a supreme being is a core tenant of Freemasonry (as mentioned in my last post). There is also a thought that the “G” stands for “Great Architect of the Universe,” a pseudonym Freemasons sometimes use for the supreme being, enabling Brothers of all faiths to come together for one common purpose. While it is common to see the logo with the letter “G” in America, outside of the United States, it is normally dropped, especially in areas where the common language isn’t English.

The square and compass is part of what makes Freemasonry so unique. A Brother can go anywhere in the world, see those symbols, and immediately know he has friends!