Emblems of Freemasonry With the formation of the many Grand Lodges over the last 300 years, various “emblems” have become widely used in the rituals and traditions. Some are common to all, others are peculiar to our Constitution, whilst others have become discarded as rituals evolved into their present forms. By Wor Bro Raymond Franks
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ll emblems have a practical meaning and a symbolised reference peculiar to the degree in which they are used. I will attempt to mention various Emblems I have encountered including those depicted on our Tracing Board, without encroaching on their symbolic usages, rather in a hope of expanding the inquisitive minds of the Brethren to visit Lodges of our own and Sister Constitutions. To discover answers to many questions can be most fulfilling, rewarding and awaken our Masonic curiosity. Tracing Board It is a most informative emblem with its many symbols which have evolved into their present forms. It can be a single device collectively for the three craft degrees or three single devices, one for each degree. In the Operative Lodges of old, the Overseers (Foremen) traced the work to be undertaken in a specially prepared sand area, which was smooth and clean. Once the work was complete the “Trace” was erased and a new trace was made
for the next day’s work. Today’s tracing boards are still used for instructional purposes, laying out the path through the degrees for the initiates, step by step, with a view of increasing their understanding of that degree as more is revealed. The Lodge It is positioned from East to West and North to South thereby indicating the universality of Freemasonry. The Sacred Symbol The Sacred Symbol which is found in all Lodges alludes to the “G” the “G.A.O.T.U.” whose all seeing eye is upon man wherever he is. In some Lodges the “Tetragrammaton” is used. The Ashlars and Lewis These are also known as the Rough and Cubic stones. Referring back to operative Masonry, the Rough Ashlar represents the start of an apprentice mason’s journey through life and his quest to overcome the many challenges in order to become a true Mason.
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