Decoding the Symbols: The Square, Compasses, and the Letter 'G'

The Square: A Lesson in Morality

The square is one of the foundational tools of any builder or architect, used to test angles and ensure that stones are cut true and square, so they will fit perfectly into a structure. In Speculative Freemasonry, this practical function is transformed into a profound moral lesson. The Square is the emblem of virtue. Masons are taught to "square their actions" by the "square of virtue" with all mankind.

This means acting with honesty, integrity, and fairness in all dealings. Just as a faulty stone can compromise an entire wall, an immoral act can compromise a man's character. The Square serves as a constant reminder to measure one's conduct against a high moral standard, to be upright, true, and dependable. It is considered the primary working tool of a Fellow Craft Mason, representing the stage of a Mason's development where he is focused on building his character through reason and knowledge.

The Compasses: A Lesson in Boundaries

The compasses are the architect's tool for drawing circles, defining boundaries, and creating proportion. Symbolically, this teaches a Mason a lesson in self-governance. The ritual explains that the compasses are to "circumscribe and keep us within bounds with all mankind". This is an instruction in moderation and self-control.

The two points of the compasses are said to represent a Mason's duty to God and his duty to his fellow man. The act of drawing a circle with the compasses symbolizes the necessity of keeping one's passions and desires within the due bounds set by these duties. It is a reminder that true freedom is not the absence of restraint, but the ability to master oneself. By understanding his proper limits and obligations, a Mason can achieve a balanced and harmonious life.

The Letter 'G': God and Geometry

At the heart of the symbol, in many English-speaking jurisdictions, is the letter 'G'. This letter has multiple meanings, which are not dogmatic but are offered for the Mason's contemplation.

The most common and important meaning is God. It is a constant reminder that God, or as Masons refer to the deity in a non-sectarian way, the Great Architect of the Universe, is the center of all life and the source of all moral law. A Mason's belief in a Supreme Being is the bedrock of his Masonic journey.

A second, intertwined meaning is Geometry. In Masonic teachings, Geometry is described as the "noblest of sciences," the basis upon which the superstructure of Freemasonry is erected. It is seen as the study of the divine order and harmony of the universe created by the Great Architect.

The symbol thus brilliantly connects the divine (G for God), the universal laws of creation (G for Geometry), and human action (the Square and Compasses). It instructs a Mason to use the universal principles of the Great Architect (Geometry) to build his own life (the microcosm) into a structure of virtue (the Square), while always staying within the bounds of his duties (the Compasses).

As a Mason progresses through the three degrees, the relationship between the Square and Compasses in the lodge's symbolism changes, with the points of the Compasses gradually being elevated above the Square. This visually represents the candidate's journey from a state where his moral conduct is governed by the earthly rules of virtue to one where his understanding is enlightened by a more spiritual and divine consciousness. It is a journey from the terrestrial to the celestial, a visual map of a Mason's progress toward light.