What does the Freemason symbol of the compas and the square mean? What is the symbol/image in the middle?

Answer 1

We teach with symbols to make universal our message but for a deeper reason, we look deeply into those who pass through our pillars.

When you ask what does a symbol mean, the question inevitably is turned back to you as "what does the symbol mean to you?" This is not meant in sport or jest or even to test you but as a way to quicken and deepen the understanding of both the questioner and those who would hear the reply.

I will direct your attention to the objects and then let you reflect upon them. No, I will not answer directly but you may find your own answers just as valid as any Freemason here may give you.

First, the compasses. Note, not compass. A compass is a magnetic device to find North. This tool rather is one of two legs and a central point in the middle. It is useful in scribing circles and measuring distances. It may be thought of as a tool of trigonometry, especially spherical trig. Three being a very good number for it: two legs and a center point. Reflect on threes for a bit.

The square is a puzzle. It is a tool for measuring blocks to see if they are even. Some suggest that the tool was originally four sided: a uniform square. What an amazingly helpful thing it was to make bricks all the same shape and size! You could build cathedrals that way without having to chuck out stones that were the wrong size. All the blocks even. The buildings would stand tall and not sway over. Square suggests four. Think of fours for a bit.

Some find the shape the Compasses and Square placed together in interesting.

Some Freemasons have a G in the center of that combination. Those are mostly the English and the American Lodges. The French Lodges have a D.

My Order has a Pentalpha (five pointed star) with a Yod (Hebrew letter) in the center of the star all inside the Square and the Compasses. Wonder what that would suggest to you? You know what? When we ask, we are told the same thing: "What does it mean to you?"

You may find all sorts of folks giving you textbook answers. There is a saying, "Those that know, do not say; those that say, do not know."

I am a Master Mason in American Co-Masonry (Freemasonry for women and men)

Answer 2

Architects and builders, like stonemasons, use compasses and squares in their work. The symbol is said to represent the Freemasons' attempts to understand the work of God, the architect and builder of the world.

The letter "G" is sometimes shown in between the compass and the square. Some people think it may stand for God, or goodness, or geometry.

The Masonic Lodge is a secret society that originally began as a stonemason's guild. But, in the 16th century, the Freemasons became interested in allegory, symbolism, and philosophy, especially Hermeticism.

Answer 3

These are tools of builders/designers. The G at the center stands for GOD, to show that the Freemasons are watched and guided by her...