The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 4 - Signs & Symbols 115
4. Signs & Symbols of the Three Degrees
The chapter sequence of this book has been deliberately chosen. To say it in
Masonic terms - one builds upon the other. This chapter, together with Chapter 5
on technical terminology and Chapter 6 on the peculiarities of the Masonic
language, constitutes the basis for the understanding of the "universal Masonic
language" which is exemplified in Chapter 7. on rituals. Freemasonry uses a
strange symbolic diction, and the symbolism has to be understood before one can
attribute a sense to a single Masonic phrase. This fact shall be illustrated with the
help of the textual example below, showing the interaction of symbolism and
meaning. It will confuse the reader who is yet unaccustomed to Masonic
symbolism. What can probably be meant by the following paragraphs taken from
a Royal Arch ritual?
(1)
You have been conducted around the outer courts of the temple, viewed
its beautiful proportions, its massive pillars, its star-decked canopy,
its mosaic pavement, its lights, jewels and furniture. [...]
(2)
You have been introduced into the Middle Chamber, and learned that
true education renders the mind capable of accepting, and holding in
reverence, the sacred name of Deity. [...]
(3)
You have entered the unfinished Sanctum Sanctorum, and there in the
integrity and inflexible fidelity of the illustrious Tyrian, witnessed an
example of firmness and fortitude never surpassed in the history of man.
[...]
(4)
You have wrought in the quarries, and have learned that only true and
perfect work should bear the mark of the faithful craftsman and justly
entitle him to wages.[...]
(5)
You have now seen the descendants of the noble builders of the
temple turn from the faith of their fathers [...]. You have seen them [...]
led back over a rough and rugged road, to the scenes of their former
glory; there to labor, [...] to rebuild at least a semblance of those things
which they had lost. And finally, you have seen [...] the Blessed Book
restored [...]. [...] 314
314 Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of California, Ritual of the Grand Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons of the State of California, p. 170/171. The two degrees of Past Master and
Most Excellent Master coming before the Royal Arch degree have been left out, since they are also
not dealt with in Chapter 8 on rituals. The symbols are bold-printed.