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

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Chapter 4 - Signs & Symbols
J∴ B∴
Sujet Objet
Agent Patient
Actif Passif
Positif Négatif
Mâle Femelle
Père Mère
Donner Recevoir
Créer, produire Développer, conserver
Agir Sentir
Raison Imagination
Inventer Comprendre
Commander Obéir
Mouvement Repos
Esprit Matière
Osiris Isis
Soleil Lune
Abstrait Concret
The passage of the initiated from the column J to B in order to obtain the
Second Degree denotes a step towards higher knowledge: "Ayant assimilé,
comme Apprenti, les enseignements de la colonne J, il devra, afin de devenir un
penseur complet, assimiler ceux de la colonne B." 334
The following illustration of the inside of a lodge room (here a simulated
lodge at a Masonic exhibition in the Preußen-Museum in Wesel, June 2000)
shows the All-Seeing Eye behind the Master's chair. In front of the Master's
chair, there are three columns called the "Three Lesser Lights," and named
"Wisdom," "Strength," and "Beauty." The three principal officers represent the
"Lesser Lights": the pillar "Wisdom" alludes to the Worshipful Master in the
East, because he has wisdom to open and govern the lodge; the pillar "Strength"
alludes to the Senior Warden in the West; and the pillar "Beauty" alludes to the
Junior Warden in the South. 335 The "Lesser Lights" also represent the three
principal characters at the building of the temple, King Solomon, Hiram, King of
Tyre, and Hiram Abiff:
As the work of building the temple at Jerusalem was conducted by the
wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hiram, King of Tyre, and the
beauty, or skill, of Hiram Abif [sic], so the labors of the Lodge are
supported by the wisdom, strength, and beauty of the three presiding
officers, who occupy the prominent stations of the East, West and
South; thus locally forming a triangle, which is a sacred emblem, and
unitedly constituting one chief governor, by which the affairs of the
Lodge are conducted, and its usefulness increased. 336
334 Ibid.
335 Cf. Simons, p. 33.
336 Ibid.