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

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Chapter 6 - Peculiarities of Masonic Language
1657, originally extended and annotated for the use of the companions in the
District of Nigeria, dating from 1957. Section 8.1.3. on the Royal Arch ritual will
describe the importance of the triangle which represents Deity and "perfect
man." Since the ritual plays abundantly on the sacred number three, alluding in
certain cases to the Trinity, it is but understandable that the toasting ceremony
leans on the same mysticism. Not only the triangle is reproduced by moving the
glasses, but almost the emblem of the Holy Royal Arch Degree, which is a triple
tau in a triangle, surrounded by a circle (for an illustration, turn to Section 8.1.3,
picture of the Royal Arch apron). The square as the overall Masonic symbol
must not be missing; therefore, it is also reproduced in the drinking ceremony.
Furthermore, the sums of the three angles of every triangle are equal to 180°, or
two right angles, which shows that these symbols are interwoven. Thus -
imperceptible for a profane, who will not understand this curious moving of the
glasses - the essential Masonic symbols are exhibited before the initiated: the
symbol of spirit or world-spanning brotherly or Godly love (compass or circle),
of Deity (the triangle), and of matter or equality (the square or right angle). The
Royal Arch ritual defines the role of the circle and the triangle as follows:
These mathematical figures have ever been selected as referring to
Deity, or some Divine attribute. The circle is an emblem of eternity; for
as it has neither beginning nor end, it may justly be deemed a type of
God, without beginning of days, or end of years, and it continually
reminds us of that great hereafter, when we hope to enjoy endless life
and everlasting bliss. [...]
In times of antiquity, names of God, and symbols of Divinity, were
always enclosed in triangular figures. In the days of Pythagoras the
triangle was considered the most sacred of emblems and when any
Ob.[ligation] of more than usual importance was to be administered, it
was invariably given on the triangle [...]. The Egyptians termed it the
sacred number, or number of perfection; and so highly was it prized by
the ancients that it became amongst them an object of worship. They
gave it the sacred name 'God' [...]. They also called it 'Araboth,' which
signifies Soul of Nature. 1084
The Royal Arch companion who gives the toast generally also directs the
firing. The stage directions of the Royal Arch banquet ceremony describe in
cipher how to move the glasses:
1084
Lewis, Ritual of the Holy Royal Arch as taught in the Aldersgate Chapter of Improvement No.
1657, p. 104/105.