Mystic masonry, or, The symbols of freemasonry and the greater ...

t
An Outline of Symbolism. 243
the square and compass cross each other, and this
fact is made a symbol of progression, from the degree
of Entered Appreiaticeship to that of Master.
The compass is set at an angle of 60'', and is representative
of the movements of Spirit, and, if crossed
nt a certain distance from the angle, will produce
an equilateral triangle ; the three angles and the
three sides equal, it now represents perfect equilibrium,
or proportion.*
"For the Apprentice, the points of the compass
are beneath the Square. For the Fellowcraft, one is
above and one beneath. For the Master, both are
dominant, and have rule, control and empire over
the symbol of the earthly and material.
If the reader now refers to what was said in a previous
chapter concerning the descent of Spirit into
matter, and the First Trinity represented by a triangle
; Matter, Force and Spirit (Law); and in
Man—Manas, Buddhi and Atma; he will readily see
that the compass may fairly represent this primary
trinity, concealed under the square of matter, till by
progression it emerges, and finally, in the Master's
hands, gains dominion over matter. In the man of
*Radius of circle and chord of arc equal.
t Morals and Dogma, p. 854.