The Lost Key: An Explanation of Masonic Symbols

CHAPTER TWOThe Symbolism of the Lodge Room45. The Masonic Lodge symbolizes or represents the individualman. The floor of the Lodge typifies the level of ordinary humanityand stands for the environment of the individual, the people withwhom he is thrown into contact, his friends and associates,business and social. The low platform on the side of the Lodgesymbolizes the fact that the Master Mason who sits there issupposed to have put into practice the lessons taught him by theLodge until he has risen, in character, somewhat above the level ofthe “man on the street.” He is supposed to have gained somecontrol over his lower nature. What that lower nature is we shallpresently see.46. We must always bear it in mind that, symbolically speaking,every Mason is “going through the chairs.” Every Mason has thatwithin his being which corresponds, not only with the candidatebut also to the various Officers of the Lodge and the platforms andtheir meanings should impress upon his mind the fact that, sooneror later, the great Law will demand that he meet the requirementsof which these platforms are symbolic.47. The one-step platform of the Junior Warden symbolizes thefact that this Officer is supposed to have gained complete controlof his physical, carnal nature and hence is elevated one fun stepabove the level of the ordinary humanity.48. The two-step platform of the Senior Warden symbolizes thefact that the Officer who sits there, theoretically at least, is19