Overview & Ritual Context in British Freemasonry
Standing at the porchway or entrance of every Masonic temple are two symbolic columns adorned with lilies, network, pomegranates, and celestial and terrestrial globes: Boaz on the left and Jachin on the right, modelled on the two hollow bronze pillars cast by Hiram of Tyre for King Solomon's Temple.
Primary Historical & Ritual Citations
- 1 Kings 7:15-22 and 2 Chronicles 3:15-17 (Biblical account of the casting of the pillars in the clay ground of the Jordan between Succoth and Zeredathah).
- Graham Manuscript (1726) and Cooke Manuscript (c. 1410): medieval stonemasons' legends of the two pillars erected before the Flood to preserve the seven liberal sciences.
Etymology: 'In Strength' and 'To Establish'
In Hebrew, Boaz (placed on the left as one enters the porch) signifies 'In Strength', whilst Jachin (placed on the right) signifies 'To Establish'. When conjoined, they form the promise: 'In strength will I establish this Mine house and kingdom to stand firm for ever.'
Why the Pillars Were Hollow and Topped with Globes
In the Second Degree Explanation of the Tracing Board, the pillars are described as having been cast hollow so that they might serve as archives for the constitutional rolls and records of Masonry against inundation or conflagration. They are surmounted by the Terrestrial and Celestial Spheres, indicating that Freemasonry is universal.
Connected Masonic Orders & Degrees
Craft Freemasonry
Craft Freemasonry (often referred to as Blue Lodge Masonry) forms the foundation of all Masonic membership in the United Kingdom, comprising the three ceremonies of Entered Apprentice (First Degree), Fellowcraft (Second Degree), and Master Mason (Third Degree).
Holy Royal Arch
Regarded in the English Constitution as the completion of the Master Mason degree, the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch shifts focus from the practical building of the Temple to the recovery of sacred knowledge during the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem under Zerubbabel.
Interconnected Symbols in the Masonic Knowledge Graph
Working Tools of Each Degree
Speculative Freemasonry teaches moral philosophy by taking the physical iron and wooden implements of medieval cathedral stonemasons ('Operative Masons') and assigning an ethical meaning to each tool across the three Craft Degrees.
The Blazing Star
Situated at the centre of the chequered black-and-white Mosaic Pavement or within the Tessellated Border of the Lodge, the Blazing Star represents Divine Providence, the sun enlightening the earth, and prudent conduct amidst the shifting fortunes of human life.
Masonic Tracing Boards
Unique in their richness to British and Commonwealth Freemasonry, Tracing Boards are painted architectural and symbolic canvases displayed in the Lodge room during each of the three Craft Degrees to illustrate the historical lectures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boaz & Jachin Pillars
Why are there pomegranates and lily-work on the Masonic pillars?
The lily-work symbolizes peace because of its whiteness; the network denotes unity from the connection of its meshes; and the pomegranate – from the exuberance of its seeds – denotes plenty.