Overview & Ritual Context in British Freemasonry
The Square and Compasses is the universal emblem of speculative Freemasonry. Conjoined together, the stonemason's try-square represents morality, fairness, and earthly conduct ('squaring our actions'), whilst the compasses represent spiritual boundaries, moderation, and self-restraint.
Primary Historical & Ritual Citations
- James Anderson, The Constitutions of the Free-Masons (London, 1723): lists the Square and Compasses among the principal Furniture of the Lodge, belonging specifically to the Master.
- William Preston, Illustrations of Masonry (1772): explains that the Square is to regulate our actions, and the Compasses to keep us within due bounds with all mankind, particularly our Brethren.
- Emulation Ritual (First Degree Lecture): designates the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses as the Three Great, though Emblematical, Lights in Freemasonry.
Why the Points of the Compasses Change by Degree
In a tiled Masonic Lodge, the arrangement of the Square and Compasses upon the Volume of the Sacred Law reveals the Degree in which the Lodge is currently open. In the First Degree (Entered Apprentice), both points of the Compasses are hidden beneath the Square, signifying that the initiate is just beginning to master his passions. In the Second Degree (Fellowcraft), one point is elevated above the Square. In the Third Degree (Master Mason), both points of the Compasses rest above the Square, symbolising the mastery of spiritual and moral discipline over material desires.
The Meaning of the Letter 'G' in British vs American Regalia
Visitors frequently notice that some Square and Compasses emblems enclose a capital letter 'G' at their centre whilst many English aprons and jewels omit it. In English, Scottish, and Irish Freemasonry, the letter 'G' originates in the Second Degree (Fellowcraft) lecture, where it stands first for Geometry (the fifth science upon which Masonry is founded) and secondly for the Grand Geometrician of the Universe. Under the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), standard Craft jewels often display the Square and Compasses without the 'G', whereas Scottish, Irish, and Provincial Past Master jewels frequently feature it.
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).
Women's Freemasonry (OWF & HFAF)
Women have practised regular ceremonial Freemasonry in the United Kingdom for well over a century through two historic Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) and The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF). Both work traditional Craft ritual, wear identical regalia to male Freemasons, and sit alongside UGLE on the Council for Freemasonry in England and Wales.
Interconnected Symbols in the Masonic Knowledge Graph
All-Seeing Eye of Providence
Often surrounded by an equilateral triangle or a burst of solar glory, the All-Seeing Eye (or Eye of Providence) is an ancient Renaissance and Biblical emblem adopted by 18th-century Freemasons to remind Brethren that every thought, word, and action is observed by the Great Architect of the Universe.
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.
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 Square and Compasses
What does 'on the square' mean in British English?
The everyday English idiom 'on the square' (meaning honest, fair, and above board) derives from the stonemason's try-square, which tests whether a cut stone forms a true 90-degree right angle so a wall will stand firm.
How should a Masonic signet ring with the Square and Compasses be worn?
Brethren wear the points of the Compasses either facing inward toward themselves (as a personal reminder to keep their desires within due bounds) or facing outward toward the viewer (displaying the emblem upright to the world). Neither orientation is prohibited by UGLE dress regulations, though many Past Masters turn the points outward after passing the Chair.