Symbols Explained

Freemasonry teaches by emblem. Five carry most of the weight:

• Square & Compasses — honesty in dealings; passions kept within bounds. Together: the badge of the Craft.
• Working tools — the gauge (use of time), gavel (correcting faults), level (equality), plumb (uprightness), trowel (spreading goodwill).
• The two columns — the threshold of the temple: establishment and strength.
• The mosaic pavement — life’s chequer of joy and adversity; walk it evenly.
• Light — knowledge and conscience; the candidate’s first request and lifelong pursuit.

The skill to practise: read symbols morally, not magically. Each is a question the Mason asks himself — was that square? was that level?

Deeper dive: Masonic Symbolism — the full page.