staffs
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Staffs
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Post by staffs on Jul 11, 2007 5:26:56 GMT
What is your favourite Masonic Symbol ??
Why is it such and what does it mean to you ?
Do you know all its veilled meaninings ?
Also what is your favourite symbol in general and why?
Please feel free to post images.
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Post by hollandr on Jul 11, 2007 23:08:23 GMT
Staffs
There seems a dearth of responses so here is mine: the Beehive
And yes I have seen the beehive and its connections and inhabitants from both inner and outer perspectives
But I am unable to say that is a complete set of veiled meanings as piercing each veil still leaves the question: Why is it so
Cheers
Russell
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jmd
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Post by jmd on Jul 12, 2007 7:24:04 GMT
The Square and Compasses united. To me, this combined symbol is the only universal masonic symbol. Many other symbols may be found in Freemasonry, but are not necessarily specifically masonic.
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Tamrin
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Post by Tamrin on Jul 12, 2007 9:15:08 GMT
To me, this combined symbol is the only universal masonic symbol. Many other symbols may be found in Freemasonry, but are not necessarily specifically masonic. But not quite unique to Freemasonry. Some guilds of Carpenters and other building trades also used the united square and compasses. Albeit, it has been said that early usage of the term "Mason" encompassed any artisan who wielded a mace (hammer). The emblem, with the addition of a pruning knife, is also used by the Free Gardeners (I have also seen this version on the facade of a building in Melbourne).
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jmd
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Post by jmd on Jul 12, 2007 9:48:52 GMT
Yes - Gardeners also use the Square and Compasses, with the pruning knife, and they are still active in Melbourne and Scotland, as far as I'm aware.
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imakegarb
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Post by imakegarb on Jul 12, 2007 20:23:09 GMT
Although, now that I look at it, I have a question. If I recall correctly (and there's every possibility I don't), the ritual calls it " a c*n p*t w*n a c*e". Now, I'm aware of what a number say about the astrological significance of the point being at center (that summer and winter solstice thing) but is there a place, in ritual, that says that p*nt is in the center? Or could the p*nt be anywhere in the circle?
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jmd
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Post by jmd on Jul 13, 2007 1:27:49 GMT
The point within the of the circle refers to its centre, that being a point 'from which every part of the circumference is equidistant'. The point, then, is that from which the observer (or Mason) stands, and from which fixed location observation may not err.
The two St Johns form the two extremities refer to the two lines that tangentially touch the circle. They are the two St Johns precisely because these are the dates that are traditionally associated with the two solstices. If one traces or marks the rising (or setting) of the Sun, it oscillates from left to right (and back again) between these two extremes (astronomically solstitial, by saint-day calendrical St Johns).
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Post by hollandr on Jul 13, 2007 2:25:12 GMT
> The two St Johns form the two extremities refer to the two lines that tangentially touch the circle.
The ritual in our lodge says Moses and KS
The Sts John is a better answer because it retains the Templar practices
But as usual in Masonry, both are likely to be veilings
Cheers
Russell
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Post by corab on Jul 13, 2007 11:31:41 GMT
Mine has long been the point from which no man can err; since first I began to investigate this wonderful thing called co-freemasonry, to be exact. I am well aware of the conventional interpretations, but mine is along the lines of "As above, so below". Sometimes the point is me, in the embrace of the Eternal; the circle being my Universe. Sometimes the point is the Eternal, the Divine Spark within me. There is a particularly striking passing in the long form closing of the 2nd in Lauderdale that always moves me close to tears:- Then, Brn;., let us remember that as He is the C* of His Universe, so is His reproduction of Himself the C* of ourselves, the Inner Ruler immortal, and that our whole nature must be conformed to That whereby it lives. That says it all, for me. That defines the point from which no man can err more perfectly than anything else I've ever heard. For if we are true to ourselves, we are true to our Origin -- and if we align our wills with that of the Eternal, we find ourselves working in accordance with our own.
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jmd
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Post by jmd on Jul 13, 2007 12:10:06 GMT
As a side note, as with Russell Holland, our ritual too says Moses and KS, but most explanations I have read, and those that to me make far more sense, connect the two vertical tangents to the two St Johns or the two solstices.
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Post by hollandr on Jul 13, 2007 22:22:45 GMT
>connect the two vertical tangents to the two St Johns or the two solstices. It may be that it is a composite symbol: - the point within the circle from the qabalah - the circle between 2 vertical parallel lines - supposedly designating Vishnu While a circle between 2 horizontal parallel lines would designate Shiva (according to Churchward) Cheers Russell Edit: Well, actually, I didn't edit. I hit modify, instead of quote, and darn near messed it up. (I'm sorry, Bro. Russell, I know this this the second time) but, thanks to that wonderful Back key, I put it right. Mostly -- Karen
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imakegarb
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Post by imakegarb on Jul 13, 2007 22:45:24 GMT
I have one of Churchward's books. Could you tell me in which book, and where, this is listed. In case I have it. And in case I actually make it home today (starting to look like I might actually do that ;D ).
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Tamrin
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Post by Tamrin on Jul 13, 2007 22:56:38 GMT
- the circle between 2 vertical parallel lines - supposedly designating Vishnu
While a circle between 2 horizontal parallel lines would designate Shiva (according to Churchward) Then again: " The usages and customs among Freemasons have ever borne an affinity to those of the ancient Egyptians." Among the ancient Egyptians, the point within the circle signified Ra, the sun god or god of Light. When included in a cartouche, the elongated sides of the shen ring, signifying eternity, would appear as two parallel lines, as below. Albeit, I favour the theory that aspects of Hinduism preserve some very ancient traditions, which were practiced from the Indus Valley, to the Nile and beyond.
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Post by hollandr on Jul 14, 2007 2:23:26 GMT
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imakegarb
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Post by imakegarb on Jul 14, 2007 4:23:38 GMT
Thank you for the links. And alerting me to the title of a J.S.M. Ward book of which I've never heard. I went to Abebooks and scored a copy
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Tamrin
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Post by Tamrin on Jul 14, 2007 5:04:49 GMT
It might well have been JSM Ward but I can't find the exact place - not having a copy of his Freemasonry and the Ancient Gods.
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Tony Grimwood
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Post by Tony Grimwood on Jul 14, 2007 8:24:35 GMT
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Post by lauderdale on Jul 14, 2007 11:10:01 GMT
The Double Headed Eagle holding the Sword of A&ASR 18th Degree (Rose Croix) and the Skull and Crossed Leg Bones in KTs. I would also add the Ark of the Covenant from Cryptic and of course the All Seeing Eye which reminds us that God is watching over us and knows all that we do for Good and for Ill in this Life.
Although not strictly a Masonic Symbol per se, the Ankh which in my Lodge is on the top of the DC's Wand. It really gives me a tingle down my spine to see it between the crossed wands of the Deacons when the RWIPM kneels at the Altar to attend to the VSL.
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Post by hollandr on Jul 14, 2007 11:47:10 GMT
>between the crossed wands of the Deacons when the RWIPM kneels at the Altar to attend to the VSL
I have seen that in the LDH ritual but not in any male craft rituals - pity - as sometimes the inner light flashes
Cheers
Russell
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imakegarb
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Post by imakegarb on Jul 14, 2007 14:45:21 GMT
Ack!! There it is again. Ooooooh, I would soooooooo very much love to see a clearer copy.
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