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Post by bradykelly on Apr 3, 2019 13:44:38 GMT
A short while ago, during refreshment, discussion among brethren turned to that of the symbolism of one of the EA's tools: the 24-inch gauge. While most agreed the primary symbolical of the gauge is that it is divided into three, giving three parts of the day, and teaching that we should seek to establish a good balance, and on what, we should spend our time.
One brother, however, was adamant that the primary numeric symbol of the 24-inch gauge was 4, not 3. Thinking to myself that although very unconventional, 24 does divide into 4 as well, and we may find other symbolism for a gauige dividfed into 4, even if at a very basic 4 parts of the day, morning, afternoon, evening, night. I offered top prepare a paper on how we can apply the number 4 to symbolism in the 24-inch gauge; a purely speculative paper.
The point of this post is to ask, as a very fresh EA, where in Masonry do we find the number 4. There are several easy examples, e.g. the walls of the temple, the cardinal directions, and the four elements. Those are easy and quickly came to mind, but I'm looking for suggestions of other notable occurrences of the number 4 in Masonry and their symbolism, if any.
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Post by peter2 on Apr 3, 2019 20:44:31 GMT
24 inch gauge can be divided into 6 + 8 + 10, the ratios of a 3,4,5 right angle triangle. Thus a cord with knots making 24 equal segments is a simple gauge for generating reasonably accurate right angles during construction.
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Post by offramp on Apr 4, 2019 14:19:20 GMT
That is a very interesting question. BTW, welcome to you, BradyKelly!
There is some symbolism connected with degrees higher than the EA degree, but it would not be appropriate to discuss them yet. The ones I am thinking of are in any case related to the 4 cardinal points of the compass, and people leaving the Temple by them, so what I have in mind is hardly earth-shattering.
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Post by offramp on Apr 11, 2019 11:28:54 GMT
Kenneth MacKenzie reckons that the only degree in which the number 4 is important is 5°, Perfect Master, which is a rarely performed degree found both in the A+A R and Memphis & Mizraim.
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2211
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INTELLIGENTIBUS VERITATEM
Posts: 104
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Post by 2211 on Apr 11, 2019 13:44:52 GMT
24 inch gauge An old man once told me " three corns of barley make an inch " I'm not familiar with the Greek name for barley, however there is some light in Hebrew. What's interesting is where you reed it in the bible
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Post by peter2 on Apr 11, 2019 20:56:07 GMT
>only degree in which the number 4 is important is 5°
Am I correct in thinking that some versions of the charge on the EA TB include the 4 tassels that often are placed at the corners?
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2211
Member
INTELLIGENTIBUS VERITATEM
Posts: 104
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Post by 2211 on May 2, 2019 0:27:38 GMT
Further.. from the late 1700s
E.A. Explaining Working tools Mas. What are their Uses? Ans. The Square to square my Work, the 24 Inch Gauge to measure my Work, the common Gavel to knock off all superfluous Matters, whereby the Square may set easy and just. Mas. Brother, as we are not all working Masons, we apply them to our Morals, which we call spiritualizing; explain them? Ans. The 24 Inch Gauge represents the 24 Hours of the Day. Mas. How do you spend them Brother? Ans. Six Hours to work in, Six Hours to serve God, and Six to serve a Friend or a Brother, as far as lies in my Power, without being detrimental to myself or Family: and Six Hours to Sleep in".
______ Where else 4
The physical being of man has 4 principle centres of energy, M.P. Sinus, Heart, Solar Plexus, Liver - These are to be kept in balance at all times The Sinus is the blue flame- Father Flame H.A. was struck where --------------------------------- The numeric symbol of 3 relating to the 24 inch gauge Giving ones time in 3 segments
In ancient Zoroastrian scripture, the duties of a follower of Zarathustra:
To spend a third of my days and nights in attending the seminary and consulting the wisdom of holy men, to spend a third of my days and nights tilling the soil and in making it fruitful and to spend the remaining third of my days and nights in eating, rest and enjoyment
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