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Post by symbol on Nov 29, 2004 6:56:26 GMT
Im looking for a resource on Masonic symbols and their meanings.
I know some bits and pieces but i would like a clear understanding of what i see every month,,,,any ideas please
Thanks
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Post by whistler on Nov 29, 2004 7:25:38 GMT
Symbol I don't think you will ever find a definative resource.
The interpretation of symbols ultimately will be your own, on the way you will find other peoples opinions, some of which will make sense to you others won't.
My suggestion is to pick on a symbol that attracts your attention, think about it, poke around on the net, in various books, ask your mates you will be surprised what you come up with
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Post by Stash on Nov 29, 2004 7:41:09 GMT
As you were just told, pick a symbol and start researching, and also start a thread here so we can explore it even more!!
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Post by symbol on Nov 29, 2004 18:48:51 GMT
The interpretation of symbols ultimately will be your own
How can historic symbols be open to interputation?
Does this make them meaningless, other than to oneself, in some ways?
Is there not be a bedrock of meaning that cannot be changed, or else in time the true meaning is lost.
I find that abit scary, does that mean everyone has there own opinion on the Masonic symbols?
It would be sad that the truth is , indeed lost.
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Post by symbol on Nov 29, 2004 18:49:32 GMT
The interpretation of symbols ultimately will be your own (Quote) How can historic symbols be open to interputation? Does this make them meaningless, other than to oneself, in some ways? Is there not be a bedrock of meaning that cannot be changed, or else in time the true meaning is lost. I find that abit scary, does that mean everyone has there own opinion on the Masonic symbols? It would be sad that the truth is , indeed lost. Sorry cant get the quotes right!!!!!  |
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Post by Stash on Nov 29, 2004 19:23:43 GMT
1. About the quote, when you click the quote button from the toolbar, don't erase ANYTHING that pops up except the pieces of text that you don't want included in your quote. Also note that all "tags" here for special features are enclosed in square brackets [ and ].
2. About masonic symbols. I am going to leave this to the more experienced members to comment on, as their answer will be much more valid and clear than mine would be. However, I will add that freemasonry is not about memorizing pre-learned information and calling it a day. It is more based around giving you the tools and motivation to learn things on your own, and interpreting these things in the way that helps you and suits you best.
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Post by offramp on Nov 30, 2004 3:44:15 GMT
As you were just told, pick a symbol and start researching, and also start a thread here so we can explore it even more!! I agree entirely with Stash; let's use this thread, here, to explore masonic symbolism. |
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Post by Stash on Nov 30, 2004 4:09:05 GMT
I'm not sure if it would be very effective to use ONE thread for ALL masonic symbols. Then again, I'm not sure it's a good idea to start a new thread for EACH one either. Can anybody think of some alternative solution??
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Post by offramp on Nov 30, 2004 4:49:14 GMT
I would say Craft Symbols and Symbols Beyond the Craft should do it; but I think they could all go here.
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Post by Stash on Nov 30, 2004 4:51:22 GMT
I can think of endless material just on "birds". Between the Pelican and the Eagle and the Crow and the Dove, etc etc etc to FILL a thread all by itself
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Post by offramp on Nov 30, 2004 5:03:55 GMT
Here is a symbol that you will probably never see in UGLE Masonry. I think it is called The Broken Column:  Here is another version:  I think it only dates from about 1819. So what is all that about then? It looks like Old Father Time straightening out the hair of a girl with an acacia branch standing next to a broken column. She is reading a book. I would guess that Old Father Time represents Time and Death (because he has a scythe), the Acacia Leaf represents Hiram Abiff, the book is the bible. I have no idea what the girl is meant to be, or why Time is straightening her hair. |
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Post by Stash on Nov 30, 2004 5:29:46 GMT
The version I have is basically the same as both of those, but drawn by a different hand. No major differences in the symbol at all though.
->A virgin weeping over a broken column, with a book open before her
->In her right hand a sprig of cassia
->In her left hand an urn
->Time standing behind the Virgin
->Hands enfolded in the ringlets of her hair
=>Weeping virgin denotes unfinished state of the temple
=>The broken column denotes that one of the principle supporters of Masonry had fallen (Hiram Abiff)
=>The book implies that HAB's memory is recorded in every mason's heart
=>The sprig of cassia refers to the discovery of his remains
=>The urn depicts how his ashes were carefully collected
=>Time standing behind virgin implies that time, patience and perseverence will accomplish all things
I remember reading somewhere that Time's hands stroking her hair are important for some reason too, I just really can't remember that part.
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Post by offramp on Nov 30, 2004 5:38:41 GMT
How do you know she's a virgin?
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Post by Stash on Nov 30, 2004 5:42:52 GMT
I will get to the virgin thin in a second, I just wanted to post a 3D-version of the symbol for fun's sake  EDIT oh, boy, I have more goodies for you too!! freemasonry.bcy.ca/art/monument/pike.htmlAt this above website, is a quote by Pike regarding this symbol, which he interprets as "representation of Isis, weeping at Byblos, over the column torn from the palace of the King, that contained the body of Osiris, while Horus, the God of Time, pours ambrosia on her hair" Also, for a further commentary on the symbol, and 12 more visual variations of it, some in color, you can go here freemasonry.bcy.ca/art/monument/index.html->Note that this site seems to believe it originated in A Brief History of Freemasonry in 1782 |
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Post by Stash on Nov 30, 2004 5:48:43 GMT
To answer about the virgin vs regular girl, the only reason I know this is every source of info I visit refers to this as "Burial Place - Time and the Virgin"
Other than that fact alone, I guess I don't have any more evidence
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staffs
Administrator 
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
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Post by staffs on Nov 30, 2004 6:30:19 GMT
Stash.Go for it mate you are flying !!!
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Post by symbol on Nov 30, 2004 6:39:29 GMT
This looks like it will get interesting !!!
As mentioned , could we also look at Craft symbols too, I would really like to understand even the most common ones fully,
Rather than just accept them as being there.
For anyone who is interested WH Smiths are selling a book called "How to read a Church', havent read it yet, its on my Christmas list, it explains the symbols found in church ( strangely enough !!)
So to kick off
The black and white floor?
Why Lodge alignment to east / west, other than a sun alignment
The Triple Tau
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Post by JudasImok on Nov 30, 2004 6:59:49 GMT
Concerning the Triple Tau...
I found this...
It has been said that three Taus come together to form the Triple Tau. Others say the Triple Tau is originally the coming together of a T and a H, forming , meaning Templum Hierosolyma, or the Temple of Jerusalem. Christians interpreted the symbol as “Holiness supporting Trinity”. Royal Arch records dating from 1767 show this symbol. In addition to meaning Templum Hierosolyma (The Temple of Jerusalem), it is also said to mean Clavis ad Thesaurum - "A key to the treasure" - and Theca ubi res pretiosa - "A place where the precious thing is concealed."
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Post by taylorsman on Nov 30, 2004 8:07:21 GMT
Beautiful piece of sculpture.  The Victorians were very big on such Funery Ornamentation and I have seen non-religious Sympathy Cards featuring the Broken Column draped in a veil. Of course we DO use the term Broken Column to mean the Alms Collection made at Lodge Meetings, towards the end of the Meeting just before the Risings. In most Lodges the Deacons use a bag but some do have a wooden Broken Column with a slot in the top for coins, rather similar to the collection box used by Charity Flag Sellers . As to the interpretation of Symbols, to some they are merely mundane, a Cross to them would simply be two pieces of wood at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. To others it will have far deeper significance and not only for Christians. To some the colours of the Vestments worn by the Vicar on Sunday have no meaning, to others such as myself these are a Colour Code signifying the dedication of the Service being held, e.g. Red for Martyrs, Black for Funerals and Mourning, or Green for Ordinary Time. |
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Post by Stash on Nov 30, 2004 16:11:51 GMT
The black and white floor? Why Lodge alignment to east / west, other than a sun alignment The Triple Tau Oh, my GOD, my work is cut out for me!! Just with those 3....I have more typing to do than you can shake a stick at, I'm going to the mall for a while to shop then to school for a meeting, then i'll get crackin'. So yah, for most of you, check back tomorrow, we should have quite a few entries for these 3 |
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