What Are the Three Precious Jewels of Masonry
The Three Precious Jewels of Masonry are the Rough Ashler, Perfect Ashler, and Trestle Board.
The Rough Ashler symbolizes a person’s natural, imperfect state, while the Perfect Ashler represents the state of perfection that Masons can strive for.
The Trestle Board is used for inspiration and design, emphasizing the need for spiritual connection.
Additionally, there are three immovable jewels: the Square, which teaches morality, the Level, representing equality, and the Plumb, which characterizes decency of conduct.
Did You Know?
1. The first of the three precious jewels of Masonry is the Square, which symbolizes morality. Interestingly, the Square is also a reminder to Masons to “square their actions” or ensure their behavior is upright and just.
2. The second precious jewel is the Level, representing equality. This emblem signifies that all Masons, regardless of their social status or background, are to be regarded as equals within the Masonic fraternity.
3. The third precious jewel is the Plumb, which symbolizes uprightness or rectitude of conduct. Derived from the tool used by stonemasons to ensure vertical alignment, the Plumb additionally represents the importance of maintaining moral and ethical behavior.
4. Although these three precious jewels are commonly associated with Freemasonry, they were actually adapted from the symbolical tools used by the ancient operative stonemasons. Freemasonry adopted these tools as symbols to convey deeper moral and philosophical teachings.
5. Beyond their literal interpretations, the three precious jewels also hold metaphorical meanings. The Square represents Virtue, the Level represents Equality, and the Plumb represents Integrity. Together, they serve as a constant reminder for Freemasons to strive towards personal growth and ethical conduct.
Rough Ashler: Symbolizing Imperfection
In the world of Freemasonry, symbolism plays a pivotal role, and the Three Precious Jewels hold significant meaning within the fraternity.
The first of these jewels, the Rough Ashler, serves as a representation of a person’s natural, imperfect state. Just as an ashler is a rough-hewn stone before it is shaped, so too is the individual in their initial stages of personal development within Freemasonry.
The Rough Ashler symbolizes the beginning of the Masonic journey, where one acknowledges their inherent flaws and imperfections.
As a Mason progresses through their initiation and education, the rough edges are gradually chiseled away, much like a skilled craftsman would work on a stone, transforming it into something polished and refined.
The symbolism of the Rough Ashler reminds Masons that personal growth is a lifelong journey, one that requires commitment, perseverance, and the continuous effort to shape oneself into a better individual.
Perfect Ashler: Striving For Perfection
The Perfect Ashler is the second precious jewel of Masonry, symbolizing the ideal state that Masons aim to achieve within the fraternity. It represents the ultimate goal of every Mason – attaining perfection, both morally and spiritually. Contrasting the Rough Ashler, the Perfect Ashler embodies a flawlessly shaped and polished stone, signifying the profound transformation an individual undergoes throughout their Masonic journey.
Although perfection may seem unattainable, the Perfect Ashler serves as a constant reminder for Masons to consistently seek personal improvement. It symbolizes a state of balanced character, righteousness, and unwavering commitment to leading a morally upright life.
- The Perfect Ashler is the second precious jewel of Masonry.
- It represents the ideal state that Masons strive for – perfection, both morally and spiritually.
- Unlike the Rough Ashler, it symbolizes a flawlessly shaped and polished stone.
- The Perfect Ashler signifies the profound transformation experienced in the Masonic journey.
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein
Trestle Board: Cultivating Inspiration And Spirituality
The Trestle Board holds immense significance within Freemasonry. This jeweled instrument is used by the Master Workman to gather inspiration, create designs, and plan the construction of a building. In the symbolic context of Freemasonry, the Trestle Board represents the importance of spiritual connection and the cultivation of inspiration in the Masonic journey.
Similar to the function of a Trestle Board, Masons are encouraged to draw inspiration from higher principles, spiritual teachings, and the collective wisdom of the craft. By cultivating an open mind and drawing from these sources of inspiration, Masons develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The Trestle Board serves as a reminder that a spiritually connected life leads to a greater sense of purpose, enlightenment, and personal fulfillment within the Masonic journey.
Square: Teaching Morality
Among the immovable jewels, the Square holds a significant place in Freemasonry as it symbolizes morality. The Square teaches Masons to act with integrity, honesty, and fairness in their interactions with others. Just as a square is a perfect right angle, Masons are to strive towards maintaining moral rectitude, embodying the principles of ethical conduct in their daily lives.
The Square serves as a reminder to Masons to avoid the pitfalls of moral relativism and to uphold unwavering values that stand the test of time. By adhering to the principles taught through this immovable jewel, Masons cultivate a moral compass that guides their actions, both within the fraternity and in society at large.
Level And Plumb: Embodying Equality And Decency
Rounding out the trio of immovable jewels are the Level and Plumb, representing equality and decency, respectively. The Level symbolizes the principle of equality as it reminds Masons that, no matter their backgrounds or social statuses, all individuals are to be treated with fairness and respect within the fraternity.
The Plumb, on the other hand, characterizes decency of conduct. Just as the plumb line ensures that a wall is upright and straight, Masons are encouraged to act with moral uprightness and integrity. The Plumb serves as a constant reminder to Masons to strive for moral perfection and to continuously evaluate their actions against the standard of decency.
Together, the Level and Plumb emphasize the importance of harmonious relationships, both within the Masonic fraternity and in society as a whole. By embodying the ideals of equality and decency, Masons contribute to the creation of a just and equitable world.
In Conclusion
The Three Precious Jewels of Masonry, accompanied by the immovable jewels, hold rich symbolism and meaningful lessons for every Mason. Acknowledging imperfection and striving for perfection are key principles that these jewels represent. They also encourage Masons to cultivate inspiration, spirituality, and moral rectitude. These jewels serve as guiding lights along the intricate path of Freemasonry, helping Masons seek personal growth and contribute to the betterment of themselves and society.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 3 in masonry?
The significance of the number 3 in Masonry encompasses various symbolic elements. Firstly, it represents the three degrees within Freemasonry, each signifying a stage of initiation and progression within the organization. These degrees are symbolic of personal growth, knowledge, and spiritual development. Additionally, the number 3 also alludes to the three principal officers in Masonry, namely the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden, who hold essential leadership roles within the lodge.
Furthermore, the number 3 holds significance in Masonry through its connection to various aspects of Greek architecture and philosophy. It symbolizes the three original Greek columns, which are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. These columns represent timeless architectural beauty, strength, and balance. Moreover, the number 3 also holds significance in terms of the five senses, as it represents the most revered of them: hearing, seeing, and feeling. These senses align with the Masonic emphasis on truth, enlightenment, and experiencing the world in a well-rounded manner.
What are the precious jewels of a master mason?
In the realm of Freemasonry, the master mason’s precious jewels are embedded within their character. These rare gems are a perceptive ear, a guiding voice, and an unwavering heart. The attentive ear allows the master mason to truly listen, comprehend, and empathize with others, fostering deep connections and understanding. The instructive tongue is a priceless tool that imparts wisdom, knowledge, and guidance to fellow masons, helping them navigate the intricate paths of life. Lastly, the faithful breast signifies a master mason’s unwavering loyalty, trustworthiness, and commitment to their brethren, solidifying the bonds of brotherhood in the Masonic order. These jewels embellish the master mason, adorning them with invaluable qualities that contribute to their personal growth and the betterment of the Masonic community.
What are the 4 pillars of masonry?
The four pillars of masonry are the cornerstone of Freemasons’ path, guiding them through life’s complexities. Integrity acts as the foundation, ensuring that every action and decision is grounded in honesty and moral principles. Friendship strengthens the bonds between Freemasons, fostering unity and collaboration within the organization. Respect serves as a guiding light, reminding them to treat others with dignity and understanding. Lastly, Service embodies their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond, reinforcing their dedication to improving the world around them. These four pillars remain steadfast even in today’s uncertain world, grounding Freemasons and inspiring them to lead meaningful lives.
What are the three steps masonry?
Masonry, as defined by Albert G. Mackey, involves three significant steps towards acquiring knowledge and ascending to higher degrees. The first step is that of an Entered Apprentice, where one embarks on the journey to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of the craft. From there, the individual proceeds to the status of FellowCraft, delving deeper into the intricacies and complexities of masonry. Finally, upon reaching the pinnacle of the craft, one achieves the esteemed rank of Master Mason, signifying a comprehensive grasp of the principles and teachings of Freemasonry. These three integral steps outline the progressive path of knowledge and enlightenment within the realm of masonry.