Gallery of Masonic Symbolism

 

The Obverse and Reverse of the Great Seal of the United States of America

From Hunt’s History of the Seal of the United StatesThe significance of the mystical number 13, which frequently appears upon the Great Seal of the United States, is not limited to the number of the original colonies. The sacred emblem of the ancient initiates, here composed of 13 stars, also appears above the head of the "eagle." The motto, E Pluribus Unum, contains 13 letters, as does also the inscription, Annuit Coeptis. The "eagle" clutches in its right talon a branch bearing 13 leaves and 13 berries and in its left a sheaf of 13 arrows. The face of the pyramid, exclusive of the panel containing the date, consists of 72 stones arranged in 13 rows. MPH

 

A Masonic Apron with Symbolic Figures

Masonic aprons are frequently decorated with curious and impressive figures. The apron shown above contains a wealth of symbolism: the beehive, emblematic of the Masonic lodge itself; the trowel, the mallet, and the trestleboard; the rough and trued ashlars; the pyramids and hills of Lebanon; the pillars, the Temple, and checkerboard floor; and the blazing star and tools of the Craft. The center of the apron is occupied by the compass and square, representative of the Macrocosm and the microcosm, and the alternately black and white serpent of astral light. Below is an acacia branch with seven sprigs, signifying the life centers of the superior and the inferior man. The skull and crossbones are a continual reminder that the spiritual nature attains liberation only after the philosophical death of man’s sensuous personality. MPH

 

The Emblematic Hand of the Mysteries

From Montfaucon’s AntiquitiesA hand covered with numerous symbols was extended to the neophytes when they entered into the Temple of Wisdom. An understanding of the symbols embossed upon the surface of the hand brought with it Divine power and regeneration. Therefore, by means of these symbolic hands the candidate was said to be raised from the dead. MPH

 

Fragment of Native American Pottery

Courtesy of Alice Palmer HendersonThis curious fragment was found four feet underground beneath a trash pile of broken early Native American pottery not far from the Casa Grande ruins in Arizona. It is significant because of its striking resemblance to the Masonic compass and square. MPH