Compasses with a square - the meaning of the symbol. Symbols and amulets of Masons The famous Masonic amulet for money

Masons had emblems, and a most interesting system of interpretation of these emblems, signs, and decorum arose. That is, on the one hand, for the profane, for the uninitiated, these are just tools for carpentry or stonemasonry: a trowel, a compass, a square, a plumb line, a hammer - but for those who know it is completely different. And this is what distinguishes the Freemasons from other esoteric movements.
In esoteric movements, either they don’t advertise their emblems at all, in order to see their emblems, you have to make a lot of effort, they don’t flaunt them, or they directly demonstrate something, like the Rosicrucians a rose with a cross or Christianity with its cross, Islam with a crescent . But the Freemasons never hid these signs, which are ridiculously called secret. These signs are not secret. The secret is their deep interpretation. The signs are everywhere.
Who ever hid the five-pointed star? She was hung over the Kremlin. And the hammer and sickle? Fucking hole. Another question is what is behind the profane, behind the philistine interpretation. This is a secret question, a question of initiation, a question of knowledge. That is, the Masons have developed their own system of communication with the world. For simple, uninitiated, the sign is completely innocent - well, who will be afraid of a sickle, compasses, hammer, plumb line? You see, yes, there is a compass, a hammer and a triangle. And the initiate knows what lies behind it. There is nothing ominous here, which is usually sought after by Putinoid television or Orthodox concerned citizens who are in constant fear. This is their normal state. There is no sinister, but there is depth. Well, compasses and square, you know how they are interpreted. I have explained to you many times. Say more?

Compasses and square, well, the simple meaning is clear, right? Sometimes a plumb line is added to them - this is to check the correctness of the laying of the walls. And the deep meaning is this: a compass and a square are two ways of knowing the world. And this is generally a comparison of two aspects of knowledge - this is the human mind and divine wisdom. The square is always below, and this is our human mind, which can comprehend a lot and, ideally for Kabbalah and for Masons, must comprehend as much as possible. This task is set for each individual and for all mankind as a whole - strive to learn as much as possible. This is your purpose on earth. But our mind, and each individual and even great geniuses (we will see a few) like Newton or Pico della Mirandola, Einstein are indeed the pillars of humanity, even they have limits: the time in which they were born, the language in which they say, the time of their life, which is allotted to them, the volume of the cranium - that is, a person can learn a lot, but this is limited. This is the wooden square. If you try to move the square apart, it will break: a person goes crazy. So, learn as much as possible, but keep in mind that there are some limits. Know about them and be aware of them. This is our human mind, which from below (we look at the deity from below) is trying to cognize the world.
And the circle? The compass is divine wisdom. The compass can draw a straight line if the legs are completely extended, or it can outline a circle, and a circle and a line are two opposite entities from both a geometric and a theological point of view. The line symbolizes our earthly existence, the circle - divine perfection. The circle is a symbol of perfection in all esoteric doctrines without exception, and once perfection, then deity. And the line? Human. What is a line? This is a dash between two dates, this is the path from one point to another, where we go all our lives: the starting point is birth, the end point is the cemetery. That is, the line is our human designation, and the circle is divine. And all this is combined with a compass. The compass can describe any figure - this is divine wisdom. It can contain everything, even what a person, by definition, cannot understand, imagine and realize. And there is a famous Masonic aphorism on this topic: the mind comprehends - the mind comprehends. This is a very good phrase.
This is the expression of the Masonic attitude to what a person is, from the point of view of his ontological, that is, cognitive task: how he should understand his destiny in relation to the knowledge of the world and to the cognizability of the world. Strive without fail, but know that all truth is revealed only to God. And such a simple, simple set of tools as a compass and square embodies the idea of ​​relative and absolute truth in a philosophical sense. Relative - this is the truth that a person and even all of humanity can know. It is an endless journey of knowledge. And the absolute truth is known only to God. That is, we will never achieve complete knowledge. It is necessary to give an account in this, what depths lie behind the compass and square. This is the beauty of Masonic symbolism.
When they talk about secret signs, they do not mean something ominous, mysterious, that blood was shed here and hawali Christian babies with garlic sauce, but it means that there are some signs that the profane could not interpret. But we are not laymen, we will interpret. Here is a compass with a square - one of the most common Masonic symbols. And he, above all, defines knowledge.
Who was in St. Petersburg (there is such a city), and there is the Academy of Arts on Vasilyevsky Island, where the sphinxes are. It's all - this is a huge building, such a palace, it is surrounded by compasses and squares around the perimeter. Why? Because there once was a lodge called "The Dying Sphinx." Why is the Sphinx dying? When a person solves his riddles. By the way, that's why the sphinxes were installed there. Right next to it, you remember, there are sphinxes nearby. But even after the lodge was closed and its founder Labzin died, the memory was still alive, and in this Academy the traditions of this lodge continued - the knowledge of all the secrets of being. Here's a compass with a square.
Well, here is a compass with a square and a plumb line. A plumb line, as a rule, was added as a symbol of the criterion for the correctness of a person's actions. How do you behave towards God. Well, let's say, are you building the wall correctly, is your wall not crooked - check your relationship with your neighbors and check your relationship with God. For this square and plumb.
The Latin letter G, which means first, in Germanic languages ​​is the first letter of the word "God" - Gott in German. Secondly, it is from the word "geometr". Geometry is sacred science, sacred mathematics. The word "mathematics" was not known in antiquity. They knew the word "arithmetic", it was the science of how to count correctly, dance - the science of rhythm. This science was rather dance, musical than mathematical. And they knew geometry. Geometry included all mathematical disciplines and was considered a perfect science. Plato, remember, had a motto: “Let no geometer enter!” - who does not know geometry - get out, that is, there was such intellectual snobbery. And God was called the universal geometer or the great geometer, founder, builder, planner of the universe. A very beloved sign by Freemasons, which you can observe on the mass of symbols, on houses, on palaces, on their banners. (L. A. Matsikh. From the lecture "World Freemasonry")

Full lecture -
listen -

The crossed compass and square is perhaps the most widely used symbol associated with Freemasonry. These instruments, together with the Book of the Law, are the three Great Lights of the Lodge. In this work, I will try to put at the forefront only one of them - a square, to reveal its symbolic meaning and to trace the history of the appearance of this symbol in our lodges.

The tool, which is the topic of our conversation today, becomes a necessary attribute of the Freemason, who has begun to process his rough stone. As you know, Brothers and Sisters recognize each other by Signs, Words and Touches. The signs (which are the essence of the behavior of the Mason, always even and open) are made with the help of Level, Plumb and Square; the latter denotes the ideas of Justice and Equity. The just rule of Wisdom is symbolized by the pendant of the Venerable Master. The square, like a right angle, is ubiquitous in our works - in the signs "To Order" and "To Recognition", in the movement of the Ritemaster and Expert, in the crosshairs of the sword and mace above the altar. In some rituals, special emphasis is also placed on the fact that the kneeling before the altar of oaths corresponds in shape to the square. It is with its help that a bricklayer can create a perfect stone, whose faces intersect at an angle of 90 degrees (this angle is called a "perfect angle"). And only such a stone can become part of a building, wall or temple. Any other angle will be invalid. By the way, an interesting fact is that in Hebrew, the letter with the numerical value 90 is Tzadi (צ, ץ) and its meaning - "justice" - coincides with the symbolism of the square.

One of the earliest mentions of crossed compasses with a square dates back to 1607. In a work by John Davies entitled Semma Totalis or "All in All and Like Forever" he describes reality and God as follows: "This is the form of a formless deity drawn with the Compasses and Square of our Faith." Also noteworthy is an interesting find made by the Deputy Provincial Master of North and East Yorkshire. In 1830, under the base of an ancient bridge in Limerick, an old brass square was discovered with the inscription "I will strive to live with Love and Care, by Level, according to the Square." On this square is the date - 1517. Thus, it should be noted that special significance was attached to this symbol long before the advent of speculative Freemasonry, for which it also became an important working tool. Operative Freemasons used three types of squares: measuring square (the square gauge), test square (the try square) and gallows square (the gallows square). A measuring square is a square with various measuring systems marked on the inside, which was used to check cubic hewn stones or cross sections of stones that were being processed. The test square had two equal sides, making an angle of 90 degrees, they did not measure the length, but only checked the angle between the two faces of the stone. The gibbet square (which, apparently, is named after the shape of the gibbet crossbar) is used to mark the correct right angles, it has unequal sides, the angle between which is 90 degrees. Both sides were calibrated to make it easier to measure the values ​​when marking stones for further processing. It was also used to mark the bases of columns, wall niches and other details on the horizontal projections of buildings. Usually, the dimensions of the sides of the gallows square, which was used in operational boxes, were 12 and 18 inches, that is, the ratio was 2:3. The square that was used for standard operations was called the Pythagorean square, the dimensions of its sides were 18 and 24 inches, respectively, the ratio was 3:4. The dimensions of the sides of the largest of the squares used at that time, which checked the external and internal corners of the walls, were 24 and 36 inches, a ratio of 2:3.

When the candidate passes the rite of passage, he undertakes to measure his actions, using a square to check the facets of his still rough stone. In operational boxes, when receiving a candidate, he knelt naked, standing on a hewn stone, which was placed inside the measuring square.

Already in the very first speculative lodges, the Book of the Law was placed on the altar and a compass with a square was placed on it. In the catechism of 1725 we read the answer to the question "What constitutes a lodge?": "The Lord and the Square, and five or seven faithful and perfect Freemasons." Here the square becomes a symbol of morality, which, combined with faith, gives light to the entire lodge. McBride describes the square as follows: "... in the Square we see the emblem of the sacred justice that rules all things."
In most Irish lodges, it is described as follows: "... the Square is the emblem of morality and it teaches us that all our actions towards our loved ones should be tested by the Moral Square." In English and Scottish lodges, the square is described in a similar way: "... The Book of the Holy Law governs our Faith, the Square governs our actions, and the Compass maintains our ties with all mankind, especially with our brothers in the Masonic order." McKay spoke of the square as "one of the most important and significant symbols in Freemasonry."

The gallows or Pythagorean square with an aspect ratio of 3:4 is the symbol of the Master in some modern Continental Lodges. Some researchers claim that it was used in early speculative Lodges, replacing the letter G, which appeared later and, thus, was a symbol of God. The relationship of the square with this letter can be seen in medieval manuscripts, where the letter G was often replaced by the Greek gamma (G), similar in shape to the square.

After 1830, when the 47th theorem of Euclid appeared on the pendants of the British Venerable Masters, this square was replaced by a test square with equal sides for unclear reasons. Perhaps this change marked the passion of the early ritualists for universal symmetry. This pendant for the Master is a reminder that he should properly and fairly manage his Lodge. Also in the pendants of the Scottish Masters, Irish Former Masters and many American Masters, we can see the combined compass and test square. At the same time, American Freemasons often mark it in inches (a mistake that appeared in Freemasonry with the help of Jeremy Cross), making it a tool for measuring length, which the test square is not.

The square (square) is associated with the symbolism of the Earth, while the compass (circle) symbolizes the Sky. In some ancient traditions, the earth is represented in the form of a square. The statement of the prophet Isaiah “And he will raise up a sign among the Gentiles and gather the dead of Israel and the scattering of Judah from the four ends of the earth” is considered by some researchers to be an indirect confirmation of this concept. Thus, the crossed Square and Compasses symbolize the unity of the earthly and heavenly, the ancient esoteric principle "As above, so below." The square describes the ideal earthly order, the harmonious ratio of sides and angles, which is the basis of any building, as well as any earthly society. The two sides of the square, like the horizontal and vertical, in themselves can represent the unity of two principles - earthly and heavenly, matter and spirit. Using a square when processing a rough stone, a freemason must measure his earthly life with divine law, striving to improve himself. Albert Pike in Morals and Dogma says that "The compass is the Hermetic symbol of the Creative Deity, and the Square is the symbol of the fruitful Earth or Universe." There is also a version that interprets the horizontal as a symbol of the physical, and the vertical as a symbol of the psychic principle in a person. Thus, when they meet in the form of a level and a plumb line, forming a right angle, they symbolize the balance and harmony of the two principles, represented by a square.

The square is the standard, the standard that must be followed if we do not want our house to fall under the first gust of wind. If each of us individually, and society as a whole, is deprived of the standards to be followed in building the buildings of our own lives, we will lose stability and our outcome will be predetermined. McBride puts it this way: “A building will not stand if it is not built according to the principle of the Square. Human life lies in ruins if it is not lived according to the principle of the Square. The community will be prosperous and harmonious only when it is led by the Corner."

The square defines our morality. In an ancient Chinese work entitled “The Great Teaching” (5th century BC), it is indicated that a person should not do to others what he does not want for himself (this principle itself was formulated by Confucius and was one of the key principles Confucianism), and at the same time the author adds: "This is called the principle of operation of the Square." Also, a follower of Confucius, Mecius, who lived around the same time, around 500 BC, wrote: “We know that many learned artisans cannot create perfect rectangles or perfect circles without a compass and a square, and therefore all people should figuratively apply them to their lives if they want to follow straight and straight paths, and be in connection with honor and virtue.”

So, summing up and collecting the rich symbolism of the square into a single whole. Let us turn to McKay and his "Encyclopedia of Freemasonry": "1) For the Neophyte, he is presented as one of the Three Lights of the Lodge. 2) For the Journeyman, this is one of the working tools. 3) For the Master, this is the official emblem of the master of the lodge. However, he teaches the same lesson - morality, correctness and honesty. Speculative Freemasons have a concept expressed by the words “Live according to the level and square”, that is, during their life activities, rely on the universal universal principles of equality and justice. Every day of our lives provides us with many choices. From the very moment we wake up until we go to sleep, we choose how to act: one way or another, right or wrong, to approach virtue or vice, to step on a white cage or on a black one. The actions of a freemason must be subject to the highest principles that are professed by our Order. Thus, when the question of choice arises before the Mason, he must measure his actions against the square, the internal high standard, check the angle of his stone, and do as his conscience dictates. Thus, the right choice will be made, and if in the future the Mason continues to correlate his actions with this very important instrument for us, representing virtue and justice, then his whole life will be filled with righteousness and a truly Masonic spirit. In my opinion, this "checking the corners" of one's stone is the most important self-improvement mechanism on the path of Freemasons.

Compass and square - an image of the foundations and principles of the universe

According to ancient Chinese tradition, a compass (sometimes a plumb line instead of a compass) is a symbol of a circle - TAI JI, and a square is a symbol of a square - LO SHU (magic square).
The Tai Chi symbol, first mentioned in one of the most ancient Chinese books - the Book of Changes, is considered the supreme principle and circle of existence, in which there is an alternation of rest and movement, light and darkness. It denotes the rules by which the system of relationships between the natural and social components of the Universe is built. "Qi(penetrating the Universe energy - A.K.) generates chi, living matter, which, as a result of the interaction of light and darkness, is transformed into the Five Primary Elements - wood, earth, fire, metal and water"- this is how A. V. Nesterov characterizes the principle of Tai Chi. The term "tai chi" is translated as Great Limit and reflects the cosmic principle, which generates the forces of yang (male) and yin (female).

According to Taoist views, the entire Universe is a single, harmonious and perfect system, all components of which function according to the same laws, so the shape of a circle is its optimal symbolic expression. The black and white halves represent the yang (white) and yin (black) forces, each of which is a mirror image of the other.

A magic or magic square is a square table filled with numbers in such a way that the sum of the numbers in each row, each column and both diagonals, called the magic constant, is the same.
In ancient China, Lo Shu was widespread, known since 2200 BC. is the only normal (filled with integers from 1 to n) magic square 3×3. The sum of the numbers in each column, each row and diagonals of Lo Shu is 15, and the result of dividing the number 15 by the number of rows or columns (3) is 5. The number 5 stands in the center of the diagram, representing the principle of the equilibrium middle (Earth). The remaining numbers are organized around it into 9 sectors, which indicate the countries of the world that are under the control of various elements of nature or primary elements (http://www.x-sila.ru/lo_shu_fs.html).

In the Lo Shu square, there are many patterns and relationships with the surrounding space and time, the understanding of which gives the key to understanding the laws of the Universe. Until now, the magical properties of the square are being explored and all its secrets have not been fully disclosed.

A variant of the Lo Shu magic square is the He Tu magic cross. It is a scheme of ten numbers, which are arranged in such a way that in the center and in the four directions of space the difference between the two numbers is equal to 5 (the principle of the equilibrium middle - the Earth).

D.R. Ionescu came to the conclusion that there is some specific relationship between Lo Shu and Tai Chi. If 5 is subtracted from each Lo Shu number, then the resulting negative and positive numbers form zones that can be compared with Tai Chi graphics. A possible combined image of Tai Chi and Lo Shu is the Ba Gua grid (http://www.x-sila.ru/lo_shu_fs.html) with sectors denoting the cardinal points and vital spheres.

I invite everyone to further discuss this material on the pages, including in those ah "" and ""

© A.V. Koltypin, 2010

I, the author of this work, A.V. Koltypin, I authorize you to use it for any purposes not prohibited by the current legislation, provided that my authorship and a hyperlink to the site are indicated or http://earthbeforeflood.com

Read my works "

Mysteries, they have surrounded humanity ever since one group of people realized that the other does not need to know what they are talking about. And the more mysteries around secret societies, the more society thinks that everything is controlled by them. This also reinforces the fact that, for example, the sign of the Masons can be found very often, even while walking around the city.

History of Freemasonry

Many people know that the second name of the order of Freemasons is Freemasons. But few know why they are called so. In ancient times, when grandiose objects of architecture were built, there was such a profession, which was called "mason". If we draw a parallel with the present, then we can say that they were foremen. The idea of ​​founding appeared when people realized that the construction of cathedrals and castles could take not ten or thirty years, but a hundred or even more. There was no construction equipment then. In order for the knowledge of how to build this or that building not to be lost, a method was invented, because, oddly enough, architects, like other people, had the ability to grow old and die. If the architect died, then all the drawings and documents were transferred to the foreman, who completed the construction. Regrettably, the foremen were also not immortal, and the construction was associated with certain dangers to life. Then the principle of teacher-student dualism appeared. As long as the teacher is alive, he teaches the one he has taken under his care. When the death of a teacher comes, the student himself becomes one and takes on an apprentice. Thus, knowledge and secrets are not lost or forgotten. And in order to prevent cunning scammers from stealing them, it was decided to classify all talk about construction outside the circle of Masons. And the name "free" is due to the fact that only masons and artists had the privilege of leaving their lands, moving around the country. After all, construction was carried out not only in a single province. Initially, the sign of the Freemasons was a compass and square - a couple of the main tools of the architect. Later, others were added to it, including the most famous - the radiant delta.

Masonic signs and their meaning

Today, there are many symbols and signs with which it is customary to associate Freemasons. Next, the most popular secret signs of Freemasons will be considered. Only the symbols of the main lodges will be taken into account, almost without touching the signs of the order of the Rosicrucians and the Illuminati. Since neither one nor the other had their beginning as builders. And therefore, let's not take their symbols and interpret them as facts. The most popular secret signs of Freemasons will be presented, photos of which will be posted in the article.

Compasses and square

Since it is quite difficult to call Freemasonry an order that uses certain dogmas, the meanings of this symbol vary from lodge to lodge. Most often, the compass is associated with the sky, and the square - with the Earth. The frequently occurring letter G has a dual interpretation. It can be God, from the English God, or geometry, in English, respectively, Geometry. The mutual arrangement of these two objects is also of great importance in various ceremonies and rituals. There are three of these variations:

• The first degree - both ends of the compass are placed under the square.
• The second degree - one of the ends is on top.
• The third degree - both ends are free and are above the triangle.

There is also a variation with a rose placed on top and a cross instead of the letter G, this is the hallmark of the Rosicrucian order - a third-party branch of Freemasonry, which, unlike the Illuminati order, was not persecuted by the church and society. This one of the two most popular sign of Freemasons, whose photo is known even to those who are completely unfamiliar with this topic, has earned its place in world culture and history.

columns

Two columns with symbolic images of the Earth and space. They are a kind of analogue of Yin and Yang, meaning order and chaos, creation and destruction. They are quite common as elements in Gothic cathedrals. They also participate in ceremonies. Their meaning is to pass between them and receive a warning that human distinctions in the Masonic temple are invalid.

This also applies to material wealth, skin color, religion. A person is a person, and it is not necessary to divide into classes according to certain criteria, because then those who are above others in society will imagine themselves standing above everyone and can begin to decide destinies.

Book of sacred law

It is not a set of laws, as the name suggests. This is the main scripture of the religion that the members of the lodge preach. Often this is not only the Bible, because several different religions can be professed in the box at the same time. Therefore, it cannot be said for sure that it is a sign of the Masons. It usually contains a compass and a square. Symbolizes will.

It is quite possible that this symbol was introduced in order not to spoil relations with the clergy, who had and still have significant power in the world.

Plumb and level

Two similar architect's tools. They perform similar tasks - adjusting the degree measure of a vertical and horizontal object for plumb and level, respectively. Like all non-dogmatic signs of Masons, their meanings sometimes differ from each other.

Most often symbolize Truth and Equality for plumb and level, respectively. They are also personal signs of the first and second guardians of the lodge, who monitor the fulfillment of all conditions during rites and sacraments.

Radiant Delta

Here it is, the most popular sign of Freemasons, the most mysteries hover over it. First of all, it should be noted that this Masonic sign, the photo of which is presented in the article, does not have any connotation denoting control. It symbolizes wisdom, the truth that the student learns, the absolute victory of good over evil.

And the reason why everyone considers this Masonic sign to be something like total control over all events in the world is due to the fact that it is found on banknotes and coins of various countries of the world. And this happened due to the fact that once upon a time, Masons realized that they were surrounded by an aura of mystery and many people wanted to join them. And some of them had a lot of money. And as you know, a lot of money, especially in a large organization, does not happen. Here, not only masons and architects began to join the ranks of Masons, but also those who have impressive material wealth. These are nobles, and entrepreneurs, kings, lords, bank owners. And then they began to place the sign of the Masons - the eye - not only on buildings, as an indicator that it was this order that built it, but also on many other things. Thus showing the vastness of the order.

Marks of Excellence

To the question of what insignia Masons have, an answer cannot be given. It is impossible, because the order is secret. After all, if a member of the order showed everyone that he was a member of it, the sacrament could be violated. In the Middle Ages, it was easy to figure out secrets - torture. And the secrets of the Masons included not just drawings, diagrams, the basics of craftsmanship, but also the designation of secret passages in palaces and cathedrals. And this is already quite weighty information, having which, you can literally make history. This required a high degree of conspiracy. Therefore, one of the rules for joining the order says: "If you want to become a Mason, ask a Mason." And this is at least not easy, because there is no person standing on the street with a banner on which it says “I am a Mason”.

Influence in the world

Sometimes, mainly due to secrecy, people believe that the Order of Freemasons is indirectly or directly related to the situation in the world and historical events. This understanding could have arisen from the marks that Freemasons leave in many places and on many objects.

Significant historical events, participation in which is attributed to the Masons:

• French Revolution - mainly take into account the influence of one of the Grand Lodges (or Grand Orient) - the Grand Orient of France. Assumptions that the revolution was planned to the nearest day twenty years before the start of the revolution itself.
• The February Revolution is also believed to have been planned by the Freemasons. However, things did not go beyond the revolution itself - they did not have time to react, and the Bolsheviks received the reins of government, creating a superpower.
• The society that arose in Russia under Peter I gathered in itself mostly nobles who had nothing to do with construction, and in fact it was a closed club of the upper classes. However, after the French Revolution, they drew attention and began to oppress, fearing this.
• And many, many more events, including modern wars: in Vietnam and Iraq, the revolution in America, the war between the North and the South. However, this may not be entirely true, because most of the presidents of the United States of America are in a not very secret, because they are regularly reminded of this, the Skull and Bones fraternity, which has nothing to do with the Freemasons.

Do not forget that these facts are mostly guesses of conspiracy theorists and do not have any documentary or verbal confirmation. And the Masonic society itself is shrouded in a dense veil of secrets, which is unlikely to be dispelled. In popular culture, the debate about the influence of Freemasonry on history never subsides.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, it can be stated that the Masonic order successfully uses the principle "if you want to hide something, put it in front of everyone." And they have been doing this for hundreds of years. You can endlessly build any theories around this secret organization. However, the fact that Masons, signs and symbols have firmly entered into world history, culture and, in particular, into architectural structures, remains a fact. On most great architectural structures, you can see the sign of the Masons, which means their direct participation in the project. You can also say thank you to some extent, because before people who had nothing to do with construction began to join their ranks, the teacher-student principle worked non-stop and thanks to this we have amazing buildings that amaze with their beauty and complexity . Who knows, if everything was as before in their ranks, the Sagrada Familia, which is almost the most complex architectural creation of our time, would be ready, despite the death of Antoni Gaudí y Curnet. Or, for example, many architectural ideas that were not implemented for one reason or another could become a reality.

Many researchers of Freemasonry believe that their symbolism of Freemasonry originates from the tools of the masons-builders of the Middle Ages, who were the first brothers of the Masonic lodges. The generally accepted view in a nutshell looks like this: highly skilled craftsmen, builders of cathedrals, united in trade unions, guilds of free masons, freemasons.

Such, for example, was one of many similar to it - "The Holy Guild and the Brotherhood of Freemasons." Over time, educated progressive people who had nothing to do with construction began to join them. Then, when the gothic fashion passed, the role of the brotherhoods of real masons gradually faded away, and the Masonic lodges increasingly moved away from their building origins, showing more and more interest in various philosophical ideas and secret knowledge. On the one hand, this is natural, if we remember that many scientists and educated people became members of the lodges. Thus, those Masonic lodges gradually appeared, to which the possession of secret knowledge, and the desire / opportunity to change the world, etc. are attributed today.

In the above version, everything looks logical, except for one thing. How could ordinary builders, even if they had “secret knowledge” again in construction, interest scientists or noble gentlemen who became members of brotherhoods? I am unable to answer this question.

I see another version: the secret Masonic lodges arose by the beginning of the 17th century completely independently and only used the terms (Mason) of the Freemasonic brotherhoods that had already descended into oblivion, who were indeed representatives of the guild of builders-masons. Either joining these "building" brotherhoods served only as a cover for the real secret society of Masons, which in fact had nothing to do with both Freemasons and the construction of temples and castles. By the way, the symbols of the Masons are only outwardly construction tools. They have a completely different meaning.

Compasses and Square in Freemasonry

One of the main symbols in Freemasonry are compasses and (on) a square. They are used to present the moral and ethical system of Freemasonry and designate the universality of the Masonic brotherhood. The significance of these symbols for Freemasons is so great that at the end of the ceremony of initiation into Freemasons, each initiate makes a solemn commitment to the Holy Book, on which they put a compass and (a) square. (The holy book may be the Bible, the Koran, etc., depending on the religion practiced).

According to the explanation of the Masons themselves, the compass depicts the Firmament of Heaven, and the square - the Earth. Earth is the place where man does his work, and Heaven is symbolically connected with the place where the Great Builder of the Universe draws his plan. The square is also seen as a symbol of law and conscience, and the compass is eternity.

Did this symbol come from the Freemason Brotherhood of Stonemasons? Or maybe he came from a much more ancient religion? It turns out that the compass and square played a certain role in ancient Chinese symbolism.

Compass and square in ancient Chinese symbolism

Pictured: Fuxi and Nuwa. Below is the Tai Chi symbol.

In many images of the legendary Chinese rulers Fuxi and Nuwa, who ruled, according to Confucian philosophy, from 2953 to 2852 BC. Fuxi holds a square in his hands, and Nuwa holds a compass. (According to the legend, Fuxi and Nuwa were the only survivors of the flood and the human race descended from them.)

According to ancient Chinese tradition, a compass (sometimes a plumb line instead of a compass) is a symbol of the circle - TAI JI. The Tai Chi symbol, first mentioned in one of the most ancient Chinese books, the Book of Changes, is considered the supreme principle and circle of existence, in which there is an alternation of rest and movement, light and darkness. It denotes the rules by which the system of relationships between the natural and social components of the Universe is built. The term "Tai Chi" is translated as the Great Limit and reflects the cosmic principle that generates the forces of yang (male) and yin (female).

BUT the square in the ancient Chinese tradition is a symbol of the square - LO SHU. This magic square is a square table filled with numbers in such a way that the sum of the numbers in each row, each column and both diagonals, called the magic constant, is the same. In ancient China, Lo Shu was widespread, known since 2200 BC. is the only normal (filled with integers from 1 to n) 3×3 magic square. The sum of the numbers in each column, each row and diagonals of Lo Shu is 15, and the result of dividing the number 15 by the number of rows or columns (3) is 5. The number 5 stands in the center of the diagram, representing the principle of the equilibrium middle (Earth). The remaining numbers are organized around it into 9 sectors, which indicate the countries of the world that are under the control of various elements of nature or primary elements. In the Lo Shu square, there are many patterns and relationships with the surrounding space and time, the understanding of which gives the key to understanding the laws of the Universe. Until now, the magical properties of the square are being explored and all its secrets have not been fully disclosed.

partially used materials of the book by A.V. Koltypin "Earth before the Flood - the world of sorcerers and werewolves"
author's website http://www.dopotopa.com