The Sun in Freemasonry: A Symbol of Light, Renewal, and Moral Illumination
How This Timeless Emblem Continues to Guide Illinois Freemasons
Across centuries of Masonic tradition, the Sun has stood as one of our Craft’s most powerful and enduring symbols. For members of the Grand Lodge of Illinois A. F. & A. M., it reminds us daily of our duty to seek light — not only in knowledge and understanding, but in moral and spiritual truth.
In Freemasonry, light represents truth, wisdom, and divine guidance. The Sun, as the great source of light in the natural world, becomes a reflection of that inner and spiritual illumination that every Mason strives to attain and exemplify.
The Sun in the Lodge
When a Brother first enters the Lodge, he is introduced to the metaphorical journey from darkness to light. The Sun holds a place of honor in that journey. Positioned in the East where the sun rises each morning, the Worshipful Master presides over the Lodge, representing the light of knowledge and understanding that directs the work of the Craft.
The East symbolizes new beginnings, just as the rising Sun marks the dawn of a new day. To labor "while it is yet day" reminds every Mason that our time to do good is finite and that we must use it wisely.
Tracing Board from the Entered Apprentice degree depicting Masonic imagery, including the sun. Photo by David Bohl. Courtesy of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library.
Moral and Spiritual Symbolism
Beyond its physical brilliance, the Sun in Masonic symbolism represents the presence of a Supreme Being. Just as the Sun gives life and energy to the world, so too does the Great Architect of the Universe sustain all creation with wisdom and truth.
The Sun’s steady course across the sky serves as a reminder of consistency, faithfulness, and virtue — qualities that every Mason should seek to emulate. Its warmth signifies charity and benevolence, and its light represents the clarity of conscience that comes from living a life guided by Masonic principles.
The Sun and the Seasons of Life
For Illinois Freemasons, the Sun also carries a message of renewal and balance. Its daily rising and setting symbolize the cycles of labor and rest, life and death, darkness and light. Just as the Sun returns each morning, so too can the Mason renew his commitment to truth, virtue, and Brotherly love.
In this sense, the Sun is both a cosmic symbol and a personal one, reflecting the daily rebirth of our better selves and our ongoing pursuit of moral improvement.
The Sun’s Companions: The Moon and the Master
The ancient symbols of the Sun, the Moon, and the Master appear together in Masonic ritual. The Sun rules the day, the Moon governs the night, and the Worshipful Master governs his Lodge with regularity, wisdom, and authority. Together, they form a triad of balance, representing the natural, moral, and spiritual order.
This triad teaches that true light comes through harmony: between reason and faith, between labor and rest, between individual effort and divine inspiration.
Light in the Heart of Freemasonry
The symbolism of the Sun continues to shine through every Masonic lesson and every Lodge meeting. For members of the Grand Lodge of Illinois A. F. & A. M., it serves as a reminder that Freemasonry is not merely an ancient fraternity, but a living tradition of light — one that calls each of us to illuminate our communities through integrity, service, and Brotherly love.
Learn More
Explore the symbols, history, and teachings of Illinois Freemasonry at ilmason.org, or visit your local Lodge to experience firsthand how these timeless lessons continue to shape good men into better men.