The Origins of the Square and Compasses
The content of this blog is inspired by the Scottish Rite, NMJ blog on the same topic.
Few symbols are as closely linked to Freemasonry as the square and compasses. It is perhaps one of the most recognizable symbols to the public, with strong associations to our craft. It proudly adorns our lodges and the Masonic regalia and artifacts of our fathers, grandfathers, and uncles who were members of our fraternity.
The square and compasses have a rich history dating back to our stonemason ancestors during the Middle Ages. While we cannot pinpoint precisely when it became an official symbol of the Free and Accepted Masons, these Masonic working tools are integral to our rituals. When combined, the square and compasses symbolize the ethical and moral ideals at the core of our fraternity, embodying our timeless traditions and values.
Where did the Square and Compasses Originate?
The exact date when the square and compasses were first used as symbols of Freemasonry has yet to be known, as their origins are shrouded in the historical mists of time. Freemasonry has its roots in the traditions of stonemasons and builders' guilds from the Middle Ages, and these tools were part of the working tools used by operative stonemasons.
The Square and Compasses is the most identifiable symbol of Freemasonry.
These instruments were essential for stonemasons in their construction work: the square, used to test the accuracy of angles and corners, and the compasses, to draw circles and arcs. Over time, as speculative Freemasonry emerged from operative Masonry and began to adopt symbolism and rituals, these tools came to symbolize moral and ethical principles within the fraternity.
It is most likely that the square and compasses were officially adopted as Masonic symbols gradually as Freemasonry developed during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. By the 18th century, these symbols had become deeply integrated into Masonic ritual and symbolism.
It's important to note that the square and compasses, as Masonic symbols, differ from their use as practical tools in stonemasonry. Their symbolic significance in Freemasonry, representing moral and ethical principles, evolved over centuries as Freemasonry transformed from a guild of craftsmen into a philosophical and fraternal organization.
A lapel pin adorned with a Square and Compasses. Courtesy of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
What is a Square?
Considering the square has been a vital geometrical and architectural tool for centuries, it's no surprise it has entered our vernacular. Terms such as "getting all squared away" or "getting a square deal" are commonly used. Nobody can describe what the square means within our fraternal ritual better than renowned Masonic author Albert Mackey, who wrote the following:
"In the operative stone mason era, the 90-degree angle of the square was a necessary tool used to test the accuracy of the sides of a stone to ascertain that the stone's angles matched the square's 'true' right angle… in speculative Freemasonry, the square is a symbol of morality."
The Use of "Compasses"
Operative stonemasons used compasses as one of their tools in building and layering stone structures. Compasses were essential for drawing circles and arcs, ensuring precision in their work. As speculative Freemasonry emerged from operative Masonry, the tools of the trade, including the compasses, were retained as symbolic elements within the fraternity.
In Masonic ritual, the compasses symbolize several important moral and ethical lessons. They are often associated with circumscribing one's desires and passions, keeping them within due bounds. This symbolism emphasizes self-discipline, temperance, and the importance of living a balanced and virtuous life. Just as the compasses are used to draw a circle, Masons are encouraged to draw a moral boundary around their actions and behaviors.
It is worth addressing the term "Square and Compasses" itself, as there is often confusion around whether "compasses" is correct. Many believe it should be referred to as the singular "compass," but in Masonic Ritual, the proper usage is, in fact, "compasses," as cited on page 162 of the Combined Ritual. Further, on page 173 of Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry (1929 edition), the entry under compasses reads:
"In Speculative Masonry, this important implement symbolic of that even tenor of deportment, that true standard of rectitude which alone can bestow happiness here and felicity hereafter. Hence are the compasses the most prominent emblem of virtue, the true and only measure of a Mason's life and conduct. As the Bible gives us light on our duties to God, and the square illustrates our duties to our neighborhood and brother, so the compasses give that additional light which is to instruct us in the duty we owe to ourselves – the great, imperative duty of circumscribing our passions, and keeping our desires within due bounds."
The Letter "G"
The letter "G" is often found in the center of the Masonic square and compasses. There are multiple interpretations, including that it stands for "Geometry," representing the importance of mathematical and moral precision in Masonic teachings. Because compasses are instruments used for precise measurements and drawing circles, they serve to reinforce this connection to geometry and moral order.
Geometry itself serves as a metaphor for understanding the world's natural order and is central to the philosophies and lessons of Freemasonry. It is the mathematical discipline that was essential to the work of stonemasons and, as a result, is what modern Freemasonry derives from. It represents order, harmony, and balance in the universe and embodies intellectual enlightenment and the constant pursuit of knowledge.
Some believe that the "G" as it is used in this icon also represents God or the Grand Architect of the Universe. Freemasonry is non-denominational, but a belief in a supreme being is a requirement to join. The letter G in the square and compass is also intended to remind Masons that our lives and actions are witnessed in the presence of God or the Grand Architect.
What Does the Square and Compasses Mean?
The entire square and compasses as a whole are said to have several different meanings, representing a combined sense of judgment, balance, and stability. The symbol shows an architect's tool and is meant to serve as a metaphor for how Freemasonry's teachings help "build" members into better men.
The square and compasses, when placed together with the letter "G" at the center to represent the focal point, serve as a visual representation of the principles by which Masons abide their lives. For that reason, you can find in most lodge rooms the square and compasses displayed on the volume of the sacred law.
Master Mason Apron, 1846-1862. Courtesy of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
Masonic traditions and values have never wavered despite the centuries and generations that have passed. Our rituals have withstood the test of time, and as an important symbol to our teachings, we proudly display the square and compasses on our buildings, pins, rings, book covers, and Masonic regalia such as aprons, hats, and gloves. For the Freemasons of Illinois and beyond, this emblem inspires acts promoting benevolence, charity, and goodwill toward all humankind. By translating Masonic principles and conviction into personal actions, our goal is to make the world a better place.