Symbolic value of the angle of the compasses SYMBOLS INDEX | ESSAYS & PAPERS | SQUARE & COMPASSES Much has been made of the symbolic significance of the angle of the legs of the compasses in masonic iconography, both by freemasons looking for deeper meanings, and anti-masons looking for further "proof" of occult association. Unfortunately for both, a review of the earliest depictions of the compasses, with or without the square, demonstrates a lack of conformity, with a wide range of angles. Although a depiction of the compasses with the points over the edges of a five-pointed star can be found on the west face of the altar in the lodge room of Canongate Kilwinning, No. 2, Scotland [AQC XLII, p. 144.], this usage is rare. Identifying the compasses with the Star of David and fixing the angle of the legs at 60 degrees has no historical validity in masonic iconography. Others have linked the square and compasses to the Vesica Piscis. In many jurisdictions, the compasses of the Grand Master are set to thirty-six degrees while those of a Past Grand Master are set to twenty-nine degrees. Within Freemasonry there is a tendency to embellish and add to the simplicity of masonic teachings, ascribing significance where none was intended; mistaking visual mnemonics or artistic licence for symbolic depth. Those outside Freemasonry fall into similar error with the added intent of deprecating that which they do not understand. The following depictions are not exhaustive but certainly representative. Researchers should also note that the square and compasses image officially registered as Freemasonry’s trademark for use in Canada sets the angle of the legs at 45 degrees. Arms granted to the Masons Company of London, 12th Edward IV, 1472-3. Depiction currently used by the lodges of this jurisdiction Reproduced from The Laws and Constitutions of The Grand Lodge of Scotland of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland. Alex. Laurie and Co. Printers to Her Majesty., Edinburgh: 1848 Fr. Schenck, Lith. Edinburgh. 19th century, Scottish, no citation available. Detail from the seal of the Masons of Strasburg, 1524 [Gould, Vol. 3, plate facing p. 200.] Detail from arms granted to the Masons Company of London, 12th Edward IV, 1472-3. [Gould, Vol. 4. plate facing p. 464.] Seal of Mother Kilwinning Lodge, 1677. Note the compasses in the chevron are set at 90°. [Gould, Vol. 2. plate facing p. 30.] Illustrations are reproduced from History of Freemasonry, Robert Freke Gould. Philadelphia: John C. Yorston Publishing Co., 1902, except as noted. Reference copies are available in the Library at Grand Lodge. Other examples can be viewed at freemasonry.bcy.ca/art/s_c_art/index.html". Also see "Arms of Masons, Carpenters, Etc., The History of Freemasonry, Robert Freke Gould. Plate facing p. 269. vol. ii. New York : John C. Yorston & Co., Publishers, 1885.

ANTI-MASONRY | ESSAYS & PAPERS | GRAND LODGE OF BC AND YUKON | HOME | LINKS | SITEMAP

© 1871-2024 Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon A.F. & A. M. Updated: 2021/02/16 freemasonry.bcy.ca/symbolism/compasses/index.html