What do the Square and Compasses really mean?
When the “grinders cease” and the “golden bowl” is finally broken, dust returns to the earth as it was, and our spirits return to the Supreme Architect of the Universe. So while we are on earth, toiling away with youthful clarity, how do we understand our lives? Where are our beacons? How do we know our actions are correct? In our Gentle Craft, the Great Lights of Masonry, beacons for centuries, help guide Fellows and Brethren in Our Lodge, and Lodges around the world. In Our Lodge, the Holy Bible spreads open upon the Altar of Masonry, and upon the Holy Bible rests the Square and Compasses. In other Lodges throughout the world, the Square and Compasses rest upon the Koran, the Talmud, or the Upanishad. Universally, The Great Lights of Masonry are symbols of Discovery, Honor, and Atonement. The Great Lights teach us to walk in the Light of Truth, obey the Law of Virtuousness, and thereby, overcome the baneful handcuffs of our earthly weaknesses. The Square and Compasses are the ancient
