As a Freemason, you are probably familiar with the importance of masonic working tools. These items have been used by our fraternity for centuries and carry deep symbolic meaning. In this comprehensive guide, we will take an in-depth look at these essential tools, their significance, and how they relate to our craft.
Understanding Masonic Working Tools
The masonic working tools are a set of implements that symbolize various aspects of our fraternity’s teachings. They are used during lodge meetings and ritual ceremonies to illustrate moral lessons and principles.
These tools consist of the following:
1. The Square
2. The Compasses
3. The Level
4. The Plumb Rule
5. The Trowel
6. The Gavel
Each of these tools has its own unique symbolism and represents different virtues and values that are fundamental to our fraternity.
The Square represents morality and virtue. It teaches us to be honest and fair in all our dealings with others, both inside and outside the lodge.
The Compasses represent boundaries and limitations. They remind us that we should always act within the bounds of propriety and avoid excess or extremes in our thoughts, words, and actions.
The Level represents equality and fairness. It reminds us that we should treat everyone equally, regardless of their social status or position in life.
The Plumb Rule represents uprightness and rectitude. It teaches us to be true to ourselves, our principles, and our obligations as Freemasons.
The Trowel represents unity and brotherhood. It reminds us that we should work together as a team to achieve common goals and support one another in times of need.
Finally, the Gavel represents authority and power. It teaches us that we should use our influence wisely and responsibly, always striving to do what is right, just, and fair.
The Significance of Masonic Working Tools
The masonic working tools are more than just physical objects. They represent the very essence of our fraternity and its teachings. They serve as a reminder of the principles and values that we hold dear and guide us in our daily lives.
For example, when we use the Square, we are reminded to act with honesty and integrity in all our dealings with others. When we use the Compasses, we are reminded to maintain boundaries and limitations in our thoughts, words, and actions. And when we use the Level, we are reminded to treat everyone equally and fairly, regardless of their social status or position in life.
In this way, the masonic working tools help us to stay true to our principles and ideals, both inside and outside the lodge.
How Masonic Working Tools Relate to Our Craft
As Freemasons, we strive to live our lives according to certain moral principles and values. The masonic working tools are an essential part of this process because they help us to understand and internalize these values.
For example, when we use the Trowel, we are reminded of the importance of unity and brotherhood. This tool teaches us that we should work together as a team to achieve common goals and support one another in times of need. This is a fundamental aspect of our craft, as it helps us to build strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie among our fellow brothers.
Similarly, when we use the Plumb Rule, we are reminded of the importance of uprightness and rectitude. This tool teaches us that we should always be true to ourselves, our principles, and our obligations as Freemasons. This is another fundamental aspect of our craft because it helps us to maintain high standards of conduct and integrity in all aspects of our lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, masonic working tools play a vital role in our fraternity’s teachings. They serve as a reminder of the principles and values that we hold dear and guide us in our daily lives. By understanding the significance of these tools, we can better understand our craft and strive to live our lives according to its teachings.
If you would like to learn more about masonic working tools, we recommend consulting your lodge’s ritual book or reaching out to a trusted brother for guidance.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonic_working_tools
