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ROSE+CROSS ONLINE ROSECROSS MESSAGE MASSONIC SYMBOLISM Symbols are graphic
representations of an idea. The masonic symbols derive of the masons of
formerly and also of the old religions and of the initiatic
mysteries. The main symbols of the Masonry are: the compass, the square, the
ruler, the level, the plumb and the trolha. Compass – it is the symbol of the spirit which must dominate the matter
(square). Through the compass can itself to trace the curves and the circle, symbol
of the Universe, of the Creation, of Macrocosm. The circle (Universe) with a dot in the centre (Creator) is a very old
symbol. The compasses form an angle, in other words a dot from where part two
lines. The dot symbolizes the Unit, God, manifesting itself through two
forces that move the Universe: the positive and the negative, the action and
the reaction, the well and the evil, the masculine and the feminine. Therefore the compass is the symbol of the two forces that the mason
has to learn to equilibrate during all its life. Square – it symbolizes the matter and with the compass reminds us that the
spirit (compass) is superior to matter (square). It also symbolizes the rightness and the justice, virtues that should
guide the brethren in all moments of their life. The square serves to trace straight lines, perpendicular, rectangles
and squares. The old builders used very the square to set the stones of their
constructions. It is the jewel of the Venerable that uses it in a necklace. Ruler – it symbolizes the measure and the precision that should apply in
our life. The ruler traces lines and curves. The masons use a ruler of 24 inches to remind that the 24 hours of the
day should not be expenses in idleness, but with precision, work and own
improvement. With the ruler (straight lines) and the compass (curve lines) can
itself build almost all the geometric figures. The Egyptian god Phath was represented
holding a ruler with which measured the floods of the river Conduct your life with measure and precision (clear and correct thoughts), don’t live at random, without measuring the
consequences. Level – it symbolizes the equality that should havd
among the brethren of a Lodge. We are all sons of the Father, the Creator, the superiority just
belongs to the virtuous men and to the sages, but these are the first to
recognize the law of the equality and of the fraternity Plumb (Plumb line) – symbol that reminds us to searching profoundly the
truth. And also to go down until the lowest levels to help the ones that
suffer, elevating them until the Light. Shovel – species of small shovel used by the masons to put, smooth and to mold
the mortar. The shovel symbolizes .the fraternal love that should unite the masons
and the humanity, because it is with for shovel that the bricklayer using the
cement goes uniting the stones in the construction. Gavel – species of the hammer, it is a little hammer
of wood with which the Venerable and the Watchmen, when hitting in the table,
open and close the several phases of the ritual. Mallet – species of hammer, it is the symbol of the will that acts and
perseveres and with the chisel reminds the Apprentice that should use it
to pare the brute stone, in other words should use the power of his wish to
improve his personality. Apron – symbol of the work, it reminds to mason that should always to be active
and laborious. It was used by the Egyptian and medieval builders. It is indispensable to enter in LODGE – in the old constructions lodge was the works shed,
an attachment to the great constructions, where the workers planned and kept
the tools. For some masons the Lodge is the proper The ornaments of the Lodge are: the mosaic pavement, the jagged border
and the blazing star. Mosaic Pavement – floor in the central part of the Lodge formed by black
and white tiles, similar to chess board. It symbolizes the coexistence among opposites in this world of diversity
and antagonism: scientists and spiritualists, liberal and conservative, black
and white, Christian and Islamite, etc. The mosaic pavement also symbolizes the two forces that move the
Universe: the Well and the Evil, the Light and the Darkness, Yang and Yin,
the Action and the Reaction, etc. It is a sacred space and it should not be trodden, except who will
take an oath or if has absolute need to do it. Jagged border – it surrounds the mosaic pavement and it is formed
by countless white and black triangles. It symbolizes the fraternity that unites the masons. In the initiate of eighteen century was represented by a rope that
surrounded the sybols of the Order tracings in the
ground with chalk. Blazing star – it symbolizes God or the Sun (symbol of God) and it is put in the
roof or in the wall of the East of the Lodge.
In its center is the letter G,
letter that initiates the name of God in many languages or the Great Geometrician. The star has five tips (pentagram), symbol also of the man
(microcosm), greatest creation of God in the Earth
and in the Physical Universe (aliens). Behind it we see flaming the Sacred Fire, other symbol of God, of the
Light and of the Sun. The star of five tips (pentagram) it is sometimes substituted by the
star of six tips (hexagram). The star of five tips symbolizes the Initiate, the perfect man
irradiating the small light unlike the great light (macrocosm) like the star
or the Sun. The top tip corresponds human to human being's head, the ones of the
side to the arms and the inferiors to the legs. The star of six tips of biblical origin, very estimate by the Jews, is
formed by two interlaced triangles (superior and inferior) and it symbolizes
for interaction (interlaced
triangles) of the divine world or the spirit with the material world or the
physical body. Luminous delta – placed above of the chair of the Venerable, it
symbolizes God, the Great Architect of the Universe, the Great Geometrician. God is represented in the old religions as three people: Father, Son
and Holy Spirit, Horus, Osiris
and Isis, etc. At the center of the triangle meets itself a human eye symbolizing the
Eye of God that everything sees. It is a symbol of the Old Egypt, the eye of Horus. “Smile you are being filmed”, this warning found in the stores is used
to remind the dishonest people to act correctly. We should also remind that the Eye of God sees all our actions, good or
bad. Altar – small table in the pavement mosaic, where are placed the three
lights: The Book of the Law, the Square and the Compass. The Law of the Book generally is the Bible, but can be the Koran, Bhagavad Gita, the Secret
Doctrine (Blavatsky), the Book of the Spirits
(Allan Kardec), etc. The altar is surrounded by three chandeliers and next of it shine a
light color of ruby symbolizing the Presence of the Divinity in the Lodge. The Bible in the altar generally is opened in this magnificent passage:
“At the beginning it was the Verb, and the Verb was with God, and the
Verb was God. He was at the beginning with God. All the things were done through his, and without he anything that was
done if did. The life was in he and the life was the men’s light. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness don’t prevail
against it“. Celeste Vault– the roof of the Lodge represents the sky, and
because of this it is painted of celeste blue,
being more luminous in the East, from where comes the Light and where is the
Venerable. In the West the celeste vault is going
darkening until stay dark blue, where are the Apprentices and Companions still
no accustomed to the Light. The masonic sky has stars, planets and constellations, remembering the world of God, and it invites
us to the meditation and to the interior peace. Columns – in the entrance of the masonic They symbolize the universal Dualism: J = the Sun, the man,
etc. B = the Moon, the
woman, etc. The columns are used to ornament or to sustain the roof of the constructions. The Masonry uses symbolically these three columns: Jonick = the Venerable, the Wisdom. Doric = 1° Vigilant, the Force. Corinthian = 2° Vigilant, the Beauty. Wisdom, Force and Beauty, three qualities that the mason should
cultivate to hurry his evolution, and the one of all the humanity. Orient or East – is the local from where comes the Light, the Wisdom, where
every day initiates a new life and new opportunities to the In this place stays the seat of the Venerable and other masonic authorities. Occident – is the local where stay the Apprentices and Companions that there
remain to receive the Light that comes from the Venerable and of the Orient. Chamber of Reflection– is a local little illuminated and of dark walls,
where the profane that wishes to initiate in the Masonry remains in
meditation. It is the local where begins the process of the Initiation in the Apprentice's
Degree. Simulating a cave or grave, this silent place reminds us of the transience
of the material things, the Life and the Death, etc. On the walls of the Chamber of Reflection meet itself several symbols:
Skull – it represents the transience of the life, it is the symbol of the death. Hourglass (old clock of sand) – it represents the speed of the time, it reminds
to the candidate to take advantage well his time, because the lost moments don’t
come back more. Rooster – it represents the vigilance, the beginning of a new day to progress
and to evolve. The rooster is always attentive and it awakes very early to announce
the birth of the Sun and the beginning of a new day of activities and opportunities. Vigilance and Perseverance (words writings in the wall) – Watch
because the evil is trying to corrupt the well intentioned. To persevere because the path for Light is full of obstacles. Official the Store: Venerable 1° Vigilant 2° Vigilant Orator Secretary Treasurer Chancellor Guardian of the Guardian of the Master of Ceremony Deacons (1° and 2°) Hospitable, etc. Circulation on Landmarks – were the marks or stakes to indicate the limits of a land, used
formerly instead of the fences and of the walls. In the speculative Masonry proceeded to mean the fundamental
principles, that should not be altered and that are the base of the masonic organization: It were created, however, several landmarks:
the ones of A.G.Mackey, the ones of J.G.Findel, the ones of H.G.Grant
and other. Here is some landmarks: - The Great Architect of the Universe (God) is the creator of the Universe. - The three Symbolic Degrees: Apprentice, Companion and Master, are fundamental
and complete, serving of base for the superior degrees. - The belief in the immortality of the soul, of the continuation of
the life in a more elevated plan. - The Masonry, heiress of the Old Mysteries, it should keep the
discretion and the secrecy, as it has been being the masonic
tradition since its foundation. Obedience – it is a group of Lodges under the same command, for example, the
Great Orient, the Great Lodge of France, the Human Right. Chain of The powerful Masonic Egregore, a mental
chain formed by many minds of Initiated Brethren, united for the same ideals,
creates a form-thought that
protects and inspires theirs members. Three Points – used in the abbreviations and signatures to maintain the masonic secret. Examples: - M.: = Master - M.M.: = Masters, in
the plural. If there are already a seemed
abbreviation it increased some letters” Mas.:
= Masonry - G.:A.:O.:U.: = Great
Architect of Universe. - R.C.: - Rosecross The three points are put, not
obligatorily, after the signature, although this practice is vulgarized among
the profanes. Venerable – is the treatment that is given to the president of the Symbolic Lodge,
and that manages the masonic works, being profound
expert of the Masonry, and assiduous of their sessions. After finishing his mandate it passes to being ex-Venerable. The seat of the Venerable is above three steps, what symbolizes that a
Venerable Master should dominate his physical body, emotions and thoughts. Great Lodge – is the organ that regulates the activities of the Masonry and other
smaller Lodges, in each country or in determined geographical regions. Greeting on the three points of the triangle – greeting very used
by the masons of the rites Misraim and of Menfis to want good health, peace and prosperity. Sanctum Sanctorum – the part most sacred of the Profound Peace – sentence used by the Rosicrucian Princes in the French
or Modern Rite. + +
+ If the flame that is in your interior if erase, the souls that are to
your side will die of cold.
Mauriac The men lose the health to join money and then they lose the money to
recovers it. For think anxiously in the future, they forget the present, of such
form that finish for not living neither at present nor
in the future.
Confucius The sleep is the consoler sweet of the men.. It
gives them the forgetfulness and the rest of their sorrows.
Tasso If all those that doesn’t obtain the one what they want, they died,
who would live, so, in the Earth?
Ségur
The life is as a taxi: whether we are advancing or simply stop, the
taximeter is running.
Anonymous + +
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