Dec 15, 2014 - Masonic Education    No Comments

Addressing Random Statements: The Square and the Compasses

SquareAndCompassStatement:

THE SQUARE
One of my brothers said that the “square” reminds the masons to always treat the people in the square fairly. That popped up the following questions in my mind, if you could please answer:
1) Who are the people in the square?
A_ the holy
B_ the profane
C_ the unholy God believers
D_ the profane and the unholy God believers
E_ all of the above
F_ other (please specify)
2) “Square” means “boundary” to me. So do you have to treat the people of (1) within the boundaries of A_law or B_Morality or C_other (please specify)?
Also, could you please explain if I am right to think the “compass” means to direct the FORCE of people to the RIGHT direction? If so, could you please explain the FORCE as well?

Response:

Wow. You’re so completely incorrect that it makes me wonder if you’re a Mason at all.

To correct some misconceptions you clearly have (and not revealing anything that isn’t in any popular Masonic books like Freemasons for Dummies or the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry):

The Square

The square isn’t a “square.” It’s a measuring device. It looks a whole lot like an “L” and nothing like a “square.” It looks like a carpenter (or mason’s … ) measuring device. It’s used ot make certain that an angle is “true.” In Freemasonry, it symbolizes virtue. It’s used to govern one’s actions and interactions with mankind. It represents honesty, fairness, and virtue.

So, to answer your questions:

1. It’s not a square. There are no people in the square.
2. If “square” means boundary to you, you probably aren’t a Freemason, because you’d know EXACTLY what a square is.

Compasses

To correct your misconceptions about the “compass.” It’s not a “compass” it’s “compasses.” A compass is used primarily for navigation. Compasses are a tool used for inscribing circles or arcs, or – used as dividers – to measure distances.

If you visualize a pair of compasses with points spread wide apart – like they would be if they were going to be used to draw a circle, for instance – it’s said that the tenets of Freemasonry (friendship, morality, brotherly love) are contained between the two points.

So, to address your request for explanation about whether you’re “right” … no, you’re not right. You’re not even close. There’s no “force” at all.

Perhaps, if you’re truly interested in Freemasonry, you should pick up a copy of “Freemasons for Dummies” by Christopher Hodapp and a copy of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry” by S. Brent Morris. Then, when you’ve finished both books, you should head down to your local Masonic Lodge and talked to some of the members. If you like what you hear, think about picking up an application and consider joining the fraternity.

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