The Secrets of Masonic & Occult Symbols Revealed: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Esoteric Wisdom
Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated: A Guide to Their Meanings and Origins
Have you ever wondered what the symbols on a dollar bill, a Masonic lodge, or a tarot card mean? If so, you are not alone. Symbols are powerful tools of communication that can convey complex ideas, beliefs, and emotions with a single image. They can also be mysterious, intriguing, and sometimes controversial.
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Masonic and occult symbols are especially fascinating because they reveal a hidden world of esoteric knowledge, ancient wisdom, and secret societies. These symbols have been used for centuries by various groups and individuals who seek to understand the mysteries of life, nature, and the divine.
In this article, we will explore some of the most common and important Masonic and occult symbols, their meanings and origins, and how they are used in different contexts. We will also address some of the myths and misconceptions that surround these symbols, and provide some resources for further learning.
Masonic Symbols
Masonry, or Freemasonry, is a fraternal organization that traces its roots to the medieval guilds of stonemasons. Today, Masons are men who join lodges (local chapters) where they participate in rituals, ceremonies, charitable works, and social activities. Masons claim to uphold the values of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
Masons use a variety of symbols to represent their principles, teachings, and history. Some of these symbols are derived from the tools and practices of stonemasonry, while others have more ancient or mystical origins. Here are three of the most prominent Masonic symbols:
The Square and Compasses
The square and compasses are the most recognizable symbol of Freemasonry. They are usually depicted with a letter G in the center, which stands for God, geometry, or both.
The square symbolizes morality, honesty, justice, and virtue. It reminds Masons to be fair and upright in their dealings with others, and to square their actions with their conscience. The compasses symbolize wisdom, moderation, self-control, and spirituality. They remind Masons to circumscribe their passions and desires within the bounds of reason and faith.
The square and compasses are also used in Masonic rituals and ceremonies, such as the initiation of new members. They are placed on the altar, along with the Bible or another sacred book, as symbols of the divine law and the moral law. They are also used to draw symbolic figures on the floor of the lodge, such as the blazing star, the checkered pavement, and the letter G.
There are some variations of the square and compasses symbol, depending on the degree or branch of Masonry. For example, in some Scottish Rite degrees, the symbol may include a double-headed eagle, a cross, or a triangle. In some York Rite degrees, the symbol may include a quadrant, a circle, or a sword.
The All-Seeing Eye
The all-seeing eye is another common Masonic symbol. It is also known as the Eye of Providence or the Masonic Eye. It depicts an eye within a triangle, sometimes surrounded by rays of light or clouds.
The all-seeing eye symbolizes the omniscience and omnipresence of God, who watches over and guides humanity. It also represents the enlightenment and illumination that Masons seek through their quest for knowledge and truth. It is a reminder that Masons are always under the watchful eye of the Great Architect of the Universe, who expects them to act according to His will.
The all-seeing eye is related to two other ancient symbols: the Eye of Horus and the Eye of Providence. The Eye of Horus is an Egyptian symbol of protection, health, and royal power. It is associated with Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky, who lost his left eye in a battle with his uncle Set, the god of chaos. The eye was restored by Thoth, the god of wisdom and magic, and became a symbol of healing and restoration.
The Eye of Providence is a Christian symbol of God's providence and care for His creation. It is often depicted on churches, monuments, and artworks as a sign of God's presence and blessing. It is also found on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States, along with the Latin motto "Annuit Coeptis", which means "He has favored our undertakings".
The all-seeing eye is depicted in various Masonic art and architecture, such as paintings, stained glass windows, medals, and coins. It is also featured on some Masonic aprons, banners, and jewels.
The Acacia
The acacia is a type of evergreen tree or shrub that grows in warm climates. It has thorny branches and yellow flowers that produce a fragrant resin. In Freemasonry, it is a symbol of immortality and innocence.
The acacia is significant in Masonry because it is connected to the legend of Hiram Abiff, the master builder of King Solomon's temple. According to the legend, Hiram was murdered by three fellow workers who wanted to extort from him the secrets of his craft. His body was buried in a shallow grave marked by a sprig of acacia. He was later discovered and raised by King Solomon and his companions.
The sprig of acacia represents Hiram's fidelity to his oath and his loyalty to his brethren. It also signifies his resurrection to a future life after death. It reminds Masons that they have an immortal part within them that will survive the grave and never die.
The acacia is also a symbol of innocence and purity in Freemasonry. In Greek, the word for acacia means "innocence" or "freedom from sin". It implies that Masons should be free from corruption and vice, and live according to their conscience. The acacia is also associated with Osiris, the Egyptian god of the underworld and resurrection, who was said to be born from an acacia tree.
Occult Symbols
Occultism is a broad term that refers to various beliefs and practices that involve hidden or secret knowledge, supernatural phenomena, or magic. Occultists may seek to understand or manipulate the forces of nature, explore alternative dimensions of reality, or communicate with spiritual entities.
Occultists use a variety of symbols to represent their concepts, methods, and goals. Some of these symbols are derived from ancient cultures or religions, while others have more modern or personal origins. Here are three of the most popular occult symbols:
The Pentagram
The Pentagram
The pentagram is a five-pointed star that can be drawn with one continuous line. It is one of the oldest and most universal occult symbols, with various meanings and uses in different cultures and traditions.
The origin of the pentagram is not clear, but it may date back to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, or Greece. It was used as a symbol of protection, health, power, and harmony by various civilizations. It was also associated with the five elements of life: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
The pentagram was adopted by many occult traditions and practices, such as Pythagoreanism, Hermeticism, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, Kabbalah, alchemy, astrology, and magic. It was seen as a representation of the microcosm (man) and the macrocosm (the universe), as well as a key to unlocking the secrets of nature and the divine.
The pentagram has also been used in different ways by different occult groups and individuals. For example, some use it upright to signify positive or benign forces, while others use it inverted to signify negative or malevolent forces. Some use it with a circle around it to enhance its power or protection, while others use it without a circle to allow its energy to flow freely. Some use it with various symbols or letters inside or around it to indicate specific meanings or intentions.
The pentagram has also been subject to some misconceptions and controversies over time. Some people have mistakenly associated it with Satanism or evil, especially when it is inverted or used with a goat's head. Some people have also feared or persecuted those who use the pentagram as a sign of their beliefs or practices. However, many occultists and pagans regard the pentagram as a positive and sacred symbol that expresses their spirituality and values.
The Hexagram
The hexagram is a six-pointed star that can be formed by overlapping two equilateral triangles. It is another ancient and universal occult symbol that has multiple meanings and origins.
The history of the hexagram can be traced back to ancient India, where it was used as a symbol of the union of Shiva and Shakti, the male and female principles of creation. It was also used in ancient China as a symbol of heaven and earth, yin and yang, and harmony and balance.
The hexagram was later adopted by Judaism as a symbol of God's covenant with Israel and His protection over His chosen people. It became known as the Star of David or the Shield of David, after the legendary king who bore it on his shield. It was also associated with the six days of creation and the six attributes of God.
The hexagram was also used by various occult traditions and practices that were influenced by Judaism or Kabbalah, such as Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, Theosophy, Golden Dawn, and Aleister Crowley's Thelema. It was seen as a representation of the union of opposites (such as fire and water), the harmony of forces (such as macrocosm and microcosm), and the manifestation of magic (such as above and below).
The hexagram has also been used in different ways by different occult groups and individuals. For example, some use it upright to signify positive or benign forces, while others use it inverted to signify negative or malevolent forces. Some use it with a circle around it to enhance its power or protection, while others use it without a circle to allow its energy to flow freely. Some use it with various symbols or letters inside or around it to indicate specific meanings or intentions.
The hexagram has also been subject to some variations over time. For example, some use it with an interlaced pattern to create a more complex design. Some use it with a pentagram inside to create a more powerful symbol. Some use it with other shapes or figures to create different symbols, such as the Seal of Solomon (a hexagram with two concentric circles), the Star of Babalon (a hexagram with a seven-pointed star), or the Star of David (a hexagram with a twelve-pointed star).
The Black Sun
The black sun is a symbol of a sun composed of twelve sig runes or twelve rays. It is a relatively modern occult symbol that has a dark and sinister meaning and origin.
The origin of the black sun can be traced back to Nazi Germany, where it was used as a symbol of the occult and mystical aspects of Nazism. It was first appearing on the floor of the north tower of Wewelsburg Castle, which was renovated by Heinrich Himmler, the leader of the SS, to serve as a center for his occult and ideological activities. It was also associated with the SS insignia, the swastika, and the concept of the Aryan race.
The black sun was later adopted by neo-Nazis and other far-right groups as a symbol of their political and racial views. It was also adopted by Satanists and other occult groups as a symbol of their anti-Christian and anti-cosmic beliefs. It was seen as a representation of the dark and destructive forces of nature, the chaos and entropy of the universe, and the annihilation and rebirth of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Masonic and occult symbols are rich and varied in their meanings and origins. They reflect the diverse and complex beliefs and practices of those who use them. They also reveal the hidden and mysterious aspects of reality that are often overlooked or misunderstood by the mainstream society.
Learning about Masonic and occult symbols can help us to appreciate the diversity and depth of human culture and spirituality. It can also help us to develop a critical and open-minded attitude towards different worldviews and perspectives. However, we should also be aware of the potential dangers and abuses of these symbols, especially when they are used for harmful or hateful purposes.
If you are interested in learning more about Masonic and occult symbols, here are some resources that you can check out:
Masonic & Occult Symbols Illustrated by Cathy Burns: A book that explains the meanings and origins of hundreds of symbols used by Masons, occultists, witches, Satanists, and others.
The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall: A classic book that explores the esoteric wisdom and symbolism of various ancient and modern traditions, including Masonry, Kabbalah, alchemy, astrology, magic, and more.
Founding Fathers, Secret Societies: Freemasons, Illuminati, Rosicrucians, and the Decoding of the Great Seal by Robert Hieronimus: A book that examines the influence of Masonry and other secret societies on the founding of America, as well as the symbolism of the Great Seal.
A Dictionary of Symbols by J.E. Cirlot: A comprehensive reference book that covers the meanings and interpretations of thousands of symbols from various cultures and eras.
Symbols: The Language of Communication by Robert Adkinson: A book that explains how symbols communicate ideas, emotions, values, and beliefs across time and space.
FAQs
What is the difference between a pentagram and a pentacle?
A pentagram is a five-pointed star that can be drawn with one continuous line. A pentacle is a pentagram with a circle around it. The circle may enhance the power or protection of the pentagram, or represent the unity or wholeness of its elements.
What is the meaning of the letter G in Masonic symbols?
The letter G in Masonic symbols may stand for God, geometry, or both. God is the supreme being that Masons worship and obey. Geometry is the science that Masons use to understand the order and harmony of nature and creation.
What is the origin of the hexagram?
The hexagram is an ancient symbol that can be traced back to India, China, or Egypt. It was used as a symbol of the union or harmony of opposites, such as male and female, heaven and earth, or fire and water.
What is the significance of the black sun?
The black sun is a symbol of a sun composed of twelve sig runes or twelve rays. It originated in Nazi Germany as a symbol of the occult and mystical aspects of Nazism. It was also associated with the SS, the swastika, and the concept of the Aryan race. It later became a symbol of neo-Nazism, Satanism, and other far-right and anti-cosmic groups. It represents the dark and destructive forces of nature, the chaos and entropy of the universe, and the annihilation and rebirth of life.
What is the difference between a hexagram and a Star of David?
A hexagram is a six-pointed star that can be formed by overlapping two equilateral triangles. A Star of David is a specific type of hexagram that is used as a symbol of Judaism and Israel. It is also known as the Shield of David or Magen David. It may have originated as a decorative motif or a seal in ancient times. It became associated with Jewish identity and culture in the Middle Ages and later periods. It is also used by some occult traditions and practices that are influenced by Judaism or Kabbalah.
What is the meaning of the pentacle?
A pentacle is a pentagram with a circle around it. The circle may enhance the power or protection of the pentagram, or represent the unity or wholeness of its elements. The pentacle is widely used by Wiccans, witches, pagans, and other neo-pagan groups as a symbol of their beliefs and practices. It may also be used for ritual purposes, such as casting spells, invoking deities, or creating sacred space.
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