Masonic Compasses

Grand Lodge of Maine, "The Compasses is a symbol of restraint, of skill and of knowledge." (Grand Lodge of Maine, General Information Regarding Masonry)

"Compasses. Symbol of restraint; of the principal tenets of the Order; of skill and knowledge . . .
In modern Masonic rituals, the compases are 'dedicated to the Craft' and are emblematic of restraint of passions. Here 'passions' refers to any over-emotional lack of control. Years ago the philosopher Burke said 'men of intemperate passions cannot be free; passions forge their fetters'. It is passions in the larger sense; intemperance, excess temper, unjust judgment, intolerance, selfishness, that the spiritual compasses circumscribe." (Pocket Encyclopedia of Masonic Symbols, The Masonic Service Association, page 21)

Albert Mackey, "COMPASSES. As in Operative Freemasonry, the compasses are used for the admeasurement of the architect's plans, and to enable him to give those just proportions which will ensure beauty as well as stability to his work; so, in Speculative Freemasonry, is this important implement symbolic of that even tenor of deportment, that true standard of rectitude which alone can bestow happiness here and felicity hereafter. Hence are the compasses the most prominent emblem of virtue, the true and only measure of a Freemason's life and conduct. As the Bible gives us light on our duties to God, and the square illustrates our duties to our neighborhood and Brother, so the compasses give that additional light which is to instruct, us in the duty we owe to ourselves—the great, imperative duty of circumscribing our passions, and keeping our desires within due bounds." (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, vol i, page 32)

Joseph Newton, "As the light of the Holy Bible reveals our relation and duty to God, and the Square instructs us in our duties to our Brother and neighbor, so the Compasses teach us the obligation which we owe to ourselves. What that obligation is needs to be plain: it is the primary, imperative, everyday duty of circumscribing our passions, and keeping our desires within due bounds. As Most Excellent King Solomon said long ago, 'better is he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city'." (Short Talks on Masonry, pages 38-39)


September 6, 2007