The Square and the compass

[Andrea]

What exactly is the meaning behind the square and the compass in Masonry?

[DreamTime]

Square and Compasses -Two Thirds of the Three Great Lights of Masonry.- A symbol of restraint; of the principle tenets of the Order; of Skill and knowledge, since without their use, a square cannot be erected and without a square, a temple cannot be built.
The Square and Compass are universally the symbol of a Master Mason; of Freemasonry. A thousand devoted symbolists have read as many meanings into both these tools of a Mason. Both symbols are much older than Freemasonry; Chinese manuscripts give them a Masonic significance (although there was no freemasonry in that country) two thousand years ago. No symbols in Freemasonry offer so many possible interpretations. But, many symbols may be different thinkgs to different men; each interprets what he can from a symbolism so deep as to be almost embracing.
In modern Masonic rituals, the compass is "dedicated to the craft" and is emblematic of restraint. Years ago, the philospoher Burke said :men of intemperate passions cannot be free; passion forge their fetters." It is passions in the larger sense; intemperance, excess temper, unjust judgement, intolerance, selfishness, that the spiritual compass circumscribes.

A personal comment by the webmaster: In my studies, the Square and Compass has come to mean to me a diagram of the world, caught in between that of the mind or spiritual world (The Compass) and the realm of the physical, the earthly plane (The Square). As we progress through the degrees from Entered Apprentice to Master Mason, we learn the use of these vaulable tools, and watch as the compass itself slowly gains ground over the square, symbolizing our spiritual growth and mastery of the mind over the material world.

In addition, this symbol has three elements to its design, the Square, the Compass, and a representation of God. Masonry has three degrees. What is the obvious conclusion? Each part of the compass represents a symbolic degree, the "Earthly" or Strength, the "Mental" or emotional, and the "spiritual" or religious, or "Beauty" of God. Agin, brings me back to beauty as the crowning achievement, the true realization of God in Man.

[MC]

The first 3 degrees are called the Blue degrees,if I remember correctly.The compass is the male phallus of the Sun impregnating the female Earth,symbolized as the square.
This is what the masons are told that go onto higher levels.
However,the real meaning is the male generative principle, the Sun God or phallus impregnating the female to continue the bloodline.The point within the circle,which is not shown in this depiction also represents the impregnation of the female.The G represents the generative principle of expanding and protecting their bloodlines.This same type of symbolism can be ssen in the V and A crest of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert.

[Andrea]

Thanks to both of you. Very detailed information.