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The Symbolic Meaning Of Masonic Rings

29 February 2016 by Rebecca Simmons

For those who wish to know about stonemasons and the meaning and symbolism of their rings, here is a description of how they came into existence and why they created their iconic ring. 

Throughout history, stonemason architects were men who used tools to design and build structures. The manual tools used by the first stonemasons consisted of a compass, a square, a plumb-bob, a level, and a masonry trowel. In the first quarter of the fourteenth century, stonemason architects banded together to organize themselves into a fraternal brotherhood to regulate who was qualified to work as a stonemason and to preserve their knowledge and craft for future generations.

Stonemasons developed symbols, signs, and secret rituals to distinguish fraternal ranks and jurisdictions among themselves. One of the main symbols of that masonic fraternity was an illustration of a compass, a square, and a symbol of God. This symbol was used on all of the stonemasons' secret documents, tools, ritual ephemera, and jewelry. Here is a description of this most pervasive symbol on the stonemasons' ring:  

The Masonic Ring - Three symbols comprise the main portion of the masonic ring:

• A Compass - A compass is a movable drawing device that is used to precisely measure angles, inscribe circles, and measure distances. A compass consists of two legs connected by a hinged handle. One leg has a pointed spike at the end and is used to indicate the starting point of an angle, circle, or distance calculation. The other leg is movable and is used to measure or draw circles or distances from the other leg.  An open compass on the masonic ring is placed in front of the other symbols. The open degree of the compass varies on the many iterations of the masonic symbol, but it is generally open to 60 degrees. The compass is always pointing down on the masonic ring indicating man's connection to the physical Earth. 

• A Square - A square is a precision device consisting of two straight pieces of metal that meet at right angles at the apex. The two legs of a square can be unmarked or marked to indicate a precise distance from the apex. A square is used to draw precise lines on drawings and materials, and it is also used to measure angles within the field. A square on the masonic ring is placed behind the compass in an open and upward facing position. This position indicates man's striving for perfection, the creation of art, and seeking of the higher being of God.

• A Letter G - A letter G on the masonic ring is placed in the middle of the convergence of the compass and the square. Historically, this letter G was called GAOTU and was used to signify God, who is the Great Architect of the Universe (GAOTU). God is in the center of this symbol and symbolizes the masonic fraternity's devotion to God.  

Masonic rings represent the balance between the physical components of man's life on Earth and his spiritual search for meaning and the perfection of God. This symbol has been embellished and used for countless masonic groups throughout history and continues to be used to this day. It is a timeless symbol of mankind's search for a higher self. 

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