The Point within a Circle

The Point within a Circle

Brother,

I have touched upon the symbolism of a square within a circle in previous writings, but in this paper I will expound upon the point within a circle specifically.  We are first exposed to the point within a circle in the lecture of the EA degree.  We are told that the point represents “an individual Brother and the circle the boundary line beyond which he is never to suffer his passions or prejudices to betray him”.  Later on in the lecture we are told that this particular symbol is “represented in all Lodges dedicated to” the Holy Saints John.  I, however, have never seen this symbol anywhere in Lodge except during the Lecture itself.  But as Masons, we are keenly aware that our symbolism lies far beneath the surface of what is seen with the eye.  After all, in the same lecture, we are told that “our heart should be taught conceive before our eyes behold the beauties of Freemasonry”.  In this case, I have been seeing only with my eyes, but am now able to conceive with my heart what has been hidden right out in the open, but behind the veil of our ritual.

As I stated previously, I had not seen the point within the circle in Lodge except during the EA lecture, despite being told that it is “represented in all Lodges”.  Now, with the help of another Brother, I can see it everywhere in our ritual and even a bit beyond that.  First, let us revisit what we are told about this symbol.  It is “a point within a circle, embroidered by two parallel perpendicular lines…and on top of the circle rests the Holy Scripture.”  So the question now becomes, where is this symbol represented in Lodge?  Is it found on your Lodge wall?  Perhaps, but I believe that it can also be seen in many other places within the mysteries of Freemasonry.

A point, as I now see it, can be symbolic of an individual Brother, as the altar that we see in every Lodge and even the Lodge itself.  Each of these aligns perfectly not only with the symbol itself, but with the application of it in our every day lives.  But I digress.

The circle can be found in a multitude of places both inside the Lodge and outside the Lodge.  Circumlocution traces a circle about the Lodge.  In some jurisdictions, the Brethren will form a circle around the altar to recite a closing prayer.  We are taught of brazen pillars that have been made hollow to guard the secrets of Freemasonry.  The compasses, one of the Great Lights of Masonry are used to draw circles.  Outside of the Lodge, we are surrounded by the profane world, which despite the belief of those who came before Galileo is actually round.

Two parallel perpendicular lines are found inside the Lodge as well as outside the Lodge.  In the opening and closing of a Lodge of Master Mason we see the Junior and Senior Deacon trace the path of two parallel lines.  As a new Brother is brought to Light, he beholds his Brothers standing in two parallel lines along each side of him.  Two parallel lines are formed along side a Brother as he is “raised” in the Master Mason degree.  When seen from space, the light from the Sun forms two parallel lines between darkness and light (one to the East and one to the West) as it makes its trek across the sky.

So how does each of these connect to the symbol of the point within the circle?  Let us examine each starting at the outside and working our way inward.

The Lodge is a Masons sanctuary (a Point), surrounded by the outside world (the Circle), and the Sun at High Twelve which is the “beauty and glory of the day” forms two distinct parallel lines on each side as it makes its trek from East to West (two parallel perpendicular lines) and the SAOTU who is above all sits above us, watching down (the Holy Scriptures).

The altar is a place of great importance in our Lodge (a Point), circumlocution around the altar is a part of every degree (the Circle), the Brethren form lines along each side of the altar as our Brothers are brought to Light (two parallel perpendicular lines) and again, the rule and guide of all of our actions is the Holy Scriptures.

An individual Brother before being raised (a Point) is surrounded by his Brothers (the Circle) who proceed to form two lines along each side of him (two parallel perpendicular lines) and at the head of the proceedings, behind MEKS is the Holy Scriptures.

Now Brother, I cannot say with any degree of confidence that our ritual was designed specifically to align with this symbol.  I am simply speculating.  That is, of course, what we do as Speculative Masons.  We seek to understand through study, contemplation and speculation.  What I can say with confidence is that the relationships that I have shared in this paper represent what the point within a circle means to me.  I hope at the very least, you will now pause and reflect a moment the next time you hear mention of the point within a circle in the Lodge.

Your Brother,

Jason