For today there is a considerable quantity of Masonic lodges with rich history and with the held sacred traditions. These traditions including concern and jewelry which have great value at masons. One of such traditions - carrying of Masonic rings. Symbols containing on these rings can tell about their owners much. We will try to understand them...
The square and compasses in stating that there are a large number of symbols to be seen on Masonic rings. The first three degrees in Freemasonry are knows as the Blue Lodge and contain an incredible wealth of symbolism.
Among the most common are the square and compasses, typically the most prominent symbols on a Masonic ring and seen as representative of the Masonic fraternity as a whole.
Most rings featuring the square and compasses will also feature a "G" in their center. However, in modern times it has again become popular to replace the "G" with the All-Seeing Eye (or Eye of Providence). Both of these represent Deity.
Some are packed with a large number of additional symbols, sometimes too small to make out. Usually these are taken from the Blue Lodge rituals and will include the plumb, level, beehive, and Volume of the Sacred Law.
Past Master's insignia After a Mason has served as the Worshipful Master of his lodge, he will sometimes wear a ring with one of the various Past Master symbols.
The most common of these are the compasses opened to 60º, typically with a quadrant replacing the square. Inside the compasses is usually a depiction of the Sun with a face, or a mounted precious gem.
Aude, Vide, Tace and Other Latin Mottos
A number of Latin mottos can be found on Masonic rings, several of which are mentioned in Hoye's article. Aude, Vide, Tace means "to hear, to see, to be silent," and is part of an old proverb that originally said, "Listen, see, and be silent if you wish to live in peace."4 It has frequently been confused with similar mottos such as "To know, to dare, to keep silent." In any case, Aude, Vide, Tace reminds a Freemason of his vows of secrecy, and thus makes an excellent inscription for a ring.
In hoc signo vinces is another common Latin motto found on Masonic jewelry, but it is not used in the Blue Lodge. Instead, this motto, which roughly translates as "By this standard, conquer," originally came from the legendary dream of Constantine I. It has been used as a motto by numerous organizations, states, and schools since then,5 and in a Masonic context, it is typically associated with the highest degrees in York Rite Freemasonry.
Usually accompanied by a double-headed eagle, Spes mea in deo est is a motto used by the 32º of the Scottish Rite, and translates as "My hope is in God."
Finally, Virtus junxit mors non separabit is another Latin motto that will occasionally be found on Masonic rings. Translated as "Whom virtue unites, death shall not separate," it is a motto used in the Lodge of Perfection, which is part of the Scottish Rite.
Other Masonic Symbols
Among the other symbols that may be found on a Masonic ring are included dozens from appendant bodies. Scimitars and stars from the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (known more commonly as the Shriners), the triple-tau of the Royal Arch Masons, and the double-headed eagle of the Scottish Rite are frequently found. In addition, for many years every Scottish Rite Mason received a ring with the Hebrew letter yod (which looks like a type of apostrophe) upon reaching the 14º, or Lodge of Perfection. All of these rings are common.
Shriners emblem The double-headed eagle is the most common symbol associated with the Scottish Rite. There are several variations.
For instance in some jurisdictions, the symbol for the 32º has a triangle with the number 32 on the eagle's breast, while the 33º contains a triangle with the number 33 above the eagle's heads. Sometimes the shape of the eagle's heads or wings can indicate the jurisdiction in which it originated, as well.
Conclusion
Examining the symbolism of Masonic rings is not exactly an easy task, but by becoming familiar with the symbolism of Freemasonry, most will become plainly evident. Acquiring such a familiarity is quite simple: most of the symbols in Masonic jewelry are common and well-known to Masons, and have been written about in dozens of books. A trip to the public library might provide a wealth of information, as would a simple phone call to a local Masonic lodge.
I bring to your attention rich photo gallery of the Masonic rings which exhibits will give you real representation on this interesting theme...
info: www.transformason.org
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