[What is Freemasonry] [Leadership Development] [Education] [Masonic Talks] [Masonic Magazines Online]
[Articles] [Masonic Books Online] [Library Of All Articles]
[What is New] [Links] [Feedback]

 Masonic quotes by Brothers

The Importance of the Scythe

by Harold Meij

We learn in the Third Degree lecture that the Scythe is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life, and launches us into eternity. In classic Mythology, the scythe was associated with Saturn, the god of time, which in turn taught men to use the implement in agriculture. Many illustrations of time as a figure show an old man, usually bearded, having a hour glass in the one hand, and a scythe in the other. The scythe is often associated with destruction. However, upon deeper reflection, the scythe cuts the old to make way for the new - and thus the cycle of life repeats itself. For example, in order to gather the harvest (grain, which feeds life) the giver (in this case the plant) must be killed. Until the fifteenth century, it was not the scythe, but the sickle that was portrayed in similar ways the scythe is today. This probably reflects the changing implements used in farming. It should be noted, that the 13^th Major Arcana Card in the Tarot, Death, depicts a scythe not cutting down life, but the wordly illusions. This also corresponds with its meaning, which is not the end, but the beginning of a cycle. In this case, the scythe is a positive tool - one that opens the door to the realm of the true and invisible reality.

back to top

To translate this page to any language, click below and go to the bottom of the page

[What is Freemasonry] [Leadership Development] [Education] [Masonic Talks] [Masonic Magazines Online]
[Articles] [Masonic Books Online] [Library Of All Articles]
[What is New] [Links] [Feedback]

Legal Disclaimer

This site is not an official site of any recognized Masonic body in the United States or elsewhere.
It is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinion
of Freemasonry, nor webmaster nor those of any
other regular Masonic body other than those stated.

Books published prior to 1923 are online according US Pre-1923 Public Domain Rule.
The papers published are the responsibility of the authors.
Many Articles Taken from Various Sources.

A very sincere effort was made to avoid using any copyrighted material,
without permission, in the creation of this web site.
If you discover something that is yours without giving you due credit,
please let me know and due credit will be given or the item will be replaced.

For any copyright infringement claims please contact me.

Send email with questions or comments about this web site to webmaster.
Site Design Copyright © 2001 Joe M. Sanchez
Last modified: January 15, 2012