THE WINDING STAIRS
Grand Lodge of Texas
The Winding Stairs forms an important
tradition in Freemasonry and is the focus of the lecture of the
Fellowcraft degree. While being prominent within the lecture, there is
very little reference to this staircase in Biblical accounts of King
Solomon’s Temple. In I Kings 6:8 one reads, “The entrance to the lowest
floor was on the south side of the temple; a stairway led up to the middle
level and from there to the third.” (NIV) Out of this limited reference,
Freemasonry has constructed an allegory that can only be interpreted from
a symbolic standpoint.
The Winding Stairs is an impressive and significant Masonic symbol
when carefully examined. A critical study suggests that the Winding Stairs
might veil more different subjects than any other Masonic symbol. It
represents allegories as well as symbolic truths. It embodies science as
well as moral and spiritual truths. The splendor of the conception of the
Winding Stairs is one of the most interesting examples of symbolic
concealment practiced by our early Masonic ritualists.
The allusion of the Winding Stairs leading to the middle chamber of
the Temple is apparently a veil to divert the mind from many interesting
symbols along the way that are overlooked unless the Mason carefully
considers the journey into the middle chamber. In the Biblical account,
nothing is said about the two columns at the foot of the stairs; no
reference to the globes upon the columns; nothing to show the number of
steps contained in the stairway; or that the steps were divided into three
series of three, five, and seven steps. There is nothing to suggest the
three degrees of initiation, nor imply the five steps represented the five
Orders of Architecture or the five human senses, nor indicate that the
seven steps led through the liberal arts and sciences.
In fact, one should consider the Winding Stairs as a compound symbol
that is constructed to bring together several separate symbols found in
the three degrees. Each of these symbols has their own separate
significance when used alone. Yet when brought together in a single
symbol, it represents a most interesting lesson within the allegory.
The two columns and the globes thereon are symbols belonging to the
Entered Apprentice Degree, the three steps are symbols belonging to the
Master’s Degree, while the five and seven steps are essential elements of
the Fellowcraft Degree. The symbol as a whole can be thought of as
depicting the new initiate emerging from the profane world about to begin
his journey from darkness in search of moral, mental and spiritual light.
If he succeeds in completing his journey, and in acquiring the lessons
along the way, he has the hope of attaining a special understanding of his
relationship to God that he could not obtain without careful
introspection.
The Entered Apprentice begins his symbolic journey in search of
Masonic light and knowledge at a point between replicas of the two
columns, which undoubtedly represent the columns of Jachin and Boaz of
King Solomon’s Temple. The First Degree in Masonry is designed to be only
a preparation and purification for a nobler and higher purpose. The
lessons are primarily intended to prepare the recipient for the mental,
moral, and spiritual light that is to be achieved in the succeeding
degrees.
It is therefore in the Second Degree that the real intellectual work
begins. The candidate finds stretching out before him the winding stairs,
a symbol of discipline and instruction, inviting him to ascend, and
teaching him that he must commence his real Masonic labor. Here he enters
upon those glorious yet difficult researches in the laborious task of
self-improvement now placed before him as a duty. He cannot stand still if
he is a true Mason. His Masonic destiny requires him to ascend the winding
stairs, step by step, until he has reached the summit, where the treasures
of knowledge await him. For the faithful performance of this task a reward
is promised. The reward is improvement of his intellectual facilities; the
moral and spiritual elevation of his character; and the acquisition of
knowledge and wisdom.
Here he proceeds onward and upward through the liberal arts and
sciences where he will find divine laws by which the Great Architect
creates, preserves, and rules the wonderful universe in which we are
fortunate enough to live. Thus it appears that the Winding Stairs
represents the progress of an inquiring mind and a sincere heart, through
toils and labor of the intellect, in acquiring an understanding of the
sciences displayed upon the steps. This is a preliminary step toward the
attainment of divine truths, which every Mason should pursue in his quest
for self-improvement, on a journey that never ends.
If the Winding Stairs did nothing more than point out the pathway
for the attainment of true Masonic light and knowledge, it should be one
of the more treasured Masonic symbols. However, it contains much more than
a simple inspection uncovers. The seeker of true Masonic light will miss
much if he remains satisfied with the Monitorial explanations of the
Winding Stairs. He must zealously study this important symbol and the
ascending journey it represents to discover true Masonic knowledge that is
finally reflected at the very top of the stairs, “which none but true
craftsmen can ever see and fully comprehend.”
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