The Masonic Trowel

... to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection, that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble emulation of who can best work or best agree ...


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

 Masonic quotes by Brothers



Search Website For


Add To Favorites

Help Me Maintain OUR Website!!!!!!


List of Contributors


PDF This File


Print This Page


Email This Site To ...


The Equilateral Triangle

From The Grand Lodge Of Texas


There is no more interesting geometric object for Masons than that of the triangle, a simple plane figure consisting of three points connected by line intervals. Throughout the ages, the triangle, in various forms, has been studied and used by men. The 47th Postulate of Euclid, or the Pythagorean Theorem, was known well before Euclid's "Elements" and was revered by the Egyptians. Right triangles were used in all constructions and used in Ancient Craft Masonry.

However, the foremost of the triangles was the equilateral triangle, a triangle of three equal sides and equal angles. This triangle was used by nearly all of the ancient civilizations as a symbol of the Deity. To the Egyptians this triangle hieroglyphically symbolized the trowel and was considered one of the most perfect of figures. The use of the Hebrew letter "yod" within an equilateral triangle follows the custom of representing the sacred name of the Deity. In Symbolic Masonry and in many Masonic ceremonies, the "yod" has been replaced by the letter G and is seen in our lodge rooms as a symbol for Deity. Again and again, we see the Light of Wisdom that is found in the center of this triangle, the source of all Light.

The equilateral triangle is the easiest triangle to construct and is found in Euclid's Book I as the First Proposition, namely "On a given finite straight line to construct an equilateral triangle." With three equal sides and three angles of sixty degrees, we can construct an equilateral triangle. All school geometry texts for thousands of years describe the construction with a ruler and compass and the proof of its properties. For each us, these three sides give us the most stable and strongest of triangles. The three basic degrees equally connect us to one another as Masons and offer us the strongest of bonds to each other and to our Deity.

We find the equilateral triangle in our Lodge rooms and the tools we use in the Degrees, but this simple triangle holds many lessons, both in its operative uses and its speculative lessons. Holding an equilateral triangle and plumb line at the upper vertex, the Operative Mason finds the three basic directions required in construction: The vertical lies along the plumb line, while the horizontal is obtained when the plumb line rests midway between the other two sides, and the right angle formed by the plumb line and base gives a visible guide to building. With such a tool, our ancient brethren were able to construct the great pyramids of Egypt, Solomon's Temple, and the great cathedrals of the Middle Ages.

For the Speculative Mason the strength and stability of the triangle, united with the life lessons of the plumb, level, and square, reminds us of our several duties and obligations to our God, our neighbors, our brethren, and ourselves. Of all plane figures the triangle is both rigid and strong, but the beauty of the equilateral triangle reminds us of those lessons necessary to keep our spiritual building both strong and secure, now and forevermore.

back to top


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


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.

DEAD LINKS & Reproduction | Legal Disclaimer | Regarding Copyrights

Last modified: March 22, 2014