The Plumb, The Square, The Level

Introduction

The philosophical symbology of the Plumb, Square, and Level are established within the Bible. These symbols feature as the jewels of the Worshipful Master and the Junior & Senior Wardens.

In a lodge, Freemasons are said to:

Meet upon the Level

Act upon the Plumb

Part upon the Square

The Plumb

The plumb is a symbol commonly used in Freemasonry and represents the virtue of uprightness. It is one of the working tools used in the Entered Apprentice degree. The plumb is utilised in Masonic symbolism to remind Masons to live an upright and moral life, always standing straight and true in their dealings with others. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining balance and harmony in one's personal and professional life. The plumb is commonly depicted as a metal tool with a weight, or plumb-bob, suspended from a string or cord. In Masonic ritual, The plumb is used in the context of the construction of King Solomon's Temple and represents the significance of laying a solid foundation based on moral principles and and virtuous conduct. Overall, the plumb is a key symbol in Freemasonry, representing the principles of morality, integrity, and uprightness, all of which are regarded as essential attributes for any Mason.

Etymology

As an adjective term, "plumb" refers to a line or feature that is perfectly vertical. "Plumb" being vertical, is the counterpart to the horizontal plane of "level". In order to ensure effective load-bearing capacity, floors must be perfectly level, whilst the vertical elements such as columns, pillars, and uprights must be perfectly plumb.

There are several words in the English language that are derived from the plumb-bob, including aplomb (i.e., self-confidence or assurance), plummet (i.e., rapid descent), and to plumb (i.e., putting in the water pipes). "Aplomb" was taken directly from French and literally means "on the plumb-line." To plumb something, as in the saying "To plumb the Depths," is related to plummet and also refers to soundings done by sailors investigating the depths of the seas. Plumb also derives from the Latin plumbum, which is the Latin word for lead (i.e., lead weight).

Design

The traditional tools for determining plumb are the "plumb bob" (or "plummet") and the carpenter's level.

The Plumb

The plumb bob is the oldest, simplest, and still one of the best tools for establishing plumb. It consists of a round or teardrop weight hanging at the end of a string or line. Gravity ensures that the string or line is perfectly horizontal and this can be compared to the upright structure under construction or consideration.

Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians used a plumb line attached to the top outer part of a tool resembling a letter E; when placed against a wall, the plumb line would indicate a vertical line. A variation of this tool has the plumb line hung from the top of an inverted T shape. This T form plumb can be seen in the ancient Egyptian artworks depicting the heart of a deceased person being weighed against the feather of Ma'at (goddess of truth and justice) for judgement. The scales were watched over by Anubis (a jackal-headed god of the embalming process and accompanied dead kings in the afterlife) and the results were recorded by Thoth (the Scribe, the god of writing).

Attributions

With the plumb being both commonly made from the metal lead and deriving from the Latin word for lead, there is also the astrological and alchemical connection with Saturn (lead being the alchemical metal attributed to Saturn.) Both Saturn and lead are dark and deep, cold, distant, and judgmental; they represent difficulty, challenge, and discipline. Key astrological attributions to Saturn are maturity, responsibility, discipline, and stewardship.

Biblical

Isaiah 28:16-17:

16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

Amos 7:6-8

6 The Lord repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord God.

7 Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand.

8 And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more

In the Lodge

In Freemasonry, "The Plumb is a symbol of uprightness of conduct. By understanding the Plumb, a Mason is to judge his Brothers by their own standards and not [by] those of someone else. When the Plumb line is thought of in this way, it becomes a symbol of an upright life and of the conscience by which each person must live." Ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7156001/

When the lodge is open in the Fellowcraft degree, the VSL should be open on Amos 7:7-8

The Plumb is the working tool and symbol of the Junior Warden in the lodge.

In Literature

"A line to which a piece of lead is attached so as to make it hang perpendicularly. The plumb-line, sometimes called simply the line, is one of the working-tools of the Past Master. According to Preston, it was one of the instruments of Freemasonry which was presented to the Master of a Lodge at his installation, and he defines its symbolism as follows: "The line teaches the criterion of rectitude, to avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps in the path which leads to immortality." This idea of the immortal life was always connected in symbology with that of the perpendicular-something that rose directly upward. Thus in the primitive church, the worshiping Christians stood up at prayer on Sunday, as a reference to the Lord's resurrection on that day. This symbolism is not, however, preserved in the verse of the prophet Amos (vii, 7) which is read in the United States as the Scripture passage of the Second Degree, where it seems rather to refer to the strict justice which God will apply to the people of Israel. It there coincides with the first Masonic definition that the line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude."

Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry

The best logician is our God,

Whom the conclusion never fails;

He speaks – it is; He wills — it stands;

He blows — it falls; He breathes — it lives;

His words are true .– e’en without proof,

His counsel rules without command,

Therefore can none foresee his end –

Unless on God is built his hope.

And if we here below would learn

By Compass, Needles Square and Plumb,

We never must o’erlook the mete

Wherewith our God hath measur’d us.

Poem by J.V.A. Andreae printed in 1623.

The Square

The square is another important symbol used in Freemasonry and represents the virtue of morality, honesty, and fairness. In Masonic symbolism, the square represents the importance of leading a just and upright life, always striving to act in a fair and equitable manner in one's dealings with others. It is also a reminder of the importance of moral and ethical conduct in all aspects of life, both personal and professional. The square is often depicted as a metal tool with two arms set at a right angle to each other and is used in Masonic ritual to symbolize the importance of constructing one's life on a solid foundation of moral and ethical principles. It is also used to represent the idea of balancing one's spiritual and material needs in order to achieve a harmonious and fulfilling life. Overall, the square is a symbol of great significance in Freemasonry, representing the principles of morality, honesty, and fairness, which are considered essential qualities for any Mason to possess. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living a virtuous and fulfilling life, based on the principles of truth, justice, and morality.

Etymology

square (n.) mid-13c., "tool for measuring right angles, carpenter's square," from Old French esquire "a square, squareness," from Vulgar Latin *exquadra, back-formation from *exquadrare "to square," from Latin ex "out" (see ex-) + quadrare "make square, set in order, complete," from quadrus "a square" (from PIE root *kwetwer- "four").

Meaning "square shape or area" is recorded by late 14c. (Old English used feower-scyte). Geometric sense "four-sided rectilinear figure" is from 1550s; mathematical sense of "a number multiplied by itself" is first recorded 1550s. Sense of "open space in a town or park" is from 1680s; that of "area bounded by four streets in a city" is from c. 1700. As short for square meal, from 1882. Square one "the very beginning" (often what one must go back to) is from 1960, probably a figure from board games.

Design

Made of Wood, flat steel or aluminum, the carpenter's square is actually shaped like an L. Today's standard model measures twenty-four inches by sixteen inches. ... The shorter leg is called the tongue, and it is one and a half inches in width. The outside corner where the blade and tongue join is the heel.

One should not be fooled by the simplicity of its appearance, however: the carpenter's square contains numerous scales, including a diagonal scale, a board foot scale, and an octagonal scale.

Masonic Try Square

While there are three types of square used by operative masons (the square gauge, the try square and the gallows square), it is the try square that is depicted in the traditional 'Square and Compasses' emblem of Freemasonry.

The try square has two arms of equal length fixed to form a form a perfect 'right angle' - or 90-degree angle. It is not calibrated to measure lengths along the arms because it is only used to test the angle between the two faces of a stone along the arris where they meet, to ensure that they subtend a right angle. In other words, it is used to check if the edges and faces of a stone are straight, flat, and square to one another. It allows craftsmen to draw and carve perfect square corners. Having perfectly square corners when building is critical to ensuring buildings do not lean and are structurally strong and sound.

Ancient Egypt

The Square Level was the main levelling instrument used not only in Ancient Egypt but also in later Roman and Medieval building although water-filled trenches may have been used to level larger distances. Smaller versions of Water Levels were developed much later. They were known to the Romans but used by them for only special purposes.

The Square

Ancient Egypt versions had two legs of equal length, connected at a right angles and with a cross piece to create a tool in the shape of the letter 'A'. From the connecting corner of the two legs was suspended a Plumb Bob, which could line up with a mark in the centre of the cross piece when the two legs were stood on the horizontal surface of a building stone for example.

Biblical

1 Kings 5:16-18:

16 Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.

17 And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.

18 And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.

Ezekiel 41:21-22:

21 The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other.

22 The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.

In The Lodge

The symbol of the square is abundantly evident in the lodge. The Immediate Past Master and the Past Masters wear this symbol most obviously and it stands in the centre of all activities; it is repeated in the Fellow Craft salute, feet positions, the ways of moving around the Lodge and the position of the legs when at the altar in initiation.

The square is used as an emblem in Masonic ritual to teach symbolic lessons of morality and conduct in the lodge. The square represents fairness, balance, firmness. Something that is squared is something that is stable, a foundation for building upon. The notion that being 'square' in your actions implies being upright, honest, fair and dependable.

In Literature

"You must keep within the compass, and act upon the square with all mankind; for your Masonry is but a dead letter if you do not habitually perform its reiterated injunctions. You may boast of its beauties; (and you have just reason to do so,) you may attend its Lectures; you may be an enthusiast in its forms and ceremonies; but unless you reduce it to practice; unless its incitements be brought to bear upon your moral conduct, you can enjoy no advantage over those who are still in darkness, and the benefits of Masonry have been extended to you in vain."

'Signs and Symbols Illustrated and Explained, in a Course of Twelve Lectures on Freemasonry' (p 190) by the REV. George Oliver, D.D.

"It is hard to become a truly good man, perfect as a square in hands and feet and mind, fashioned without blame. Whosoever is bad, and not too wicked, knowing justice, the benefactor of cities, is a sound man. I for one will find no fault with him, for the race of fools is infinite. ... I praise and love all men who do no sin willingly; but with necessity even the gods do not contend."

Simonides of Ceos (c. 556-469 BC)

Source: https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Simonides_of_Ceos

That Fellow's on the Square

Ah, here's a phrase that stands for much,

'Tis good old English too,

It means that men have confidence

In everything you do.

It means that what you have you've earned,

And that you've done your best,

And when you go to sleep at night

Untroubled you may rest.

It means that conscience is your guide,

And honor is your care;

There is no greater praise than this:

"That fellow's on the square."

Excerpt from a poem by Joseph Fort Newton (1880-1950)

Legal

In 1873 the Freemasonry symbol of the joined square and compass became the subject of a legal decision in the United States when a flour manufacturer made an application to the patent office to adapt the square and compass as the company's trademark. The request was refused and in the comments accompanying the decision the applicant was strongly rebuked by the Commissioner for his attempt to mislead the public. The incident was documented by author Albert G. Mackey:

"SQUARE AND COMPASSES

So universally has this symbol been recognized, even by the profane world, as the peculiar characteristic of Freemasonry, that it has recently been made in the United States the subject of a legal decision. A manufacturer of flour having made, in 1873, an application to the Patent Office for permission to adopt the Square and Compasses as a trade-mark, the Commissioner of Patents, J. M. Thatcher, refused the permission as the mark was a Masonic symbol.

'If this emblem were something other than precisely what it is—either less known, less significant, or fully and universally understood—all this might readily be admitted. But, Considering its peculiar character and relation to the public, an anomalous question is presented. There can be no doubt that this device, so commonly worn and employed by Masons, has an established mystic significance, universally recognized as existing; whether comprehended by all or not, is not material to this issue. In view of the magnitude and extent of the Masonic organization, it is impossible to divest its symbols, or at least this particular symbol—perhaps the best known of all—of its ordinary signification, wherever displaced, either as an arbitrary character or otherwise.

It will be universally understood, or misunderstood, as having a Masonic significance; and, therefore, as a trade-mark, must constantly work deception. Nothing could be more mischievous than to create as a monopoly, and uphold by the poser of lacy anything so calculated, as applied to purposes of trade, to be misinterpreted, to mislead all classes, and to constantly foster suggestions of mystery in affairs of business.' "

'Encyclopedia of Freemasonry' by Albert G. Mackey (1873).

The Level

The level is another important symbol used in Freemasonry and represents the virtue of equality. In Masonic symbolism, the level represents the idea that all Masons are equal, regardless of their social or economic status, race, or religion. It is a reminder of the importance of treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness, and of the need to work together in harmony and unity towards common goals. The level is often depicted as a metal tool with a straight edge, used to determine whether a surface is horizontal or flat. In Masonic ritual, it is used to symbolize the importance of working towards a common goal and of the need to work together in a cooperative and collaborative manner. Overall, the level is a symbol of great significance in Freemasonry, representing the principles of equality, fairness, and unity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, and of the need to work together in harmony and cooperation in order to achieve common goals.

Etymology

Middle English word denoting an instrument to determine whether a surface is horizontal: derived from Old French livel, based on Latin libella, diminutive of libra ‘scales, balance’.

Design

Invented in 1661 by Melchisedech Thevenot, the modern level ("spirit level") is a long, bar-like tool that has an inbuilt capsule/s of liquid, each with a bubble in it. When levelling a surface, the position of the bubble in the capsule shows the horizontal nature of the surface being measured.

The Level

Medieval construction relied on the concept of the plumb in order to find level. However, the medieval level made an advancement over its Egyptian and Roman predecessor.

There is pictorial evidence from the 13th century of a level which consisting of a straight edge with a raised semi-circle in the middle of the top edge from where a plumb bob was suspended.

The `A` shaped tool of the ancient Egyptians could only be verified level by comparing the points at which the legs of the "A" frame rested. Whereas with the design of the medieval tool, the horizontal nature of the surface could be verified along the entire length of the board (the level). When working with smaller stones and a larger level, several stones could be checked for level simultaneously, allowing for greater efficacy and accuracy.

Ancient Egypt

The Square Level was the main levelling instrument used in both Ancient Egypt and much later in Roman and Medieval building. A precursor to the spirit level was also developed by using water-filled trenches in order to cover large distances. Smaller versions of Water Levels were developed much later.

The Egyptian version of the level had two legs of equal length that were connected at a right-angles and with a cross piece to create a tool in the shape of the capital letter 'A'. From the connecting corner of the two legs was suspended a Plumb Bob, which would line up with a mark in the centre of the crosspiece when the two legs were stood on a horizontal surface.

Attributions

The Level is synonymous with the astrological sign of Libra. Venus is the ruling planet.

Libra is Latin for scales and is the seventh astrological sign in the zodiac spanning 180°–210° celestial longitude. The Sun transits this sign on average between September 23 (September equinox) and October 23.

The symbol of the scales is based on the Scales of Justice held by the Greek feminine goddess, Themis, the personification of divine law and custom. Themis survives today as the basis for the modern-day symbol of Lady Justice, most commonly associated with courthouses in the Western world. It is with noting that Libra is the only zodiac sign that is represented by an object rather than an animal or mythological character.

Biblical

2 Kings 21:13

"I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line used on Samaria and the mason’s level used on the house of Ahab, and I will wipe Jerusalem clean as one wipes a bowl—wiping it and turning it upside down."

Isaiah 28:17

"And I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the mason’s *level. Hail will sweep away the false refuge, and water will flood your hiding place."

(*often translated as "plummet/plumb")

In The Lodge

Over in the West of the lodge, the jewel of office of the Senior Warden is a level. The level represents the equality among the Craft when at labour in the Masonic Lodge.

Whereas the Plumb implies that of the astrological principles of Saturn (rules, law) for the Junior Warden, the Square implies the astrological principle of Libra (balance, fairness) for the Senior Warden.