The Skirret

The Skirret

A "skirret" is a type of reel or spool used to hold a string or cord. It is typically used in construction and surveying to measure distances and levels. The string or cord is wound around the skirret, and the distance can be measured by counting the number of times the string is wound around the skirret.

Skirret can also be used to make sure that the ground is level before building a structure. It is a simple tool that has been used for centuries in the construction industry and surveying.

Note: as this device is quite unfamilair these days, it is sometimes erroneously referred to as a "skillet" - this is a type of heavy iron saucepan.

In The Lodge

In Freemasonry, a skirret is a working tool that is used symbolically in some of the degrees.

It is typically made of brass or other metal and has a pointed end and a straight edge. In Freemasonry, the skirret is used as a symbol of precision and accuracy in the work of the lodge.

The skirret is used in the Entered Apprentice degree, where it is presented as a working tool for the candidate to contemplate the importance of being precise and accurate in their work. In some Masonic jurisdictions, the skirret is used instead in the Fellowcraft and/or Master Mason degrees.

Anecdotes

Here are a few:

• In some Masonic jurisdictions, the skirret is presented to the candidate by the Worshipful Master during the Entered Apprentice degree as a symbol of the importance of being precise and accurate in all aspects of life. The candidate is then instructed to use the skirret to measure and mark out a specific area of the lodge room, which serves as a practical application of the lesson.

• In the Fellowcraft degree, the skirret is used to represent the importance of making precise measurements and calculations in order to build structures that are both strong and beautiful. The candidate is instructed to use the skirret to make careful measurements and to apply the principles of geometry and architecture to their work.

• Some Masonic scholars have noted that the skirret may have been used as a tool by medieval stonemasons, who used it to make precise measurements and to mark out stones for construction. This historical connection underscores the importance of the skirret as a symbol of the craft of building and the pursuit of knowledge.

• In some Masonic jurisdictions, the skirret is presented as a symbol of the power of knowledge and the importance of education. The pointed end of the skirret represents the pursuit of truth, while the straight edge represents the importance of adhering to moral and ethical principles.

Overall, the skirret is a powerful symbol of the Masonic virtues of precision, accuracy, and the pursuit of knowledge. It serves as a reminder to Freemasons to apply these principles not only to their work in the lodge, but also to their daily lives.