Symbolism in Masonic Rings

There is a surfeit of badly researched, untruthful information on Freemasonry available on the Internet. Sometimes it is located on otherwise excellent websites, and recently I came across an article titled "The Many Hidden Messages in Masonic Rings" by Darren Hoye.^{1, 2} That article contains a number of strange claims, some of which this article shall address directly, and others which it shall address indirectly by performing its own examination of the symbolism of Masonic rings.

One of the problems with Hoye's article is the lack of attributions. The reader does not know what his sources are when he makes the claim that "Historically speaking, a Freemason could be executed if he allowed his identity to be revealed." One can only assume that he is discussing execution by lynch mobs or government mandate, though this is not made clear. This is a problem that has existed only in certain historical authoritarian regimes such as Nazi Germany, but what has it to do with rings?

Again, later on, he states, "Historically speaking, Masonic rings were meant to be shown only in privacy of a Masonic lodge." But without telling the reader where he learned of this, it is impossible to understand what he is talking about. When and where was it the custom for rings to be worn only in lodge? And if that was the case, then what was the purpose of the rings?

Hoye's understanding of Masonic symbolism is also lacking, as he lists a number of common symbols of the fraternity and either misrepresents or misinterprets them. For example, Euclid's 47th Problem is described as "three squares on some Masonic rings",³ and the Volume of the Sacred Law is described as "open book imagery" that is "symbolic of the quest for knowledge". Though Hoye may occasionally come close to the accepted meaning in some of his descriptions, a quick Google search reveals the imprecision in his hazy definitions.

For those interested in a primer on Masonic symbolism, Bro∴ Allen Robert's The Craft and Its Symbols⁴ is a great introduction. It is frequently the book recommended to newly-made Freemasons and has been, in fact, part of the introductory package distributed by the Southern California Research Lodge.

The remainder of this article will deal exclusively with the symbols seen on Masonic rings in the United States. Freemasonry is remarkably diverse worldwide, and a comprehensive survey would require a great deal more research.

Hoye is correct in stating that there are a large number of symbols to be seen on Masonic rings. The first three degrees in Freemasonry are knows as the Blue Lodge and contain an incredible wealth of symbolism. Among the most common are the square and compasses, typically the most prominent symbols on a Masonic ring and seen as representative of the Masonic fraternity as a whole.

Most rings featuring the square and compasses will also feature a "G" in their center. However, in modern times it has again become popular to replace the "G" with the All-Seeing Eye (or Eye of Providence). Both of these represent Deity. Some are packed with a large number of additional symbols, sometimes too small to make out. Usually these are taken from the Blue Lodge rituals and will include the plumb, level, beehive, and Volume of the Sacred Law.

Examining the symbolism of Masonic rings is not exactly an easy task, but by becoming familiar with the symbolism of Freemasonry, most will become plainly evident. Acquiring such a familiarity is quite simple: most of the symbols in Masonic jewelry are common and well-known to Masons, and have been written about in dozens of books. A trip to the public library might provide a wealth of information, as would a simple phone call to a local Masonic lodge.