LESSON NO. 2: THE SYMBOL AND SYMBOLISM

We must increase in knowledge from the first lesson or our enthusiasm will die. In Freemasonry Lesson No. 1, Freemasonry (A system of morality) was defined. I stated that Freemasonry is veiled in its allegorical legends, emblems and symbols. I also stated that an inquiry into the symbolic character of Freemasonry, must be preceded by an investigation of the nature of symbolism in general, if we would properly appreciate its particular use in the organization of the Masonic Institution. I went on to say that the science of symbolism is the science which is engaged in the investigation of the meaning of symbols, and the application of their interpretation to moral, religious, and philosophical instruction. One of the definitions of Freemasonry is a system of morality developed and inculcated by the science of symbolism.

A symbol is defined as something that stands for or represents an idea, quality, condition, or other abstraction: the lion is the symbol of courage; the lamb, of meekness; the olive branch, of peace, etc. The word symbol is derived from a Greek verb which signifies to compare one thing with another; hence a symbol or emblem, for the two words are often used synonymously, is the expression of an idea derived from the comparison or contrast of some visible object with, in most cases that we deal with, a moral conception of virtue or rectitude of conduct. The plumb is a symbol of rectitude, or uprightness of actions. The square which is used to make right angles is symbolic of squaring our actions and making them right and true. To study and compare these visible objects, to elicit from them the moral ideas which they are intended to express is to make one's self acquainted with symbolism.

Mans earliest instruction was by means of symbols. The objective character of a symbol, which presents something material to the sight and touch, as explanatory of an internal idea, is best calculated to be grasped by the infant mind, whether the infancy of that mind be considered nationally or individually. Hence, in the first ages of the world, in its infancy, all propositions, theological, political, or scientific, were expressed in the form of symbols. Thus the first religions were eminently symbolical, because this was a time when language was not spoken (as we speak it anyway) but signed or sounded out. Visible symbols were the most vivid means of acting upon the minds of the people.

To the man of mature intellect, each letter of the alphabet is the symbol of a certain sound. When we instruct the child in the form and value of these letters, we make the picture of some familiar object the representation of the letter which aids the infantile memory. Thus, when the teacher says, "A is for apple," the apple becomes a symbol of the letter A. Later the letter A becomes a symbol of a sound.

I want to give you another example of a symbol. The Acacia Tree! This tree is a symbol of truth and goodness. This is the tree that grew up around the coffin of Osiris, this is the tree that the crown of thorns was made from, this is the tree that was used to mark the grave of H. A. In each instance you have truth and goodness overcoming.

In my last lecture I stated that, "The word symbol is derived from a Greek verb which means to compare one thing with another." The word is symbolon and Webster's Dictionary calls this a Late Greek word.

Let me do some quoting about the symbol and symbolism. Manly P. Hall in 'The Secret Teachings of All Ages," states on page 20 that "Symbolism is the language of the Mysteries; in fact it is the language not only of mysticism and philosophy but of all Nature, for every law and power active in universal procedure is manifested to the limited sense perceptions of man through the medium of symbol. Every form existing in the diversified sphere of being is symbolic of the divine activity by which it is produced. By symbols men have ever sought to communicate to each other those thoughts which transcend the limitations of language. Rejecting man-conceived dialects as inadequate and unworthy to perpetuate divine ideas, the Mysteries thus chose symbolism as a far more ingenious and ideal method of preserving their transcendental knowledge. In a single figure a symbol may both reveal and conceal, for to the wise the subject of the symbol is obvious, while the ignorant the figure remains inscrutable. On that same page Manly Hall talks about how symbolism is concealed within emblematic figures, allegories, and rituals.

Dr. Richard King, M.D., in the book, 'African Origin of Biological Psychiatry,' states in the opening paragraph of chapter five, "Symbols are sensory experiences which may be expressed singularly or in conjunction with any of the other physical senses. Thus, a symbol can be experienced as simply one single visual image of a picture that can be smelled, tasted, touched, or heard. While the primary tendency of most individuals is to recognize the visual aspect of a symbol, the symbol or idea has other sensory aspects. It is a compound deep structure, fabric or flesh of the mind. Symbols are memories, actual experiences witnessed by the individual. It is the meaning, understanding, perception/cognition, feeling-intuition, product, activity, or that portion of the universe which is illumined by the soul-eye, or life force. A symbol is a memory of a sensory experience organized into a whole idea, which in itself is a building block making up the structure called the mind.

Although there are many definitions for the word symbol, the forgoing is the central concept (ideas or memories relative to a sensory experience) when energized by the fingers (external and/or internal events). For example, when one sees a snake, one automatically thinks the word "snake," the outer form having energized the mind symbol for snake and triggered a multitude of feeling tinged memories about snakes. The external snake did not have the word snake printed on it; nor did it contain feeling tinged memories of past experiences with snakes." Dr. King continues, "...one root idea may be expressed as many different symbols. That is, many diversified symbols can be used to represent the same thing.

Symbols have been divided into two major types, exoteric and esoteric. Exoteric symbols are exact, more precise and consciously representative of something. Examples can be seen in signs, figures and abbreviations used to express terms and concepts in mathematics, chemistry, physics, weights and measures, astronomy, medicine and so forth. Esoteric symbols are more implicit than exoteric symbols and are produced by deep unconscious processes. Esoteric symbols of occult, spiritual and philosophical truths have been further divided into the four following classed: geometrical, natural totemic, phallic and astrological." Dr. King quotes E. A. Wallis Budge from his book, 'From Fetish To God In Ancient Egypt,' "Geometrical esoteric symbols are believed to be those forms first utilized by man in his attempt to express ideas and communicate with others, (i.e., lines, circles, squares, triangles)." Dr. King says, "Natural-totemic, esoteric symbols are natural forms found in earthbound nature that were used to express ideas. Phallic esoteric symbols are those utilized by the ancients to denote the humans sexual organs. Astrological esoteric symbols are those utilized to express ideas and concepts relative to object external to the planet earth.

This is the end of this lesson as far as these few printed pages are concerned. AS for you the student it is another lamp-post on the path of illumination. Remember you need intellect to go along with talent. I bid you peace (Salaam).

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