Point Within A Circle

This paper is a compilation of different opinions. I think one of the beautiful things about Freemasonry is that it unites men of every country, sect, and opinion. Freemasonry teaches that it is not necessary that we believe the same thing, practice the same religion, or have the same opinion. It is only necessary that we respect one another and others beliefs and opinions as we would like them to respect ours.. This paper shows that one could do research on the First Degree for the rest of their life.

Point Within A circle. - A symbol of great importance. Its exoteric explanation is, that the point represents an individual brother, the circle being the boundary line of his duty to God and man; the two perpendicular parallel lines representing the Holy Saints, John the Evangelist and Baptist. But the esoteric meaning is far different, and would require a volume in itself to explain. (The Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia 1877 By Kenneth Mackenzie page 568)

Saint John The Baptist & Evangelist - Esteemed one of the patron saints of Masonry, and, in fact, the chief one. The Grand Lodge of England was revived on Saint John's day, 24th June, 1717, and the annual festival was held on that day until 1727, when it was held on Saint John the Evangelist's day, 27th December. The festival of the Baptist was also kept up by the Grand Lodge of Scotland until 1737, when the annual election was changed to Saint Andrew's Day. (The Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia 1877 By Kenneth Mackenzie page 645) ...It is most probable, however, that the custom of dedicating Lodges to these saints arose from astronomical reasons. The Sun enters Cancer on or about the 21st day of June, and the 24th is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and reaches Capricorn on the 22nd December, the 27th being dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. These two important heliacal periods being so close to the festival days of the St. Johns, in the course of time caused their adoption as patrons. (The Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia 1877 By Kenneth Mackenzie p.148)

Point Within A Circle. - This is a symbol of great interest and importance, and brings us into close connection with the early symbolism of the solar orb and the universe, which was predominant in the ancient sun-worship. The lectures of Freemasonry give what modern Monitors have made an exoteric explanation of the symbol, in telling us that the point represents an individual Brother, the circle the boundary line of his duty to God and man, and the two perpendicular parallel lines the patron saints of the Order - Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist. Saint John the Evangelist's festival is celebrated on the 27th of December. His constant admonition, in his Epistles, to the cultivation of brotherly love, and the mystical nature of his Apocalyptic visions, have been, perhaps, the principal reasons for the veneration paid to him by the Craft. Notwithstanding a well-known tradition, all documentary evidence shows that the connection of the name of the Evangelist with the Masonic Order is to be dated long after the sixteenth century, before which time Saint John the Baptist was exclusively the patron saint of Freemasonry. (Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia Of Freemasonry Vol. 2 p. 787 and 901)

In the book Stellar Theology And Masonic Astronomy by Robert H. Brown 320 on page 60 the question is asked, " What was the origin of the two great masonic festivals, held formerly on the 24th of June and 27th of December in each year?" The celebration of those days was purely astronomical in its origin, and refers to the summer and winter solstice. The summer solstice, on the 21st of June, was celebrated as a great solar festival by the ancients, because at that time the sun was exalted to the summit of the zodiacal arch, and attained his greatest power and glory. The arrival of the sun at the winter solstice in December and the commencement of his return north toward the vernal equinox was also celebrated in an appropriate manner. The sun was then considered (according to another allegory) to be new-born. ...The great festival of the new birth of the sun was therefore celebrated at this period. These festivals, originally observed on the days of summer and winter solstices, came in time, owing to the variation of the calender to be celebrated on the 24th of June and 27th of December instead of the 21st of those months. Modern masons, however, dedicated these days respectively to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, who, it is alleged, were born the one at the summer and the other at the winter solstice, and were eminent patrons of Freemasonry. There is, however, no historical evidence to support this statement.... On page 61 the author goes on to say "It is true that the circle represents the ecliptic or annual path of the sun, but the "point within the circle" does not represent the Supreme Being, but the earth, around which, as a center, the sun appears to annually revolve among the stars of the zodiac. The parallel lines are the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The summer solstice is on the 21st of June, and the winter solstice on the 21st of December. These are the solstical points, always marked by two parallel lines representing the tropics, as may be seen on any terrestrial globe or map. The sun's circuit among the stars is limited and defined by the tropics. When in June, he reaches the tropic of Cancer, and attains his greatest northern declination he goes no farther north, but turns and begins to approach the south. He reaches his greatest southern declination in December at the other tropic, which terminates his southern progress, for he there again turns about and once more journeys toward the north. Upon the integrity of the sun's movement, in this particular, depend all the order and regularity of the seasons. Should the sun not retrograde at the summer solstice, the heat would grow intolerable, and both vegetable and animal existence not only become impossible from that cause, but the melting of the polar snows and ice would produce another deluge. If the sun on the contrary, turned not back at the winter solstice, eternal winter would reign in all lands north of the equator, and a perpetual glacial era would extinguish all life and vegetation."

Ecliptic, in astronomy, is the apparent great-circle annual path of the sun in the celestial sphere, as seen from the earth. It is so named because eclipses occur only when the moon is on or near this path. The plane of this path, called the plane of the ecliptic, intersects the celestial equator (the projection of the earth's equator on the celestial sphere) at an angle of about 2327'. This angle is known as the obliquity of the ecliptic and is approximately constant over a period of millions of years, although at present it is decreasing at the rate of 48 seconds of arc in each century and will decrease for several millenniums until it reaches 2254', after which it will again increase.

The two points at which the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator are called nodes or equinoxes. The sun is at the vernal equinox about March 21 and at the autumnal equinox about September 23. Halfway on the ecliptic between the equinoxes are the summer and winter solstices. The sun arrives at these points about June 21 and December 22, respectively. The names of the four points correspond to the seasons beginning in the northern hemisphere on these dates. The equinoxes do not occur at the same points of the ecliptic every year, for the plane of the ecliptic and the plane of the equator revolve in opposite directions. The two planes make a complete revolution with respect to each other once every 25,868 years. The movement of the equinoxes along the ecliptic is called the precession of the equinoxes. A correction for precession must be applied to celestial charts to find the true position of the stars at any given time.

The ecliptic is also used in astronomy as the fundamental circle for a system of coordinates called the ecliptic system. Celestial latitude is measured north and south of the ecliptic; celestial longitude is measured east and west of the vernal equinox.

"Ecliptic," Microsoft (R) Encarta. Copyright (c) 1994 Microsoft Corporation. Copyright (c) 1994 Funk & Wagnall's Corporation.

In the book "Signs And Symbols of Primordial Man," by Albert Churchward in chapter XVI Churchward states "The point within a circle is one of the hieroglyphic signs of the Sun-God, Ra..."

The solstices, Cancer and Capricorn, the two Gates of Heaven, are the two pillars of Hercules, beyond which he, the Sun, never journeyed: and they still appear in our Lodges, as the two great columns, Jachin and Boaz, and also as the two parallel lines that bound the circle, with a point in the center, emblem of the Sun, between the two tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. (Morals And Dogma p. 506)

The Ancient Astronomers saw all the great Symbols of Masonry in the Stars. Sirius still glitters in our Lodges as the Blazing Star. The Sun is still symbolized by the point within a Circle;... (Morals And Dogma p. 486)

In Freemasonry is embedded much astrological lore brought down from days of old, and the point within the circle in that connection represents the sun, the center of the Solar system, around which revolve the planets and even apparently the signs of the zodiac. It is the source of light and life to the physical world, and as such was regarded as the emblem of God among the ancient nations of the earth. The "Aten disc" was the only symbol which Aken-aten allowed in his reformed religion in ancient Egypt. Though he failed in his great reformation, the symbol itself survived and was attached to Ra, the chief God of ancient Egypt. In like manner, throughout the rest of the ancient world it bore a similar significance, and even to-day in modern Masonry we may justly regard it as the most appropriate symbol of the Most High, Who is without beginning of days or end of years, and the Supreme Source of all things in the Universe. (An Interpretation of our Masonic Symbols by J.S.M. Ward p. 72)

The following is an exert from the First Degree of the lectures William Preston completed and promulgated between 1772 and 1774.

Dedication

To whom is the Lodge dedicated generally?

To the memory of Solomon, King of Israel; who was alike renowned for the depth of his wisdom, the extent of his power, and the superiority of his skill in the art.

Why is it dedicated to King Solomon?

Because he was the first Grand Master who reduced the present system into form, and under whose sovereign protection the mysteries we retain first received a sanction: to this eminent character, therefore, the fraternity is bound to pay grateful tribute, and due veneration.

To whom is it dedicated in particular?

In latter periods of the world other distinguished characters have attracted notice: hence John the Baptist stands forward as our leading patron; and to his memory we pay tribute.

Why to John the Baptist?

In him we have a singular instance of purity of zeal, simplicity of manners, and an ardent wish to benefit mankind by his example. To him we are indebted for the introduction of that grand tenet of our institution, which it is our glory to support: peace on earth, good will to man.

Did John the Baptist have any equal?

To carry into execution this grand tenet; and to transmit to future ages so valuable a doctrine, an equal has been selected; John the Evangelist, in whom we find talents and learning alike conspicuous. Hence to him we pay due allegiance as the patron of our art.

In what is he considered the equal of John the Baptist?

He is considered to be equal to the former in this. As the personal influence of John the Baptist could not extend beyond the bounds of a private circle or so effectually defuse the benefits of the plan he had introduced, an assistant was necessary to complete the work he had begun. In John the Evangelist therefore we discover the same zeal as John the Baptist, and superior abilities displayed to perfect the improvement of man; copying the example of his predecessor we view him arranging and ably digesting, by his eminent talents, the great doctrine which had been issued into the world; and transmitting by his writings, for the benefit of posterity, the influence of that doctrine to which the zeal of his predecessor had given birth. As parallels in Masonry we rank these two patrons and class them as joint promoters of our system; to their memory in conjunction with Solomon, we are taught to pay due homage and veneration.

Thus we define the three great characters to whom we owe the establishment of our tenets, and the improvement of our system; while, in the ceremony of dedication, we commemorate the virtues and transmit them to latter ages, we derive from their favor, patronage and protection.

(William Preston and His Work by Colin Dyer page 200)

In 1995 I had the honor of receiving my Black Belt in Aikido. I have studied other martial arts but I was attracted to Aikido for a couple of reasons. One of which is that its philosophy is so close to Freemasonry. Lets look at some of Aikido philosophy as it relates to the point within the circle.

In the practice of Aikido in the dojo, or practice area, the student is constantly being cautioned to move from the "center," to be "centered" in the execution of a particular self-defense technique, to "extend ki from the center." The Japanese use the word hara to identify this center, physically located in the lower abdomen. Hara is considered the concentration point of physical and spiritual energy, and to the mature student of Aikido its meaning may become cosmic.

(Aikido and the Harmony of Nature by Mitsugi Saotome, pg. xiv in the Foreword) As in Aikido a person moves from their center. So in Freemasonry we move from our center. We remember that every where we go we are circumscribed.

On page xv of the same book he quotes the master Ueshiba the founder of Aikido. "Aikido technique is structured on circular movement, for harmony (which is the strength and support of organizations) is brought about and all conflict resolved through the spirit of (being centered and circumscribed) the circle...A circle encloses space, and it is from the perfect freedom of this emptiness that ki is born. From the center of this birthplace the creative process of life are joined with the infinite, immeasurable universe by the Spirit. The Spirit is the Creator, the eternal parent giving birth to all things...Within the circle the ki of the universe is guided in the process of creation, evolution, and protection.

In the book "The Secrets Of Aikido" by John Stevens there is a chapter called "Sangen -Triangle, Circle, And Square." San in Japanese is three so I think this is interpreted three figures. The chapter starts out thus; Morihei often remarked, "The only way I can really explain Aikido is to draw a triangle, circle, and square" - the three most perfect proportions of geometry. [ ( How often do we use the symbolism of these three figures in Freemasonry? Yes, Freemasonry of which Geometry is the foundation upon which the superstructure is built.)] A triangle with its point ascending symbolizes fire and the cosmic linga; with its point descending, it stands for water and the cosmic yoni. The three sides of the triangle represent various trinities: heaven, earth, and humankind; mind, body, and spirit; past, present, and future. A triangle signifies the dimension of ki flow. ( When you get into a ready position in Aikido you form the right angle of an oblong square with your feet. Then you move the foot from the hollow straight out perpendicular. From the toe of this foot to the heel and toe of the other foot you have a triangle. This is your base.) The circle is a universal emblem for infinity, perfection, and eternity. Nature expresses itself in circles, circuits, and spirals. A circle is zero, the emptiness that fulfills all things. It represents the liquid dimension. A square is stable, orderly, and material. It is the base of the physical world, composed of earth, water, fire, and air. The square signifies the solid dimension. Now think about this next part. (He is going to take it to another level) It is also important to conceive of the sangen in their three-dimensional forms: tetrahedron (pyramid), sphere, and cube. Morihei said about the three fundamentals: The triangle represents the generation of energy and initiative; it is the most stable physical posture. The circle symbolizes unification, serenity, and perfection; it is the source of unlimited techniques. The square stands for form and solidity, the basis of applied control. (The Secrets of Aikido by John Stevens p. 77) Aikido begins and ends with REI, respect. Respect is expressed by a sense of gratitude. This gratitude is a heartfelt prayer, a deep sense of reverence for the Path and the Way of Aikido. Ai = to come together, to blend, to join, to harmonize, and ki = spirit, disposition. Aiki is the universal principle that brings all things together; it is the optimal process of unification and harmonization that operates in all realms, from the vastness of space to the tiniest atoms. Aiki reflects the grand design of the cosmos; it is the life force, an irresistible power that binds the material and spiritual aspects of creation. Aiki is the flow of nature. Aiki signifies the union of body and spirit and is a manifestation of that truth. Further, Aiki enables us to harmonize heaven, earth, and humankind as one. Aiki means "to live together in harmony," in a state of mutual accord. Aiki is the ultimate social virtue. It is the power of reconciliation, the power of love. The practice of Aiki, fosters valor, sincerity, fidelity, goodness, and beauty, as well as making the body strong and healthy. And DO is the way. Aikido is The Way Of Harmony.

You will have to excuse me for going off on an Aikido tangent but you can see why. When I see Kung Fu on TV I look upon the monks as masons. Speaking words of wisdom, helping others in distress, and practicing a way of life that keeps them circumscribed as points within a bubble. The bubble being the ultimate or infinite circles.

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