Freemasonry, often described as a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols, thrives on its unique blend of tradition, ritual, and philosophical teachings. For centuries, it has captured the imagination of men across the world, regardless of time or place, status or creed. In our rapidly evolving world—where technology changes daily, cultural paradigms shift constantly, and the noise of modern life can drown out introspection—Freemasonry continues to offer something enduring: a sacred space rooted in the eternal principles of brotherhood, self-improvement, and spiritual symbolism.

This article explores how ritual and symbolism—so central to the Craft—continue to serve as meaningful tools in the lives of modern Masons. We will explore their relevance today, how they connect us across Masonic jurisdictions, and how they offer a spiritual framework that transcends cultures and generations.

Ritual as a Living Language

In its most practical sense, Masonic ritual refers to the standardized ceremonies used to confer degrees and conduct meetings. But the deeper truth is this: ritual is not just about memorization and performance. It is a living language—one that speaks across generations, cultures, and even national boundaries.

When a man is initiated into the Craft, he does not merely witness a ceremony. He participates in a transformative experience, drawn from traditions stretching back centuries. These rites are not empty traditions; they are designed to speak directly to the initiate’s heart and mind.

Ritual serves many purposes:

• Transmission of Values – Through allegory and symbolic action, the ritual conveys the central moral teachings of Freemasonry: integrity, fortitude, temperance, and justice.

• Sacred Theater – Masonic ritual, like religious liturgy or classical drama, creates a liminal space in which participants are drawn out of the mundane and into the realm of the sacred.

• Community and Continuity – When Masons perform ritual together, they engage in a shared cultural experience. Whether it's a degree conferral, a closing charge, or the simple opening and closing of lodge, these ceremonies reinforce our collective identity.

One of the powerful aspects of ritual is its consistency. Regardless of where a Mason is in the world, he will recognize familiar elements: the working tools, the three great lights, the progression of degrees. The phrasing may vary slightly; the steps may differ subtly. But the meaning remains. This consistency builds a bridge from Lodge to Lodge, from one Mason to another.

In a time when society is increasingly fragmented and communities are often transient or virtual, the ritual of Freemasonry offers something enduring and rooted—something that asks us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our better selves.

Symbolism: The Silent Teacher

Freemasonry is famously symbolic. In fact, symbolism forms the bedrock of the Masonic method of instruction. Operative Masons used tools to build cathedrals and castles; speculative Masons use those same tools to build character.

The beauty of Masonic symbolism lies in its multilayered nature. A single symbol may hold a simple lesson for a new initiate and a profound philosophical truth for the seasoned Mason. Consider:

• The Square teaches us to square our actions by the rule of virtue.

• The Compasses remind us to draw a moral boundary around our desires and conduct.

• The Plumb encourages uprightness in all our dealings.

• The Ashlars represent our inner transformation—from the rough stone of ignorance to the perfected stone of wisdom.

These are not just abstract ideas. They offer practical guidance for navigating daily life with integrity and purpose.

Albert Pike, in Morals and Dogma, wrote:

“Symbols are the language of the mysteries. By symbols, men have ever sought to communicate to each other those thoughts which transcend the limitations of language.”

Symbols bypass the conscious mind and speak to the subconscious. They are meditative tools—anchors for introspection. Each time a Mason revisits the symbolism of the Craft, he finds something new, because he is new.

The Ancient and the Eternal

Critics may suggest that the language of our rituals and the images of our symbols are outdated or irrelevant to the modern world. But in truth, Freemasonry's greatest strength is that it is not of this moment.

Rather, Freemasonry is timeless. The truths it teaches—the importance of brotherhood, morality, discipline, faith, humility, and charity—do not belong to the past. They belong to the human condition itself.

Our rituals connect us to a moral tradition that spans generations. Each candidate that knocks on the door of a lodge is reenacting the same drama that countless others have. In this way, each Mason is both actor and inheritor of an eternal story—a story that calls him not just to learn, but to live.

References

• Hall, M. P. (1928). The secret teachings of all ages. Philosophical Research Society.

• Koltko-Rivera, M. E. (2011). Freemasonry: An introduction. TarcherPerigee.

• Lomas, R. (2006). Turning the Hiram Key: Rituals of Freemasonry revealed. Watkins Publishing.

• OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (March 2025 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com 

• Pike, A. (1871). Morals and dogma of the ancient and accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Southern Jurisdiction, Scottish Rite.

• Roberts, A. E. (1974). The craft and its symbols: Opening the door to Masonic symbolism. Macoy Publishing.

• United Grand Lodge of England. (n.d.). What is Freemasonry? Retrieved from https://www.ugle.org.uk/about-freemasonry/what-is-freemasonry 

The Valley of Columbus is establishing a paver garden in front of the Scottish Rite Center. It will start at the bottom of the steps on both sides of the front porch and extend to the end of each side of the building. It will be similar to the pavers at the Masonic Children's Home in Macon. This is a great opportunity to support the Valley of Columbus Building Fund by purchasing a paver, and to honor those people or organizations that have a special meaning to you (to include yourself!). Complete the order form in this issues of The Ashlar or open in a new window HERE.

As a result of our Power of 3 Program plan to raise $3M in 3 years to provide low- or no-cost intervention to help Georgia children with communication disorders find their ‘voice,’ I asked Ryan Gilliam, the Chief Operating Officer of KNR Therapy, how potential RiteCare donations could be used by KNR Therapy at the Autism Learning Center in Columbus. Below is his response:

“Thank you for considering us for your continued generous support. Below, I have provided detailed information regarding our staff, client numbers, the impact of various donation amounts, and our future growth plans.

Current and Projected Staff and Client Numbers:

• Current Clients: 60

• Current RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians): 35

• Current BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts): 7

Projected Numbers in the Next Few Months:

• Clients: 71

• RBTs: 50

• BCBAs: 15

Impact of Donation Amounts:

• $20,000 Donation: This would cover advanced training materials for staff development or specialized toys/equipment for client therapy, allowing more clients to have PECS communication tools and resources.

• $50,000 Donation: Could fund technology upgrades (like tablets for interactive learning) or support a series of parent training workshops, providing essential learning materials or therapy tools for all KNR clients.

• $100,000 Donation: This would significantly contribute towards advanced therapy equipment or furnishing a therapy room (sensory room) to enhance the therapeutic environment. We have a room in the clinic that needs a shower and plumbing removed to repurpose the space for our clients.

Potential Funding Utilization Ideas:

• Supporting Columbus State University's ABA Program: Establishing a chair at Columbus State University to develop an ABA program aligns perfectly with our mission to grow the BCBA population. This initiative will benefit our clinic and the wider community by increasing the availability of qualified professionals.