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Understanding Masonic Terminology and Pledges: The Profound Words of Tradition

This article delves into the significance of various Masonic terms and pledges, including "Due Guard," "Cowan," and "So Mote It Be." We explore their historical meanings, etymology, and how their interpretations have evolved over time while retaining their original Masonic essence. Discover the intriguing layers behind words like "Compasses," "Hele," and "Abif," and understand the fundamental principles that guide Freemasonry through the ages. Join us in this enlightening journey through Masonic language and its enduring legacy.

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Understanding Masonic Terminology and Pledges: The Profound Words of Tradition

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Presentation Transcript

  1. May 2, 2012

  2. Invocation Pledge of Allegiance

  3. Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.

  4. Masonry's Mysterious Words

  5. Due Guard Cowan Obligation Libertine So Mote It Be ...mysterious words... • Abif • Compasses • Hele • Profane • Token

  6. Profane • The common meaning has changed • Anciently: uninitiated • Today: uses God's name in vain • Masonically it has not changed • Profane = not initiated

  7. Libertine • The common meaning has changed • Anciently: not of church doctrine • Today: a man of promiscuous habits • Masonically it has not changed • Libertine = an agnostic or atheist

  8. Token • The common meaning has changed • Anciently: a gesture or a sign • Today: an offering • Masonically it has not changed • A token is always an act

  9. Compasses • Compass or Compasses? • Compass: a magnetic direction finder • Compasses: dividers - have legs like pants • Six US jurisdictions say “Compass” • In Texas it is always “Compasses” • Measure • Circumscribe

  10. Hele • Pronounced like “Hail” • Anglo-Saxon (English): hele = conceal • Norman (French): conceal = hide • ...hele, ...conceal, and never reveal • Redundant and repetitious • ...free will and accord; ...duly and truly • Repetition avoids misunderstanding

  11. Cowan • A term of contempt • A Masonic word • Scottish slang: • one who builds walls without morter • a self taught builder, not of the trade • Greek: “Kuon” meaning “dog” • Today - not of the Masonic fraternity

  12. Due Guard • Two words used as one • Mackey: a contraction of “duly guard” • Others: from the French ”Dieu Garde” (meaning “God Guard”) • It is a sign (but not according to all rituals)

  13. Abif (as in Hiram Abif) • “Abif” does not appear in the Bible • An honorific meaning “father” (respectfully, not parentally) • The honorific adds to Masonic lore • Found first in a writing from 1550 • Gained common usage in early 1600's

  14. a duty a constraint a pledge acknowledgement not an “oath” Obligation • a tie • a bond • an agreement • an intention • a responsibility

  15. So Mote It Be • Amen. So mote it be. • “So may it be” • Chaucer (~1380) used those exact words • It appears in the Regius Poem (~1390) • A Super Amen

  16. The Will of God Be Done

  17. Discussion

  18. DonationsPlease

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