G

The Fellow Craft lecture, like that of the EA and Master's, provides a basic explanation of some of the symbols of Freemasonry. I believe the lectures are designed to excite one's curiosity, and urge the new Mason to pursue a deeper study of the Craft.

Why would the authors of the lectures emphasize a letter of the Latin alphabet? Why not a Hebrew letter, since our myths are tied to Solomon's temple?

I believe that the "G" is a not letter at all, but rather a stylized rendering of the Ouroboros, a symbol of immortality.

Followup question: When was the "G" inserted into the Square and Compasses of American Freemasonry?

ShadyGrove821, here is how Mackey writes to your question:

"There is an uncertainty as to the exact time when this symbol was first introduced into Speculative Masonry. It was not derived, in its present form, from the Operative Masons of the Middle Ages, who bestowed upon Freemasonry so much of its symbolism, for it is not found among the architectural decorations of the old cathedrals. Doctor Oliver says it was in the old lectures; but this is an uncertain expression. From Prichard's Masonry Dissected, which was published in 1730, it would seem that the symbol was not in use at that date. But it may have been omitted. If Tubal Kain, which was published in 1767, is, as it purported to be, identical with Prichard's purpose, the question is settled; for it contains the lecture on the letter G. to which reference will directly be made.

However, it is certain that the symbol was well known and recognized in 1766, and some few years before. The book entitled Solomon in all has Glory, the first edition of which appeared in that year, and which is a translation of Le Maçon demasque, contains the reference to and the explanation of the symbol. The work contains abundant internal evidence that it is a translation, and hence the symbol may, like some others of the system subsequent to 1717, have been first introduced on the Continent, and then returned in the translation, all of which would indicate a date some years prior to 1776 for the time of its adoption.

In the ritual contained in Tubal Kain (page 18), or, if that be only a reprint, in Masonry Dissected, that is to say, in 1768 or in 1730, there is a test which is called The Repeating the Letter G, and which Doctor Oliver gives in his Landmarks (I, 454) as a part of the old lectures."

I have always considered the G for God, Geometry, Grand Architect or Great Architect

MasonicTexan said:

I have always considered the G for God, Geometry, Grand Architect or Great Architect

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That's what I've been told; hence I voted, I dunno, but it looks nice... (since there is no both). :thumbup:

What do they have in the middle where they don't use english as the primary language? Has anyone ever seen another letter in the middle from some of these places?

If you read my post here I think I address that.

Thread so old the frames (the forum template) are broken. Start a new one, fellas.

JTM said:

Thread so old the frames (the forum template) are broken. Start a new one, fellas.

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Fixed

The G is also allegorical to the number 3. Being the 3rd letter in the Greek, Hebrew, and Arabic alphabets. The number 3 also has many mystical connotations, being...

1) EA, FC, MC
2) 3 Ruffians
3) WM, SW, JW
4) 3 Knocks
5) Father, Son, Holy Ghost
6) 3 nails during the crucifixion of Christ
7) Body, Spirit, and Mind
8) Maiden, Mother, and Crone
9) Past, Present, and Future
10) Creator, Sustainer, and Destroyer
11) Third Eye
12) Three Dimensions of Space
13) Earth is the 3rd Planet from the Sun (The Perfect World for Life)
14) Protons, Neutrons, Electrons
15) Three Jewels of Buddhism

I could go on for a long time here...

Albert Mackey wrote that the G is meant to be a symbol used to represent the name of God which, unknown in pronunciation, is the tetragrammaton YHWH.

The greek grand lodge has the large letter Gamma in the center. Here in Germany it is also a G, which is not a language problem as God = Gott and Geometry = Geometrie and Great Architect = Großer Architekt.
BTW, here in Germany, the G is shown in the middle of the star, not between S&C. The G inside the S&C came with the age of computers and computer graphics, as many masonic GIFs are coming from the USA and are used for german masonic websites and literature, too.

Golly, Gosh, Gee...
Perhaps its "G"overnor.
What governs thee?

The Symbol in the center of the S&Cs represents "Structure." Structure conveys the only possible link between any Symbolic Conveyance and the Objective World.

I believe it is best encapsulated by the following quote:

I voted God. I have been taught that it can be either God or Geometry. As I watched an informational Masonic video online the other day, it expressed how as Geometry is the central part of operative masonry, and that God is the central part of the speculative Masonry. Me being a speculative Mason, I am constructing the building of a better man for a better world, the same as operative masons would be constructing buildings. With that in mind, just as Geometry plays a central role in the construction of those buildings, God also plays a central role in my becoming a better man. It doesn't have to be the Christian God exactly (mine is...lol), but a God or supreme being that guides us. So, when I look at my Blue Lodge ring, the "G" represents God to me.

To me, all things of the speculative and the operative sides mirror and represent each other. Lol, I hope that I have been interpreting things the right way...lol

I've read and heard about it standing for a few things, God, geometry, and Grand Architect Of The Universe...though the last one may be a little bit of a stretch.

God

By studying geometry we a get a glimps into the mind of God


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Love that, Brother Josh, and its how I see it as well.

Michaelstedman81 said:

I voted God. I have been taught that it can be either God or Geometry. As I watched an informational Masonic video online the other day, it expressed how as Geometry is the central part of operative masonry, and that God is the central part of the speculative Masonry. Me being a speculative Mason, I am constructing the building of a better man for a better world, the same as operative masons would be constructing buildings. With that in mind, just as Geometry plays a central role in the construction of those buildings, God also plays a central role in my becoming a better man. It doesn't have to be the Christian God exactly (mine is...lol), but a God or supreme being that guides us. So, when I look at my Blue Lodge ring, the "G" represents God to me.

To me, all things of the speculative and the operative sides mirror and represent each other. Lol, I hope that I have been interpreting things the right way...lol

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If not then that will make 2 of us lol. As I interpreted it the same exact way brother. Well said!

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