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It is rather typical for the various individuals, clubs, groups, lodges, bodies, events, and more, in Freemasonry to be commemorated with a specialty lapel pin. This pin is the official pin for “What is a Mason?”, the popular YouTube Channel, Podcast and Website committed to spreading the truth about what Freemasonry is across the Internet.
In contemplating the design of such a pin I reached out to my viewers through Facebook, asking them what symbolism would best fit “What is a Mason?”. The results, as you can see below, varied widely, and rightly so. I have indeed expressed my enjoyment of the symbolism of the Beehive, spoke at length about the symbolism I see in the 47th Problem of Euclid, and more. What’s more is that since the channel speaks on the Symbolic Lodge as well as many other appendant bodies and concordant orders – the whole pantheon of Masonic Symbolism seemed to be applicable.
However, one brother, Randy Sanders out of Missouri, provided an interesting suggestion – essentially: Keep it Simple.
This suggestion really resonated with me. After all, even in the highest degrees of Freemasonry the lessons taught are, at their base, a mere emphasis on the lessons of the first three degrees. As such, the pin was designed to be a simple Square and Compasses, recognizable globally in Freemasonry, with a jewel/gem in the center.
This is a GREAT pin to wear to lodge, work, church, or just when out-and-about. It is subdued, almost letting it blend right into your wardrobe. It doesn’t stick out and demand attention, or have such small detail that people need to squint closely to see what it is about, but when someone does notice it and they ask “What is a Mason?”, you can confidently say, “I am”.
But is it really as simple as it looks?
Symbolism
No hate mail, please. I know (truly, I do) that every man, lodge, or jurisdiction is going to have different interpretations, histories, traditions, or even rules that might fly in the face of the symbolism explained here. That’s okay. Don’t panic. Take what follows as little more than my explanation on why the pin was designed this way. If you disagree with any of the reasons, that’s great! It means you are observing and being contemplative, so it is a win-win.
What is in a name?
While this pin will likely be known as the “What is a Mason?” pin, I, personally, call it Observation, Contemplation & Transformation. Why? Because, at the root, I think that is what Speculative Freemasonry is all about. It also shows that a simple pin can, in fact, demonstrate some very complex concepts. Keeping the pin simple, but the name complex, felt like a good balance – something every Freemason should appreciate.
Metals
In a world bereft of costs, the pin would be made of specific materials that would better capture the intent, but alas, symbolism will have to suffice.
The Square
The square of a stonemason can be seen depicted in many different forms, and made of various materials, even in operational stone masonry. But we are Speculative Freemasons and as such the square used in this pin is used for the symbolism it embodies.
The square is, without argument, very important in Freemasonry. The square is an angle of 90°, which it hasn’t always been in so many depictions of the square over the ages. To reinforce the correctness of the square, one leg/arm of the square, the handle/tongue, is 3 units in length, while the other, the blade, is 4 units in length – which brings to mind the 3-4-5 Pythagorean Triples, which far predate the 47th Problem of Euclid. I encourage you to measure it – it doesn’t just LOOK right, but really is a 3-4-5 square. By measurement, this square is showing us the way in which to mathematically find a square. You can hear more about the importance of the symbol in this video, where I explained it as a guest on The Masonic Roundtable.
I will leave it to you to contemplate on the numerous ways in which the Square is implemented, demonstrated, alluded to, or taught in Freemasonry.
The square is plated in a grey metal, representing lead, a simple base metal in want of being put to use and improved upon.
The square also symbolizes creation – this planet, yes, but most importantly – YOU.
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