Joseph in the Cistern

Detail from a second degree Adoption tracing board, see below.

A visitor took it upon himself to read and translate the French handwriting of the source of this image. The person in a ‘bath’ is referred to as “Joseph in the Cistern”.

Décoration de la Loge
The tracing board of the lodge is divided into six parts by two vertical and one horizontal line and contains six tableaux. These tableaux represent:

1. At the top left, the Tower of Babel.
2. In the center at the top, the Ark of Noah.
3. At the top right, the destruction of the Tower of Babel and the sacrifice of Abraham.
4. At the bottom left, Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt.
5. At the bottom center, the sacrifice of Abraham and the ladder of Jacob.
6. At the bottom right, Joseph in the cistern.

Below these scenes, the quadrangular table contains two globes, one terrestrial and one celestial, accompanied by an inscription, with a compass and square at its center.

On this same table are placed:
– The compass, square, and plumb-line,
– The two candlesticks,
– The apron of the grade, and other tools required for the ceremonial.

The entire lodge is illuminated with natural light from above and candles placed in strategic locations, all symbolizing spiritual and divine enlightenment.

The floor of the lodge is adorned with a carpet where various emblems and symbols are arranged. Among these, the ladder with its ascending steps, symbolizing the elevation of the spirit and the path to wisdom, occupies a prominent position in the center.

The lodge is surrounded by dark drapery symbolizing the mysteries that it contains, while the ceiling is adorned with stars and other celestial representations to signify the grand scope of the divine order.

The story of Joseph can be found in Genesis 37:24. In a bit of a Hiram-like story, Joseph is attacked by his brothers (one decided not to participate) and thrown in what is alternately referred to as “pit”, “well” or “cistern”.

2 comments

  1. “Joseph in the cistern”

    This really intrigued me. Thankfully the source of this Tracing Board was given. If we look at the reference text, we see the details for the Second Degree.

    Décoration de la Loge
    The tracing board of the lodge is divided into six parts by two vertical and one horizontal line and contains six tableaux. These tableaux represent:

    1. At the top left, the Tower of Babel.
    2. In the center at the top, the Ark of Noah.
    3. At the top right, the destruction of the Tower of Babel and the sacrifice of Abraham.
    4. At the bottom left, Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt.
    5. At the bottom center, the sacrifice of Abraham and the ladder of Jacob.
    6. At the bottom right, Joseph in the cistern.

    Below these scenes, the quadrangular table contains two globes, one terrestrial and one celestial, accompanied by an inscription, with a compass and square at its center.

    On this same table are placed:
    – The compass, square, and plumb-line,
    – The two candlesticks,
    – The apron of the grade, and other tools required for the ceremonial.

    The entire lodge is illuminated with natural light from above and candles placed in strategic locations, all symbolizing spiritual and divine enlightenment.

    The floor of the lodge is adorned with a carpet where various emblems and symbols are arranged. Among these, the ladder with its ascending steps, symbolizing the elevation of the spirit and the path to wisdom, occupies a prominent position in the center.

    The lodge is surrounded by dark drapery symbolizing the mysteries that it contains, while the ceiling is adorned with stars and other celestial representations to signify the grand scope of the divine order.

    1. Great, thanks! I haven´t gone to trying to read all source material, but in this case, I no longer have to.

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