Category Archives: York Rite

Anchor

Like the Ark no longer a very current symbol in “craft” / “symbolic” / “blue” degrees, but it can stil be found on tracing boards sometimes. It also appears in some additional degrees, such as the Ark Mariners. Usually signifies “hope”.

The Anchor And Ark
Are emblems of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life. They are emblematical of that divine Ark which safely wafts us over this tempestuous sea of troubles, and that Anchor which shall safely moor us in a peaceful harbor, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary shall find rest.

Ahiman Rezon. Rituals of Freemasonry by Daniel Sickels (1870)

Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor (1866) by Malcolm C. Duncan

Ark

The symbol used to be fairly current in “craft” degrees, but later started to mostly appear only in adoption rituals or in additional degrees such as Ark Mariners (it is also the emblem of the Provincial there). Especially when combined with a rainbow, the change is big that you are looking at (Royal) Ark Mariner symbolism. The Ark also seems to still be part of York Rite symbolism.

The Anchor And Ark
Are emblems of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life. They are emblematical of that divine Ark which safely wafts us over this tempestuous sea of troubles, and that Anchor which shall safely moor us in a peaceful harbor, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary shall find rest.

Ahiman Rezon. Rituals of Freemasonry by Daniel Sickels (1870)

The meaning is often a reference to the story of Noah‘s ark, but in some Memphis-Misraim texts it explicitly says that the ark is the soul tossed about on the waters of vice.

Interestingly, the image can also be found on an image (of a tracing board) of the oldest known ‘high degree’ ritual from 1747. See here. Also it is displayed on a 22nd degree AASR tracing board from France that I have.

Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor (1866) by Malcolm C. Duncan

Sword and Heart

Mentioned in Duncan’s (York Rite) Ritual and Monitor in connection to the third “craft” degree with the meaning “justice will sooner or later overtake us.

The Sword, Pointing To A Naked Heart,
Demonstrates that justice will sooner or later overtake us; and although our thoughts, words, and actions may be hidden from the eyes of man, yet that

Ahiman Rezon. Rituals of Freemasonry by Daniel Sickels (1870)

In the 5th degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite there is also a similar image.

Millar seems to connect the symbol to the 3rd degree with as explanation: “courage”.

In the French book Mutus Liber Latomorum the heart is pierced and bleeding. The text below refers to an early “Eccosais” (Scottish) degree (the book is supposedly from 1765, more about it here).

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Book and Sword

In Duncan’s (York Rite) Ritual and Monitor this symbol is mentioned in connection to the third “craft” degree.

The Book Of Constitutions, Guarded By The Tiler’s Sword,
Reminds us that we should be ever watchful and guarded in our thoughts, words, and actions, particularly when before the enemies of Masonry – ever bearing in remembrance those truly Masonic virtues, silence and circumspection.

Ahiman Rezon. Rituals of Freemasonry by Daniel Sickels (1870)

Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor (1866) by Malcolm C. Duncan

Beehive

Appears in the third degree of the American York Rite (but not in most others). It also appears in some additional degrees. Also outside Freemasonry, this symbol usually refers to industriousness.

THE BEE-HIVE
Is an emblem of industry, and recommends the practice of that virtue to all created beings, from the highest seraph in heaven to the lowest reptile of the dust. It teaches us that, as we came into the world rational and intelligent beings, so we should ever be industrious ones; never sitting down contented while our fellow-creatures around us are in want, especially when it is in our power to relieve them without inconvenience to ourselves.

Ahiman Rezon. Rituals of Freemasonry by Daniel Sickels (1870)

The German Grand Lodge called “Drie Weltkugeln” (‘three globes’) has it as an emblem of the “Schaffner” (‘conductor’).

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Pot of incense

Appears in the third “craft” / “symbolic” / “blue” degree of the American York Rite (3rd degree) (“emblem of a pure heart”), but also appears in some additional degrees. There also seems to be a Mark connection.


Les Plus Secret Mysteres (1820) says:

The Altar of Incense represents the vows of a perfect Mason, always pure, & rising to the heavens.

Top: Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor (1866) by Malcolm C. Duncan
Bottom: found at an online auction