A large vessel supported by twelve oxen is called “brazen sea”, “molten sea”, “cast metal sea”. It is mentioned in a few places in the Bible. It is a washing basin for priests. The image can be found on Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite drawing for several degrees.
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Scales
Appear in Masonic symbolism every now and then. It is prominent in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (7, 8, 17, 18th degrees). It is also the emblem of the Chanceler in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.
The Book Of The Ancient And Accepted Scottish Rite (1884) Charles McClenachan
Scroll
In the French Rite this is the emblem of the Architect. In some other lodges the Scroll is the emblem of the Orator.
General officer jewel.
Tassels
Tassels can sometimes be seen on “craft” Master Mason aprons, usually of English (type) working lodges. They also feature on Royal Arch aprons (any degree).
general English apron design
Ribbon
In some lodges this is the emblem of the Master / Director of Ceremonies, especially English (type) lodges.
Continue readingPurse
Emblem of the Almoner
General jewel. Year and designer unknown.
Crossed Rods
In some lodges this is the emblem of the Incense Swinger. In other lodges the emblem of the Master / Director of Ceremonies.
Horn of Plenty
The cornucopia is the emblem for the Steward in some lodges.
It also features in (some) Knight Templar rites (on the mitre) and in the “Past Masters Degree”.
Continue readingCrossed Feathers
Often the emblem of the Secretary. Sometimes one feather is the emblem of the Secretary.
The feathers are sometimes surrounded by crowns. I don’t know the significance there, but they are already on the Kirkwall Scroll.
Top: Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor (1866) by Malcolm C. Duncan
Bottom: Detail of Dąbrowski p. 178 “Masonic Symbols”, early 19th century symbol chart
Crossed Keys
Emblem of the treasurer in many “craft” lodges and also in other degrees.
Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor (1866) by Malcolm C. Duncan
Key
The key appears in different degrees. This particular one is from the fourth degree (“Secret Master”) of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.
In Emulation a single key is the emblem of the Treasurer.
A key also appears on some tracing boards of the Ark Mariner degree.
The Book Of The Ancient And Accepted Scottish Rite (1884) Charles McClenachan
Triangular Bowl
The “terrine triangulaire” can be found on the first degree tracing board in Le Parfait Maçon, 1744.
Also see Adam and Eve.
1st degree tracing board. Frequently reproduced. Can be found in Feddersen (Die Arbeitstafel in der Freimaurerei Band I (1982) F/34, P. 304). It comes from Le Parfait Mácon 1744.
Hourglass
According to Voss the hourglass was introduced in the late 18th century. It can sometimes found on tracing boards, symbol charts or grave slabs, either or not with wings. Just as in non-Masonic context, the symbol refers to fleeting time. It is doesn’t often seem to have a ritual meaning, but it can be found on some Ark Mariner tracing boards.
Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor (1866) by Malcolm C. Duncan