A Description of the Seal of the
General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons Intl.
Compiled by
Cliff Cameron, D.D.
Past Thrice Illustrious Master
Jerusalem Council No. 7
Navasota, Texas
The Seal of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons Intl is White and Purple, containing the following emblems; the Square, the Circle, the Equilateral Triangle, the Broken Triangle, the Tetragrammaton and APH, and are explained:
White
is Ancient Craft Masonry’s mark for purity of life, symbolized in the first
lessons taught to Entered Apprentice Masons.
Purple is the color of Kings, and exhorts the Mason to rule well his life, so he
may be numbered with the Select Nobility, who engage in the Royal Art.
The Square is significant in Freemasonry as its four equal sides are subtended by four perfect angles as communicated in lessons of a Fellowcraft Mason. Additionally it is representative of the four Cardinal Virtues, Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice.
The four sides of the square are also symbolic of the four faces of the Cherubim, represented by the Lion, Eagle, Man, and Ox which are illustrated on the Banners of the Royal Arch Degree signifying that the Master Mason must pass through the veils and under the Holy Royal Arch to reach the Summit of Ancient Craft Masonry in the Cryptic Rite.
The Circle symbolizes perfection as well as eternity and is emblematic of the bonds of Sincere Friendship which are unique to the Companions of the Cryptic Rite, these having neither beginning nor end, which inspire a belief in immortality through faith in the promises of the Great Creator.
The Equilateral Triangle is symbolic of Deity whose love enfolds us all and whose justice and mercy are alike infinite and perfect. It is also emblematic of the Sacred Delta of Ancient Craft Masonry, and the Illustrious three Grand Masters represented by Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. It symbolizes the Ancient Craft Mason’s triumph over ignorance, intolerance, and bigotry, as these are the greatest enemies of human liberty and progress for those who search for Divine Truth.
Further, The Equilateral Triangle reminds us of the principal tenets of Freemasonry; Faith, Hope, and Charity as well as the Mason’s three fold duty to Deity, his neighbor, and himself.
Finally, the Equilateral Triangle points to Deity’s Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence; being His universal power, universal knowledge, and universal presence, that are revealed in His Holy writings, which shows the way to life immortal.
The Broken Triangle is symbolic of Mortality, of the uncertainty of the tenure of life, the importance of an industrious use of the Mason’s time and faculties in order to have a positive influence upon the world, and lastly of the place of wages, refreshment and rest that awaits the Mason’s entrance through the gate of death.
The Tetragrammaton is the ancient ineffable name of Deity, and that which was communicated to Enoch, Moses and the High Priests of Israel, whose revelation is in Divine Truth.
APH is also emblematic of Mortality and that which was lost. It illustrates that being steadfast in our Trust and faithful to our Duty are great responsibilities and may be costly to maintain. But with Trust in God, and devotion to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, we should have no fear and never compromise ourselves to the will of mere mortal men.
References:
Commentary on the Cryptic Rite, Cliff Cameron, D.D.
General Grand Council Cryptic Masons USA. 1900 R&SM Ritual, Optional Select Masters Apron Lecture.
Restorations of Masonic Geometry,
1903 edition.
General Grand Council Cryptic Masons USA 1931 SEM Ritual, Reception of
Candidate.
Address of the Most Illustrious Grand Master GCR&SM of Texas, 1945 Jewel P. Light Foot.
