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The Masonic Ring

By

Harold C. "Pete" Peterson K.Y.C.H., MPS

 

 

There has been considerable discussion about how the Masonic should be worn.  There are only two possible ways to wear the ring and the viewing of both choices will become equally apparent in any gathering of less than a dozen typical Freemasons.  How is it that this situation exists?  What “official” status does the ring enjoy?  What legislation denotes its use?  Is there a strong enough argument to conclude that there is a correct manner for wearing the ring?  This paper will shed some light on these questions.  It must be remembered that there is no strict answer as to proper method until and unless a Grand Lodge makes that determination.  It is unlikely that such legislation will ever occur.  There are evidences that both manners of wearing the ring occur among Past Grand Masters.  The best this paper may do under these circumstances is to point out some of the more common reasons for each selection, and, finally, to express this writer’s choice and the reasons for that choice.

 

Compasses Pointing to the Heart of the Wearer

 

There are a few good arguments for this choice.  I do not challenge their validity or their usefulness to the wearer.  I am happy to present them here for your consideration.  We are yet enjoined to consider whether the ring is legally Masonic.  The Masonic Code for Wisconsin gives the ring some legal standing as it describes the wearing of the ring or other clothing items with distinctively Masonic design by non-Masons as a misdemeanor.  This is brought forward in a quotation from the State of Wisconsin Statutes 132.17.  That is the extent of the legal description of the ring.

 

How, then, is the wearing of the ring described?  The Compasses are the defining component as the choice is made in terms of how this paper will define the choice.  These points are either toward the wearer’s heart or toward the hearts of the viewers of the ring.  Pointing to the heart indicates pointing to seat of all human emotions in this description.  That is very important as those emotions are very instrumental in establishing what we choose and who we are.  The ring is usually described in catalogs as a third degree or Master Mason’s ring.  There is no Entered Apprentice ring and, likewise, no Fellow Crafts ring.  (The reason for the above statement will soon become clear.)

 

The most common reason given for wearing the points of the Compasses pointing toward the wearer’s heart is that the ring worn in this manner reminds the wearer that he is a Freemason and that he should be ever mindful of the several obligations he has taken to guide and govern his conduct.  This is a good and compelling argument.  The Compasses are, after all, dedicated to the Craft and each craftsman is a part of that Craft.  It is good that we are reminded of our duty to the fraternity and to the world as members of the fraternity.

 

There are other less often stated reasons for this choice that could enhance this decision to some extent.  I have not hard these reasons expressed as primary though they seem valid enough for us to consider them.  No argument should be compelled to stand or fall on a single point or counterpoint. 

 

The jewels and staff toppers of two of the four officers to carry rods display the Square and Compasses.  The Deacons are distinguished from each other by what is displayed within the points of the Compasses whether Sun or Moon.  The tops of these rods or staffs are above the Officers’ hearts so that the points of the Compasses to the heart of the holder.  I do not know why this obvious argument is not more often used except that the Deacons’ rods are used only within the meeting hall and, on occasion, in the preparation room.  The same argument applies to the Officers’ jewels suspended above the heart by a cord or collar.  The points of the Compasses are also pointing to the heart of the wearer in this display.

 

These are good arguments, but there is yet another argument that I have not heard used.  I feel there may be more merit to this argument than we find in the previous one.  This argument stems from our first and most dramatic exposure to these symbols.  The points of the Compasses point directly at the candidate’s heart.  He thus meets the Compasses in all three degrees.  It is the learner’s view of the Square and Compasses.  We should ever be learners in our gentle Craft.

 

There is a strong case contained in these arguments to wear the Masonic ring with the points of the Compasses pointing toward the wearer.  I leave it in your hands whether I have made a compelling reason for such choosing.  You have some excellent reasons for your choice now.

 

Compasses Pointing Away from the Wearer’s Heart

 

There are only two ways to wear the Masonic ring.  This is the second and last possible choice.  The reasons must be at least as good as those previously given or we should all wear our rings as previously described.  Many Master Masons feel as strongly about at least one reasons I will list as others feel about the alternate choice.  Many Master Masons do wear their rings with the points of the Compasses pointing away from their hearts.

 

The reason I most often hear for choice is to tell other that I am a Mason.  This implies to me that the symbol of those recognizable components (the Square and Compasses) has a preferred presentation for general recognition.  That preferred position is with the angle of the Square pointing down and the angle of the Compasses pointing up.  This is the common presentation of these symbols as grouped in print, on buildings or road side signs and as observed on aprons, rods and jewels.  It is the way we recognize this combination of symbols.  There is significant truth in wearing the symbology the way it is most often seen by all.

 

The Deacons’ rods were used in the first argument and the second argument is equally valid without diminishing the former view.  These rods are seen by all present in the meeting hall and the points of the Compasses are extended generally downward.  This is equivalent to the ring with the points of the Compasses pointing away from the palm.  The same holds for the jewels as seen by others.

 

Let us now return to the Square and Compasses as placed upon the Altar.  There is only one person authorized to pass between the Master and the Altar in the normal discharge of the duties of his office.  All others are charged not to obscure the Master’s view of the Three Great Lights.  And how does the Master view the Square and Compasses?  The points of the Compasses are extended away from him.  This is another reason for the points of the Compasses to radiate outward or away from the wearer’s heart.

 

The Compasses are dedicated to the Craft, and this description is consistent in the public opening as well.  It is necessary to hold the instrument in such a manner as to have the points of the Compasses extended away for the hand to make the circumscription.  The events and the proper choices are within the points of the Compasses and our feet as well as our heart should be thus constrained.  We observe most Masters holding the Compasses with the points extending downward during this explanation of their purpose.

 

My choice is to have Truth, Morality and Brotherly Love radiate out from the symbol.  The points of the Compasses on my ring point away from my heart and welcome other into the bond.

 

I did not consider this a point worthy of a paper until I read a similar paper written by an unnamed author in the Southern California Research Lodge in its October proceedings.  My goal was to provide food for thought.  I succeeded if you are thinking about the message you project while wearing your Masonic ring.