DORMER MASONIC STUDY CIRCLE #15

ARITHMETICAL, GEOMETRICAL AND MASONIC SYMBOLISM

BY

BRO. LESLIE S. WEATHERSTONE

"You are now expected to extend your researches
into the hidden mysteries of nature and science."

(Masonic Ritual)

In the Ancient Temples of Initiation it was the custom among the
Hierophants of the Mysteries, to impart to the Neophyes, guidance
and instruction of those things Occult and Spiritual, by means of
the Law of Analogy, indeed it can be truly said, that, not only
the Hierophants of the Mysteries, but every Great Master and
Teacher of Humanity has made use of this method of instruction.
Freemasonry is no exception to this rule, for the whole Masonic
System, when interpreted in the light of the esoteric doctrine is
analogous to the constitution of Man, his seven principles, his
evolution and ultimate destiny.

Analogy is one of the Seven Laws of the Cosmos, and through the
operation of this Law we can trace a perfect agreement or exact
correspondence between all forms of manifestation, it is the
guiding Law in Nature, the only true Ardiadne's thread that can
lead us, through the intricate windings of her domain, towards
her primal and final mysteries.

Having formulated the Law by which the demonstration is doomed to
be valid, an endeavour will be made to show that the
manifestation of the creative energy on the physical plane of
phenomena does conform to a particular order of progression; this
is true of all things, from the creation of the smallest
particle, to that of a Universe. That this order of progression
builds itself according to definite geometrical form in relation
to number will show the importance of the statement in the Second
Section of the Second Lecture, that Geometry, the fifth and
noblest of the sciences, is the basis on which the superstructure
of Freemasonry is erected. It is further stated in the catechism
with which this Second Section commences, that Geometry is the
science by which we ascertain the contents of bodies unmeasured
by comparing them with those already measured and that its proper
subjects are magnitude and extension, or a regular progression of
science from a point to a line, a line to a superficies and a
superficies to a solid. This series of definitions is no doubt
familiar to many Students, they are to be found in the 1st. Book
of Euclid under the heading, except be it noted, the last
definition, - a superficies to a solid, - which does not appear
until the XI Book, wherein are described the definitions of the
five Platonic Solids.

Now this process of evolution has been mentioned many times in
this Study Circle, and has often been depicted by symbols in
diagrammatic form.  The recent Transaction Paper "Evolutionary
Symbolism" showed a diagram illustrating this symbolism, and many
students, although fully prepared to accept these statements as
fact, may have thought that as this is a natural process in
Nature, could it not be scientifically demonstrated whereby the
truth of such statements could be ascertained. The answer is, -
that it is possible within certain limits, and in order that we
may completely understand the "modus operandi," it is necessary
that a description be given of the apparatus to be employed.

If, therefore, we are to demonstrate by analogy a natural cosmic
process, it is essential that we employ as the motive power a
natural cosmic force, one that is possessed of intelligence to s
sufficient degree that will enable it to act entirely of its "own
free will and accord," otherwise if this were not the case, it is
obvious that any external influence or action on the part of the
operator, would immediately render the demonstration null and
void.

It is particularly fortunate, that we have ready to hand a cosmic
force, named by science as Magnetism. This Magnetic force or
energy, is of an Occult nature, for it cannot be detected by any
of the five avenues of the senses, yet we know it to exist by the
observance of certain phenomena, which take the form of exerting
an influence upon objects of a like nature, external to itself.
That this influence is capable of developing unlimited power, is
evidenced by the fact that, in its material form, science has
harnessed it to the wheels of nearly every branch of industry.

Now it is well known that Magnetism exhibits the properties of
polarity, that is to say, it is both positive and negative or
male and female, which are incapable of separation, for if a
magnet, one end of which is positive and the other end negative,
be cut in half it will be found that two magnets will be the
result, each having a dual polarity exactly the same as before
the division took place. The inherent force of Magnetism takes
the form of attraction and replusion, or like and dislike, or we
can use another term which is more significant to the Masonic
student and equally synonymous, Love and Hate, and it is this
dynamic power which enables us to build point by point the
beautiful geometrical symbols, which are forms or expressions in
manifestation of the creative energy.

It would perhaps be useful if the Brethren were given a visible
demonstration of the nature of this force in order that they may
more readily formulate an idea as to its conception, and for this
purpose we will take a bar magnet over which a piece of white
paper is placed, and so on it will be gently sprinkled a small
amount of iron fillings. It will be seen that the particles of
iron take up their positions in the lines of magnetic force until
a number of perfectly concentric rings, in ever widening circles
are built up, each pole of the magnet being a potential or "point
within a circle from which every part of the circumference is
equidistant." It is a fact also that this magnetic force is not
confined solely to metals, for this power of attraction can be
exhibited by widely different substances, such as, - glass,
vulcanite, celluloid, amber etc. and does in fact exist in all
physical matter and although it may lie dormant in many
instances, the means by which it may be galvanised into activity
being the sole key required to produce the phenomenon.

In order that the regular progression of geometric form may be
built up, it is necessary to have a number of entities, or
separate centres of this force, each being identical in every
respect, yet every individual centre must be given compete
freedom of movement in order that it may act entirely of its "own
free will and accord" and be "uninfluenced by any unworthy
motive" on the part of the demonstrator. This apparently
difficult task is in fact quite simple, and it is achieved by
obtaining a number of magnetised needles, to which are attached
small pieces of cork. The needles supported by the corks, are
then floated on the surface of a bowl of water, this gives them
perfect of movement in a plane of two dimensions, which is
sufficient for the purpose.

If therefore, we float on the water a number of these needles a
curious thing happens: it will be noted that they travel outwards
in all directions in an endeavour to escape from each others
company. Now if they are to work for us in the building of the
geometric symbols, in other words to be the "builders" or
"fellowcrafts" in our demonstration, it is obvious that something
is missing, something that will draw them to "the Centre" in
order that they may become a unity of perfect love and harmony.
This "something" to which we have referred is the absence of a
HIGHER POWER. This "loss" must therefore be "found" or restored
before we can proceed. If we now suspend a bar magnet over the
middle of the bowl of a greater potential than they themselves
possess, it will be found that they are attracted towards the
centre in spite of the individual dislike for one another which
they previously showed. This is a perfect analogy for the Lesser
made in the "Image" or likeness of the Greater being drawn or
attracted thereto. It is here, also, that we have a direct
correspondence with that of Man, for the natural uninitiated man
in whom the "vital and Immortal Principle" at his centre lies
dormant, is not conscious of any Higher Power: he is concerned
only with the assertion of the self, and material
acquisitiveness: he is bent upon securing all that he can from
this world, and is not interested in his fellow-men, except in so
far as they may serve his purpose. Such an individual doe snot
find himself a centre of attraction and tends to isolate himself
from the heart of humanity. The Initiated man in whom the Divine
Consciousness has been awakened, however, is one to whom a higher
power and law have become revealed, and the more that he is drawn
towards that power, the greater is his desire to help his less
advanced fellows, and by exercising of that First Grand
Principle, Brotherly Love, becomes, as it were, a centre of
magnetic attraction, whereby all those who come within the field
of its influence, are irresistibly drawn towards that "centre"
which unites them in a common bond of friendship. It is the
manifestation within the Craft of this influence or force, which
is known as the "Mystic Tie," and that it can be detected by many
Brethren who are sufficiently sensitive to its vibrations, is a
fact which not a few will confirm. The more that the Principle of
Brotherly Love is practised, not only within the Lodge, but also
without, the greater will that Power be generated.

It is necessary at this stage to give an explanation with regard
to the relation between Number and Form. It is perhaps
unfortunate that Number has come to be considered in the minds of
most people as indicating solely a definition of quantity,
whereas the ancient Philosophers, saw in Number a greater and
more profound significance. The numerals of Pythagoras were
hieroglyphical symbols by means whereof he explained all ideas
concerning the nature of things. He taught that there is a
mysterious connection between the Gods and Numbers, on which the
science of Arithmancy is based, that the soul is a world that is
self-moving, and contains in itself, and is, the quaternary, the
Tetraktys or perfect cube. This symbolism of the cube is
portrayed in the Rough and Perfect Ashlars, and their
significance is too well known to need explanation.

It was taught in the Schools of the Mysteries, that all beings,
from the first divine emanation, or God manifested, down to the
lowest atomic existence, have their particular number which
distinguishes  each of them and becomes the source of their
attributes and qualities, as of their destiny, and modern science
gives confirmation to this fact by having numbered the various
elements according to their atomic weights, the numeration is
based upon the number of electrons and protons which constitutes
each particular element. By example, hydrogen, the lightest of
the gases and therefore the most tenuous of physical matter, is
given the number 1 in the atomic scale, hence it becomes the unit
of measurement whereby all other elements are compared and given
their numbers accordingly. That there is a distinct relation
between number and form will perhaps be better understood if we
take as an example the number 3 which has always been associated
with the triangle, which purely geometrical figure has had great
honour shown it by every nation, from time immemorial, and for
this reason, - in geometry a straight line cannot represent an
absolutely perfect figure, any more than can two straight lines.
Three straight lines, on the other hand, produce by their
junction a triangle, or the first absolutely perfect figure.
Therefore, it is symbolized from the first and to this day the
Eternal - the first perfection. The word for Diety in Latin as in
French, begins with D, in Greek the delta or triangle, whose
three sides symbolised the Trinity, or divine nature. In the same
manner the number 4 is associated with the quaternary, the
square, and symbolises Matter. As we proceed with the
demonstration attention will be drawn to the relation between
each geometrical symbol and the number which constitutes its form
or foundation, and it will be noticed that as the number of
magnetic needles is increased, so is there a corresponding change
in the geometrical form, until a certain figure is reached, when
there is a cessation of this outward growth, which gives place to
a growth from within, and attention is particularly drawn to the
change which takes place at this stage of development, for in
like manner, it bears witness to a natural process which takes
place within the constitution of man. - There comes a time in the
evolution of every human being when he feels that urge from
within, an awakening of the divine consciousness resident "at the
centre" or innermost part of our souls, wherein lie buried and
hidden the genuine secrets of our being. This stage is one of
great importance, for it will now be realized that it will be
possible to witness, not only the growth of the outer form of the
geometrical symbols, which by analogy we may call the external or
physical body, but also the development of the inner form which
is its internal or spiritual counterpart. This inner development,
is one, which in all processes in Nature, lies hidden and
concealed, and as each geometric figure is built up by the
magnetic needles, an endeavour will be made to give an
interpretation of both inner and outer formation as the
progression proceeds.

As mentioned earlier it will be necessary to create a higher
power or potential at the centre of the area of operation, and it
matters not whether this potential is placed above or below, for
its influence will be precisely the same. This is in keeping with
the Hermetic aphorism "As above, so below," for the power must be
considered as being "WITH THE CENTRE," and not situated with
regard to any specific position in space. It would be advisable
to mention that the magnetic needles will, from here onwards, be
referred to as "magnetic centres," as it is not desired that the
mind shall create a picture of physical metallic objects, but
that it shall consider them as being centres of vital energy or
life principle, in other words, we must be "divested of all
metallic substances," if we are to comprehend those things which
are of the Spirit.

Having at some length prepared the necessary foundation for what
you are about to witness, we will now begin the demonstration.

It must be considered that there exists at the centre of the bowl
of water pure potential, as yet, unmanifest, and therefore
unseen, but by placing one of the magnetic centres in the bowl,
it will be noticed that it floats slowly towards the centre where
it comes to rest, thereby bringing the subjective potential into
objectivity. This constitutes the centre or "point within the
circle," which in accordance with the definition of Euclid has no
magnitude, neither length, breadth, or depth.

It is Unity or the Monad expressed by the figure 1, symbolises
the Omnipotent Diety, the "oneness" of Divine Purpose, the
beginning of all things, the singleness yet boundless of the
Godhead. It represents the pinnacle or highest point, the focus
of the circumference, the hub of the universe and the single
parent of the whole of creation. The universal symbol which
conveys this idea is a point within a circle, and it is
interesting to note that he who aspires to a participation in our
Mysteries, is admitted at the door of the Lodge, on the p. of an
s., i., which is the very start of his journey on the path of
Initiation.

We will now place another magnetic centre in the bowl, and it
will be noticed that this is also drawn towards the one that is
already there, but instead of joining together, number 1 moves
away from the oncoming number 2, and they finally come to rest,
with a space between, over the centre that was formerly occupied
by number 1.

Disposition of Magnetic          Corresponding geometric 
Centre in bowl                   symbol

   o       o                      -------------

If we now draw an imaginary line between these two magnetic
centre, we have "a line," which is second in the order of
progression, and must be imagined as having length only, without
breadth or depth, - this is duality, the number 2 or the Duad as
it was called by the Pythagoreans, it represents both diversity
and equality or Justice. The idea of diversity originates from
the conception of two opposites, such as night and day, good and
evil, love and hate etc. Yet at the same time for the sake of
Justice and equality, two sides of a question must always be
heard, while the existence of such things as Brotherhood and Love
must necessarily be dependent upon the presence of two persons.

Thus the Duad stands for balance, harmony, concord and sympathy,
its symbol is the circle bisected through its centre and
constitutes the 1st. dimension. In the Craft the Law of Opposites
or Duality is symbolised by the two pillars B. and J. and it is
only by the equilibrating or balancing of the two forces that we
are able to obtain stability. It is interesting to note that in
former times these two pillars were exhibited in Lodge, and are
still used to-day in some Lodges, situated in the West entrance,
and it is significant that the Candidate for Initiation, on being
admitted on the p...t, passes immediately between these two
pillars before he steps foot on the chequered floorwork of the
Lodge.

A third Magnetic Centre is now added, and it takes up its
position with the other two, in the form of an equilateral
triangle, this is the Ternary, the number 3, or the Triad, and
constitutes the Superfices.

From time immemorial the triangle has always been considered a
sacred symbol, for in all ages it has been thought of as
portraying the three-fold aspect of Deity, while in the Craft the
references to number 3 are almost too numerous to mention. The
tripartite aspect of nearly all things in connection with
Freemasonry determines that it is its basic or foundation number,
and it is in fact the first perfect geometric figure. To mention
only a few examples there are...

Three Grand Masters at the building of the Temple.
Three Degrees.
Three K...ks.
Three Grand Principles.
Three Principle Officers.
Three Assistant Officers.
Three Greater L...ts.
Three Lesser L...ts.
Three W.Ts. in each Degree.

Let us put another Magnetic Centre in the bowl, and it will be
seen that as it approaches the triangle, the four centres arrange
themselves into a perfect square.

This is the Quaternary, the number 4, or the Tetrad, it
represents the solid, for it must be understood that in a
demonstration of this nature which takes place on a plane of two
dimensions, that is impossible to construct a solid of three
dimensional form, and the square therefore, must be imagined as
representing a cube. It is the symbol of primordial matter, and
the ancient Greek philosophers considered it to be the root of
all things, as representing the four elements, - Fire, Air, Earth
and Water. It is interesting to note that Pythagoras referred to
the Deity as the Tetrad, or the "four sacred letters" which were
called the Tetraktys. The name of God was Zeus in Greek, and it
may be noted that the word God is represented by four letters in
many other languages, - Dieu in French, Gott in German, Godt in
Dutch, Godh in Danish, Goth in Swedish, Deus in Latin, Idio in
Italian, Dios in Spanish and Deva in Sanskrit, and we have our
own name Lord, whilst there is also our English word Good which
is synonymous with God. That there is a higher as well as a lower
aspect of the Quaternary is symbolised in the Lodge by the Rough
and Perfect Ashlars and also the square of the Masonic Apron, the
flap of which is raised in the First Degree denoting the over-
shadowing of the Spirit, symbolised by the triangle, but which is
lowered subsequently, and with the addition of external
adornments, indicates the presence of the indwelling Spirit.

Having with the aid of the demonstration shown how all the
geometrical figures of a progressive symbolism are evolved, viz.
From a point to a line, - from a line to a superficies, - from a
superficies to a solid, which represents our present three
dimensional world, let us continue with the building up of the
geometric symbols on the plane of two dimensions. It is proposed,
therefore, that we continue to add Magnetic Centres, and it will
be interesting to note the different geometrical symbols that are
formed as each additional one is added.

It must of course be realized that this further series of symbols
does not refer to stages in dimensional form, but rather to one
of degree in the spiritual growth or development in Man, and of
the various steps or stages on the path of Initiation incidental
to the attainment thereof.

We will now add the fifth of the Magnetic Centres, and it will be
seen as it joins the square, that the whole will arrange in the
form of a Pentagon, but not, be it noted, a perfect regular
pentagon, and the reason for this will be understood later as we
proceed.

This is the Pentacle, the number 5 or the Pentad. It was regarded
by the followers of Pythagoras as the symbol of health, and among
the ancient philosophers the Pentacle or Pentalpha, as it was
sometimes called, was considered as the symbol of Man, the reason
being that there are five extensions or projections from the main
trunk or body, i.e. two arms, two legs and the head, and at the
extremities of which are a further five points, while the seat of
the five senses, through which Man contacts the outer or physical
world is situated in the head.

We now come to number 6 of the Magnetic Centres, and it is here
that perhaps one of the most important and significant phases in
the development of the symbolism is shown to us, for it is at
this stage that there manifests a centre point within what may
now be considered the outer or external form, and attention is
drawn to the fact that up to number five there was a change in
the geometrical design, but the addition of number six does not
produce a further change, the geometrical figure remaining the
same, a Pentacle or Pentagon, with the addition of a point at its
centre.

The meaning of this very beautiful symbolism will be understood,
when it is remembered that we said that the Pentacle stood for
the symbol of Man, for it indicated the dual aspect of Man, the
unregenerate and the regenerate, or in other words the
uninitiated and the Initiated Man, and this is why in the Ritual
it is said that "five can hold a lodge," that is to say, the five
senses will enable Man, (the Lodge) to function rationally on the
physical plane of phenomena, - with the addition of two further
senses or powers.
It will be understood therefore, that the uninitiated man is he
who is represented in our geometrical figure by the Pentacle
without the point at the centre, whereas the Initiated man,
indicated by the manifesting of the point within, is he in whom
the divine consciousness," the vital and immortal principle" at
his centre, has become awakened, and as its gradual development
takes place, so does it bring about a corresponding change in the
outward form of his daily life and contact. In like manner as the
cycle of manifestation begins to evolve at the centre of our
geometrical figure, so there is a corresponding change in the
outward form, which tends towards a more beautiful and
symmetrical design.

We know that five is the number which is associated with the
Second Degree, for our advancement towards the E, is by five
s...ps, as though ascending a winding staircase, and in the Fifth
Section of the Second Lecture, we are informed that this
staircase led directly tot he Middle Chamber of the Temple,
symbolised in our geometrical figure by "the point" in the middle
of the Pentacle (the symbol of Man), for it is not duly recorded
in the V. of the S.L. 1 Corinthians, chap 3, v. 16. "Know ye not
that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God
dwelleth in you?" It should be noted that in the Closing of the
Second Degree, we have a direct confirmation of this fact, that
the Spiritual consciousness in man does awaken at a particular
degree or stage of development, for the W.M. asks the J.W. "In
this position (state or condition of advancement) what have you
discovered?" and the answer is "A S...d S...l." "Where situated
Bro. S.W.?" - "In the c..e of the b..g." - "To who m doe sit
allude?" - T.G.G.O.T.U.

Let us now put the seventh of our Magnetic Centres in the bowl,
and the geometrical figure that it describes is perhaps best
known of all, it is the interlaced triangles with a point at the
centre, and in this form it has always been recognised among
nations in all ages as a most sacred symbol.

Pythagoras viewed it as the symbol of creation, the Egyptians as
that of the union of Fire and Water (or generation), the Essenes
saw in it the Seal of the Master, the Jews the Shield of David,
the Hindus the Sign of Vishnu (to this day), and even in Russia
and Poland and the double triangle is regarded as a powerful
talisman. Now this symbol is one which denotes perfect
equilibrium, the Union of Spirit and Matter, and now we come to
what may be considered as the most important and significant
feature in this demonstration. The whole Mystery of this very
profound symbol lies in the hidden point at its centre, for it is
a fact that the interlaced triangles are very seldom depicted
with the centre point disclosed. Let it here be said that
contemplation upon the double triangle should never be considered
without the point at the centre, for the Hexagon is not a figure
of six point, but one of SEVEN, it is "with the centre" that the
other six points are held in perfect equilibrium. In order to
substantiate the truth of this statement, we will proceed to give
the necessary proof by removing the central Magnetic point from
the bowl. It will be seen that one of the remaining six Magnetic
Centres, immediately moves forward to the centre to replace the
one that has been withdrawn. Now it is a curious fact that this
does not happen with the Pentacle, for if the centre point is
removed from this figure, nothing unusual occurs, except that
there is a slight closing inwards of the five points, but the
geometrical figure remains the same.

What is it, that we are able to deduce from this symbolism? It is
that the number six will not remain in a state of harmony,
equilibrium or balance as a co-ordinated whole or a unit, but
that it requires the addition of another one, the seventh, at its
centre to give it the necessary stability. The interlaced
triangles are in fact a symbol of B. and J. conjoined, for only
by the equilibrating of Spirit and Matter, thereby making them a
Unity, will the House of God be established in strength for ever.

With regard to the mysterious power of the number six, the V. of
the S.L. makes reference to it in Rev. ch. 13 v. 18 where it
states that, - "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding
count the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and
his number is six hundred three score and six" (6 6 6). Seven
therefore, is the number which sustains, binds or holds together,
whereas, six is the number of disintegration, destruction or
TRANSMUTATION, just as the cube, which is six sided, as a solid
figure, is perfectly balanced around its centre, but when opened
out, i.e. when its centre is removed, it forms the cross, that
Cross of Matter, upon which must be transmuted the desires,
passions and prejudices of our lower nature, and it will be found
that it is impossible to make of it a perfect equal armed cross,
one arm is always longer than the other three, and therefore the
figure is unbalanced.

We will now add the eighth Magnetic Centre, and it will be
noticed that for the first time we have a dual centre, six points
which constitute the external form and two points in the centre.

Now in order to understand this symbol, it will be necessary to
assign the various geometrical figures that have been formed to
the Degrees to which they belong, they are as follows.....


It will be noticed that the symbol which admits the Candidate has
a very important significance, for he is admitted on that which
forms the last symbol of the preceding Degree, in other words, he
starts his advancement in the higher Degree in precisely the same
stage as he left off in the lower. In the process of Initiation
there are no breaks of continuity, the unfolding of the
consciousness is slow and gradual.

Now that which ranks above the Degree of a Master Mason is known
as the Installed Master, and it is to this that number eight
belongs, for when a Master Elect is Installed into the Chair of
K.S. he then becomes, for the first time, a Ruler in the Craft,
and rules in the Craft Lodge in Earth, -  the Mother Lodge of our
Initiatory birth, - as the direct representative of the Archtypal
Lodge above, so often referred to as the Grand Lodge above; it is
for this reason that we find two points or centres within. This
dual aspect of the centre will be more clearly understood when we
come to number nine, for it will then be seen that they have
become re-orientated through "an angle of ninety degrees, or the
fourth part of the circle."

A careful study of this geometric symbol will disclose the fact
that here we have two interlaced Tetrahedra, the two centre
points being directly responsible for this formation, two
interlaced tetrahedra generate not only the cube, but also the
Octahedron which is of particular interest at this stage, for we
are now dealing with eight Magnetic Centres, and the occult
interpretation of the Octahedron is that it symbolises the mind,
which is the "Link" between the Higher and Lower Self, the
upright pyramid denoting the downpouring of the wisdom of the
higher self, and the lower or inverted pyramid the outpouring or
rising aspirations of the lower self towards the higher. This
symbolism is sometimes shown in another form with the apexes
joined "at the centre," and is often to be found portrayed under
the symbol of the hour-glass.

The appropriateness of the eight-sided regular figure, the
Octahedron, as representing the mental principle appeals at once
by virtue of its double pyramid appearance. No figure could more
aptly indicate the dual character of mind - the higher and lower
- a duality, yet a unity.

It will be noted that the outer form of the symbol is still
composed of six Magnetic Centres or points, it has not yet
assumed that number which is deemed to make a Lodge perfect, for
it is not until Number 9, the last of the numerals is reached,
that this state of perfection is attained. We can readily
understand why this is so when it is realised that Nine is the
number associated with the Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem, for it
is the attainment to this - the Supreme Degree in Freemasonry -
which is the completion of the Candidates quest on the path of
Initiation.

Let use now add the ninth Magnetic Centre, and it will be noticed
that, for the first time, we have seven points in the outer or
external form with two points within.

A study of this symbol will reveal certain interesting features.
It is the conjoining or union of the interlaced triangles, and
the pentacle with the point at its centre. It will be remembered
that we said the former was the symbol of perfect equilibrium,
and the latter was the symbol of Man in whom the "vital and
immortal principle at his "centre" had become awakened. The
significance therefore, of the interlacing of these two heomtric
symbols will be realised, when attention is drawn to the fact
that the highest point of the Pentacle (symbolising the seat of
the Intelligence in Man) touches the centre of the interlaced
triangles, while the lowest point of the latter touches the
centre of the former, truly a perfect symbol of at-one-ment. To
the Masonic student however, the most interesting feature is that
these nine Magnetic Centres, which have now assumed an ovoid or
egg-shaped formation, give a clear diagrammatic sketch of the
H.R.A. A great deal more could be said of this most interesting
design and its correspondence with the Supreme Degree, but it
will at once be appreciated that it would not be prudent to
discuss it in detail, without the risk of disclosing that which
would amount to a violation of obligations;  but in the light of
what has been said with regard to the interpretation of the
various symbols, a careful study should enable Companions of the
Order to see a little more clearly through the veil of allegory
and symbolism, especially with regard to the V.

We have now passed through the whole series of numbers from one
to nine, Number 10, therefore, is the completion of the cycle or
circle and the start of another on a higher plane of
consciousness. It is not proposed that we should continue
further, for this would take us into the realms of the Spirit;
but in order that we may complete the cycle, and thereby witness
the start of another, we will add our final Magnetic Centre.

This new cycle commences with an outer circle of seven points
(the number of perfection), with the Divine Trinity, symbolised
by the equilateral triangle at the centre, truly a perfect symbol
of balance and harmony - as perfect without as it is perfect
within - and here we are reminded of "The Seven Spirits before
the Throne" as recorded in the Book of Revelation; but many will
know it as the "Sacred Shrine" - the goal of all true Freemasons
- for as we follow the Mystical Quest in search of that which is
lost, we slowly advance towards that goal, as if climbing, step
by step, a tree of geometrical symbolism. From the very "point"
of our admission to the Mysteries, we climb slowly but surely,
until at last we reach "the heights," when suddenly the veil is
lifted, and we gaze upon the "Sacred Symbol" with awe and
reverence.

In order that we may form a mental picture of what has taken
place, let us examine the diagram of the "Geometric Tree of
Symbolism." Some explanation is perhaps needed with regard to the
s..ps as it will be noticed that only seven are indicated
throughout. This will be understood when it is realised that
there are only seven fundamental s..ps, since the process of
Initiation conforms to a septenary scale, just as Man is a seven
principled being, they are not, as it is so often thought, three,
five, seven and so on. We start with three, but in the Second
Degree the five is really the recapitulation of the first three
with two more added, just as in the Third Degree, up to its
completion, it is two more added to the former three and two, for
we must remember that the Candidate is distinctly told that his
degree of advancement is from W. to E. in other words, from start
to finish. There is no rushing or jumping into anything with
regard to Spiritual advancement, it must be a gradual process or
opening out from "the centre," and must necessarily be so, by
virtue of the dynamic power that is generated, it is for this
reason that the Candidate repeats, by "regular progression," the
number of the s..ps taken in the former Degrees. Similarly, a
Lodge must always be opened in the First Degree and then
gradually opened up to the Superior Degree, so also, on entering
Lodge for the first time, must all the s..ns be given up to the
Degree in which it is opened, for it is seldom realised that the
power is also resident in the s..ns, therefore when they are
given in a slovenly manner the effective result is negligible.
Referring again to the diagram, it will be noticed in the M.M.
Degree that only one of the additional s..ps have been taken, for
as the Degree has not been completed the Candidate cannot have
taken both of them, it is in the Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem -
the completion of the Third Degree - where he takes his last and
final s..p.

The above explanation should make it quite clear that advancement
towards the "Sacred Shrine" is, as distinctly indicated, by
THREE, TWO and TWO, that is, by SEVEN s..ps in all.

The remainder of the diagram is self-explanatory, and needs no
further comment except that each symbol marks a definite stage in
the unfolding of the consciousness of the Candidate on the path
of Initiation, and the Student should work out for himself their
correspondences with those of the various Degrees.

In conclusion it should be remembered that this demonstration is
an analogy whereby we are able to draw a correspondence between
physical phenomena, and those realities and truths which underlie
the mysteries of life and form.

If in the search for Truth, Man succeeds in becoming the Master
of his lower nature, by "dying" to his lower self, thereby
destroying, or rather transmutting all selfishness and
personality, he will "know himself" as he is behind the veil of
physical illusion; he will soon stand beyond all pain, beyond all
the wear and tear of change, and will be free from the trials and
tribulations of this World. Such a man will be physically of
Matter, he will move surrounded by Matter, and yet he will be
beyond and outside it. All this may be achieved by the
cultivation of that Magnetic Power, the development of unselfish
universal Brotherly Love, - the Love of all Humanity.