Archive for September, 2013
The M
asonic Ring; the symbol of a Freemason
Article written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and other fraternal rings.
All over the world, Freemasons display their Masonic Rings as a symbol of the obligations taken when going through the steps of becoming a Freemason. A visual statement; the Masonic ring represents the wearer’s membership of the largest and oldest fraternity in the world for all times. The Masonic Ring represents the wearer’s “authenticity”; a concept that Freemasons describe as a “cable tow,” a symbol that binds that person to Freemasonry for all times. It has not always been appropriate to display the Masonic Ring by the wearer. Throughout different times in history, the Masonic Ring has been worn very discreetly or hidden from view of others because of the unjust stigma attached to Masonry in general. During those periods of time, many Masons wore a Masonic Ring similar to the one shown here. The Masonic Flip Ring was very popular during that period of time and still is. You can wear the Masonic Flip Ring as a signet ring or wear it displayed as a Masonic Ring. The Master Mason ring or Masonic Ring is also referred to as the Blue Lodge Masonic Ring. In the past, it had not been unusual for a new member of the Masonic family to take several years to get through the steps of becoming an Entered Apprentice, then on to a Fellow Craft and then finally becoming a Master Mason. Presently; it is not uncommon for this process to take only a few months or even a few weekends. In some jurisdictions around the world, it may take as long as 7 years to become a Master Mason because of proficiency requirements and memorization required in some jurisdictions. Once the Fellow Craft Mason completes the Master Mason degree, they are eligible to buy and wear the Master Mason Masonic Ring. Freemasonry is well known to be a secret society and is known for its traditions and features many rituals, signs and symbols. Yes it is true that the Freemasons have a “secret handshake”. The Masonic Ring and the symbols on the ring are representative of many of the obligations taken in order to become a Freemason. Those obligations require a certain behavior of the wearer. There are certain rules of etiquette that must be followed when one wears their Masonic Ring. The Masonic Ring is worn on the third finger of the Mason’s right hand. Typically the Mason will only wear one Masonic ring at a time even though there are many other types of Masonic Rings such as Scottish Rite Rings, Knights Templar Rings, and Shrine Rings etc.; that are all indicative of the Masonic family. Typically, a married Mason will wear their Masonic Ring on the opposite hand of the wedding ring. Sometimes the Masonic Ring is worn on the pinky finger of the right hand. There is much debate as to how to wear the Masonic Ring. Should the points of the compass be worn with the points pointed outward or inward toward the Mason? Although the Grand Lodges have not made a regulation, it is my belief that the points should be pointed away from the wearer. If one needs to be reminded of being a Mason, then that Mason should wear the ring with the points of the Compass pointing toward them. When the Masonic symbol is displayed on the side of a building, the points of the Compass and Square are pointing downward.
This article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry. They are the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and have the largest of selection of Masonic Rings anywhere. We welcome your visit our online store at: Fox Jewelry. Feel free to contact us at 712-239-6155 or email us at: [email protected].
Fox Jewelry
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
http://www.masonicjewelryblog.net
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For those last minute shoppers, we just want to let you know that we are still taking orders for Christmas delivery but don’t wait much longer!
This
Article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings, 33rd Degree Rings, and other fraternal rings.
The 33rd Degree ring is one of the more unique Masonic Rings because it is a triple one, like three small rings, each one-eighth of an inch wide, side by side, and having on the inside a delta surrounding the figures 33, and inscribed with the wearer’s name, the letters S.G.I.G., and the motto of the Order, Dues meumque Jus, meaning God and my moral rightness. The 33rd Degree ring had been worn on the fourth finger of the right hand but in 1923 a provision was made that the Thirty-third Degree ring should be worn on the little finger of the left hand in the Southern Jurisdiction. The ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand in the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America.
“The Thirty-third Degree is conferred upon those Freemasons who are legitimately invested with it, the quality, title, privilege, and authority of Sovereign, Supremorum, Grand Inspectors-General of the Order. The peculiar duty of their mission is to teach and enlighten the Brethren; to preserve charity, union, and fraternal love among them; to maintain regularity in the works of each Degree, and to take care that it is preserved by others; to cause the dogmas, doctrines, institutes, constitutions, statutes, and regulations of the Order to be reverently regarded, and to preserve and defend them on every occasion; and, finally, everywhere to occupy themselves in works of peace and mercy.”
The Body in which the members of this Degree assemble is called a Supreme Council. The symbolic color of the Degree is white, which denotes purity. The distinctive insignia are a sash, collar, jewel, Teutonic cross, decoration, and the 33rd Degree Ring.
In the United States, members of the Scottish Rite can be elected to receive the 33° by the Supreme Council. It is conferred on members who have made major contributions to society or to Masonry in general. In the Southern Jurisdiction, a member who has been a 32° Scottish Rite Mason for 46 months or more is eligible to be elected to receive the “rank and decoration” of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour (K.C.C.H.) in recognition of outstanding service. After 46 months as a K.C.C.H., the member is then eligible to be elected to the 33rd degree, upon approval of the Supreme Council and Grand Commander. In the Northern Jurisdiction, there is only one 46-month requirement for eligibility to receive the 33rd degree, and while there is a Meritorious Service Award (as well as a Distinguished Service Award), they are not required intermediate steps towards the 33°. A recipient of the 33rd Degree is an honorary member of the Supreme Council and is therefore called an “Inspector General Honorary.” However, those who are appointed Deputies of the Supreme Council that are later elected to membership on the Supreme Council are then designated “Sovereign Grand Inspectors General.” In the Northern Jurisdiction a recipient of the 33rd Degree is an honorary member of the Supreme Council, and all members are referred to as a “Sovereign Grand Inspectors General.”
For the largest selection of quality 33rd Degree Rings and other Masonic Rings, visit Fox Jewelry.
Fox Jewelry
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
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T
he Symbolism of the Masonic Apron
This Article was written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and other fraternal rings.
The apron derives its meaning as the symbol of wholesomeness. That symbolism is derived from two different aspects. First of all; the color of white of the Masonic apron and secondly; the material from which the Masonic apron is made. It is from each of these points of view that we need to consider before the symbolism of the Masonic apron can truly be appreciated. The color must be pure and unadulterated white. For all time, white has been symbolic of innocence and purity. In the early ages of the Christian faith, a white garment or blanket was always placed upon the newly baptized as a symbol of their innocence and purity and to denote that the newly baptized had been cleansed of their sins. This practice is still commonplace in today’s culture. The white alb is a part of the vestments of the Roman Catholic Church. The alb is a long, white linen liturgical vestment worn by the priest during the holy mass. It symbolizes the innocence and purity that should adorn the soul of the priest who ascends the altar. It is said to stimulate to piety by teaching us the purity of heart and body that we should possess when being present at the holy mysteries. In most all of the religions of other nations, white is symbolic of innocence and purity.
In so far as the material of the Masonic apron; it is without question, required to be of lambskin. There is no other material such as silk, satin or linen that can be substituted without destroying the symbolism of the garment. Throughout the ages, the lamb has been a symbol of innocence and purity. In Masonry; the pure and unspotted lamb-skin Masonic apron is symbolic of the perfection of body and purity of mind which are essential qualifications of anyone participating in the Masonic sacred mysteries.
For the largest selection of Masonic Rings available anywhere, please visit our website: www.foxjewelry.net
Fox Jewelry
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
http://www.masonicjewelryblog.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
Solv![images[1]](http://www.masonicjewelryblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/images1.jpg)
ing the 47th Problem
Article written by Mike Fox, owner of Fox Jewelry; the leading marketer of Masonic Rings and other fraternal rings.
The forty-seventh problem of the first book of Euclid is that: in any right-angled triangle the square which is described upon the side subtending the right angle is equal to the squares described upon the sides which contain the right angle. It was discovered by Pythagoras while in Egypt and was taught to him by the priests in that country. It was solved by Euclid, the Father of Geometry. It is a symbol of the production of the world by the prolific powers of the Creator. The 47th Problem of Euclid, also called the 47th Proposition of Euclid, or the Pythagorean Theorem, is represented by what appear to be 3 squares. “In any right triangle, the sum of the squares of the two sides is equal to the square of the hypotenuse.” (The hypotenuse of a right triangle…which is the longest “leg”…or the 5 side of the 3:4:5).
3:5:7: These are the steps in Masonry. They are the steps in the Winding Stair which leads to the Middle Chamber and they are the number of brethren which form the number of Master Masons necessary to open a lodge of: Master Mason: 3 Fellow Craft: 5 Entered Apprentice: 7 Master Masons.
The essence of the Pythagorean Theorem (also called the 47th Problem of Euclid) is about the importance of establishing an architecturally true (correct) foundation based on use of the square.
The 47th Problem of Euclid is the mathematical ratio (the knowledge) that allows a Master Mason to: “Square his square when it gets out of square.”
For the largest selection of Masonic Rings available anywhere, please visit our website: www.foxjewelry.net
Fox Jewelry
RMF & P LLC
3821 Chippewa Ct
Sioux City, IA 51104
712-239-6155
Email address: [email protected]
http://www.masonicjewelryblog.net
Follow us on Twitter: @MasonicRings
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/masonicringsbyfox