To Act Upon the Square
By Wor. H. Meij
In the second degree lecture, we learn that “By Speculative Masonry, we learn to subdue our passions, to act upon the square...”. What does this phrase mean?
We know that the square is the Worshipful Master’s jewel. We also know that it is an integral part of our apron, where a square (the apron) is “covered” by a triangle (the flap). Indeed, in European masonry we are taught that the flap represents the mind or the intellectual, whereas the apron itself represents the material.
The notion that the square represents material is the fact that a square often represents the earth, whereas the mind represents the heavens. A square is geometrically perfect, and it being static, denoted straightforwardness. Squares were also simple tools used to check whether angles were correct, and hence came to represent honesty. In heraldic emblems, the square is taken to mean constancy.
Balance is also a central theme. A “square meal” which means a well-balanced meal. “On the square” means to be honest.
The reason why it is significant that the words “act” is included in “Act upon the square”. As there are no perfect squares to be found in nature, it is up to man to create it. Hence, to act upon a square also infers that we must work hard to be able to be honest, stable and straightforward.