Within the Degrees of Masonry there are found references to the plumb and plumb-line as instruments of particular significance to the Mason. One of the earliest and simplest instruments used in construction, the plumb and its line were an essential tool of the stone mason. As the level was to insure evenness of a surface, the plumb was to insure perpendicularity and right angles to that surface.

A simple plumb is an instrument of amazing accuracy. From homes to cathedrals, this simple tool has pointed the way upward and indicated the straightness needed to obtain perfection. And so it is that this tool was taken from the operative mason to the speculative mason as a symbol of the best off conduct, unequivocal uprightness, and constant integrity required to build a spiritual temple reflective of the best of one’s efforts.

So, it is that when you hold a plumb and plumb-line in your hand, you hold a working tool of Masonry.

Examples of the Plumb are shown on the Masonic Rings at Fox Jewelry

So Mote It Be

So Mote It Be. It has such strong meaning to the true Mason. The word “Mote” is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “may”, but the meaning to the Mason should be much more personal. Whether at the end of one’s prayer, at the pronouncement of the sacred union of marriage, at the blessed birth of a child, or at the solemn bidding good bye to one who is loved and respected, we say those meaningful words, So Mote It Be.

When I say those words, So Mote It Be, I am not speaking to those mortal beings around me, I am speaking directly to the Supreme Deity of all existence, I am asking God to look into my heart and know what is there that I may not know the words to express. I am asking God to recognize my needs; even those I don’t know exist and provide for them to know my weaknesses and frailties of life, to know all that my humble existence cannot comprehend. I yielding to His will and imploring His mercy. What do those words mean to you, my Fraternal Brother? So Mote It Be. It is very common for a Master Mason to wear a Masonic Ring such as the ones at Fox Jewelry.

At one time, when very few were could read, the use of symbolism was widespread. It was a form of visual shorthand. Symbols were easily recognized, and understood, but as literacy increased the need for symbolism declined. In centuries past, symbols, especially religious symbols, were common throughout Christendom. The Compass and Square, the symbol of the 3rd degree Master Mason is found on the Masonic Rings found at Fox Jewelry.