how do mystical writers explain the square and compasses representing matter and spirit

Wilmshurst interprets the square and compasses as geometric symbols representing the constituent parts of human consciousness 1. In his reading, the builder's square symbolizes the human soul in its original, passive state 1. He relates the form of the square to an inverted "Water Triangle," with its base at the top and apex pointing downward, representing an inert or receptive psychological constitution generated out of the underlying Divine Word 1.

The compasses represent the Spirit—the functional, active energy or "Fire" of the soul 1. This aspect is correlated with an upright "Fire Triangle," having its apex pointing upward 1. While the soul by itself remains a passive quantity, the Spirit provides the positive, energizing force resulting from the union of the soul with its divine origin 1.

The relative position of the two emblems across the Craft degrees depicts the progressive awakening of spiritual consciousness over soul inertia 1. As a candidate advances through the three degrees and the points of the compasses are sequentially exposed from beneath the square, the active principle of the Spirit increasingly transmutes and overshadows the passivity of the soul 1.

Wilmshurst addresses the square and compasses as geometric representations of the human soul and spirit 1. In his reading, the builder's square represents the human soul in its passive state as created from the Divine Word, corresponding to an inverted "Water Triangle" 1. The compasses signify the Spirit—the active, functional energy or "Fire" of the soul—which corresponds to an upright "Fire Triangle" 1. In the First Degree, the points of the compasses are hidden beneath the square, but as a candidate progresses through the three degrees, the points are disclosed 1. Wilmshurst explains this arrangement as illustrating how the inertia and negativity of the passive soul are gradually superseded and transformed by the positive, active energy of the Spirit 1.

The supplied sources do not include the writings of Albert Pike, so his perspective on the square and compasses cannot be provided from this library.