What are the key symbols in the Mark Degree?

The primary symbol of the degree is the Mark itself, a personal device selected by the Mason and engraved within a circle bearing the letters H.T.W.S.S.T.K.S. or their Hebrew equivalent 1. Recorded permanently in a Book of Marks, this device serves on a jewel as a token of friendship and brotherly love 1. It functions as a pledge—resembling the ancient tessera hospitalis—which a brother may present when seeking assistance, with the strict rule that it cannot be pledged a second time until redeemed from the first 1.

Equally central is the keystone, associated with the stone rejected by the builders that ultimately becomes the head of the corner 1. This symbol conveys encouragement to those whose motives or attainments are misjudged, illustrating that true worth will eventually be recognized 1. Mackey identifies this keystone with the scriptural "white stone" bearing a new name, representing victory, absolution, and the conferring of honor 1.

The working tools specific to the degree are the Mallet and the Indenting Chisel 1.

In terms of color symbolism, purple is designated as the symbolic color of the degree in American practice 1. Arthur Edward Waite notes, however, that the distinguishing colors for ordinary members and Grand Officers in English practice are identical to those of Craft Masonry 2.