What are the roles of Jachin and Boaz in Masonic rituals?

In the Fellowcraft degree, the candidate passes between the two brazen pillars, situated at the entrance or porchway of the symbolic Temple 212. This passage signifies the transition from the material world into the realm of spiritual realities, placing the initiate at the beginning of the journey toward the Middle Chamber 1.

Masonic ritual associates the pillars with the divine guidance of the Israelites, referencing the pillar of cloud by day on the right or south (Jachin) and the pillar of fire by night on the left or north (Boaz) 1. Taken together, their names translate literally to "establishment" and "in strength," reflecting the promise made to David regarding the establishment of his kingdom 1. As general symbols within the Craft, they denote stability, strength, and the fraternity's reliance on divine providence 12.

Carl Claudy interprets the act of passing between them without leaning toward either as an instruction in moral equilibrium 2. In his view, Boaz represents raw strength or power, while Jachin represents control or wisdom; neither is effective without the other, and the Mason must balance power with direction to progress meaningfully 2.

The chapiters surmounting the pillars are adorned with lily-work, net-work, and pomegranates, which represent peace, unity, and plenty 1. Modern ritual also places celestial and terrestrial globes atop the chapiters to represent the universality of Masonry 21.