what does the point within a circle symbolise in craft masonry and do writers agree on it

Masonic writers offer distinct historical, operative, and mystical interpretations of the point within a circle, though it broadly represents a central divine or moral principle bounded by proper limits.

Albert C. Mackey notes that the symbol historically represented the sun surrounded by the universe, corresponding within the lodge to the Master and Wardens 1. In monitorial lectures, the surrounding parallel lines denote the two Saints John as calendar extremes—the solstices—between which the sun's circuit is bounded 1. Carl H. Claudy traces the emblem from ancient Egyptian representations of the Creator bounded by power and wisdom 3, but emphasizes its direct descent from operative masonry 3. Operative Masters used the geometric principle of a triangle inscribed within a semicircle to secretly test and verify the right angles of their wooden squares 3. Speculatively, this became a symbol by which a Mason tests the rectitude of his own conduct to ensure he does not materially err 3.

Walter Leslie Wilmshurst provides an internal, mystical reading, taking the point to mean the immortal divine spirit at the secret centre of human nature 2. In his view, the parallel lines represent divine law and wisdom—symbolized by Moses and King Solomon—which circumscribe human existence and keep the Mason from error 2.