Ashlar
In Freemasonry, the term ashlar refers to a stone that has been squared and smoothed, ready for building. It symbolizes the Freemason who is undergoing moral and intellectual refinement through Masonic teachings and practices. Just as a rough stone is shaped by the mason's tools, a Freemason strives to polish their character, overcoming vices and cultivating virtues.
The rough ashlar represents man in his rude and imperfect state by nature, while the perfect ashlar signifies the state of perfection to which we all hope to arrive through virtuous living and education. This process of self-improvement is central to the Masonic journey, as noted in the teachings: "the rough Ashlar represents man in his rude and imperfect state by nature; the perfect Ashlar also represents man in that state of perfection to which we all hope to arrive, by means of a virtuous life and education".