How do the three columns relate to Kabbalistic symbolism in Freemasonry?
W. Kirk MacNulty in his paper Philosophical Background for Masonic Symbolism explains that the three columns in Freemasonry correspond closely to the three columns of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. The columns represent fundamental dualities and a balancing principle:
"The striking thing about these columns is that each is of a different Order of Architecture. In Masonic symbolism they are assigned names: Wisdom to the Ionic Column in the middle, Strength to the Doric Column on the left, and Beauty to the Corinthian Column on the right."
He further relates these to the Kabbalistic Tree of Life where the right column is the "Column of Mercy" (active column), the left is the "Column of Severity" (constraining column), and the central column is the "Column of Consciousness" which balances the other two. The right column is associated with expansive growth and passion, the left with discipline and restraint, and the middle with equilibrium.
MacNulty states: "The three columns all terminate in (depend upon) Divinity at the top of the central column. Look again at the columns on the First Degree Tracing Board. The Corinthian Pillar of Beauty is on the right, and in our lectures it is associated with vigour, expansion and growth. The Doric Pillar of Strength is on the left, and its elegant simplicity suggests such things as discipline, restraint, and stability. The Ionic Pillar of Wisdom is in the middle. The Ionic Order is an intermediate between the other two - not so simple as the Doric, less ornate than the Corinthian. The Three Pillars, like the Tree of Life, speak of a universe in which expansive and constraining forces are held in balance by a coordinating agency."
This interpretation shows that the three columns in Freemasonry symbolically reflect the Kabbalistic principles of balance between mercy and severity, with wisdom or consciousness mediating between them, all culminating in the Divine. This is part of the broader Hermetic/Kabbalistic philosophical background that influenced the symbolism of Freemasonry during the Renaissance, as MacNulty elaborates.
Thus, the three columns are not just architectural elements but profound symbols of cosmic and spiritual principles derived from Kabbalah, representing the dynamic interplay of forces in the universe and in the individual, balanced by divine wisdom and consciousness.
Reference: W. Kirk MacNulty - Philosophical Background for Masonic Symbolism.pdf, pages 6-7