How does sacred geometry relate to Freemasonry?
Freemasonry has a profound and historic relationship with geometry, often regarded as sacred geometry within the Craft. This connection is deeply rooted in the origins of Freemasonry, tracing back to operative masons of the Middle Ages who were the de facto guardians of geometry. Geometry and masonry were originally synonymous terms, as taught in the Fellowcraft degree, emphasizing that geometry is not merely a mathematical discipline but a symbol of divine and moral truths.
The oldest known Masonic document, the Halliwell Manuscript, opens with the line, "Here begin the constitutions of the art of geometry according to Euclid," highlighting the foundational importance of geometry to Freemasonry. Operative masons passed down geometric knowledge and philosophy through initiation, preserving it as a closely guarded secret that gave them economic, political, and theological influence.
Symbolically, Freemasonry incorporates several key geometric principles, such as Euclid's 47th Proposition (the Pythagorean theorem), the Golden Ratio (phi), and the Point within a Circle. These symbols are not only practical but also carry esoteric and moral significance. For example, the Winding Stair in the Fellowcraft degree is emblematic of the Golden Ratio or Divine Proportion, symbolizing ascent, discipline, and the hidden mysteries of nature.
Geometry in Freemasonry is described as the "science of order," reflecting the universal laws of nature and the divine order of the universe. It is a symbol of man's recognition of God, the "Great Geometer of the Universe." The study of geometry in the Craft encourages the exploration of the wonderful properties of nature and the moral truths that geometry demonstrates.
Moreover, the symbolic use of geometry in Freemasonry connects to ancient traditions, including the Pythagorean Brotherhood and Greek mysteries, and was influenced by notable figures such as Dr. John Theophilus Desaguliers and Sir Isaac Newton, who were instrumental in the development of modern speculative Freemasonry.
In summary, sacred geometry in Freemasonry serves as a bridge between the operative origins of the Craft and its speculative philosophical teachings, embodying both the practical art of building and the spiritual quest for knowledge, order, and divine truth.
These insights are drawn primarily from James C. Stewart's paper "Freemasonry and the Transmission of Geometry," which explores the historical, symbolic, and esoteric significance of geometry within Freemasonry in great detail .