Perambulation, or circumambulation, is a significant ritual in Freemasonry that involves walking around the lodge room. This act is not merely a physical movement but carries deep symbolic meaning. According to Carl H. Claudy in Introduction to Freemasonry – Entered Apprentice, this ceremony connects the initiate with all those who have participated in similar rites throughout history, symbolizing a homage to the Unseen Presence. It reflects ancient practices where early humans circled altars in worship, imitating the movements of the sun, which was central to their understanding of divinity.
Claudy explains that this ritual links the initiate with the spiritual aspirations of countless individuals who have walked this path before, making it a profound act of faith and recognition of a higher power. The act of circumambulation serves as a reminder of our dependence on guidance throughout life, emphasizing that we walk by faith, not by sight.