It’s been a real pleasure lately at Mustang Lodge #407 in Mustang, Oklahoma. We’ve welcomed a fantastic group of new brothers, bright-eyed and eager, raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. Seeing their excitement has been a great reminder of my own journey in Freemasonry.
One thing I’ve noticed, and something I remember pondering myself not too long ago, is the question of the Masonic ring. Specifically, how should it be worn? Should the points of the Square and Compasses face towards you or away?
Now, if you’re not a Mason reading this, you might be thinking, “Does it really matter?” And the honest answer is, there’s just no single “official” answer. But as with so many things in Freemasonry, the beauty lies in the symbolism and the personal meaning we find. So, let me share some of the insights I’ve gathered.
Points Outward: Sharing Our Masonic Light
You’ll see plenty of brothers wearing their rings with the points of the compasses facing outward. For me, this resonates with the idea that as Masons, we’re meant to be a positive influence in the world. We’re showing our neighbors, our colleagues, everyone we interact with, that we belong to this ancient and honorable fraternity. It’s a quiet declaration of the principles we strive to uphold – things like integrity, fairness, and looking out for our fellow human.
I’ve also heard the practical thought that if our rings were used as signets (to press into wax seals, back in the day), this orientation would ensure the emblem appeared correctly on the document. Whether that’s the primary reason or not, I like the idea that wearing it this way is about projecting the “light” of Masonic values out into our communities.
Points Inward: A Personal Reflection on Our Path
Then there’s the equally compelling way of wearing the ring with the compass points facing inward, towards yourself. I find this speaks to the deeply personal nature of Freemasonry. It’s like a constant, subtle reminder of the promises we made at the altar, the obligations we’ve taken upon ourselves. It prompts us to look within, to constantly work on ourselves, to “circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds,” as our ritual teaches.
Think about how the Square and Compasses are often positioned on the altar during our ceremonies – pointing towards us, symbolizing divine guidance and the teachings being directed at the individual. Wearing your ring this way can be a continuous, private focus on your own Masonic journey and the commitments you’ve made.
A Little More “Seasoned” Perspectives
Having been a Mason for a bit longer than our newest brothers, I’ve also picked up on some other interesting viewpoints. One tradition I find particularly thoughtful is the idea that a Master Mason might initially wear the points inward as he’s actively learning and internalizing the lessons of the degrees. Then, perhaps after serving as Master of the lodge – having led his Lodge – he might choose to turn the points outward, signifying a shift towards more overtly sharing that accumulated wisdom and experience with others.
It’s Your Journey, Your Ring
Ultimately, what I’ve come to appreciate is that there’s just no single “correct” answer. The choice of how to wear your Masonic ring is often a deeply personal one. It might come down to what feels most meaningful to you as an individual brother, or perhaps it’s influenced by the local customs within Mustang Lodge or other lodges you visit.
My Two Cents
So, to our newest brothers, and to anyone out there curious about Freemasonry: there’s no right or wrong way to wear that ring. What truly matters is the understanding and commitment it represents to you. Whether you choose to wear the points out, as a testament to your values in the world, or points in, as a constant reminder of your personal Masonic path, wear it with pride. It’s a symbol of something significant, something that connects us as brothers across the globe.
It’s these personal connections to our symbols, these individual interpretations, that keep the spirit of Freemasonry alive and thriving. And who knows, maybe seeing a brother wearing his ring will spark a question in you, the reader, and perhaps lead you to ask a Mason to be a Mason. That’s how our light continues to spread.
