Freemasonry is the largest and most ancient initiatory fraternal organization in the world. It is neither a service club nor a philanthropic organization; it is also not a secret society in so much as a society with some secrets that pertain to its ancient three-degree rituals. Freemasonry is not a religion nor does it profess to be one, rather, it is a philosophical orientation that underlies all moral teachings and belief systems.

In its current form symbolic Freemasonry is approximately 800 years old with it's origins rooted in the European Monastic Guilds of the 7th to 9th centuries CE, though its many influences stem from far more ancient times in Greece, Egypt and Mesopotamia. Its unique architectural ritualistic symbolism encourages the study of truth via: the classical 7 liberal arts & sciences, application of values such as tolerance, morality and service to humanity and introspection towards self-knowledge.

The Masonic square & compasses seen at the right are the universal symbols of the ancient Craft- the square, symbol of skill and knowledge, to “square” each Freemason's actions in his undertakings in the world and the compasses to keep the Mason within spiritual boundaries and restrain negative or destructive passions.

The letter G refers to God the Creator, the Supreme Being and to Geometry, the universal truth. Thus the three part symbol represents earthly strength; the mental or emotional, and the spiritual. The Freemason who would fully understand these 3 symbols gains spiritual mastery. That person would understand the beauty of creation, God and the secret of the divine present within the human.