The Triangle in Freemasonry

The triangle is one of the most interesting of the symbols of Ancient Craft Masonry. Its symbolism is best portrayed in the degrees of the Chapter, yet in the Lodge we have it as a concealed symbol – in the arrangement of the lights, the seating of the three principal officers, and in certain ritual matters.

The most intriguing symbol of Freemasonry, in our estimation, is the Triangle. We do not recall any mention of a triangle in the Craft degrees, and yet we cannot overlook the arrangement of the lights, the location of the three principal officers, and other esoteric symbolism. Craft Masonry is built around a cube which is the symbolism of perfection in physical or material things.

Over a century ago, the Forty-seventh problem of Euclid was worn by Grand Masters as a symbol of their office. This was a triangle symbol, although not the equal sided or angled equilateral triangle.

The triangle is found variously arranged in the Masonic system. In one instance, we have the interlaced triangles, one black, the other white; the white triangle has its point up, the black triangle points down. Thus arranged it represents the union of the active and passive forces in nature; it represents the male and female elements. The interlaced black and white triangles represent the forces of darkness and light, error and truth, ignorance and wisdom, and good and evil; when properly place they represent balance and harmony.