Indianola Lodge #450
One of the simplest, but probably least-explored symbols of Freemasonry is that of the circumpunct, or as we refer to it in Mississippi’s ritual, “a certain point within a circle, embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, representing St. John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist; and upon the top rests the Holy Scriptures. The point represents an individual brother; the circle is the boundary line beyond which he is never to suffer his passions or prejudices to betray him. In going around this circle we necessarily touch these two lines, as well as the Holy Scriptures; and while a Mason keeps himself circumscribed within their precepts, it is impossible that he should materially err.”
A particular Brother and I constantly remind each other that there are days we need to trace out “little circles” to keep our passions within due bounds, usually when we find ourselves angry for whatever reason.
As Masons, we know that true circles are traced out by the Compasses. Masonry’s most recognizable symbol is that of the Square AND the Compasses together. So then, how might this lesser-known circumpunct help us square our actions? Let’s look at a little geometry.
Referring to Figure 1 in the above illustration, if we choose a point anywhere on the circle, then connect that point to any two other points from a line denoting the diameter of the circle, the angle formed at the chosen point will always be 90 degrees – a perfect square. Masonically speaking, if our passions and prejudices do not exceed the bounds of the circle, our actions will necessarily always be “on the Square”.
What if our passions and prejudices do go beyond our intended bounds? Referring to Figure 2, consider a tangent that lies just outside of the circle, but crosses the parallel lines can still prove a square. A line drawn from the center to that tangent line will intersect at 90 degrees. We may then deduce that if our passions exceed our circumscription, we may lean to our Brethren on the left and the right and their rectitude of conduct to keep us “on the Square”.
But what of the negative space? That area contained within the circle; what exists there? Our work describes the circle as that boundary which we should never permit our passions to betray us. Passions may be anger, but they may also include things which bring us pleasure – even Masonry itself.
If we never exceed our due bounds, are we truly acting “on the Square”? Drawing your attention to Figure 3, I submit that in staying in the “safe space” inside the circle, we may find that our actions are not truly squared. Picking any point inside the circle, then extending lines to points crossing the diameter, we find that we are incapable of creating a figure that equals 90 degrees – we are unable to prove a square.
If we play it safe and don’t speak up for the weak and downtrodden, or if we fail to take action when doing the right thing is needed, we’re staying inside the circle and therefore not “on the Square”.
Mississippi’s ritual states that we have a duty to relieve the distressed, to soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries and to restore peace to their troubled minds. If we choose to look the other way, if we choose not to get involved when others do the same, if we do not push our passions to their edge, are we truly practicing “on the Square”? Simple geometry suggests we may not. Walk on that circle, then your actions will always be on the Square.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Jim Whitfield
Indianola Lodge No. 450
