Author: Abu Raef
Freemasonry (part 31)
The Symbolism of Sacred Numbers in Masonic Thought
Numbers and Their Specific Messages
In the previous discussion, we examined certain numbers and the goals and messages embedded within them. In this section, we analyze another group of these numbers, the meanings derived from them, and the purposes for which Freemasons employ them.
The Significance of the Number (4)
Although the number (4) in many civilizations represents the four seasons, the four directions and winds, and the four elements of the earth—and in Buddhism refers to the “Four Noble Truths” (the recognition of suffering, the origin of suffering, how to end suffering, and the path leading to its cessation)—and in Christianity symbolizes the four arms of the Cross, the four Gospels, and the four cardinal virtues: wisdom, patience, justice, and temperance [1].
In Masonic thought, however, this number symbolizes the great Masonic virtues: temperance, courage, prudence, and justice. [2]
The Significance of the Number (5)
In Judaism, the number (5) symbolizes the five books revealed to the Prophet of God, Moses (peace be upon him), as well as the five scrolls read during Jewish festivals: Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther.
In Masonic thought, this number refers to the stage at which a candidate for membership reaches the rank of “Sanctification–Establishment,” during which he must ascend the five steps of the Masonic temple and contemplate the five-pointed star.
It also symbolizes the five distinguished sciences in Masonry: the science of attraction, geometry, generation, genius, and mysticism. [3]
The Significance of the Number (6)
Although the number (6) signifies labor, servitude, and deprivation of regained freedom on the “seventh” day—as stated in Exodus 21:1: “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years; and in the seventh he shall go out free without payment”—and also represents humanity and its creation on the sixth day, as in Genesis 1:26: “And God said, Let us make man in our image…” [4];
It also refers to the six-year reign of the wicked queen Athaliah, who, after destroying the entire royal lineage of David (peace be upon him), ruled the land, as mentioned in 2 Kings 11:1–2. [5]
However, in Masonic thought, this number symbolizes the “Macrocosm” (the universe), which was created in six days; it also symbolizes the Seal of Solomon (peace be upon him), the Masonic universal man, and the number of the Devil or the Beast, which appears during the “Great Tribulation” at the end of the world. As stated in Revelation 13:18: “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast… his number is six hundred and sixty-six.” [6]
The Significance of the Number (7)
The number (7) is considered sacred in Jewish thought generally and in Masonic thought specifically. In Judaism, it symbolizes rituals of worship and purification according to Jewish law. It also symbolizes service and labor, such as the seven years Prophet Jacob (peace be upon him) served for Rachel; and it signifies sovereignty, perfection, and completion—such as the seven years Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) spent completing the Temple after commissioning Hiram to build it. [7]
In Freemasonry, however, this number signifies the legitimacy of forming a Masonic lodge once its members reach seven in number. They gather every fifteen days and wear special garments for each lodge. Hence, the seven-branched candelabrum symbolizes the number of members required to form a lodge.
It also symbolizes emotion in the human being, purity, formation, and unity with God. [8]
The Significance of the Number (8)
In Masonic thought, this number symbolizes intellect in the human being and indicates that a person must allow reason to dominate emotion. In Masonic Kabbalah, however, it symbolizes balance, comfort, and equilibrium. [9]
The Significance of the Number (12)
The number (12) holds an important position in Jewish and Christian thought.
In Judaism, it symbolizes the twelve sons of Prophet Jacob (peace be upon him)—the twelve tribes of Israel—and represents the completeness of tribal sovereignty.
It also symbolizes life, referring to what Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) did when he struck the rock with his staff and twelve springs of water flowed forth. [10]
In Christianity, this number likewise holds special significance. It symbolizes the twelve apostles of Christ (peace be upon him) and the Holy City, which has twelve gates guarded by twelve angels, and whose walls rest upon twelve foundations, as stated in Revelation 21:2–3, 12–16. [11]
In Masonic thought, however, the number (12) symbolizes the dawn of a new era and the beginning of a new Masonic world order—especially when associated with the symbol of the “clock.” This symbol appears to reflect a hidden aspiration among Masons to dominate the entire world and establish a new system based on Masonic and Jewish ideology, and to remove all religions—especially Islam—from the global stage. This interpretation becomes clearer when the number is associated with the clock symbol. [12]
These numbers that have been examined reveal more clearly the essence of Freemasonic ideas and aspirations, namely domination over all peoples.
Continues…
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References:
[1] Shalabi, Ahmad, The Great Religions of India, p. 157, Maktabat al-Nahda al-Hindiyya, 2000, 11th ed.
[2] Gittins, Ian, Decoding the Masonic Code, pp. 136–139, trans. Ghada Arab, Dar Safahat for Publishing and Distribution, Damascus, Syria.
[3] The Significance of Sacred Symbols and Numbers in Masonic Thought, p. 235.
[4] Ibid., p. 235.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Encyclopedia of Pharaonic Myths and Symbols, p. 34.
[7] The Significance of Sacred Symbols and Numbers in Masonic Thought, p. 236.
[8] Freemasonry: That Unknown World, p. 186.
[9] Symbols and Mythological Indications, p. 69.
[10] Ibid., p. 70.
[11] Dawud, Magdy, The Language of Numbers in the Holy Book, pp. 38–39.
[12] The Significance of Sacred Symbols and Numbers in Masonic Thought, p. 237.
