Friday, November 2, 2007

Better out than in, I always say


Here's a picture of the Masonic ring I now wear. I wear it proudly and am glad to answer questions about the ring I get from co-workers and the like. I was fortunate enough to plan ahead and wear it the day of my raising (afterwards, of course).

In my preparation, I noticed the other brothers' rings and asked where they go theirs, etc., and one thing I noticed was that all of them had their rings with the points of the compass turned in (that is to say that if holding their arm out straight, the G would be facing them). The common school of thought is to wear it inwardly focused as a reminder to improve themselves. To continue on with this thought is that after one has become a Past Master of a lodge, then they can point the compass outward as a symbol of accomplishment.

I have decided to take another approach. I wear mine with the points outward, for others to see. I do this not in arrogance, but as a reminder to myself that I am "broadcasting" an image of Freemasonry at all times and, as in the previous example, should be constantly reminded to improve that reflection of myself. I like to think of it akin to the fact that as children, we're all on our best behavior when our parents are watching. We in turn should be representative upright citizens at all times since we never know who may be observing our conduct.

Besides, it's easier to show off :)

9 comments:

Traveling Man said...

From my understanding, there is no "right" way to wear a Masonic ring. For a longer discussion of the matter, I refer you to http.www.masonicworld.com. There is a paper there about it. (Along with many others you can use in your search for Masonic Light.)

In my District, it is customary to wear a Masonic ring with the Compasses towarrd you until you sit in the East. The way things look right now, it is probable, (though by no means assured), that I will be Junior Warden next year, and that I will be in the East for one or more EA Degree, (as is custom in my Lodge). After that, I plan "switch the ring".

Be Well,

Traveling Man

Tom Accuosti said...

Oy! Few things of trivia in the Masonic world will create such a discussion as the "proper" way to wear your ring. I wear mine with the points out, although I used to wear them with the points in.

Listen to me: as Keeper of the Mystic Secrets of Freemasonarianism, I'm going to tell you that there is a proper way to wear your ring.

Ready?

With pleasure to yourself, and honor to the fraternity.

Anonymous said...

Great blog!!!

While I do not have a Masonic ring, I hope to be getting your exact ring, only with the Past Master's design (honey, are you reading this?????).

I have read there are two school of thought for which way the Masonic ring points, but for the most part the ones I see "in the wild" are points out.

David

Chris Tomlinson said...

I really like your ring. Do you mind telling me where you purchased it? I would love to get one like it!

Mathew J. Smith said...

I'd like to know where you got it as well.

The Plumbline said...

Here you go, brothers!

Masonic Rings

Anonymous said...

So where exactly did you get this ring? I like it...

The Plumbline said...

I already posted the link above, but you can find it here: http://www.familysealrings.com/

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