The Symbolism of the Mason s Level

Excerpt From:  THE WORKING TOOLS OF THE CRAFT, CHAPTER V, MASONIC ESSAYS (1998), W.M. DON FALCONER, THE CRAFT

As a working tool of an operative mason, the level is used to set all required points to the same level on a construction site. From this is derived its symbolic interpretation, which is equality. Such equality does not refer to wealth or poverty in the financial sense, nor to social distinction, civic responsibility or service to mankind. The symbolism of the level relates to humanity in its broadest sense, that is to the internal rather than the external qualifications of a human being. It refers to that fraternal quality which, in recognizing the Fatherhood of God, also accepts as a necessary corollary the Brotherhood of Man.

The level reminds us that we are infinitesimal creatures in God's grand scheme of the universe. It naturally follows that all human beings must appear the same in His sight, in which sense we are all equal and subject to the same infirmities and vicissitudes of life, seeking the same immortal mansion and preparing to be judged by the same immutable laws.

The equality of brethren in the lodge is that of the dignity and worth of the human soul, which is the same for everyone regardless of man-made distinctions. Masonic equality also recognises that one man may have greater potentialities for service, for life or for reward than another, but also it denies that any such differences should preclude any man from aspiring to any height, no matter how great.

The level demonstrates that, as we have all sprung from the same stock and are all partakers of the same nature, so we are all sharers of the same hope. The level is an appropriate emblem of the Senior Warden, because when the lodge is at labour all are under his immediate supervision and therefore are on a common level of subordination.