Within Due Bounds: The Masonic Compasses

As an Entered Apprentice, you are introduced to many symbols and tools that carry deep moral lessons.

One of the most prominent are the compasses: an objective tool you might recall from school, now presented to you with symbolic meaning in the Lodge. In operative stonemasonry (the medieval craft of actual stone builders), the compasses were used to draw perfect circles and measure distances on plans. In speculative Masonry (the symbolic fraternity we have today), this tool has been transformed into a teaching emblem. In this blog, we will explore the historical origins of the compasses from its operative roots to its speculative use, explain how the compasses illustrate the Masonic virtue of temperance, and offer practical guidance on applying the compasses’ lessons of self-discipline and self-control in your daily life as a new Mason.

Freemasonry teaches the importance of the Four Cardinal Virtues; Temperance, Prudence, Fortitude, and Justice as cornerstones of a virtuous life. Among these, Temperance (or moderation) is directly exemplified by the compasses. In fact, Masonic teachings often explicitly link the compasses to the virtue of temperance. To practice temperance, a Mason learns to reign in his desires and control his passions so that he may live a balanced, moral life.

In practical terms, the compasses urge every Mason to exercise self-restraint . Just as this tool can draw a perfect circle that defines a limit, the symbolic compasses teach us to draw a perfect moral boundary around our behaviors. We are taught to “circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds”, a phrase you will hear in Masonry that neatly describes the essence of temperance. But what does this mean for you as an individual? It means you should practice avoiding extremes and finding the right measure in all things.

The compasses remind us to not let any emotion, desire, or ambition lead us into excess. Anger must be kept in check by calm reasoning, desire by ethical principles, and even virtues by humility and balance. By keeping yourself within the boundaries of what is virtuous and appropriate, a Mason preserves his integrity and peace of mind. Masonic scholars have described the compasses as “the most prominent emblem of virtue, the true and only measure of a Mason’s life and conduct”, because they teach “the duty we owe to ourselves, and to God”...  that is, the duty of maintaining self-control as prescribed by your Volume of Sacred Law.

Living Within Due Bounds: Applying the Compasses’ Lessons Daily 

Knowing the lesson of the compasses is one thing; applying it in daily life is the true mark of your progress. Here we provide some practical suggestions for you, as a speculative Mason, to put the compasses’ teachings into action in your conduct and personal development:

• Set Personal Boundaries: Just as the compasses draw a circle, set defined limits for your own behavior. With the help of your Volume of Sacred Law, determine ahead of time what you consider acceptable or ethical in situations; whether in business dealings, social life, or private habits. Resolve not to step outside that “circle” of proper conduct. These personal boundaries will help you resist temptations that lead to excess or compromise. For example, if you decide on a limit for the time or money spent on pleasures and recreations, you are less likely to overindulge or neglect other duties. By consciously keeping within compass, you guard your character and priorities.

• Practice Moderation in All Things: Temperance applies to all desires, great and small. Take a balanced approach to your daily habits: enjoy life’s pleasures like food, drink, social media and entertainment, but do so in moderation. Avoid any form of excess that could harm your health, finances, or reputation. If you find yourself veering toward an extreme, remember the compasses’ lesson and adjust back to the center. This equilibrium not only reflects Masonic teachings but also leads to a healthier, more stable life.

• Guard Your Emotions and Speech: Temperance isn’t just about physical habits, it also means moderating our emotions and how we express them. When anger or opposition flares up, envision the compasses drawing a boundary around your temper. Before speaking in haste or acting on impulse, pause and “re-center” yourself. A true Mason strives to be composed and even-tempered. By curbing hotheaded reactions and choosing calm, measured responses, you demonstrate the compasses’ influence in your character. This self-restraint in moments of stress or provocation is a daily way to live the virtue of temperance.

• Reflect and Improve Continually: In Freemasonry, we say that it “takes a good man and makes him better.” A key to this improvement is constant self-reflection. At the beginning and end of the day, consider how well you are keeping your passions within due bounds. Did you maintain self-control and balance? Where might you have fallen short? This reflective practice, guided by the compasses’ lesson, will help you identify areas to adjust. Over time, regularly measuring yourself against the standard of temperance will shape you into a more upright and disciplined man. By applying the symbols of Freemasonry and their lessons to your life, you will not fail to better yourself.

Conclusion

The compasses may appear to be simple instrument, but in the hands of a Mason, they become a profound reminder of moderation, balance, and personal restraint. Historically, they connect us to our operative Brethren who used them to build cathedrals; symbolically, they urge us to build character by practicing the virtue of temperance. As you advance in your Masonic journey, keep the image of the compasses ever before you. Let them be a daily guide, helping you to navigate your actions and passions, to stay within the limits of virtue in all that you do. By doing so, you honor the teachings of the Craft and will steadily transform yourself into the upright, enlightened Mason that the fraternity encourages you to become.