Michael's Masonic Esoterica
Every time I chose the simplest element of Freemasonry to take a close
look at I find hidden information I had no idea about. Today I took a look
at the rods we use in the lodge room and found this article on our own
Grand Lodge website:
THE SYMBOLISM OF MASONIC RODS
By Michelle Simone
Masonic rods, born by the stewards and deacons, are a hallmark attribute
in every Masonic lodge. Their presence dates back to at least 1724, when
they are said to have been carried in a grand lodge procession. Today,
the rods continue to be infused with rich Masonic symbolism.
Masonic rods are thin poles that are approximately six feet long.
According to one school of thought, this shape and length represents
the asherah, wooden staffs carried by ancient attendants to the high
priests. The term “asherah” comes from the ancient West Semitic
goddess of the same name, who was said to have birthed the gods of
dusk and dawn.
The herald who guided candidates through their initiation to the
philosophies of the ancient mysteries was also known to carry
an asherah. His was topped with a caduceus of Mercury – a winged staff
wrapped with two opposing snakes. This symbol was said to ward off the
spirits of evil.
According to Grand Lecturer Jack Rose, some scholars attribute the
metal tips of contemporary rods as homage to this ancient symbol.
Another interpretation of this tip shape is that it imitates the thyrsus – a
sacred staff carried by Bacchus, the Roman god of fertility, wine, and
agriculture. The thyrsus was wrapped in leaves of ivy and topped with a
pinecone. The pinecone carries its own rich symbolism – it is considered
to be an ancient symbol of human enlightenment. In this school of
thought, the rod tips represent this pinecone.
SYMBOLISM AND MEANING
The word “deacon” derives from the Greek word for attendant. The junior
and senior deacons’ rods, which are blue, symbolize friendship and
benevolence. The white junior and senior stewards’ rods, represent purity
and innocence.
All rods are tipped with a silver or gold emblem. Until the late 18th
century, the symbols of choice were the caduceus or pinecone. With a
rise in Christian influence and negative views around symbols associated
with paganism, the rod tips began to exemplify Biblical concepts, such as
the crescent, sun, and cornucopia.
Today, when viewed together, these updated rod tips tell a story: The
junior deacon’s rod tip, a “spilling water moon” (crescent moon that
stands on its points) is combined with the sunshine atop the senior
deacon’s rod to yield a fruitful harvest – symbolized in the cornucopias
that adorn both stewards’ rods.
EMBLEMS OF MATERIAL CULTURE
Contemporary Masonic rods play an important role in the material culture
of their lodge and convey great meaning regarding those who carry them.
The deacons stand in the east and west of the lodge, with rods tipped
with the jewels of their office – the rising and setting sun. They are
charged with serving as messengers of the worshipful master and
ensuring all visitors have been properly screened by the tiler. Carrying
their white rods, the stewards prepare and protect each candidate,
assuring his quest towards light and goodness. Their jewels – bountiful
cornucopias – also call to mind their duties to provide refreshment to the
men of the lodge.