Freemasonry uses triads, or groups of three, as an important symbolic and philosophical framework. The repetition of key triads, such as wisdom, strength, and beauty, is purposeful in conveying core Masonic values and ideals.

An analysis of the prominence of triads in Freemasonry can impart a deeper understanding of the fraternity’s rituals, symbols and teachings.

The Prominence of Triads

Triads manifest frequently in nature, religion, politics and other realms. Early humans recognized triads in the sun, moon and stars, the natural elements of earth, wind and fire, and the three dimensions of the physical world. Triads appear in politics with the three branches of the US government – legislative, executive and judicial. In religion, faiths often emphasize a triadic relationship with God, one’s neighbor and oneself.

Developmental psychologists note that infants initially learn through simple stimulus-response, recognizing their mother’s voice and turning toward a touch on the cheek. As language develops, knowledge advances through dyads or pairs of concepts. A child asks “why” and receives an answer; choices are weighed in pros and cons.

However, more complex analysis requires triadic thinking. Philosophers like Hegel used dialectical reasoning swinging from thesis to antithesis to synthesis. Two opposing forces resolve into something new, just as cross-pollinating two rose bushes can produce a hybrid. Higher learning has long utilized triads, as in the trivium of grammar, logic and rhetoric.

Triads in Masonic Ritual and Symbol

Masonry extensively employs triads rather than dualities or quartets. Speculative Masonry provides opportunity to reflect on the significance of three.

The Winding Stairs: The lecture highlights the first three steps, representing the three degrees of Masonry and three principal officers (Worshipful Master and Wardens). A Lodge requires three, not one or two.

Lesser and Greater Lights: Displaying the three Lesser Lights (sun, moon, stars) and three Greater Lights (Bible, square, compasses) is integral in opening and closing Lodge. Their grouping in threes has symbolic meaning.

Three Lesser Lights embody wisdom, strength and beauty, representing virtues to help Masons improve. Other virtues could have been used, but limiting to three focuses attention.

Three Greater Lights parallel the Lesser Lights. First is the Volume of Sacred Law, embodying wisdom like King Solomon. Second is the square, representing strength and “being on the square.” Third are the compasses, associated with beauty and acting within bounds.

Three Degrees represent stages of life – youth in Entered Apprentice, manhood and work in Fellowcraft, mortality in Master Mason.

Three Grand Principles – brotherly love, relief, truth – are pillars of meetings, emphasizing fraternity, charity and virtue.

Intelligence, Force, Harmony: Elegant synonyms for wisdom, strength and beauty, reflecting the symmetry and balance of a well-built Lodge and society.

Religion, Law, Morals: Pillars of Masonic teaching. Religion imparts wisdom, law provides strength and order, morals cultivate beauty in public and private realms.

The Significance of Triads for Masons

The intentional pattern of triads in Masonic ritual and symbolism is instructive rather than accidental. Triads move beyond simplistic dualities to allow more advanced contemplation. The rhetoric of listing three noble virtues implies an ascending order, with beauty as the resolution and fulfillment of wisdom and strength.

A Lodge filled with wise and strong men will consequently exhibit beauty, harmony and symmetry. The goal for Masons is perfection through developing wisdom, strength and beauty. Rather than singly or dually focused, the three degrees produce fully balanced and well-rounded men.

Triads compel the mind to synthesize and find connections between concepts. The Masonic emphasis on triadic relationships encourages brethren to think holistically in considering their principles and conduct. By pondering the fraternity’s pervasive triadic symbols and teachings, Masons continually rededicate themselves to perfecting all dimensions of their lives.

Key Triads in Masonic Ritual and Symbolism

• Three Degrees – Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master Mason
• Three Grand Principles – Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth
• Three Lesser Lights – Sun, Moon, Stars (Wisdom, Strength, Beauty)
• Three Greater Lights – Volume of Sacred Law, Square, Compasses (Wisdom, Strength, Beauty)
• Three Principal Officers – Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden
• Three Stages of Life – Youth, Manhood, Mortality
• Intelligence, Force, Harmony – Wisdom, Strength, Beauty
• Religion, Law, Morals – Pillars of Masonic Teaching

Wisdom in Freemasonry

Wisdom is the first virtue in the triad including strength and beauty. In Masonic ritual and symbolism, it is associated with:

• Volume of Sacred Law – Guidance for wise living found in scriptures and wisdom literature
• Worshipful Master – Wisdom symbolized by hat, enlightened leadership
• Lesser Lights – Wisdom embodied by the Sun
• Religion – Studying sacred texts imparts wisdom
• Intelligence – Cultivating wisdom and advanced understanding

Wisdom is gained over time through study, observation and experience. Masons are charged to seek more light through reflection on their rituals and symbols. Wise brethren live with principle and discernment, acting as upright citizens and leaders in their communities.

Strength in Freemasonry

Strength is the second virtue in the triad with wisdom and beauty. In Masonic ritual and symbolism, it is associated with:

• Square – Right angles represent strength and being “on the square”
• Senior Warden – Supporting the WM, ensuring Lodge strength
• Lesser Lights – Strength embodied by the Moon
• Law – Strength through rule of law and orderly society
• Force – Masonic emphasis on morality requires inner strength

Strength is necessary to establish stability and resilience. Masons are charged to stand by their principles and live uprightly despite adversity. Strength of character comes from moral discipline and fortitude. A Lodge with strong brethren will withstand the tests of time.

Beauty in Freemasonry

Beauty is the third virtue in the triad with wisdom and strength. In Masonic ritual and symbolism, it is associated with:

• Compasses – Drawing circles and arcs relates to symmetry and perfection
• Junior Warden – Marks sun’s beauty at meridian height
• Lesser Lights – Beauty embodied by the Stars
• Morals – Private/public conduct results in beauty
• Harmony – Balance and order create beauty in Lodge and society

Beauty involves completeness, harmony and proper form. A beautiful Lodge is filled with wise, strong brethren living with virtue. By progressing through the three degrees, Masons perfect themselves in all respects. They craft symmetrical, elegant lives guided by the tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth.

Conclusion

Triads such as wisdom, strength and beauty form an essential framework in Freemasonry’s rituals, symbols and philosophy. These triples are not arbitrary, but chosen purposefully to shape Masonic ideals. Contemplating the triadic concepts provides a lens for greater understanding and self-improvement. Through revering wisdom, building strength and pursuing beauty, Masons continuously refine themselves and their Lodges.