Masonic Symbol of Time by Rudy Olano, IPM 31Dec05 A very inquisitive young man from Eastern Europe asked probing questions about Masonry in particular and life in general. He originally wanted to know who was Hiram Abiff, and the truth about the legend. After reading the short lesson of the symbolism of the hourglass, the next question was the Craft “official” and this writer thought of Life and Death. The inquiry seems simple enough however, this writer do not speak for the Craft threfore, my personal view about subject in the context of Masonic studies should be treated as what it is----personal opinion. The hourglass is a Masonic symbol of life. “It being unnecessary, as you have already been informed” in the previous article the significance of the ancient time apparatus. http://www.oocities.org/rmolano5/5declsn.html The hourglass represents the man limited existence in this world. Life is finite while time will constantly outlive and beyond the reach of any mortal hand. Time in Masonic emblems is represented by the scythe. This wicked looking harvesting tool is used to collect what was sown during the season. Every farmer knows the right time to harvest their bounty. The scythe reminds us that every mortal life on earth is terminated in due time. As the New Year approaches which is popularly illustrated by an old man carrying a scythe, many of us could not help but to smile as we see our Masonic emblem used correctly instead of the more sinister looking character often seen in the movies as death? Time is the limit of our earthly life. The significance of the Masonic hourglass is irrelevant without the scythe, for life and time are inseparable. The scythe is “an emblem of time which cuts the brittle thread of life and launches us into eternity.” It is an illustrated symbol of power of closure. Time is the termination of an earthly life and the finality of consummation of that limited existence. As a Master Mason we are instructed to be “prepared to welcome death not as a grim tyrant but as a kind messenger, sent to translate us from this imperfect to that all perfect, glorious and Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe forever presides.” One of the lessons in the Tragedy in the Temple was that even the principal character duties were not yet accomplished, despite of his importance to a “great and important undertaking,” he was “cut down by all devouring scythe of time.” “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.” In the Royal Master Degree, we heard the words “death is a theme not lightly to be broach by those who are subject to its power.” The young, the old, and even the “wisest knoweth not how soon.” Nobody can run away from “the inexorable doom.” In the second round we heard that “death terminates the labor of a man.” He may leave his generation to build and multiply but even with skillful brain and hands, “he will not be there.” In the final round, we are instructed that “through the gate of death that we find the entrance in the place of wages, refreshment and rest.” There the Supreme Master of the Universe “shall prevail and exalt every Brother to the glorious companionship of that undissolving Lodge.” In the course of doom and gloom, comes a bright shinning light---through the gate of scythe, we will find our hourglass. Deciphering the meaning of the emblems of the Craft often means more than cursory look. “Veiled in allegories and illustrated in symbols,” the Mysteries of Freemasonry frequently denotes that there are meanings behind those “least letters, figures and characters.” Such is the path of our study, our travel and our Faith.