The Sun, the Moon and the Herald of the Dawn
I have observed in both our Lodge and in my travels that the order the three burning tappers, placed about the altar, are lit varies from Lodge to Lodge, from Junior Deacon to Junior Deacon, from night to night, and sometimes from opening to closing; all without any satisfactory explanation as to why. I have spent a great deal of time thinking on this and I would like to offer my opinion to the Lodge for consideration.
The burning tappers (sometimes identified as the lesser lights) hold various symbolic meanings; first and foremost they provide illumination for the Great Lights. Symbolically we are taught that they represent the Sun, the Moon and the Master of the Lodge. The Master of the Lodge is himself a symbol of the heralding of the dawn, bringing light to the world (or in this case the Lodge) and so is represented by the planet Venus. Therefore, the burning tappers can also be described as the Sun, the Moon and the planet Venus.
This arrangement of planetary bodies is no accident, it governs our perambulation about the Lodge, guiding our movements as we emulate the path of the sun as it travels from East at dawn, to its zenith in the South, to its setting in the West and finally to its nadir in the North (darkness). This principal governs nearly all of our ritual movement in Lodge.
The burning tappers (sometimes identified as the lesser lights) hold various symbolic meanings; first and foremost they provide illumination for the Great Lights. Symbolically we are taught that they represent the Sun, the Moon and the Master of the Lodge. The Master of the Lodge is himself a symbol of the heralding of the dawn, bringing light to the world (or in this case the Lodge) and so is represented by the planet Venus. Therefore, the burning tappers can also be described as the Sun, the Moon and the planet Venus.
This arrangement of planetary bodies is no accident, it governs our perambulation about the Lodge, guiding our movements as we emulate the path of the sun as it travels from East at dawn, to its zenith in the South, to its setting in the West and finally to its nadir in the North (darkness). This principal governs nearly all of our ritual movement in Lodge.
The opinions expressed on this webpage represent those of the individual authors and, unless clearly labeled as such, do not represent the
opinions or policies of any masonic lodge, Grand Lodge or recognized masonic body.
Unless otherwise noted, all contents copyright 1957-Present North Star Lodge No.167
opinions or policies of any masonic lodge, Grand Lodge or recognized masonic body.
Unless otherwise noted, all contents copyright 1957-Present North Star Lodge No.167
