The Circumpunct

The Circumpunct, or as it is more commonly known “the point within the circle” is one of the most popular symbols in American Freemasonry. Just like most symbols in Freemasonry, this popular symbol has many layers. For the benefit of the uninitiated candidates we will focus on the most basic one.

As the saying goes: “Keep your passions within due bounds”. The point represents an individual person. The circle represents the boundary line of that person’s passions. A man should stay within this circle. Whenever one gets too close to the edge or might even go beyond it, then he is no longer centered and straying from his purpose. He is letting his passions control him.

The two upright lines represent the two saints John. Masonic Lodges in North America are also referred to as St Johns lodges, and these two saints are representing their core values. John the Baptist represents leniency and compassion, while John the Evangelist stands for strictness and severity. They remind the Mason never to be too lenient or too strict, but instead to lead a moderate and centered life.