Yes, it (the pyramid) was mentioned by Masons, not only to me and others during refreshment as an EA, but more so among the ranks of those in that Masonic body whose name comes when you rearrange the words "A Mason" -- A.A.O.N.M.S. In my case, A.E.A.O.N.M.S. all of whom are better known as the "Shriners." The pyramid is a symbol Shriners can identify with Masonically, therefore it is a Masonic symbol.
Pretty vague “proof” if you truly seek to make a point with it. Being “mentioned” in no way makes the symbol “Masonic.” All the Masonic symbols that are truly such, are defined within Masonry in no uncertain terms as symbols that Masonry considers Masonic. No matter what source I have found on the matter, it has all been the same, there are places where it gets mentioned, but not truly designated and defined in the same way as, say, a square and compass.
George Washington was a prominent Mason.
Irrelevant. He also appears on the quarter, but it hasn’t received the same notoriety. Lincoln was not a Mason, yet he appears on the five. Hamilton was not a Mason, yet he appears on the ten. And strangely, though I’ve seen considerable mention of Washington’s lodge membership, you’re the first I’ve heard refer to him as a “Masonic symbol.”
The Square inside of the seal of the US Treasury the Jewel of the Master of the Lodge and one of the working tools.
Francis Hopkinson, designer of the original seal, was not a Mason. It would be strange indeed for him to be intentionally including Masonic symbols. Besides, what you describe as a square is actually a chevron, the same type of insignia worn on the shoulder designating various military ranks, and appearing quite often, as here, as a design emblem on many types of shields. Here the chevron serves as the field for the 13 stars representing the 13 original colonies.
The Key inside of the seal of the US Treasury is the Jewel for another officer in the Lodge called the Treasurer.
A key is simply a symbol designating someone operating in an official capacity. Visiting dignitaries to large cities, in a practice not as common today, were often given the “keys to the city,” an acknowledgment of the weight of authority shown by their very person and presence. The key on this seal, in the department’s own explanation of the symbols, likewise refers to the authority vested in the Department of the Treasury, and was also likewise designed by non-Mason Hopkinson. The chevron and stars refer to the original colonies, and the scales to justice.
There are several circles on the bill, as well as many right angles, horizontals, and perpendiculars -- lines, that is (signs as defined Masonically).
This is so ludicrous I can’t even imagine where to start—except to say that I never realized until this posted, that my children have been playing on a Masonic playground, with the swing sets forming the square on the ends, circles on the merry-go-round, horizontals on the monkey bars, and perpendiculars everywhere you look. Get real—the bill is rectangular, which dictates four right angles from the start. The only circles I see that you could refer to would be the circles encompassing the seals, which are actually not part of the design itself, and are simply the common form of border. The rest of them are ovals.
The number one could symbolize the first degree.
“Could?” You choose a word denoting only the possibility, and try to set this forth as something evidentiary? There are many other things it “could” be: for example, in Tarot, “1” is symbolic of beginnings, of the prime force of creation and creative energy; in Hebrew symbolism, “1” indicates God, the immutable divine unity; in Vedic numerology, it indicates ambition and leadership, represented by the sun and Zodiac sign Leo; in the Kabbalah, it also denotes leadership, as well as independence and strength, represented by signs Aries and Scorpio; in basic numerology, it stands for initiative, originality, and individuality.
But when speaking of the basic monetary unit of the dollar, it simply tells us the value of this specific unit, which is one dollar—much the same way the “five” on the five dollar bill tells us it is worth five times as much.
(I notice you didn’t attempt to complete the set, offering us the same logic with the two-dollar-bill for the second degree, and the…………….hmmm, guess the lack of a three explains your omission, huh?)
In whom is the first degree initiate asked he puts his trust? The answer written on the back of the dollar bill.
“In God We Trust” did not appear on the dollar bill until 1957. Considering the timing of the phrase’s appearance, and its subsequent appearance on all U.S. currency by 1963, it probably had more to do with McCarthyism than anything else, much the same as the phrase “Under God” made its first appearance in the Pledge of Allegiance in the mid-50’s, also at the peak of heightened concerns about Communism.
The all-seeing eye, as explained to me in the first degree lecture coming from Proverbs 15:3.
So it’s a biblical symbol then. Which is all it was ever intended to be anyway, even as a Masonic symbol, simply representing the all-seeing eye of God. Why do you have a problem with God being omniscient?
As for any Masonic significance in its placement, there is none. The designers (non-Masons) placed it as a symbol of all the ways that God had already guided the young nation.
The intricately detailed design around the borders of the dollar bill can be viewed as a Trestle Board.
Here we go again—“can” be? Surely you’ve noticed, it can also be viewed as an intricately detailed design around the borders of the dollar bill.
Although it only has one head instead of two as seen in the Scottish Rite, the eagle is arguably another Masonic symbol.
Wow, I’m not sure if “arguably” takes us up or down the scale from “can” be and “could” be. Maybe you could take a few pointers from ol’ Bill about what the definition of “is” is.
So, when we add the pyramid that comes to at least 10, yet perhaps there are arguably more. That's sounds to me like MANY Masonic symbols! But, I guess the dollar bill is like YOU often imply about Freemasonry, it's all in how you see it.
Ain’t
that the truth. And you’ve obviously chosen to see this one as you choose to see it.
My count comes out quite different than yours:
1 indisputable Masonic symbol, the “all-seeing eye”
5 definitely discounted
3 wannabe’s described variously as could, can, and arguably
1 honorable “mention”
Maybe antimasonry needs to be further subdivided, along the same subdivisions of Freemasonry’s divisions of “operative” Masonry and “speculative” Masonry—yours, of course, falling under the latter category, since the bulk of your commentary is easily seen for the pure speculation it truly is.
Strange, too, seeing someone who so ardently rejects the notion of a “Masonic Dollar” who also strenuously defends it.
As for your diversionary tactic of LYING about me in order to steer away from YOUR deception, it is well noted.
Your failure to ever quite address me correctly is well noted. Your diversionary tactic of never quite mentioning any specifics or denying the obvious truth of them, is also well noted. Kind of hard to argue with the facts, especially with direct links provided.
We have proven time, and time again, that it is NOT biblically compatible.
You've never "proven" it "time," much less "time again," though you certainly get an "A" for effort. Rather than repost what has already been posted on the matter, I will simply provide the link for the post on 7/26 of Pike's thorough description of the Christian interpretation of the Blue Degrees of Masonry. His explanation fully supports what his position has been all along, that the
fraternity of Freemasonry is fully compatible with the
religion of the
Christian Mason.
http://www.baptistboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/28/2732/4.html?
[ August 19, 2004, 01:24 AM: Message edited by: TheWorm ]