Angle

Angle. An angle is defined as the difference in direction between two lines which meet in a point. It is obvious that, if one or both lines continue through the common point, two or four angles will be formed. Three kinds of angles are ordinarily recognized in plain surfaces: a right angle is one of 90 degrees; or marking off an arc which is one-fourth of a circle; an acute angle is less than a right angle; and an obtuse angle is greater than a right angle. A fourth is technically recognized; it is the straight angle of 180 degrees or a straight line and, hence, does not answer the above definition, unless one imagines the two lines approaching each other endwise and meeting in a point of junction so as to form a straight line. Only the right angle is recognized or used as a symbol in Craft Masonry. It is prominently represented by the 47th Problem of Euclid, by which a right angle may be erected or proved, that is, the square erected on the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares erected on the two legs. See FORTY-SEVENTH PROBLEM.

Some have tried to make it appear that other angles are represented in Craft Masonry by assuming that certain objects form equilateral or equiangular triangles so that an angle of 60 degrees would be formed. But there are no ritualistic remarks about arranging anything in such order or any requirement that any such angle or figure be formed, and a minute’s reflection will inform us why. The square is a symbol of virtue and the jewel of the Master, because God has made all things upright, square, and perfect. Now, if an acute angle be set beside a right angle, it will be seen that the upper leg of the acute angle is oblique; it does not stand upright and square. It might be a symbol of obliquity but, at least, after dilating on the virtue of the square, it would certainly be disconcerting and inconsistent to give equal prominence to something less than the square. Just what explanation could be given for placing so much emphasis on the square, perfect uprightness, and then admitting that something less and a certain amount of obliquity was just as good? The Royal Arch and Scottish Rite make symbolic use of the equilateral triangle as a triangle, representing Deity or the Trinity, but they do not use the angle of 60 degrees as an angle.