Greetings brethren,
In masonry we hear during the EA lecture that there are three ornaments of the lodge: the Mosaic Pavement, Indented Tessel, and the Blazing Star. A few years back when RW Arthur Pelzer spoke at a DLI about The Blazing Star, I walked away from this encounter with more questions. What does the Blazing star symbolize? What is its importance? Where is the Blazing star located in each lodge? We are told in the EA lecture that the Blazing star represents Divine Providence, that it is located at the center of the Lodge, and nothing more is ever spoken.
While researching the meaning and origins of the Blazing Star, I found countless sources from over the years, all of which have varying interpretations of what this symbol represents and where it originated. Some believe it represents the star which guided the wise men to Bethlehem. Others believe it represents the shining rays of light when the Almighty delivered the two tablets of stone containing the 10 commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. Ancient astronomers suggested the blazing star was a grouping of rare astronomical phenomena. Some believe it refers to the sun, which brightens the earth daily with its rays, dispensing its blessings to mankind, and giving light and life to all things.
This leads me to question of where the Blazing Star is visibly represented in each lodge today. Most researchers can agree, it’s supposed to be placed in the center of the lodge. The Short Talk Bulletin article entitled “Blazing Star” mentions that after the introduction of Anderson’s Constitution in 1723, which introduced many new symbols into ritual, the Blazing Star was drawn on lodge floors as the prominent feature of the lodge. Later it was painted on large pieces of canvas that could be rolled and stored away. Finally, with the addition of tracing boards it was placed thereon for instructing new candidates. Thus, through the passage of time, carelessness, and the omission of certain lecture pieces, it has almost led to the omission of its significance.
With so many varying answers, opposing viewpoints, and religious undertones, I feel the Blazing Star is left to everyone’s own interpretation. I would like to offer it to my brethren as a way point or a guide that serves as a moral compass which directs you in all your actions throughout life. It reminds us that if we make decisions and direct our actions along this rule and guide, then we may finally complete our spiritual journey.
Fraternally,
WM Rudy Hatala