From the East – November 2024

Greetings Brethren,

The Sprig of Acacia is one of our most impactful symbols in Masonry. In ritual it is found by a weary brother which leads to further discovery. The sprig of acacia represents immortality and hope for all with faith. It is the ultimate symbol of moving forward and recreating yourself as a better man.

As a symbol of hope, this sprig marks the temporary resting place of our Operative Grand Master and depicts in the most simple terms the immortality of the soul. It is intended to remind the Master Mason by its evergreen and unchanging nature of a better, more spiritual part within us, which is an emanation from the Deity.

The acacia tree grows abundantly in many parts of the Middle East and more especially in the Holy Land. It attains great heights and is of the hardest of wood. It is an evergreen. In contrast to other varieties of trees which shed their leaves, the Acacia is a perpetual reminder of life. It has been said that if the cut off portion of an Acacia makes contact with the ground it will begin to grow again. Masons have appropriated this hallowed and sacred tree as a symbol that teaches this basic truth of the soul.

It is the emblem not only of immortality, but of faith and of a belief in that which cannot be seen; in that which cannot be demonstrated and in that which cannot be shown as evidence. As this Masonic year comes to a close the Acacia also serves as a reminder of our faith that we will be renewed in the coming year.

Source: https://www.themasonicjourney.com/the-sprig-of-acacia/

Fraternally,
WM Hugh Christine