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NM Freemason · Skills & Drills · Chapter 17

The Lesser Lights

Drawn from published Masonic monitor content. See site Credits for source citations.

Vocabulary (6)

Lesser Lights
Three lights (typically candles or lamps) placed about the altar. The published lecture says they are emblematical of the Sun, the Moon, and the Master of the Lodge.
The Sun
The first Lesser Light. "As the Sun rules the day," the published lecture says, "so should the Master rule and govern his Lodge with equal regularity."
The Moon
The second Lesser Light. "As the Moon governs the night," the lecture continues, the second light points to a constancy of guidance that watches over the Craft even in the brother's hours of quiet.
The Master of the Lodge
The third Lesser Light. The published lecture asks the Master to give light to his Lodge by his example, his instruction, and his diligence in office.
Arrangement
The published arrangement of the three Lesser Lights varies by jurisdiction: sometimes a triangle about the altar, sometimes one at each of the three principal officers' stations. Either form preserves the symbolism.
Distinction from the Great Lights
The Lesser Lights are placed ABOUT the altar; the Great Lights (Volume, Square, Compasses) rest UPON it. The two sets never trade places; the distinction is part of every published opening.

Multiple-choice (4)

1. What do the three Lesser Lights publicly represent?
  1. Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty
  2. The Sun, the Moon, and the Master of the Lodge ✓
  3. Faith, Hope, and Charity
  4. Past, Present, and Future
2. Where are the Lesser Lights placed?
  1. Upon the altar, alongside the Volume of Sacred Law
  2. About the altar, at points around it ✓
  3. Above the Master's pedestal only
  4. At the door of the Lodge
3. What does the published lecture compare the Master of the Lodge to in the Lesser Lights?
  1. A guiding hand
  2. A pillar of the temple
  3. A source of light: by example, instruction, and diligence ✓
  4. A father to all the brethren
4. How does the lecture explain the Sun's place among the Lesser Lights?
  1. As the Sun rules the day, the Master rules and governs his Lodge with equal regularity ✓
  2. As the Sun gives heat, the Master gives strength to his Lodge
  3. As the Sun rises in the East, the Master enters first
  4. As the Sun warms the earth, the Lodge warms the heart