Three dots (Freemasonry)


The three dots symbol is a symbol used all over the world in Freemasonry for their abbreviations, signatures, and symbolic representation. The symbol is also known to them as "tripunctual abbreviation" or "triple dot". The dots are typically arranged in a triangular pattern and carry multiple layers of meaning within Masonic tradition. In their documents, the symbol is used only for Masonic abbreviations, any non-masonic abbreviations in the document must be written with a simple dot – for example a date on a Masonic document could be written 6024 A∴L∴/2024 A.D.

History

The symbol has been used in Freemasonry since its earliest speculative days, at least as early as 1764, where it is found in the registers of La Sincerité Lodge in Besançon, France which strongly indicates an earlier use. While some attribute its widespread adoption to a circular issued by the Grand Orient de France on August 12, 1774, evidence shows earlier usage.
The symbol predates Freemasonry, appearing in various contexts:
Various magical orders with roots in Freemasonry have also made use of the symbol, perhaps most notably A∴A∴.

Usage

Abbreviations

The triple dot is used in Masonic writing to denote abbreviations of Masonic terms and titles:B∴ or Bro∴ - BrotherL∴ - Lodge.
For plural forms, the initial letter is doubled:BB∴ - BrothersLL∴ - Lodges
On some rare occasions the letter can be tripled, this form of plural writing does not exist in the English language. This form elevates the meaning to its highest degree a universal plural, a highly formal, respectful, and superlative address.
  • BBB∴ - Brothers

Proper usage and protocol

The three dots symbol is an integral part of Masonic written tradition. All Master Masons are entitled to use these dots when writing Masonic terms, titles, or positions. The usage is strictly reserved for Masonic terminology and should not be applied to non-Masonic words or phrases. However the word profane itself can be written as prof∴ when utilized in a Masonic context.
Other symbols can also be added, for instance Rose Croix can be spelled R∴C∴ or R∴+∴
A widespread misconception holds that the three dots are exclusively reserved for Grand Lodge usage. This error likely originated from historical circumstances, particularly following the Morgan Affair. During this period, many individual Lodges abandoned or lost various traditional practices, while Grand Lodges maintained strict adherence to Masonic protocols and writing conventions. As Grand Lodges often became the primary preservers of these writing traditions while individual Lodges departed from them, particularly in the United States, this may have contributed to the misconception of exclusive Grand Lodge usage, but the three dots can be used for all Masonic communication, individual Lodges, messages, communications and attached to a signature by any Master Masons.

Signature mark

Only Master Masons may incorporate the triple dot symbol into their signatures as a mark of identification. This practice became widespread in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and is reserved for Master Masons, used as proof that the person has attained the degree of Master Mason. When traveling, these three dots after a signature serve as a discreet sign of recognition. A fellow Mason seeing this symbol would recognize the traveler as an accomplished Master Mason and could therefore extend appropriate fraternal courtesies and assistance to the brother, even as a stranger in unfamiliar surroundings.

Political usage

The Masonic three dots have appeared in political contexts as deliberate identifiers. During the French Revolution and Empire period, government officials who were Freemasons would often incorporate the three dots into their signatures on official documents. This practice created networks of mutual recognition and support within government institutions. A notable modern example emerged when former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's signature appeared to contain three points in a triangular formation, prompting public speculation about potential Masonic connections. The controversy intensified when observers noted these points mysteriously disappeared from photocopies of the same documents displayed at the Palace of Justice.

Symbolism

The triple dot symbol carries multiple interpretations within Masonic tradition:

The Luminous Delta

The arrangement of the three dots inherently forms a triangle, a fundamental geometric shape deeply significant in Freemasonry and directly related to the symbol of the Luminous Delta. The Luminous Delta is a prominent Masonic emblem, typically depicted as an equilateral triangle, often with an All-Seeing Eye or the Tetragrammaton at its center. This symbol is frequently displayed in the East of the Masonic Lodge, above the seat of the Worshipful Master. Its symbolism is rich and multifaceted:
  • It represents the Great Architect of the Universe, signifying divine omnipresence, omniscience, and creative power.
  • It can allude to the Trinity in contexts influenced by Christian tradition, though its Masonic interpretation is often more philosophical and deistic.
  • It embodies the overarching ternary principle prevalent in Masonic thought, representing harmony, balance, and perfection.

Symbol of mastery

Philosophical interpretation

  • Left dot: Thesis/Affirmation
  • Right dot: Antithesis/Negation
  • Top dot: Synthesis/Solution
  • Left dot :Where do I come from?
  • Right dot :How am I?
  • Top dot :Where am I going?

Other interpretations

The three dots are associated with a wide array of triadic concepts in Masonic philosophy, reflecting the significance of the number three. As Rizzardo da Camino notes, these can include:Fundamental Questions: The three dots can be linked to the profound existential questions linked to the three degrees of Free-Masonry,: Where do we come from?, Who are we?, and Where are we going?, with the third point, or the synthesis.Cosmological & Mythological Triads: