The Symbolism of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Aberdeenshire East Crest
The crest of The Provincial Grand Lodge of Aberdeenshire East is a beautiful and meaningful design created by Bro. James Taylor, of Lodge Forbes 67 and a Past Master of Lodge St. Olaf 1188. Jim Taylor, a talented artist renowned for his Masonic artworks, carefully crafted this emblem to reflect the spirit and heritage of the Province.
The shield is divided into three distinct sections. In the top left, a golden wheat sheaf set against a sky-blue background symbolizes the rich farming traditions of the North East of Scotland, a region known for its strong agricultural roots. On the top right, two silver fish swim on a sea-blue background, representing the fishing industry, another cornerstone of the area’s history and economy.
The lower half of the shield proudly displays the iconic Masonic square and compasses on a deep blue background. This element represents the fifteen ‘Blue’ Lodges that make up the Provincial Grand Lodge of Aberdeenshire East, highlighting the fraternity and unity within Freemasonry in the region.
Collectively, the crest’s imagery celebrates the vital industries and the Masonic tradition that are deeply interwoven into the cultural fabric of Aberdeenshire East.
The Beehive: A Symbol of Industry and Brotherhood
Among the many emblems found in Freemasonry, the Beehive stands as a powerful and enduring symbol of industry, cooperation, and the noble virtue of hard work. Rooted in ancient symbolism and preserved within Masonic tradition, the Beehive serves as a reminder that mankind thrives not in isolation, but through unity and shared endeavour. It teaches that our greatest accomplishments are seldom achieved alone, but are the fruits of collective labour and mutual support.
In the natural world, bees exemplify an extraordinary model of community. They work tirelessly, not for personal gain, but for the benefit of the entire hive. Each bee plays its part with precision and purpose, contributing to a harmonious whole that ensures the survival and prosperity of the colony. This image speaks directly to the heart of Freemasonry, where the virtues of diligence, order, and brotherly love are held in the highest esteem.
Freemasons are encouraged to emulate the industrious bee—not only in the performance of their duties within the Lodge, but in their broader obligations to society. The Beehive symbolizes the ideal that we should be ever engaged in meaningful labour, striving to be useful to others and committed to the common good. It calls on us to be productive members of our communities, to lift up our fellow man, and to approach our tasks with integrity and care.
Yet, the Beehive is more than a symbol of work – it is a profound emblem of Brotherhood. It reminds us that every Brother has a role to play, and that every contribution, no matter how small, strengthens the whole.
When united by shared purpose and moral conviction, we do not merely labour – we build enduring legacies of virtue, compassion, and unity.
The Blazing Star: A Guiding Light Toward Truth
Among the celestial emblems found within the Masonic tradition, few shine as brightly—both literally and symbolically—as the Blazing Star. Radiating from the center of many lodge floors, this powerful emblem is often seen as a symbol of divine enlightenment and the eternal search for truth, wisdom, and moral clarity.
To the Freemason, the Blazing Star represents the inner light of conscience and the divine spark within each man that guides him toward righteous living. It is a beacon on the spiritual journey, reminding the initiate that his path must be illuminated by higher principles—those of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Historically, it has also been associated with the Star of Bethlehem, representing both spiritual guidance and the presence of the Great Architect of the Universe.
But beyond its sacred symbolism, the Blazing Star serves as a call to action. It invites every Mason to seek not only knowledge in the academic sense but also wisdom through self-reflection, ethical conduct, and service to others. It tells us that true light is not only received—it must be pursued.
In the Masonic journey, the Blazing Star is a constant reminder: enlightenment is both our inheritance and our responsibility.
The Acacia Tree: A Symbol of Immortality and Renewal
In Masonic symbolism, few emblems resonate as deeply or as spiritually as the Acacia Tree. Steeped in ancient tradition and rich with allegorical meaning, the Acacia serves as a profound reminder of immortality, resurrection, and the eternal nature of the human soul. Its evergreen character – unyielding, enduring, and vibrant in all seasons – makes it an apt symbol for the idea that while the physical body may perish, the spirit endures beyond the grave.
The Acacia holds a place of particular importance in the Master Mason degree, where it marks the final resting place of a fallen brother. However, this marker is not meant to convey sorrow or finality. Instead, it represents a transition – a gateway from earthly labor to celestial reward. It embodies hope, spiritual continuity, and the unwavering belief that death is not an end, but a beginning. The Acacia signals that the virtues and moral deeds of a Mason do not die with him; they live on in the hearts and minds of those he has touched.
More than just a plant, the Acacia becomes a spiritual landmark – a quiet but powerful emblem of the eternal truths that Freemasonry upholds. It reminds the initiate that the path of righteousness, though challenging, leads to lasting peace. It challenges each Mason to build a legacy not on wealth or acclaim, but on integrity, charity, and brotherly love.
Thus, the Acacia speaks silently but clearly: labor with purpose, live with honor, and trust in the promise of life beyond this earthly plane. In its simple, unchanging presence, it encourages every Mason to keep his eyes fixed not on what is fleeting, but on what is forever.
In Brotherhood and Light,
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Aberdeenshire East
To learn more about the symbols of the Craft and their role in Scottish Freemasonry, visit our page, [The Symbols of Scottish Freemasonry].
The Slipper – A Token of fidelity, humility, and the solemn bond of agreement.
In a distant land where truth was weighed like gold and honor was the coin of kings, two travelers met at the crossroads of Covenant and Duty. One, weary from the burden of unfulfilled promises, removed his sandal and placed it solemnly into the hand of the other—a man steadfast in purpose and clear in conscience. This simple exchange, humble as the dust beneath their feet, echoed more mightily than proclamations from the tallest towers.
In that act, witnessed only by the silent stones, the gathering elders, and the all-seeing heavens, was embodied the purest testament: a man’s word bound not by ink, nor secured by chains, but upheld by the sacred force of his honor. The sandal, worn and weathered by many arduous roads, became a token—plain in form, yet rich in meaning—an emblem of trust transferred without deceit, and of obligation accepted without hesitation.
Among the Brethren of the Craft, this ancient custom speaks still across the ages—an allegory of fidelity, humility, and the solemn sanctity of obligation. It teaches that true transactions are not merely of land or inheritance, but of the spirit, where the visible act is but the outward reflection of an inner and immutable truth. Every covenant made under the Square and Compasses must be founded not upon the frail words of man, but upon his unwavering moral character.
Thus the Master Builder, wise in the hidden mysteries, learns that no labor will endure without the cornerstone of integrity. Each stone he lays, each bond he forms, must be set with the mortar of truth and the plumb line of righteousness. For without such bonds, no Temple—whether of stone or soul—can withstand the trials of time, nor ascend to the glory of the Great Architect.
Contact the Provincial Grand Secretary
Alexander Burgess
4 Broomhill
Fraserburgh
AB43 9TU
Tel: 07547 624835
email:[email protected]