Two years ago I decided to re-interpret the Masonic tracing boards of bygone eras into a modern vision, and in a new medium. The previous two were published almost to a year of one another, and so it seems this one is to follow suit.

I would like to present the Third Degree Masonic Tracing Board.

The work above is a modern representation of the third degree tracing boards of old. It is filled with metaphor and symbolism, fluent to all master masons.

Tracing boards were originally created as visual aids to illustrate the symbols and teachings of Freemasonry as conveyed within the degrees. The allegorical and symbolic aspect is very Western, and this interpretation has been adapted for the modern mason.

This piece has been a long time in the making. I have to admit, it was a daunting task to distill the allegorical symbols layered into the third degree but, for those familiar with the “Regular” Western Masonic tradition, the symbolism should stand out quite clearly. I recommend looking at it with the degree as a whole in mind both literally and symbolically.

Unique in this board is the story of the transformation of the neophyte through a progressive ascension through three spheres culminating in the space of the divine. The notion of these spheres comes from the alchemist Agrippa and his work from Three Books of Occult Philosophy, and they represent the earthly realm of man (materia), the celestial realm of angels (spirit), and the super celestial realm of the divine (soul).

This is not a literal representation but my interpretation of the culminating third degree of the tradition of Freemasonry.

Let me know what you think.

If you'd like a larger look at it, you can find it here on Flickr.


And, for a look at the past tracing boards, you can see them here:
First Degree Masonic Tracing Board
Second Degree Masonic Tracing Board