MEANING OF THE TWO PILLARS

The two pillars can be found in the symbolic traditions of many religious traditions and esoteric Orders. Their meaning relates to the duty of the Initiate to bring Harmony into both his own personality and in the world, and relates to the manifestation of universal consciousness in a myriad of material forms.

Jachin is the pillar of Mercy. Boaz is the pillar of Severity. Jachin is the man. Boaz is the woman. These are the two basal pillars of any temple: Jachin (the right side of the Tree of Life: Chokmah, Chesed and Netzach) and Boaz (the left pillar: Binah, Geburah, and Hod).

Jachim and Boaz are the pair of symbolic pillars (with Boaz on the left) described in the Temple of Solomon and in featured prominently in Masonic temples. Similar pillars were common elements of first century Christian altars.

They are also equivalent to the right and left pillars on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, Mercy and severity. Jachim (or Jachin) represents the male polarity of the universe, light, motion, activity, the electron. Boaz represents the female polarity of the universe, darkness, passivity, receptivity, and silence.

The pillars are similar in concept to the Eastern Yin Yang, representing opposites in balance. Like much Masonic symbolism, the pillars are described in the old testament story of King Solomon, as the most significant feature of a grand temple. The story has traditionally been viewed as symbolic, and to Freemasons represents the spiritual development of man.

And now, in NY, there stands One ... in Unity. Do your research. Study the "why’s" of the things we see most often. All have meaning. All have an inner teaching and an inner Truth masked but something symbolic. There is good, and un-good, among everything. It is our job to discern the difference. T cherish the Truth, and to discard the illusion.

Just a Thought ...

~Justin Taylor, ORDM., OCP., DM.