Three dots (Freemasonry)

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Three dots (∴) also known as "tripunctual abbreviation" or "triple dot" is a symbol used all over the world in Freemasonry for abbreviations, signatures, and symbolic representation. The dots are typically arranged in a triangular pattern and carry multiple layers of meaning within Masonic tradition.^[1] The (∴) is used only for Masonic abbreviations, any non-masonic abbreviations must be written with a simple dot, as an example a date on a Masonic document could be written 6024 A∴L∴/2024 A.D.

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.^[1] While some attribute its widespread adoption to a circular issued by the Grand Orient de France on August 12, 1774, evidence shows earlier usage.^[2]

The symbol predates Freemasonry, appearing in various contexts:^[3]

• Mathematical notation (as the "therefore" symbol)
• Christian religious texts (representing the Trinity)

The triple dot is used in Masonic writing to denote abbreviations of Masonic terms and titles:^[4]

• B∴ or Bro∴ - Brother^[5][6][7]
• L∴ - Lodge^[8]
• "R∴W∴ John Smith" stands for "Right Worshipful John Smith" (an honorific indicating that Brother Smith is a Grand Lodge officer).^[9]
• F∴&A∴M∴ - Free & Accepted Masons.^[10]
• W∴M∴ - Worshipful Master ^[11][12]
• A∴L∴ - Anno Lucis^[13]

For plural forms, the initial letter is doubled:

• BB∴ - Brothers^[14]
• LL∴ - Lodges ^[15][16]

The three dots symbol (∴) is an integral part of Masonic written tradition, used exclusively within Masonic context. 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 (profane) words or phrases.

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 (1826).^[17] 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.^[18]

The proper representation of the three dots is crucial for preserving Masonic written tradition. Several improper variations have emerged over time:^{[citation needed]} these are deprecated:^{[citation needed]}

• W∴M∴ (correct punctuation)
• W:.M:. (incorrect punctuation)
• W:M: (missing dot)
• WM: (degraded form)
• WM. (completely degraded form)

The correct format is W∴M∴, using the proper symbol (∴) rather than substituting periods or colons. This standardization plays a vital role in preserving Masonic tradition and ensures clear communication within the fraternity. Using the proper symbol helps prevent degradation of the traditional format and maintains the integrity of Masonic written communication.^{[citation needed]}

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.^[2] 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.

The Masonic three dots have appeared in political contexts as deliberate identifiers. During the French Revolution and Empire period (late 18th to early 19th century), government officials who were Freemasons would often incorporate the three dots into their signatures on official documents.^[19] 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.^[20]

The triple dot symbol carries multiple interpretations within Masonic tradition:

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 (or Radiant Delta).^[21] The Luminous Delta is a prominent Masonic emblem, typically depicted as an equilateral triangle, often with an All-Seeing Eye or the Tetragrammaton (the four-letter Hebrew name for God, יהוה) 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.^[22]

• Left dot: Entered Apprentice (Unbalance/left pillar)
• Right dot: Fellow Craft (Unbalance/right pillar)
• Top dot: Master Mason (Above the two and centered)^[1]

• Left dot: Thesis/Affirmation
• Right dot: Antithesis/Negation
• Top dot: Synthesis/Solution^[23]

• Left dot (EA) :Where do I come from?
• Right dot (FC) :How am I?
• Top dot (MM) :Where am I going?^[24]

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:^[25]

• Fundamental Questions: The three dots can be linked to the profound existential questions found in the Chamber of Reflection: Where do we come from? Who are we? Where are we going?, with the third point, or the synthesis, sometimes being represented by the central and most pertinent question: Who are we?.
• Cosmological & Mythological Triads:
  • Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto
  • Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad
• Theological & Religious Triads:
  • Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
  • Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrha (gifts of the Magi)
• Temporal & Existential Triads:
  • Past, Present, and Future
  • Body, Soul, and Spirit
  • Birth, Life, and Death
• Natural Elements & Principles:
  • Earth, Water, and Fire
  • Salt, Sulfur, and Mercury (alchemical principles)
• Masonic & Social Ideals:
  • Liberté, égalité, fraternité
  • Bible, Compass, and Square (representing the Three Great Lights of Masonry)
  • Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens (principal officers of a Lodge)
• Qualities & States:
  • Simple, Just, and Perfect
  • Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty (attributes of Divinity and pillars of the Lodge)
• Physical Concepts:
  • Mass, Space, and Time

• Observant Freemasonry
• Masonic abbreviations – Abbreviations used by FreemasonsPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets
• Freemasonry – Group of fraternal organizations
• Grand Orient de France – Largest and oldest Masonic organization in France
• List of Masonic rites