The Three that are Four.
There is a subset of symbolism within esoteric circles like Freemasonry, Alchemy and Astrology. The three that are four.
In Science, we see Chemistry inherit from its mother Alchemy, the three states (solid, liquid and gas) transformed by the fourth (energy). This immediately brings to mind the Mystic who equates this with the four elements (Earth, Water, Air and Fire).
The Astrologer has this symbol doubly impressed upon its lore with four elements that divide the Zodiac into three groups and the three signs (Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable) which divide the Zodiac into four groups. Incidentally, in Astrology the three signs of Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable are called Quadruplicities while the four elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire are called Triplicities. The three that are four.
There is also the three positions of the Sun at Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice and Equinox. Spring and Vernal Equinox mark the same position of the Sun but make the positions four instead of the appearance of three.
In Ancient Craft Masonry, there are several references to the three that are four. There are the three degrees that apparently included the fourth of Royal Arch. Symbolically, there are the three stations of East, West and South along with the fourth of North. There is the substitute word of the third degree that consist of three words but has a correct pronunciation of four syllables (sounding like the last name of Cosby show actress Lisa Bonet instead of the mispronounced sound of a dog’s treat). This correct pronunciation of course alludes to the Tetragrammaton which is mentioned below.
This symbol has numerous Biblical references. The three who were in the furnace (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) who upon further inspection were actually four (with the addition of Daniel). The three nails used in the Crucifixion that created four holes in the Body of Christ.
In Geometry, you have three vectors that when combined create a fourth vector. This is suggested in the symbol that Masons revere of “a point to a line, a line to a superficies and a superficies to a solid”. (Notice the four dimensions are connected by three movements.) Thus, a solid is a three-dimensional object but it has an implied fourth dimension (or original dimension) of timelessness.
And of course, the Tetragrammaton. The four-letter word, as its name means, is actually composed of only 3 letters: Yod, He and Vau. The Hebrew meaning of Yod He Vau He turns out to be the equivalent of our English word of “being” in three states that allude to a fourth: “I was”, “I am” and “I will be”. These three states of being (past, present and future) refer to the fourth that suggests “timelessness” or “Eternity”.
As Masons, our objective is the search for the Lost Word which is synonymous with the search for Truth. We eventually find that Truth within ourselves.
The three that are four.
TIM John B Love, III 33⁰
L G Raynor Council #8 R&SM
Right Illustrious Grand Lecturer
Most Illustrious Prince Hall Grand Council of Texas Royal and Select Masters.
