The Artist's Explanation Of The Ceiling Mural In
Mill Valley Masonic Lodge No. 356
Painted and here explained by
Richard K. Mills
PM Mill Valley Lodge No. 356
PHP Mill Valley Chapter No. 108
The easiest way to start is in the east and work our way west.
As the sun rises in the east, so have I chosen our east to be the sunrise in soft yellow and blue-gray clouds and have attempted to incorporate an "All Seeing Eye" among the clouds just over the pediment. It is an important Masonic symbol of the Supreme Being. It symbolizes the divine watchfulness and care of the universe.
On both sides of the All Seeing Eye are two winged creatures of Assyrian origin (1600 B.C. to 1100 B.C.). These were never considered gods but more as guardians, and as this is the area where Abraham emigrated from, the Jews naturally brought this symbol with them and incorporated it into their culture.
During the Exodus, they chose these four symbols separately to represent the four principal tribes of Israel: Judah, Ephraim, Rubin, and Dan, whose banners were the lion, the ox, the man, and the eagle. These tribes were chosen by Moses to be the guardians of the temple that housed the Ark of the Covenant. They represented the courage of the lion, the strength of the ox, the intelligence of man, and the swiftness of the eagle. They also represent the four fixed signs of the zodiac: Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio, which also astrologically dates back to the Assyrian empire.
Over the secretary's desk, I have put an Acacia tree (shittim wood), a sacred wood to the Hebrews because God ordered Moses to make the tabernacle and all sacred furniture in the tabernacle out of it. It is to Free Masons the symbol of the immortality of the soul. Hence the impressive funeral service of our order.
The other trees illustrated are the date palm, cypress, and Cedar of Lebanon, of which the Ark of the Covenant was made. The cedar also is a symbol of eternity because its substance never decays nor rots. To Masons, the Cedars of Lebanon are revered because King Solomon constructed his temple out of this wood.
The four vases on each side of the pediments in the north and south sides of the lodge hold rose bushes that have a twofold meaning to the ancients. First, it was dedicated to Venus as the Goddess of Love. It became the symbol of secrecy -- hence, the expression "under the rose" of that which was spoken in confidence. It has been adapted among Masons in the esoteric ritual of our degrees and can be found in both the York and Scottish Rite lodges under the title Rose Croix.
The birds, butterflies, and lizard are depicted as other forms of life in the universe.
The blazing star in the center of the lodge has a multitude of meanings. It is emblematic of the sun at meridian height, which is the beauty and glory of the day. It is symbolic of a true Mason who by perfecting himself in the way of truth, or by advancing in knowledge becomes like a blazing star, shining in the midst of darkness. The star is therefore a symbol of truth. The blazing star occupies a prominent position in the center of the tracing board upon which the chief architect of King Solomon's temple drew his designs and represented beauty. It is fitting that the Junior Warden who represents that architect (the pillar of beauty in our ritual says in both opening and closing a lodge: "As the sun at meridian height is the beauty and glory of the day."
The moon is also a Masonic symbol as part of the representation of the universe. As the blazing star or sun rules the day and regulates the years, so does the moon govern the night and regulate the months, both of which are controlled by the All Seeing Eye or master of heaven and earth.
Finally, we arrive at the west, which I have depicted as a sunset because the sun is in the west at the close of the day and I wanted it to be visibly different with its vibrant colors from the soft grays and yellows of the eastern sunrise.
I have been unable to find any Masonic symbolism about a ship, except what is reference in the Third Degree. It has always been impressive to me, and I wanted to give it more credit than it might deserve. My representation is of a ship of the Solomon time period, around 1000 B.C. I did not want a model or small picture of it. I wanted it to be impressive.
The final Masonic emblem in my painting is the Seven Stars of the Pleiades, or the seven stars of the constellation in Taurus. Seven is a sacred number among Jews, signifying perfection and completion -- such as the seven days in which God created the heaven and earth, the seven-branched candlestick, etc. The seven stars in the Pleiades allude the vernal equinox and this becomes a beautiful symbol of immortality, reminding us of that starry home beyond the grave to which the soul of man aspires.
