posted on Mar, 12 2009 @ 05:14 AM
Thank you everyone, for all the responses. People are thinking various things on this topic, and some pictures show the compass points on the arc of
the circle, while other pictures (specifically the 60 degree type) will show the compass points outside the circle and resting on a horizontal line
with the square, so I'll have to clarify my question.
munkey66, nice links, thank you. That is the only specific info I've been exposed to about the angle between the compasses, or in this case there are
now two angles specifically stated in Freemasonry to be 36 and 29.
Re: the 36 degree compass, the author on that site says there is only visual reasons for the 'arrangement' I suppose because the markings on the arc
are sort of sketchy.
Re: the 29 degree compass, this is a better way for me to clarify my original question since on the Past Grand Master's Jewel the markings on the arc
are clear enough to see 44 degrees on the arc between the points of the 29 degree compass which is resting very high outside the circle.
Re: the 60 degree compass, it does seem to be very common, and it forces the compass to sit lower in the arrangement than the 29 degree spread for
example.
Which brings me to the clarification. I actually meant to discuss the degrees on the arc, not necessarily between the compasses themselves, because
the actual number of degrees selected from the circle around the square will depend on how high the compass hinge is above the center of the
circle.
So now the thing I am looking for is related to the height of the hinge above the center of the circle, and then the specific number of degrees, X,
selected from the arc, which in turn leaves 360-X on the outside of the compasses. Just about any spread between the compasses can be 'arranged' to
indicate just about any number of degrees on the arc according to how high it rests above the center. It is interesting that people always fall back
on proportion and visual perception, and simply eyeball it when arranging the Square And Compasses.
Re: the 'Pythagorean doctrine of numbers' discussion for 36, it is interesting because I think first it is a blind of sorts that will confuse or
mislead, and then second I think it is a bit of inconsequential entertainment. I think it is hinting at something in a very roundabout way that will
never give away the information. Seems like an inside joke or something since only when you have a certain perspective can you even begin to imagine
that the Pythagorean number trick makes any sense. Or maybe just nonsense.
What is the conspiracy? Hell, I don't know. I just think there is more to it than meets the eye.