Many years ago I asked my father, a knowledgeable 32* Mason, how I should wear my Masonic ring. He looked at me quite sternly, letting me know that his answer was important. He said, simply “with honor”. That is my rule, passed down to me by my father. No other explanation is necessary.

The best explanation I have heard for the direction of the ring is to signify whether you are "Spreading Light" or " Receiving Light". In the Lodge I wear my ring with the points toward me, toward my heart and soul, receiving the light and teachings of the craft. Outside of the Lodge I wear it points away, as I am spreading my light and ways to those around me.

I was once told by a PM in group conversation ‘I wear my ring with the points facing me, because I’m a mason for myself and not anyone else.’ And that stuck with me.

I am in 100% agreement with you on this. When I need to work on myself and be reminded of my obligations, I wear it with the points toward me. This is not only to remind me of my obligations but also that I have Brothers who stand at the ready to help me. When I want to put my good feelings and thoughts out into the universe I wear it with the points out. This helps remind me of what and who I represent and that I want to spread light and good feelings to those I meet.

In the beginning, I wore my ring with the square and compasses facing me. Obviously, to remind me that I made a promise...actually, many promises. Not long after, when I was going out of my way to help others, it was important to me that others knew that I was a Freemason, and that (hopefully) they aren't just seeing me favoring them, but that we all act this way. Even when holding the door open for others, I consciously hold my right hand so that they can see that this is what WE do. Just recently, I decided to put my ring on without looking. Then, I look down and see my self-imposed mission for the day: Do I give extra effort to own conduct for the day, or more cheerfully aid and assist others?

Thank you for the insight re wearing of the ring. I was taught points out to spread light or knowledge, points in seeking light or knowledge. I feel it is spot on with your explanation when I need, seek and when I'm full spread. I am 33 degree Master Mason and PM, also PDGM, just celebrated my 83rd trip around the Sun. Subscribed and joined

I wear mine facing me when looking at the back of my hand, for two reasons: first, it reminds me of reception of the appropriate degrees related. Secondly, and old timer heard someone tell me I wore it upside down. He pointed at me and said, "No, you're wearing it right. Don't ever, EVER let someone tell you to wear it any other way!" He said it with such conviction that I never once questioned it further.

Very insightful brother, not a ring guy either. Just received my ring today, I know in my heart my goals and promises. Thanks for the "decorative" explanation. Don't like to bring attention to myself, I do things secretly without others knowing how I am helping them so as to inspire self-worth in others.

Brother Maynard, thank you for addressing the question of the wearing of the rings. Exceedingly well done! 😀

Hello Maynard. I came across your channel recently and subscribed. I am a Pennsylvania member, Past Master, Past Commander-In-Chief among my many offices, 33rd Degree and Order of the Purple Cross recipient. I am not a Masonic scholar, but I have done extensive research into our craft. As far as the wearing of the rings is concerned, I was told that the proper orientation for the Master Mason ring is with the points of the compasses to be facing the body as this was the position of the lights when we took our obligations. As a result, when I wear my rings, I do this for each one. I only wear my 33rd ring on a daily basis, 3rd finger of my left hand with the 33-numeral facing me. When I wear my 32nd Degree ring I wear it with the 32 towards my body and Yod facing out. When I wear my OPC ring, I wear it with the Y facing me. Just feel more comfortable doing this.

Just recieved my 32° Degree, Thank you for the insight. What I always heard from the our oldtimers was if you wear it down you are open for communication. Thank you and I subscribed.

I was told by my elders that if you make a fist (the ring is facing outward) "you are open for communication" and if it is reversed "you are closed for communication".

I was told that points facing down means you’re open for communication points facing up means you are closed for communication or somebody pass it onto you. (A close family member Passed away and left you the ring) I enjoyed your talk. And I did subscribe

Behold, how good and wonderful is is for brethen to dwell together in unity... so glad i found this channel

When i spoke to my catechism instructor, he said the direction of the points on the compass were only as important as your intentions. To point them away from you is to show others you are a mason, while having them pointed to yourself, reminds you that YOU are a mason. And that when you act in an unmasonic way, you should flip the ring downwards towards your palm. So that when you see it, it reminds you of what you did to bring any shame to yourself, and only to turn it upwards again once you have truly learned your lesson.

Glad to have found your page! Thanks for the great content.

An old fella once told me that the ring is worn points up when outside a [ ] because at that point we are protecting the repository of our secrets. And then inside the [ ], just perfect and regular, we turn the ring around so points are down, or facing out. This is to funnel in all the knowledge and blessings available to us by our teachers. True or untrue, this was a very logical explanation of how to wear the ring, and it struck home with me. So that’s how I wear mine.

As a Past Master, my ring has the Square, Compasses, and Sextant. I wear mine with points out as it reminds me of how I viewed them while sitting in the East.

I'm a Master Mason from California. Firstly, I have been watching your channel for some time and I was very happy to hear you received the 33°. You have great content. My grandfather had a customized ring made for me after I was Raised. I wear it on my 4th finger of my right hand and the 'points in' whenever I am having personal conflicts, doubts, etc, in order to remind me of my charges as my 1st and 3rd Degrees had multitudinous, profound effects on me that drove me to tears (and slightly extended Degree nights. 😅) When I receive the final summons, it will go to my nephew.

I've seen a few of your videos and really like them. keep up the good work.and thanks for sharing! =)

I've visited many constituent Lodges. A few Lodges adopted the tradition of wearing their MM rings with the compasses points facing away after raising, pointing towards oneself when attaining Past Master. I have my father's 14* ring, and wear it occasionally, specifically when conferring the 14th degree, and explaining the ring to the candidate/ candidates.

My thoughts on the points direction: Points down because when you hold your hand over your heart, it is then points towards your heart. I have noticed that brothers who wear the ring points up are also more outgoing/vocal and feel the constant need to be reminded of their obligation.

Greetings from Finland. I recently received my 17th degree in Rose Croix. The journey has been amazing. I’ve grown so much in the past years. Your channel is awesome! My dream is to get to visit a lodge in USA some day! Nothing but blessings and love to my brothers beyond the great sea🌹

😂 I love this video! It was my introduction to your channel... You got a follower for sure!

I am a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason. Every bit of your counsel was solid. And i enjoyed it immensely!! Thank you.

Very interested to learn more about rings. I was just raised to the third degree last Saturday and am excited to be an active member of my lodge.

I agree with you that it doesn’t matter what direction the points of the compasses face. However, many years ago I was invited by some brothers to hunt on property in another State. While sitting in a field, I was approached by a Chief Master Sergeant that I assumed was from a near by Military Base. He was very friendly, introduced himself, and explained he was a member of the hunting club. After several questions that I thought was getting a little annoying, he ask, “Where are you from”? I told him, and he smiled and ask me, “Who showed you how to wear that ring”? Not knowing he was a Mason I was reluctant to answer, but finally said, “I didn’t know there was a wrong way”. He explained in his State Brothers wear it like they saw it and if they are in distress or troubled to invert it to alert other Masons. He thought I was in distress and was trying to figure how to help. So, when I travel through that State, I turn it around. When in Rome! Best hunt I ever went on, got invited for years. In my opinion, just like my Masonic Ring, the official Scottish Rite Ring should be worn with the point toward you. So, when others look at it, the base is on the bottom and the letter Yod or 33 is not read upside down. If you don’t believe me invert the square and compasses on your necklace and look in the mirror. It’s kind of like wearing a crucifix upside down, it doesn’t look right to me. You are doing a great job! These are my opinions, but I would never argue with a Brother over them.

Thanks for posting this brother, I’ve never heard anything about rings other than the 14th degree ring. I’m a master Mason, Sir Knight, and 32degree myself.

The most interesting explanation I heard for the direction of wearing the ring is whether he is a PM or not, based on the view of the jewels on the Altar. Brethren who receive their degrees will view the S&C on the Altar as facing them, and should thus wear the ring with the S&C facing them. On becoming a Master of the Lodge, the Master in his Chair views the S&C on the Altar as facing away from him, and he should thus wear his ring with the S&C facing away from him. Your thoughts?

In Great Britain, gentlemen have worn signet rings with their crests or heraldic arms for centuries. A long standing, unwritten rule is to wear it on the left little finger with the picture facing towards you. Various explanations are given for that rule, but there seems some agreement that it was to seal hot wax while still on the finger. I have a signet ring and I can say that after I tried that maneuver I had to cut the wax off of my knuckle hair. Since operative Masons let in members of the gentry into their fold, I believe that the same signet ring tradition was followed with the Masonic ring. So, I answer the question of which finger and what side up this way, “Traditionally, little finger, left hand, facing towards you. Non-traditionally, any which way you’d like, there are no ring police around.”

Greetings from the brotherhood. It is always a pleasure to connect with fellow members of our brotherhood. WB I am a Master Mason from india. I wore the Masonic ring. I learned a lot from about Freemasonry from your videos. Thank you for all your efforts.

My family is a mason and Eastern Star . My grandpa was 32° mason and Worthy patron is the star and my grandma was worthy matron in the star so was my mom and aunts . I love your videos. When my grandpa passed away I got/ received his mason rings. I will cherish them for the rest of my life. Thank you

I like the explanation! I wear my ring to show others I am a Scottish Rite Mason and remind myself of my obligations. So my answer is "Decorative" and "symbolic". Your explanation was perfect. The debate will continue but your explanation helps us debate and be respectful of all others.

I have been told that traditionally we wear the ring with the points towards the heart as it was when we took the obligation; points out once you’ve become a PM. I was also told to wear it as we wish; much like how you discussed to serve us as a reminder during given occasions. Can’t go wrong really. 🤷‍♂️

Greenbrier #42 here. Love the channel. I really need to get in the Rite and take the jump. I've been putting it off for years.

master mason from Greece, i am watching your videos Brother, we are also scottish rite lodge in Athens member, i am enjoying very much your speeches brother, keep giving light to our fans

I asked my coach when going through the degrees 30+ years ago about how to wear the ring (facing out or facing toward yourself). He told me he wore it facing him to remind him of his obligations. He has passed on but I remember his words.

Ive got to say the way we were taught to wear it in the south US was the points away from me. What matters more than any of this is the quality of the man wearing the ring

I enjoyed this video very much. I have been told many times by masons in different parts of the country that I was wearing my ring incorrectly. But I have always worn it the way I wanted, from viewing this video it appears to me that many brothers throughout the country need to view this video.

😂😂😂😂😂 the black and white short you played was hilarious 😂

32° Scottish rite mason of Quezon City Bodies Philippines.

Brother Maynard, I enjoy reading you weekly educational articles. I especially enjoy the one today regarding faith. I find that after nearly losing my life a number of times, that the Great Architect of the Universe has something for me to do that I haven't accomplished yet. Or maybe that there is something that I need to learn that I haven't learned as of yet. So I struggle all the time as to whether or not my faith is strong enough, so I try to work on it everyday to strengthen it.

I always wore my ring with the points of the compass is facing me for no particular reason. When speaking with a prince whole brother he gave two responses to this question. The first was that you can wear the ring however you chose as long as you had a good reason for wearing it that way. His reason for wearing the ring with the points facing him what's to remind himself of the obligation that he took and the Masonic principles that he is supposed to live by. I personally adopted this for myself and continue to wear my ring with the points of the compass is facing me.

Well said brother. I appreciate the video. I will say that I not only am a master mason, but a past master of my lodge, and a shriner. I however am not a member of the Scottish rite, although I do one day wish to be. I was told as a newer mason, who was climbing the officer ranks in my lodge, many multiple, older masons who were skilled in the degree work that it is to be worn points in. I was also told by others that if you wear it points out that you are sharing the light, points in means you are still searching for the light within yourself. I wear mine differently on different days just like you said, but most of the time points in. I just have alot of bad days and need to remind myself of my oaths and obligations. However, at most social events I do wear it points out, because I actually want people to approach me and learn more about the fraternity that I have grown to care about so much. So much is still misunderstood.

Maynard.. I like your reasoning for points up or points down and can't argue the logic.. I've always thought that the points were meant to point down because ornate rings were originally designed so a fellow could imprint a seal in wax. Points down would make that imprint come out correctly. Have never been told that by anyone, it just makes sense to me so I went with that thought. Nowadays, we don't do that type of seal so in true Masonic fashion, we each have a different opinion of what we see, here or do. The real questions I ask myself on the subject... Are you wearing that ring to represent yourself (points up), or are you wearing that ring to represent the fraternity (points down)? Are you wearing it to represent the Obligations you have taken upon yourself? Points up so that the Square and Compass match the way they lay upon the open Holy Book on the Altar were your hand resting there.

As a Master Mason and an Eagle Scout, I practice wearing the ring like my Eagle Scout pin. I wear it inverted (points toward the heart) until I Provide assistance to mankind in someway, then at that time I turn it over allowing others to understand that I am a Master Mason, willing to assist. Remember we are to assist the widowed and orphaned.

I never received any rings from the Northern Jurisdiction Scottish Rite, do i need to go through the Southern Jurisdiction to get a ring? I know they are both different but same you know. Thanks

Excellent answer, Brother Richard. It is to remind myself, not others. I receive communion often to remind me about my beliefs, seeing the S&C reminds me of the teachings and obligations I made to improve my actions in this world.

I always wear my ring with the points of the compassion toward myself. This is a message to myself to subdue my passions and circumscribe any undue passions. Also, the focus of Freemasonry is on one's self and the influence of the pure principles of Masonry. Therefore, again, I wear my ring such that it is a constant influence to my heart and mind helping me to practice out of the lodge what I may have learned in the lodge. I do not feel it is my place to tell others what to do in this regard. Nevertheless, this is what I do, as a contemplative Mason, and why I do it.

The ring is for the benefit of the holder and not the world. Actually, the jeweler is the one who benefits. I often wonder if our Founding Fathers or the WWII generation wore Masonic Rings. The late 1950s' thru the mid-1960s' was probably the largest growth of Freemasonry in the USA. I bet the fraternal jewelry business was booming then.

I joined the Scottish Rite in 2010 and never received my 14 degree ring. Do you have suggestions on how to address this. I have learned tremendously through the years as well as the Master Craftsman program Your assistance here would be greatly appreciated,

Thank you Brother WM for your knowledge. Looking forward to more insight!

Missouri-Gate of the temple lodge 422 I believe the ring is to point back at yourself to always remind you to be an upstanding Mason there is a lot of different beliefs and I’ve heard them all it’s the one that I follow

Interesting video. 35 years ago (I have been a Scottish Rite Mason for 41 years and counting.) my boss had a 32nd degree ring. I was delighted until he told me he was NOT a Mason. It was his late father's ring. I gently suggested that it was only meant to be worn by a member. He was not amused so I stopped the conversation.

Love your videos Brother! Tennessee Past Master currently serving as Junior Warden, again! And Loving it!!!!😅

Master Mason here and beginning my journey in Scottish Rite.

Raised to 33 many years ago , and have guided my actions since . Finest organization in the world .

Your answer you gave , how you wear it and when, was a good answer. I think it was the best answer I have heard.

The way you explained it was exactly how I received guidance from my lodge mentor almost 20 years ago.

Thank you Brother this is what I was told when I was raised, I am a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason too.

Im joining in the convo too. I am a MM from Washington state. As we know that the points of the compasses teach us to never lose sight of something. while i was getting that cemented in my mind i wore the points facing me. Now that i know i wont ever lose sight, i wear the points pointing down

Great video brother! 32° from NMJ in Maine, Valley of Rockland. Would love to know where brother Edwards got his S&C necklace.

For me occasionally when I wear my ring, point up in the lodge for learning and point out when doing works outside the lodge to share the love.

Fraternal greetings from Scotland. I have just come across your video and I really like the way that you explain things. I think that you could be the brother that could clear up my confusion about Masonic terms is free and accepted the same as Scottish Rite or something different. why do we have York rite?. I myself am a Master mason, I progressed through the chair in the Royal Arch and then Cryptic Council. Where is this on the number scale? I am sorry but I am retired and havent been to my mother lodge for quite some time.

Master Mason in Texas, 32 degree AASR here, enjoyed your video. At 9:00, very inciteful on how it changes from day to day, I never thought of it that way.

Thanks so kindly for the updates

Thank you very much for an excellent discussion on wearing the ring.

Video Greatly made! I was raised in 1987 and I had asked that question about How to wear the ring ...... A brother explained to me that when you wear the ring Points facing out, It signifies that You are away from your Lodge. and if the Points are facing you it is a reminder how you were made a mason.

I agree with your summary of how to wear the ring. Thank you for the video, Brother.

My silver ring I have had since being raised in college broke on Christmas this year...I am going to get another ring eventually but want it to be the last I ever have to buy (unless my 5 year old one day becomes a mason). Any suggestions? I see many dealers online.

I am a Past Master and 26 year member of Brownstone Lodge #666 (Six Hundred Sixty Six, Yes, we have that number and are proud of it.) Hershey, PA. I have heard the arguments as to the “correct” way to wear the ring. A few years ago The PA Grand Lodge included within The Freemason magazine an explanation that either way is correct. However I like your explanation of how you feel it should be worn as there has been days that I needed to remind myself that I am who I am. Thank you so very much. Karl

Brother Maynard Thank you well done Scottish Rite San Fernando Valley and Hollywood lodge 355 Thank you cleared that up for me

Great vid brother! Love reading the comments, I say stick to your vows and obligations always and no need for a ring. " til our next merry meeting" 👍

Love your videos. Thank you. My lodge is Cherry Point 688, AF&AM, Havelock, NC

Thank you for this, and I agree with your message; it's similar to what I share with other Masons when asked. Neal Beard, 33°

I have my grandfather’s old masonic ring. Which way would I wear it to honor him? Would it be OK if I were on a chain around my neck?

Very interesting information brother. Have a good day.:🎩

I loved the video, my brother. Greetings from the Free Masons of Brazil. ∴

Blessings to you from Jamaica

In my opinion you wear the compass and square facing out. It signifies your openness to discuss our fraternity. It is my opinion for what it’s worth. Paul Lauer 32 degree Scottish Rite Mpls Valley. Great piece and thank you for offering Brother.

Ohhhh I have to love this. One of those gaudy rings 🤣 is mine. It was made for my father, also a 32° Scottish Rite Mason, back around 1966. Fraternal greetings from the Dallas Valley.

This was very good thank you for sharing.

i have a ring with the yud on one side and the number 32 (not 33) on the other. the top has a starburst with a hole that appears to be a missing jewel. any ideas about it?

Treasure of the Sierra Madre* (spell check) reference has me laughing🤣

Brother Maynard, your answer is pretty profound and a great reminder of what we as Masons should always strive to be. I have another, I wear mine points facing out for the following reason. I wear my ring as to remind me of the way I last viewed the S&C over the Alter, points out meaning PM. But I think I like your explanation better.

I appreciated the AASR statutory analysis. My only “problem” with the explanation of your preference, is that it assumes we don’t recognize the symbol when it is turned around. I suspect that isn’t the case.

Thank you! Very informative and fun! I miss my dad, 32°...

What movie is that scene from?

Have been pretty inactive. Was with lodge Scotia no1008. How does one connect back now ?

Hey, found this channel recently as I look into masonry as a potential seeker (or was it traveller?) again. I know some basics including that in my country they on average use the three degrees as base system. You mention 32 degree which implies it's high (to 33 max). Can I ask how long that took to get to 32°? Thanks in advance!

Very good video. I am not a ring guy either but I do have my fathers rings he was in the Scottish Rite. I am 63 and was raised when I was 24. I gave his Masonic ring to my son who is a 5th Generation Mason. I joined the York Rite two years ago and I like to wear Masonic hats. I agree that decorational should be a word. I do have my dads 14th degree ring. My grandfather did get his 33rd degree. I have been a memeber and my wife of the Order of Amaranth since 1985 and just finished my year as Grand Royal Patron.

I’am glad that I have happened to stumble upon this KZfaq video and thank you 🙏 for teaching me something new knowledge is power

I am a descendant of Scottish Rite Masons. Both my Grand - and Great Grandfather were Lodge members. Both were (Honorary) 33DEG members. We owe a tremendous debt to the Order as my Great Grandfather's Lodge members pooled resources to get him back on his feet after he lost what was arguably one of the biggest businesses in the city because of an act of arson. ( I am not myself a Mason, or at least not yet! 😊)

Great answer on the how to wear the ring, I was always told that the points of the compass should be pointed away from you and to the person viewing it........

Hi my Brother, Just got my 32nd and sitting in the east next year. and thanks much

Excellent explanation brother. love it.

if youre a new member, can still wear a masonic ring? and what kind of masonic ring can you wear?

Very nice presentation.

I like your answer to ring direction/placement.

I am just researching the Freemasons, and honestly from what I've learned so far I believe that this truly something that I have unknowingly been seeking. As for the direction in which to wear the ring, I think your explanation is probably the one that which reflects the lifelong commitment one makes when joining and taking that oath, to remember your oath and commitment but to show others by ones good deeds and dedication to all of humanity that, that is what the Freemasons stand for and live by.