Brother Jason B. Rudder

I want to chat about something that might seem a bit unexpected for a Masonic discussion—that famous, brightly colored puzzle we’ve all probably wrestled with at some point: the Rubik’s Cube. At first glance, it just looks like a toy or a way to kill some time. Yet, as students of a “Beautiful and profound system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols,”1 we are uniquely equipped to discern deeper meanings in the world around us. My main point is that the Rubik’s Cube—in how it’s built, the challenge it presents, and the way we eventually solve it—is actually a perfect modern metaphor for our Masonic journey. It reflects our path from Darkness to Light, the steady principles that hold our Fraternity together, and that constant work we do to better ourselves as Craftsmen.

Freemasonry has always used the tools and knowledge of the day to teach deeper lessons, turning the physical gear of builders into ways to learn about life and philosophy. The square, the compasses, the level, and the plumb were the high-tech gadgets of their time. Our ancient Brothers gave these tools deep moral meaning. If our Craft is really a progressive science that keeps moving toward more light, it should be able to find meaning in modern creations too. The Rubik’s Cube, born from modern ideas about architecture and geometry, can be looked at as a modern speculative tool for thought.4 Its many sides offer a fresh way to see Masonic values. In fact, just trying to find Masonic meaning in something like this is a Masonic act in itself. Our traditions tell us to “seek, and ye shall find; ask, and it shall be given you; knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” which is a call to never stop learning and searching for understanding.2 This isn’t just an academic project; it’s part of that lifelong quest for Light at the heart of our Fraternity. As the scholar Albert Mackey said, “The Freemason has no way of reaching any of the esoteric teachings of the Order except through the medium of a legend or a symbol”7. So, let’s look at this modern puzzle with an open mind, ready to find the hidden lessons it might have for us as Master Masons.

The Genesis of the Cube: An Architect’s Design and Its Parallels
To really get why the Rubik’s Cube works as a symbol, we should start with where it came from and the guy who built it. Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian professor who taught architecture and design, came up with the Cube back in 1974.4 Right there, we see a connection that hits home for us as Masons. Our Craft is built on the language of architecture; we look to the Great Architect of the Universe as the source of all design and trace our roots back to the old stonemason guilds that actually built the great cathedrals. Rubik was an architect and a teacher who loved building geometric models in his spare time, and that’s how the Cube was born.5 He actually wanted it to be “a good task for my students”—a tool to help them wrap their heads around 3D objects and how shapes move in space. That goal of taking a complex idea and making it something you can hold and learn from is exactly what we do in Masonry. We use symbols, stories, and rituals as educational tools to guide a person from being “in the dark” to truly understanding.1
The way Rubik actually made the thing also reminds us of our operative roots. He started small, using simple wood blocks and rubber bands. Through a lot of trial and error—cutting the wood, drilling holes, and carefully putting the pieces together by hand—he tried to create a structure where the pieces could move on their own without the whole thing falling apart.5 That kind of patient, hands-on work to turn an idea into something real is the heart of what a craftsman does, whether he’s a mason shaping a stone or a Mason working on his own character. The clever design of the core, which lets everything move in complex ways while keeping the Cube solid and whole 4, is like a little version of a perfectly ordered universe—a great example of how smart design can bring harmony to a bunch of moving parts.
Moreover, the challenges Rubik faced in bringing his invention to the wider world—the difficulty in finding a manufacturer within the rigid planned economy of communist Hungary at the time, a process that took over six years from prototype to mass production5, can itself be interpreted allegorically. It speaks to the perseverance often required to bring forth valuable work, innovative ideas, or profound truths into a world that may be resistant or unprepared. This struggle against inertia or opposition is a recurring theme in Masonic narratives, reminding us of the fortitude and dedication necessary to complete any great and important undertaking. Thus, in the very genesis of the Rubik’s Cube, we find reflections of the architect, the craftsman, the educator, and the persevering innovator, roles and qualities deeply valued within the Masonic tradition.

The Cubic Form: A Tangible Symbol of Perfected Ashlar and Universal Order
When the Rubik’s Cube is solved, it presents itself as a perfect cube, each of its six faces displaying a single, uniform color. This cubic form is filled with profound Masonic symbolism that deeply resonated with some of the most fundamental teachings of our Craft. Foremost among these is the symbolism of the Cubical Stone, or Perfect Ashlar. As we are taught, the Rough Ashlar represents man in his natural state, imperfect and unpolished, marked by the Vices and superfluities of ignorance. Through the process of Masonic education, the application of the working tools of self-discipline, and the cultivation of virtue, a freemason works to transform this Rough Ashlar into a Perfect Ashlar—a stone well-squared, true, and trusty, fit for its place in that spiritual building, that “house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens”.12 With its colors perfectly aligned and its flawless geometric shape, the solved Rubik’s Cube gives us a clear, physical emblem of this perfected state.

The very geometry of the cube, as understood in Masonic philosophy and sacred traditions, reinforces this interpretation. The square, and by extension the cube which is composed of squares, is often seen as a symbol of the Earth, the material world, and the finite limits of our mortal existence.13 It represents stability, steadfastness, and the capacity to support the surrounding structure. The Lodge room itself, often square or oblong, is symbolic of the world, its four sides corresponding to the cardinal points of the compass and representing the four cardinal virtues—Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice—which should govern our lives.12 The solved Cube, therefore, can be seen not only as the perfected individual Mason but also as a representation of a well-ordered life, a microcosm of universal harmony, or even the Lodge itself as a symbol of that universal order which emanates from the Great Architect.1

The six distinct faces of the solved Cube, each unified in its specific color, offer further avenues for symbolic exploration. Aside from what the numbers mean—which we’ll get to in a bit—these faces show a state of total harmony and order. Every color is unique and stands on its own, but they all come together to make the whole thing perfect. This visual of having diversity within unity is a central Masonic ideal. Our Fraternity brings together men of different backgrounds, beliefs, and talents, uniting them in a common pursuit of Truth and Brotherly Love.2 Just as the six faces of the solved Cube, each perfect in its own hue, combine to form a single, harmonious object, so too do perfected Masons, each contributing their unique strengths, form a strong and beautiful Lodge, and by extension, contribute to the betterment of humanity.

The “Western color scheme” typically found on a standard Rubik’s Cube—where Green is opposite Blue, Yellow opposite White, and Red opposite Orange 11—introduces an element of fixed, knowable order. This is not an arbitrary arrangement but a defined state of correctness towards which the solver strives. This predefined order can be paralleled with the immutable landmarks and moral tenets of Freemasonry.16 The Mason, like the solver of the Cube, labors to align his inner being and outward actions with these foundational principles, which provide a steadfast guide for his conduct and his journey towards moral and spiritual rectitude. The solved Cube, therefore, in its perfect form and specific chromatic arrangement, becomes a powerful visual allegory for the Mason who has successfully squared his actions by the square of virtue and brought his passions within due bounds, thereby reflecting the order and harmony that are the ultimate aims of our Craft.

“Ordo Ab Chao”: The Journey from Confusion to Illumination
Think about the first time you pick up a scrambled Rubik’s Cube; it looks like a total mess. All those colors are mixed together, and those little pieces, or “cubies,” seem to be pointing in every which way, making the whole thing feel pretty confusing and disorganized. This state of apparent chaos is a powerful symbol, one that resonates deeply with fundamental Masonic principles. It can be seen as representing the profane state of man, unblessed by Masonic Light, lost in the darkness of ignorance and the confusion of worldly passions.12 It is the Rough Ashlar, yet to be shaped and polished by the transformative work of the Craft. This initial state of disarray finds its direct counterpart in the profound Masonic motto, “Ordo Ab Chao”—Order out of Chaos.17 This principle, central to many Masonic Rites and philosophical discourses, teaches that clarity can come from confusion, harmony can come from discord, and Light can spring forth from darkness.

The act of solving the Rubik’s Cube transforms from a mere pastime into a compelling allegory for the Mason’s own initiatory journey. This journey, as we have all experienced, begins in a state of symbolic darkness and perceived helplessness, representing the unenlightened individual seeking admission into our mysteries. Through the progression of the Degrees, the candidate is gradually led from this state of confusion towards the illuminating wisdom of Freemasonry, acquiring knowledge, understanding, and the tools for self-improvement.1 The process of solving the scrambled Cube, applying intellect and method to its randomness, mirrors this transformative journey. Each correct turn, each algorithm that is applied, is a step away from chaos and towards the final order of the solved state. This methodical transformation from disarray to enlightenment is the very essence of the Masonic path.

It is crucial to recognize that the “chaos” presented by a scrambled Rubik’s Cube is not an absolute, irredeemable state of disorder. Rather, it is a system with an inherent, albeit hidden, structure that is ultimately solvable. This reflects a key Masonic understanding of the profane world and the individual soul. The uninitiated man is not seen as inherently evil or beyond redemption, but rather as unenlightened, possessing within him the dormant potential for perfection—the “hidden stone” within the Rough Ashlar, as some Masonic philosophers describe it.14 Freemasonry teaches that this potential can be realized through “diligent labor and the pursuit of Truth.”2 The solvable nature of the Cube’s chaos, therefore, mirrors this optimistic Masonic belief in the capacity for human transformation from an unrefined, disordered state to one of enlightenment and moral beauty. This transformation is not achieved by an external enforcement of order, but by working with the intrinsic, though perhaps obscured, materials and principles within.

The initial perception of the scrambled Cube often causes a sense of overwhelming complexity, perhaps even appearing unsolvable to the uninitiated eye. This experience can be likened to the profane world’s view of Masonic symbols and rituals, which may appear opaque, enigmatic, or shrouded in unnecessary secrecy.1 However, just as the “secrets” to solving the Rubik’s Cube are revealed through a process of learning its mechanics and algorithms, the “secrets” of Freemasonry are unveiled through initiation, diligent study, and profound reflection upon its symbols and allegories.6 In both instances, what once seemed daunting and mysterious becomes understandable and manageable through a guided or learned path. The “secret” often lies not in an unknowable truth, but in the method, the understanding, and the dedicated application required to move from a state of perceived chaos to one of achieved order and illumination.

The Labyrinthine Path to Solution: An Allegory for Masonic Labor and Perseverance
Solving a Rubik’s Cube is not a singular, instantaneous achievement but a complex, multi-stage endeavor, a true labor of intellect and dexterity.27 This process itself serves as a profound allegory for the nature of Masonic labor and the journey of self-improvement. To restore the Cube to its ordered state demands focused attention, the application of logical thinking, the recognition of intricate patterns, and the disciplined execution of specific sequences of moves, or algorithms. These algorithms, which are essentially pre-defined sets of rules or “working tools” applied to particular configurations of the Cube, find a direct parallel in the Masonic working tools presented to the candidate in each Degree. Just as the Square teaches morality, the Level equality, and the Plumb rectitude, so too are these symbolic implements, when rightly understood and applied, the means by which a Mason erects his spiritual edifice.3 The Rubik’s Cube makes this concept of applying a “tool” to a “problem” to achieve a “more perfect state” remarkably literal and tangible. The algorithms of the Cube can thus be viewed as modern, intellectual “working tools,” demonstrating the efficacy of methodical application of principles in the pursuit of order.

The journey to solve the Cube is almost never a straightforward path. It often involves moments of frustration, trial and error, the encountering of unexpected complexities, and often retracing one’s steps or undoing previous moves to correct an error or approach things from a new perspective. This experience of navigating setbacks and the non-linear nature of the solving process is a powerful metaphor for the Masonic journey itself. Our progression through the Degrees and our lifelong labor of self-improvement are seldom without challenges.2 We confront our faults, we may stumble, and we often find the need to re-evaluate our understanding and “re-square” our work, guided by the plumb of truth and the level of humility.20 The ancient symbol of the labyrinth beautifully captures this winding, often arduous, path.31 As Masonic authors like Ben Zion have explored, the “spiritual labyrinth” represents the seeker’s journey through the “hidden mysteries of Nature and Science,” a path that is “not only erratic, but testing, and often circular”.33 The labyrinth, with its twists, turns, and apparent dead ends, symbolizes the complexities faced in the quest for truth and enlightenment, where progress may involve revisiting lessons already learned to view them in a new, more profound light.34

This challenging yet ultimately rewarding process, whether in solving the Cube or in pursuing Masonic Light, underscores the indispensable virtues of Time, Patience, and Perseverance. These qualities, as our rituals teach, are essential to accomplish any great and important undertaking, particularly the “great object of a Mason’s labor”—the perfection of the self and the attainment of true wisdom.15 The Rubik’s Cube, in its demand for these virtues, serves as a small-scale training ground for the mind and spirit, reinforcing the Masonic teaching that through diligent and persistent effort, even the most complex states of disorder can be brought to resolution. The shared experience of navigating setbacks, whether on the faces of a puzzle or in the recesses of one’s own character, makes the Cube a compelling allegory for the resilience, humility, and iterative nature within in the Great Work upon oneself.

The Sacred Geometry and Numerology of the Cube: Echoes of Masonic Wisdom
The standard 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube, beyond its mechanical ingenuity and the challenges it presents, is a storehouse of numerical and geometric symbolism that resonates profoundly with Masonic teachings. Geometry, as we are taught, is “the first and noblest of sciences, and the basis upon which the superstructure of Freemasonry is erected.”15 Let’s examine the Cube through this geometric and numerological lens.  The most immediate numerical symbolism arises from its very dimensions: 3×3×3. The number three is foundational in Freemasonry. We progress through three Craft Degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. 2 Our Lodges are traditionally supported by three great pillars—Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty—and governed by three principal officers. The three Great Lights of Masonry guide us, and we often employ the three lesser lights. You’ll often see the working tools come in sets of three, and even the winding staircase a Fellowcraft climbs is broken up into flights of three, five, and seven steps. 15 The Cube, being a 3D object with three layers and axes, is a constant reminder of these important patterns in our Craft.

The Cube has six faces, and in its solved state, typically displays six distinct colors.11 The number six, or the Hexad, holds significant esoteric meaning, particularly in Pythagorean philosophy, which, as Brother Anderson noted in the 1723 Constitutions, forms a foundation for Masonry.39 The Hexad is considered a symbol of perfection, as it is the sum of its divisors (1+2+3=6). It represents harmony and the reconciliation of opposites, often symbolized by the Seal of Solomon or the hexagram—two interlaced triangles.38 The solved Rubik’s Cube, with its six perfectly ordered faces, becomes a powerful
visual emblem of this achieved balance and completeness.

The Cube’s structure reveals eight corner pieces. The number eight, in various esoteric traditions, can symbolize regeneration (as with the eight souls saved in Noah’s Ark, a figure sometimes alluded to in Masonic symbolism), completion, or a new beginning, being the first cube after unity. It can also relate to stability, as in the form of the double cube, an important Masonic symbol often found in the Lodge, representing a more advanced state of perfection or the foundation of the cubic stone.10 The eight corners of the Cube, when correctly oriented and permuted, establish the overall form and solidity of the solved puzzle.

We find twelve edge pieces on the Rubik’s Cube. The number twelve is rich in ancient symbolism, often as a symbol of cosmic order and completeness. We see this in the twelve signs of the Zodiac, which sometimes adorn Masonic tracing boards or Lodge furnishings, symbolizing the celestial canopy that covers the Lodge. It also relates to the twelve tribes of Israel, central to the symbolism of Solomon’s Temple, and in older English Masonic lectures, the Twelve Original Points of Masonry, which were said to form the basis of the system.15 These twelve edge pieces, bridging the corners and centers, are essential for the Cube’s structural and visual integrity.

A fascinating aspect of the 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube is “God’s Number,” which has been mathematically proven by a group of researchers to be 20.53 Theoretically, this is the maximum number of moves required to solve any of the Cube’s 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 possible permutations. The existence of such a small number, in the face of such complexity, is profoundly symbolic. It suggests that even in states of unimaginable chaos, there exists an underlying, discoverable path to order that is surprisingly efficient. This can be allegorically linked to the Masonic faith in a Divine Plan, the inherent order of the universe designed by the Great Architect, and the ultimate attainability of Light and Truth, no matter how obscured they may initially seem. The number 20 that was previously mentioned carries esoteric connotations, sometimes linked in Tarot to Judgment (the 20th Major Arcanum), signifying an assessment, the end of a cycle, and the potential for renewal or the commencement of a new spiritual journey.54 This “judgment” in the context of the Cube could be seen as the discernment required to find the optimal solution path, leading to the “new cycle” of the solved, ordered state.

Here’s a numerical idea that is speculative, but truly compelling: it involves the number of visible, movable pieces, or ‘cubies,’ that make up the puzzle. A standard 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube has 8 corner pieces, 12 edge pieces, and 6 center pieces—which adds up to 26 distinct elements that need to be correctly placed and oriented.4 Why 26? That number holds profound significance in Kabbalistic tradition. It is the gematria (numerical value) of the Tetragrammaton ( יהוה – Yod Heh Vav Heh), the most sacred and ineffable name of God (10+5+6+5=26).55 Since Freemasonry, particularly in its higher degrees, draws heavily from Kabbalistic symbolism and a deep reverence for the Divine Name, we have a powerful parallel here. The “Lost Word” allegory in the Master Mason degree is often understood as a quest for the true nature of God.10 So, the very act of solving these 26 manipulable elements—bringing them from chaos into perfect order—can be viewed as a symbolic enactment of the Mason’s journey to understand and embody the divine principles represented by that Ineffable Name, a symbolic recovery of what was lost.

Finally, the total number of small cubes that form the 3x3x3 structure, including the hidden internal core mechanism, is 27.4 The number 27, as the cube of three, powerfully amplifies the symbolism of the number three, representing solidity, perfection, and the triune nature of divinity magnified to a higher dimension. It is a number that appears in certain Masonic contexts, particularly in some appendant bodies, where vaults of three-cubed dimensions play a role.42

The six standard colors of the Rubik’s Cube—typically white, red, blue, orange, green, and yellow 11—also invite symbolic interpretation within a Masonic framework. Blue is almost universally recognized in Masonry as the color of the Craft or Symbolic Lodge, emblematic of universal friendship, benevolence, and fidelity.64 White invariably symbolizes purity, innocence, and Light. Red often signifies fervency, zeal, and courage, particularly prominent in Capitular and
Chivalric Masonry. Green can represent regeneration, hope, and immortality. Yellow or gold traditionally symbolizes wisdom, sacredness, and that which is precious. While a comprehensive and universally accepted Masonic codification for all these colors in every context is elusive 66, their presence on the Cube offers fertile ground for reflection on these virtues and principles as we strive to bring them into harmonious alignment.

The Unseen Core and the Point Within: Discovering the Hidden Center of Truth
Beneath the colorful, shifting faces of the Rubik’s Cube lies an ingenious internal core mechanism. This central axis, with its connected center pieces, is what holds the entire structure together, enabling the complex rotations of its layers while ensuring that the Cube maintains its fundamental form.4 This core is largely unseen during the normal process of solving the puzzle, yet it is essential to its function and its very existence as a coherent object. This hidden, indispensable core serves as a remarkable allegory for one of Freemasonry’s most profound symbols: the Point Within a Circle.12  Exoterically, as we are taught in the First Degree, the Point Within a Circle represents the individual Brother, and the Circle, the boundary line of his conduct towards God and Man, beyond which he is never to suffer his passions, prejudices, or interests to betray him. The two perpendicular parallel lines, tangential to the circle, represent the Holy Saints John. Upon the vertex rests the Volume of Sacred Law, which contains the unerring guide for our faith and practice. This interpretation emphasizes moral restraint and adherence to divine precepts.

Esoterically, however, the Point Within a Circle takes on even deeper significance. It symbolizes the journey towards an ineffable Center—the Divine Spark within the human soul, the “secret within us,” the source of all Truth and Light.68 This is that sacred point from which a Master Mason, having truly found it through diligent labor and spiritual awakening, cannot err. The quest of the Mason, then, is to align the manifest self—our thoughts, words, and actions, represented by the ever-shifting colored faces of the Cube—with this inner, hidden, and immutable Truth, which is analogous to the core principle that dictates the Cube’s ultimate, solved order.

The fixed nature of the Rubik’s Cube’s center pieces is particularly symbolic in this context. While the corner and edge pieces can be moved to almost any position, the six center pieces maintain their relative positions to each other; they define the color, and thus the identity, of each face.11  These fixed centers represent the unalterable principles, the eternal Verities, or the Divine Truths around which all other, more mutable aspects of our being—our passions, opinions, and worldly concerns, symbolized by the movable corners and edges—must be correctly oriented and brought into harmonious alignment. The “hidden core” of the Cube is not merely a mechanical necessity; it is an emblem of the immutable standard of Truth and Virtue that forms the bedrock of Masonic philosophy. The journey to solve the Cube is the journey to make each face conform to its true center.

While not a part of the standard solving process, the act of disassembling a Rubik’s Cube (and successfully reassembling it) reveals its hidden core and the genius of its mechanism. This act can serve as an allegory for the deeper self-examination and introspection required in the more advanced stages of Masonic learning and spiritual development. It represents a willingness to go beyond surface appearances, to deconstruct and understand the fundamental structure of one’s own being and the principles that govern it. The “secret” of the Cube’s intricate operation, like the deeper secrets of Freemasonry, is not found on its surface but is understood by looking within, by comprehending the unseen architecture that makes the external order possible. This echoes the ancient wisdom, “Know Thyself,” a call to explore the inner temple of the soul to discover the indwelling presence of the Great Architect.

The Great Work: The Rubik’s Cube as a Metaphor for Spiritual Constructivism
Think of the effort it takes to solve a Rubik’s Cube, turning a chaotic jumble into a perfect, vibrant block of order. This process is a powerful metaphor for what many spiritual traditions—including those that shaped Freemasonry—call the “Great Work” or “Magnum Opus.”16 It represents that lifelong journey of perfecting ourselves, refining the rough edges of our nature into something as valuable as gold, and building an inner temple “not made with hands.” The mental gymnastics the Cube requires—things like steady focus, deep concentration, and creative problem-solving—beautifully mirror the way a Mason engages with the deep philosophical lessons of our Craft.9

The very act of manipulating the Cube, of applying algorithms and principles to its components, can be interpreted as a form of “operative Masonry of the self” or “spiritual constructivism.” It is a hands-on, systematic process of taking a complex, disordered system—the unrefined self, allegorically represented by the scrambled Cube—and, through the conscious and diligent application of learned principles (Masonic teachings, analogous to the Cube’s algorithms), transforming it into a state of harmonious order, beauty, and functional perfection (the perfected Mason, symbolized by the solved Cube). This resonates deeply with the Masonic philosophy that emphasizes the rebuilding of the self and the allegorical construction of a spiritual edifice within the heart of each Brother.78 As Manly P. Hall eloquently stated, “Hence a Mason is a builder of the temple of character. He is the architect of a sublime mystery – the gleaming, glowing temple of his own soul”.35

The Rubik’s Cube, unlike purely abstract intellectual puzzles, involves tangible, physical manipulation to achieve its intellectual and aesthetic resolution. This “hands-on” characteristic creates a powerful and direct link to the operative roots of Freemasonry. Our ancient Brethren were stone-masons, men who worked with their hands and with tools to shape raw material into structures of use and beauty.2 Speculative Masonry adopts their tools and their methods as allegories for moral and spiritual edification.1 The “work” of solving the Cube is not merely mental; it is a crafting, a physical engagement with the object to bring forth its inherent potential for order. This makes the analogy to an “operative Masonry of the self” particularly compelling. The physical turns and sequences are the symbolic hammer and chisel, the gauge and the gavel, applied to the “rough ashlar” of the puzzle to bring it to a “perfect ashlar” state.
That deep sense of satisfaction you get from finally solving a Rubik’s Cube—that mix of achievement, the relief of seeing order restored, and the simple joy of its balanced beauty—is a lot like a physical preview of the spiritual peace and inner quiet that Masonic teachings describe as the “wages” of hard work and living right.2 The Cube sets up a clear “problem” in its messy, scrambled state, which triggers a “reaction” in us—that drive to fix it and the effort we put in—and eventually leads to a “solution” in the form of a perfectly ordered cube.18 When we experience this process firsthand, it really brings home the Masonic idea that by facing the messier parts of our own nature (the “problems”) and meeting them with a steady commitment to our principles (the “labor”), we can reach a truly rewarding “solution”—a better version of ourselves, a life that feels in harmony, and a closer connection to the Great Architect. The Cube gives us a quick, real-world reward for putting things in order, which helps keep a Mason inspired during the lifelong journey toward those deeper, less visible, but far more meaningful spiritual rewards.

Conclusion: The Enduring Relevance of Symbol and Allegory
Throughout this exploration we have sought to draw parallels between a seemingly modern amusement, the Rubik’s Cube, and the ancient and profound teachings of our beloved Fraternity. It becomes evident that this intricate puzzle, far from being a mere toy, can indeed serve as a surprisingly potent contemporary emblem, reflecting in its structure, its challenge, and its resolution, many of the core tenets of Freemasonry. The journey from the Cube’s initial chaotic scramble to its final, harmonious order is a powerful allegory for the Mason’s own journey from the darkness of ignorance to the Light of enlightenment, a testament to the principle of Ordo Ab Chao. Its geometric form and numerical constitution echo the sacred geometry and numerology that underpin Masonic symbolism, from the significance of the number three to the profound implications of the number twenty-six, potentially alluding to the very name of the Great Architect. The hidden core mechanism speaks to the hidden center of Truth within each of us, the Point Within a Circle, that ultimate source of guidance from which a Master Mason, having found it, cannot err. The methodical, often labyrinth-like process of solving the Cube mirrors the unceasing labor of self-improvement, demanding those important Masonic virtues of Time, Patience, and Perseverance.

The Rubik’s Cube, as a complex yet ultimately solvable system, reinforces the Masonic conviction that the universe, though filled with mysteries, is not a realm of arbitrary chaos but is governed by discernible laws and principles, coming from a Divine Architect. The existence of “God’s Number” for the Cube—a mere 20 moves to conquer quintillions of possibilities—offers a tangible experience of how underlying order can be revealed from apparent complexity, strengthening our faith in the ultimate attainability of Truth.  This very paper, by undertaking such an exploration, seeks to exemplify the Masonic command to make a “daily advancement in Masonic knowledge”.2 It is a testament to the idea that Masonic education is not a static collection of ancient precepts but a vibrant, living process of interpretation, reflection, and discovery. New symbols, new ideas, and new perspectives can always be brought to the Trestle-Board for the instruction of the Craft, demonstrating the timeless adaptability of Masonic wisdom. As Albert Mackey so aptly stated, “To study the symbolism of Masonry is the only way to investigate its philosophy. This is the portal of its temple, through which alone we can gain access to the sacellum where its aporrheta are concealed”.10

Let us continue to seek and find Masonic Light in all worthy aspects of human endeavor and creativity. May we recognize that the sublime principles of our Fraternity are universal, capable of being discerned not only in the venerable symbols passed down to us through ages past but also in the most unexpected of modern forms. The Rubik’s Cube, in its own unique way, reminds us of the enduring power of symbol and allegory to convey the deepest tenets of Freemasonry, inspiring us to continue our individual and collective Great Work—the building of that spiritual temple, perfect in all its parts, and honorable to the Builder.

Works cited
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