# Three dots (Freemasonry)

Three dots (∴) also known as "tripunctual abbreviation" or "triple dot" is a symbol used all over the world in Freemasonry for abbreviations, signatures, and symbolic representation. The dots are typically arranged in a triangular pattern and carry multiple layers of meaning within Masonic tradition. The (∴) is used only for Masonic abbreviations, any non-masonic abbreviations must be written with a simple dot, as an example a date on a Masonic document could be written 6024 A∴L∴/2024 A.D.

## History

The symbol has been used in Freemasonry since its earliest speculative days, at least as early as 1764, where it is found in the registers of La Sincerité Lodge in Besançon, France which strongly indicates an earlier use. While some attribute its widespread adoption to a circular issued by the Grand Orient de France on August 12, 1774, evidence shows earlier usage.
The symbol predates Freemasonry, appearing in various contexts:
* Mathematical notation (as the "therefore" symbol)
* Christian religious texts (representing the Trinity)

## Usage
### Abbreviations

The triple dot is used in Masonic writing to denote abbreviations of Masonic terms and titles:
* B∴ or Bro∴ - Brother
* L∴ - Lodge
* "R∴W∴ John Smith" stands for "Right Worshipful John Smith" (an honorific indicating that Brother Smith is a Grand Lodge officer).
* F∴&A∴M∴ - Free & Accepted Masons.
* W∴M∴ - Worshipful Master
* A∴L∴ - Anno Lucis
For plural forms, the initial letter is doubled:
* BB∴ - Brothers
* LL∴ - Lodges

#### Proper usage and protocol

The three dots symbol (∴) is an integral part of Masonic written tradition, used exclusively within Masonic context. All Master Masons are entitled to use these dots when writing Masonic terms, titles, or positions. The usage is strictly reserved for Masonic terminology and should not be applied to non-Masonic (profane) words or phrases.
A widespread misconception holds that the three dots are exclusively reserved for Grand Lodge usage. This error likely originated from historical circumstances, particularly following the Morgan Affair (1826). During this period, many individual Lodges abandoned or lost various traditional practices, while Grand Lodges maintained strict adherence to Masonic protocols and writing conventions. As Grand Lodges often became the primary preservers of these writing traditions while individual Lodges departed from them, particularly in the United States, this may have contributed to the misconception of exclusive Grand Lodge usage, but the three dots can be used for all Masonic communication, individual Lodges, messages, communications and attached to a signature by any Master Masons.

#### Format and common errors

The proper representation of the three dots is crucial for preserving Masonic written tradition. Several improper variations have emerged over time that should be avoided:
* W∴M∴ (correct punctuation)
* W:.M:. (incorrect punctuation)
* W:M: (missing dot)
* WM: (degraded form)
* WM. (completely degraded form)
The correct format is W∴M∴, using the proper symbol (∴) rather than substituting periods or colons. This standardization plays a vital role in preserving Masonic tradition and ensures clear communication within the fraternity. Using the proper symbol helps prevent degradation of the traditional format and maintains the integrity of Masonic written communication. The careful adherence to these writing conventions represents one of many traditional practices that distinguish Masonic correspondence from ordinary writing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these standards in all Masonic communications.

### Signature mark

Freemasons may incorporate the triple dot symbol into their signatures as a mark of identification. This practice became widespread in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and is reserved for Master Masons, it is used as a proof that the person has become an accomplished Master Mason.

## Symbolism

The triple dot symbol carries multiple interpretations within Masonic tradition:

### Symbol of mastery

* Left dot: Entered Apprentice (Unbalance/left pillar)
* Right dot: Fellow Craft (Unbalance/right pillar)
* Top dot: Master Mason (Above the two and centered)

### Philosophical interpretation

* Left dot: Thesis/Affirmation
* Right dot: Antithesis/Negation
* Top dot: Synthesis/Solution

### Other interpretations

The symbol is associated with various triadic concepts in Masonic philosophy:
* Past, Present, and Future
* Body, Soul, and Spirit
* The three lights of the Lodge
* The Trinity
* Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty