Horns

Horns of the Altar

In the Jewish Temple, the altars of burnt-offering and of incense had each at the four corners four horns of shittim wood. Among the Jews, as well as all other ancient peoples, the altar was considered peculiarly holy and privileged; and hence, when a criminal, fleeing, took hold of these horns, he found an asylum and safety. As a Masonic altar is a representation of the altar of the Solomonic member, it should be constructed with these horns; and Cross has very properly represented it in his Hieroglyphic Chart.

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~~ooOoo~~
_{This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.}