hieroglyphically represented by the Blazing Star in the center.
The use of the word Ornament in our ritual can be misleading. We use it today to describe something decorative. To ornament something nowadays is to decorate it. We often use it as a synonym for Christmas decorations, as in Christmas tree ornaments. However, the word ornament comes from the Latin verb, onare, which means to equip. It is the latter usage that the word ornament appears in our ritual. Understanding the meaning of these three symbols will equip the Mason for the Masonic journey in which he is engaged. To be equipped is to be prepared for something. The Apostle Paul explained this idea in a famous passage from his Letter to the Ephesians: Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:1317, NSRV The image here, of course, is that of a soldier who is putting on the armor of a Roman legionary, and in a similar sense, our Masonic ritual speaks of equipping the new Entered Apprentice with that which he will need as a protection on his journey through life. He is equipped to be a Soldier of Light, 17