What is the Masonic Symbolism of a Dead crow / grackle?

Question

Years back me and a friend went to visit a very large masonic temple. In downtown San Antonio. A large opera hall type auditorium. It was completely empty. We only saw one other person there and it was a janitor sweeping the first floor. We were walking around the top levels of the seating balcony when we saw an open hatch in the roof. Being curious as to what could possibly be up there, we climbed into the roof and started walking on these pathways of boards and bridges to little rooms and ladders that eventually led to the roof of the temple. About 10 stories up. We then made our way back to the hatch. It took about an hour because we couldn't see after havign been outside in the sun on the roof and it was about 200-300 yards of winding around. We got out of the hatch and right at the bottom of the hatch was a dead black crow.... It was actually a grackle. Very black. It had very obviously been placed there while we were in the attic. We were pretty sure it had been placed there as some type of warning to us. I dont know too much about symbolism, much less masonic symbolism. I am hoping someone can tell me what it means.

Answer 1

There isn't any significance to it at all. Animals get into buildings and die there all the time. It was only a coincidence that you happened to notice it then. If someone wanted to give you some kind of message, they would have just told you the message to your face. Freemasonry does use symbolism, but that's only within the ritual and the meaning of the symbols is explained within the ritual. We don't use cryptic symbolism and code to communicate with the general public. Nobody was sending you a message. I'm sure nobody even noticed that you were there at all.



You shouldn't trespass. Most Masonic buildings are open to the general public for tours if you call in advance. From your description it sounds like you were in the Scottish Rite Cathedral of San Antonio. They have a museum and give tours. The next time you're curious, please show the proper respect and ask for a tour instead of just letting yourself in.

Answer 2

There is no Masonic symbolism. Obviously this is just a bird that got into the building and could not get out again.

To assume something was placed there while you were there is to assume that someone was there (who would have evicted you) when you said yourself that there was no one in the building but the janitor who did not see you.

Your biggest risk was that he might have left and locked you in for the weekend.

It would have served you right for trespassing.

Answer 3

My ex boyfriend was a mason & his dad was the Worshipful Master of the lodge, and even though they're secretive about it they still told me lots, & i NEVER once heard anything about a dead crow lol.

Answer 4

Here is a link about masonic symbols I don't believe there is anything about a dead crow.:http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7jtjGg9QqEQAuk1XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE1cWNoNHM1BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDOARjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkA1NNRTA0MV8xNjM-/SIG=12ijalkae/EXP=1343195875/**http%3a//www.masonic-lodge-of-education.com/masonic-symbols.html

Answer 5

It's just a dead bird. Period.