Vintage Eastern Star Masonic pin 1940s 10K gold

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Vintage Eastern Star Masonic pin 1940s 10K gold:
$27.00

This delicate 1940s-era pin consists of two parts joined by a fine chain. The main part is the emblem of the Order of the Eastern Star surrounded by a wreath and superimposed on a gavel. The smaller part is the Masonic square and compasses. Each part has its own pin. The compass and square section is stamped 10K on the back. Weighs about 1.5 grams.The Eastern Star emblem has a book and pillar in the center to represent sacred law. Surrounding this are the initials “F.A.T.A.L.” for “Fairest Among Thousands, Altogether Lovely,” a quote from the Bible. Each arm of the star has a different color enamel and a gold symbol to represent a woman of the Bible who embodied a specific virtue: A sword and veil for Adah, duty; A sheaf of grain for Ruth, religion; A crown and scepter for Esther, loyalty; A broken column for Martha, endurance in trial; A golden cup for Electa, endurance of persecution.If you are interested in this piece, you may also want to view the other vintage Eastern Star and Masonic jewelry I have listed.CONDITION: This pin comes from the estate of a Worthy Matron of the order in Ohio. It has been worn, so please see photos for exact condition. Both pins work, and the chain is in good condition. Some of the enamel on the star points is worn.

SYMBOLISM: The emblem of the female Masonic organization, the Order of the Eastern Star. The symbol is a complex one, and is said to represent the Star of Bethlehem, symbolizing the descent of spirit into matter- the divine in man, or even the presence of God on earth.Its appellation also implies a relationship with the planet Venus, also called the “Eastern star.” Each point on the star has an emblem of a different biblical heroine (Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa) and the qualities they represent- fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith, and love. The initials “F.A.T.A.L.” found on some are said to stand for the phrase, “Fairest Among Thousands, Altogether Lovely,” a reference from the Song of Songs, although also an apt description, perhaps, of some of the biblical heroines above. OES founder Rob Morris alluded several times to a cabbalistic meaning of the motto, but never fully elaborated it- at least not in any surviving works.
The book and pillar in the center of the star represent the Masonic Lodge’s “volume of sacred law” which is placed in the east. The five implements typically pictured represent the five biblical women and their respective representation of Masonic virtues:
The sword and veil represent Adah, and the virtue of “obedience to duty”
A sheaf of barley represents Ruth, whose virtue is adherence to religious principles.
The crown and scepter represents Esther, who embodies the virtue of loyalty.
The broken column represents Martha, and the virtue of “endurance in trial.”
The “golden cup” represents Electa, and the virtue “endurance of persecution.”