What is the spiritual meaning of a compass? First of all, we need to define some terms. A compass can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it is an instrument that measures directions using the Earth’s magnetic field with the help of a magnetized needle. As a verb, it refers to using one’s moral beliefs as a guide in life. Read more on the compass meaning in the bible and the freemason compass symbol. Churchgists will give you all you ask on Spiritual meaning of a compass, compass meaning in the bible, Compass – Origins and History, freemason compass symbol, and so much more. In addition to the physical literal definition of compass, there is a spiritual definition of compass which pertains to its normal use meaning.
Some may see this spiritual meaning of a compass as an oxymoron, and if you do, don’t worry. As you can read below, this is a popular question that has been answered by many people on the internet. The spiritual meaning of a compass is to help you find your way in life. The needle on the compass points north, and it can be used to find directions or a destination. It is important to know which direction you are going in, because without knowing where you’re headed, it’s hard to get there. If you want to get started on a new path in life, then using a compass is a great way to do so! You should also be prepared for any obstacles that lie ahead of you, so make sure that you have everything ready before starting on this journey. A compass is a tool that indicates direction or bearings.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on Spiritual meaning of a compass. Read on to learn more. We at Churchgists have all the information that you need about Spiritual meaning of a compass.
Spiritual Meaning Of A Compass
As a tool for navigation, compasses have been used for thousands of years. They’re practical and functional, always pointing north and allowing those who are lost to find their way or those on a journey to maintain their path. Due to this use, compasses have gained symbolic meanings as well. They’re no longer just a practical tool – they’re symbols with profound meanings. Let’s take a closer look at the origins and history of the compass, and what it symbolizes.
Compass – Origins and History
The very first compasses were believed to have originated in China, over 2000 years ago. According to historians, these were not used for navigation but for as instruments to align building elements and structures with the principles of feng shui. These early compasses were made of a magnetic needle attached to a cork and floated on water. The needle would always point North, due to the North’s magnetic pull. These early compasses were also used to monitor the stars and sun’s movements.
In the 11th Century, the Chinese started using compasses as navigational devices, for land and sea travel. Eventually the device reached Europe, where its use started to spread. Later on, the compass was altered to include four directions — North, East, South, West — and became a more reliable and accurate instrument in navigation.
freemason compass symbol
The word compass comes from the Latin words com meaning “together,” and passus meaning “pace or step”. Together, the word compass means to step together or to journey together. This is a symbolic and beautiful, making the compass a symbol of journeys and travels.
The compass represents a safe and smooth journey. The instrument is used primarily to point you in the right direction and with a compass, you can never get lost. The compass can thus symbolize that although it may take a while for you to reach your destination, you will get there no matter what. For a wanderer, a journey may be tough be it is a gratifying experience. In this way, compasses also represent guidance, safety and security.
Compasses also represent balance. With its magnet situated on a pivot point, the needle of the compass moves freely and balances itself to point to the right direction. This symbolizes that in order to find the right path, one needs balance and harmony.
Compasses represent motivation and inspiration. As a symbol, the compass signifies bringing motivation to a person feeling lost. It gives a sense of hope and inspires you to follow your heart and your rightful path. Also, compasses always point North, a direction which symbolizes progress, betterment and inspiration. This device points upwards, not south which symbolizes things going wrong.
Compass symbolize independence, as it assists you in moving out of your comfort zone and into unfamiliar territory. It also signals confidence in your ability to find your way and not to become lost.
Finally, the compass symbol can also represent never forgetting your roots and of always being able to find your way back. This is especially symbolic for young people or travelers, about to move onto the next chapter of their lives.
compass meaning in the bible
A compass can be used to find true north, which is the direction of the Earth’s magnetic north pole. The Earth’s magnetic field deflects compass needles toward the north and south poles. This means that a compass needle will point toward the north pole, even though it doesn’t point in exactly that direction.
Compasses are often used in orienteering, where they can be used to find your location on a map by measuring angles and distances between landmarks. They’re also used in surveying and navigation at sea, as well as by hikers.
In spirituality, many people believe that compasses have spiritual meaning because of their ability to show you the way forward even if you’re lost or confused about where you should go next in life. Some think this is because compasses point out what’s true for them: what feels right for them based on their own feelings and experiences rather than relying on outside sources like advice from others or other people’s opinions about what’s best for them.
Modern Day Use of the Compass Symbol
Apart from its design as a navigational instrument, the compass is often portrayed as a symbol, known as the compass rose. This image is typically used on maps and charts to display the orientation of the cardinal directions, i.e. north, south, east and west. This symbol is often stylized and used in jewelry and fashion.
The compass symbol is often worn in the following ways:
- Compass pendant – this is probably the most common way to keep the symbol close. It has a certain class and charm. The symbol can be stylized to suit maximalist, glamorous designs or petite, minimalist styles.
- Compass ring – there are many ways compass symbols can be designed onto rings, including quirky designs featuring working compasses.
- Compass charms – if you’re not into jewelry but would still like to have the compass symbol around, compass charms are an excellent option. These can be fixed onto keyrings or hung in your car, for example, as a reminder of adventures, journeys and inspiration.
- Compass tattoo – Those who have a deeper connection with the compass’s symbol often opt to have it permanently inked on their body. The compass is one of those special symbols that will always be relatable and useful in any person’s life. As such, it’s not a symbol that most people regret inking onto their bodies.
The compass symbol is also an excellent choice for gifts. It makes for symbolic gifts, especially for the following occasions:
- Valentines, Engagements and Weddings – When given to a significant other, a compass symbolizes finding your path together as a couple. It also signifies that the receiver is the compass in your life, helping you to move forward on the right path, ever pointing North.
- A Goodbye Gift – A compass is a wish of good luck and blessings for a traveler, as it signifies hopes for adventure in far off places, without getting lost or forgetting one’s roots. It also signifies that there’s always a way back.
- Adversity – If a friend or loved one is going through difficult times, a compass is an excellent gift indicating that they will overcome their adversity and will find their path.
Wrapping Up
As a functional and practical tool, the compass has been used for millennia. Even today, with all the modern navigational tools available, the compass remains a highly useful and relevant tool. In fact, many travelers, mountaineers, hikers and campers, still use the compass to find direction. As a symbol, the compass is deeply meaningful, symbolizing many concepts such as inspiration, guidance, protection, safety and adventure.
The meaning and symbolism of compass jewellery
The compass has been a classic symbol for travellers for as long as navigation of the planet has been around.
The symbol is ideal for travellers, adventurers and free spirits.
Compass symbols can be used to decorate your home and your body with jewellery and even tattoos.
In this post, you are going to learn about the history of the compass, its symbolism, various meanings and why a compass makes an incredible gift for any traveller in your life.
History of the Compass
Magnetic Compasses is the most familiar type of compass. It was first used in China in the 11th or 12th century as a navigation device mainly for sea navigation by sailors and explorers.
By the end of the 13th century, their use for navigation had spread to Western Europe and the Middle East.
In their earliest use, they were likely used as a backup for when the sun, stars or other landmarks could not be seen due to weather. As compasses became more reliable and explorers understood how to read them they became a critical navigation tool.
The design and construction of magnetic compasses has changed significantly over the centuries but the concept of how they work has remained the same. Magnetic compasses consist of a magnetised needle that is allowed to rotate so that it lines up with the Earth’s magnetic field. The ends point to the magnetic north and south.
Early compasses were made of a magnetised needle attached to a piece of wood or cork that floated freely in a dish of water. As the needle settled the marked end would point north.
As engineers and scientists discovered more about the earth’s magnetism the compass needle was mounted and placed in the middle of a card that showed north, south, east and west.
Why Travel with a Compass Pendant
The ability for a compass to forever point north is what makes it so symbolic, especially for travellers. You know if you have a compass you can never really get lost.
This gives the compass significant meanings and symbolism which include the following:
1. Guidance
The compass provides a sense of comfort and safety as you know you can always rely on it to point you in the right direction no matter where you are. Whether it is in the ocean, hiking through mountains or exploring unfamiliar roads. It is like the North Star, celebrated as a symbol of guidance.
2. Orientation
Having a compass means you will always know which way you are facing. This means that you can always orient yourself and get your bearings no matter how unfamiliar the location is that you are in.
3. Travel
The word ‘compass’ comes from the Latin word com which means together and passus which means step. This combines to mean to step together or travel together. By its very definition compass means to travel. This means it is an amazing symbol for travellers and those who travel together or meet each other on their journey.
4. Independence
A compass is a device that shows you which direction you need to go and can take you there without anyone else. This signifies independence and willingness to push yourself out of your comfort zone and go at it alone. Know that no matter what happens you will always find your way.
5. Safety and protection
Since ancient times when the compass was first created, it has been viewed as a symbol of safety and protection. It can always guide you home safely and protect you from getting lost.
6. Luck
The compass is seen as a device that will bring luck to someone who is lost by guiding them in the right direction. It motivates you by showing you the path ahead. The direction of north symbolises progression and advancement which is the direction that the compass shows.
Compass Pendants
It is easy to see why the compass has become well-loved for lovers of travel and jewellery. Plus it looks amazing as a pendant on either a necklace or a bracelet. The options are endless when it comes to different unique designs and metals used.
New Enamel Outline Compass Silver Necklace
The newest addition to the compass collection pendant is the sterling silver blue enamel outline compass. The pendant comes in either a small or large size. You can decide between a sterling silver ball chain or curb chain in a variety of lengths to suit you or the lucky traveller best.
The compass design is unique and tactile with hollow spaces between the points symbolising direction. The border shows north, south, east and west. The back is a bold, bright aqua enamel, making this a reversible piece and an original alternative to a Saint Christopher pendant which has always been a trusted travel keep-safe steeped in history.
The smaller size is perfect for women or as a subtle men’s pendant. The larger size is ideal for men or as a bold travel necklace for women. These pendants are made from hallmarked solid sterling silver.
Wear it, treasure it, love it, take it on your worldwide adventures to bring you luck and safe travels. This is an ideal travel gift for men and women alike.
When to gift a compass pendant
Here are some ideas for when to gift a loved one an Off The Map Compass pendant
- Gift a compass pendant to a loved one or a friend about to travel or move overseas to symbolise safety, protection and good luck on their journey
- A gift for graduation to signify finding one’s path in life and moving in the right direction and finding their independence.
- Valentine’s day gift to symbolise that you will always be there for that person and that you would be lost without them.
- As an anniversary or wedding gift to a partner to suggest that they are the compass of your life.
As we can see, the compass is a truly beautiful and historic symbol which holds so much meaning and significance for many different reasons.
The gift of a compass pendant to a loved one or yourself is special and to be treasured for a lifetime.