Circumambulation is walking around a central point. In Masonic initiations it is always clockwise from East to West by way of South. Like so many symbols, the ritualistic explanation does not explain, except with the most elementary reasons. During this part of a degree, members of a lodge observe that a candidate is properly prepared, but circumambulation is far older than initiations. To primitive man, the sun was God. The sun traveled from East to West by way of the South. Hence, early man circled his stone altar on which was his imitation of the sun-fire-from East to West by way of the South, in humble imitation of the god in the sky.
Circumambulation is one of many concealed symbols of a Great Architect.
In those rituals in which in a certain part of the Master's degree the circumambulation is in the reverse direction, Freemasonry imitates the ancient ceremony signifying death.
Recommended reading (pdf e-books):
Howard Phillips Lovecraft - Through The Gates Of The Silver KeyJim Reeds - John Dee And The Magic Tables In The Book Of Soyga
