During the degree, what sign or guard is used to identify the master mason?

• A. The due guard and penal sign of a master mason
• B. The pass grip
• C. The sign of the square
• D. The sign of the compass

Answer: (A)

The important idea is that a Master Mason identifies himself during the degree with a specific combination of a guard and a sign that are unique to this degree. The due guard is the proper hand position used as the protective gesture, and the penal sign is the gesture that conveys knowledge of the penalty attached to the obligation. When shown together, they serve as unmistakable proof that the individual is a Master Mason and can be recognized within the rite. The other options don’t serve this degree-specific purpose: the pass grip is a general recognition gesture, the sign of the square is a broad symbol of Masonry rather than a duty-specific identifier, and the sign of the compass is associated with other rites and not the Master Mason’s identifying sign.