Gates of the Funeral Exit
As so far explained, this double-headed, feathered serpent and solar disc has been used as the symbol of light, but it was also the symbol of life, and for this purpose it is used on the gates of the funeral exit at the West of the Temple. Masons enter a Masonic Lodge from the West, and also leave the Lodge from the West. It was deemed fitting that a funeral procession escorting a departed Mason's body, leaving his Lodge for the last time, should leave the Temple from the West gate. Normally, the gates are closed and the symbol of Life is intact, but to open the gates for a Mason's funeral cortege, the symbol is separated and signifies a break in the life span of a Master Mason.