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The physical qualifications are necessary because
the person must be free to make his own life decisions and be responsible for
himself. The moral qualifications are self-evident for the viability of any
brotherhood and the lofty ideals of our society. The two spiritual
qualifications not only inform the entire structure of Freemasonry but also
align the Fraternity with the great Mystery Schools and religions of the world.
It is the transition from belief to knowledge that seals the mark of true
spiritual initiation.
The Secret
Ballot
After a man has applied for Masonic membership,
and his background has been thoroughly investigated, the lodge members vote by
secret ballot to accept or to reject him for membership.
Masonry's secret ballot is another of its ancient
customs. It has been rather aptly said that when a petitioner is voted upon for
Masonic membership he undergoes the 'Ordeal of the Secret Ballot'. To be
elected, he must receive an affirmative vote from each and every member present
at that meeting. Just one member out of all present - there could be twenty, or
fifty, or a hundred members in attendance - can drop the black cube and deny him
membership. When you consider the moral yardstick by which Masons measure
membership applicants and that only one negative vote can reject a petitioner,
it would seem reasonable to assume that a large proportion of petitioners would
be rejected for membership. But that is not the case. Many, many more are
elected than are rejected. That fact is testimony to the generally good judgment
of those who recommend applicants, and it also indicates that the fraternity, by
and large, attracts good men.
Much has been said and written, pro and con,
about the secret ballot. Some argue, not without logic, that it is not fair for
just one member out of all those who may be present at a meeting to be able to
deny a petitioner membership. Others argue, also logically, that if even one
member knows something negative about a petitioner, then that one member should
have the right and the opportunity to prevent the entrance into Freemasonry of
one he feels would bring discredit to it.
It goes without saying that the secret ballot is
occasionally abused by a member who rejects a petitioner for mere petty reasons
having nothing to do with moral fitness, but such instances are rare and in
almost every election the good man is elected to membership.
It is also undeniable that despite the
requirements as to recommendation, as to background investigation, and as to
unanimous secret ballot, an occasional undesirable person attains Masonic
membership. Again, though, these instances are relatively rare. It should be
remembered that if a member ever acts contrary to the rules and regulations of
Freemasonry, he can be suspended or expelled from membership.
Preparation For
Initiation
Ideally, the candidate should find his way to the
door of Freemasonry on his own. If a man senses the stirrings in his heart for a
deeper understanding of life than that he has heretofore found, he will seek
until he finds the Fraternity. This turning of the heart is really the beginning
of his initiation. Therefore, each candidate who comes seeking light is said to
be first prepared in his heart.
While Freemasonry is not a religion, its
ceremonies are of a serious nature, dignified in their presentation and impart
teachings that, if properly understood, obligate a man to lead a better life. To
get the greatest good from the ceremonies, a candidate should first prepare his
mind to understand and absorb these teachings. The candidate should pay strict
attention to every part of the ceremony, in order that he may gain some
understanding of the teachings of Freemasonry. The methods we use in teaching
may be new and unusual to the candidate, but these methods have been used for
many centuries and have not changed significantly since they originated.
Finally, he should remember that every Mason in the Lodge room is his friend and
brother.
Duly and Truly
Prepared
Being duly and truly prepared refers to the
wearing of special garments furnished by the Lodge to emphasize our concern with
man's internal qualifications, rather than his worldly wealth and honors. By
wearing these garments, the candidate signifies the sincerity of his intentions.
The symbolism of the Rite of Destitution reverts to those ancient times when men
believed that the soul descended through the planetary spheres and vested itself
with the qualities attributed to each sphere before birth. Each planetary
quality corresponds to a specific metal. In ancient initiations, candidates were
compelled to leave all metals behind, lest they bring into the assembly
disturbing planetary influences. While this symbolism may no longer have an
astrological character, the old point about excluding disturbing influences
remains. The candidate is not to bring into the Lodge room his passions or
prejudices, lest that harmony, which is one of the chief concerns of Masonry, be
destroyed.
Being duly and truly prepared also refers to the
state of a man's heart and soul as he seeks admission into our Order. "Seek and
ye shall find. Ask and it shall be given unto you. Knock and it shall be opened
unto you."
There are other factors involved in the
preparation of the candidate that we will address in the next degree.
The Hoodwink
The symbolism of the hoodwink is twofold: first,
it emphasizes the veil of secrecy and silence surrounding the mysteries of
Freemasonry; secondly, it represents the mystical darkness, or ignorance, of the
uninitiated. It is removed at the appropriate time; that is, when the candidate
is in the proper attitude to receive Light.
The
Cable-Tow
The Cable-Tow is a rope such as would be used to
tow or restrain. It is also generally regarded as a symbol of the voluntary and
complete acceptance of, and pledged compliance with, whatever Masonry may have
in store. To many, the Cable-Tow is symbolic of the umbilical cord, which is
necessary to begin life; but is severed when love and care replace it, and the
individual grows on his own. The length of the Cable-Tow is frequently referred
to in the language of Freemasonry, but many of the new Brethren do not
understand its meaning. Formerly, a Cable-Tow was deemed to be the distance one
could travel in an hour, which was assumed to be about three miles. In
California this is any reasonable distance from which a summons may be answered,
health and business permitting. Each Mason is bound to all other Masons by a tie
as long and as strong as he himself determines his ability will permit. One may
also consider the idea of the silver cord (Ecclesiastes 12:6) and the
Cable-Tow.
Entering the Lodge
As an Entered Apprentice takes his first step
into the Lodge room, he enters into a New World: the world of Masonry. He leaves
the darkness, destitution and helplessness of the world for the light and warmth
of this new existence. It is not an idle formality, but a genuine experience,
the beginning of a new career in which duties, rights and privileges are real.
If a candidate is not to be an Apprentice in name only, he must stand ready to
do the work upon his own nature that will make him a different man. Members are
called craftsmen because they are workmen. Lodges are quarries because they are
scenes of toil. Freemasonry offers no privileges or rewards except to those who
earn them; it places working tools, not playthings, in the hands of its members.
To become a Mason is a solemn and serious undertaking. Once the step is taken,
it may well change the course of a man's life.
The Method of
Reception
The reception of the candidate into the Lodge
room is intended to symbolize the fact that our rituals are serious and
confidential and that there are consequences for violating this confidence. It
also reminds a man that his every act has a consequence, either in the form of a
reward or a penalty. The method of reception also points out the value of a
certain virtue needed to gain admission into the mysteries of Masonry.
Prayer in Lodge
No Lodge can be opened or be closed without
prayer, which is offered by the Master or Chaplain. The prayer is universal in
nature, and not peculiar to any one religion or faith. But the act of invoking
the blessings of Deity is a central Masonic practice. At the end of prayer, each
member responds with the words "So Mote it Be"; which means in Modern English,
"So may it ever be."
The Practice of
Circumambulation
Circumambulation means to walk around some
central point or object. In Masonry, the act is performed in a clockwise manner,
patterned after the movement of the sun as it is seen from the earth, moving
from East to West, by way of the South. The candidate's journey around the Altar
also enables the brethren to observe that he is properly prepared.
Circumambulation is an ancient practice found all over the world. Much the same
idea as the labyrinth, it portrays the path of initiation as that of a journey.
In another sense, it symbolically aligns one to a proper relationship with the
order of the universe. There are references to circuitous routes in
Psalms
26:6 and Job 22:14. And one may remember the action at Jericho.
Kneeling at the
Altar
The central piece of furniture in the Lodge is
the Altar. The Altar is symbolic of many things. As a temple symbolizes the
presence of Deity, the altar symbolizes the point of contact. Its location in
the center of the Lodge also symbolizes the place which God has in Masonry, and
which he should have in every Mason's life. It is also a symbol of worship and
faith. The candidate approaches the Altar in search of light and assumes his
obligations there. In the presence of God and his Brethren, he offers himself to
the service of the Supreme Architect of the Universe and to mankind in general.
The Altar is the point on which life in our Masonic Lodges is focused and it
should be accorded the highest respect.
The wisdom of the Master is said to flow from his
station in the East to the Altar. Thus, one should never cross between the
Master's Station and the Altar when a Lodge is in session.
The Obligation
The Obligation is the heart of the Degree; for
when it is assumed by the candidate, he has solemnly bound himself to
Freemasonry and assumed certain duties which are his for the rest of his life.
The taking of the Obligation is visible and audible evidence of the candidate's
sincerity of purpose. The Obligation has a two-fold purpose. In addition to
binding the candidate to Freemasonry and its duties, it also protects the
Fraternity against someone revealing the modes of recognition and symbolic
instruction. The candidate should understand that the great truths which Masonry
teaches are not secret, but the manner in which Freemasonry teaches these truths
is considered secret.
Like much in the Fraternity, the roots of this
practice are ancient. Making vows was a common practice in the Mysteries and was
even a form of personal religion to the general populace. In many ways the vow
defined their relationship with the deities of their homeland. Many vows were
expressed in terms such as promises to a deity in return for safe voyages,
successful crops, healing and so on. Although the nature of making vows and
obligations has changed in modern times, it remains a very powerful method for
setting direction in one's life and the building of character. The Latin
obligato literally signifies a tying or binding. The relationship between
the Cable Tow and the Obligation, along with the changing nature of this
relationship as the candidate progresses, should not go unnoticed.
The Three Great
Lights of Masonry
The Three Great Lights of Masonry are the Holy
Bible, Square and Compass. The Volume of the Sacred Law (no matter what
religion) is an indispensable part of a Lodge. The Grand Lodges of the United
States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a
candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the
Bible during his degree ceremonies. In Lodges in other countries, other sacred
texts are placed on the Altar in place of the Holy Bible, but no Lodge in
California may stand officially open, unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its
Altar with the Square and Compass displayed thereon. The open Bible signifies
that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the
rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man's acknowledgment of his
relation to Deity. The Square is a symbol of morality, truthfulness and honesty.
To 'act on the square' is to act honestly. The Compass signifies the propitious
use of action and is a symbol of restraint, skill and knowledge. We might also
properly regard the Compass as excluding beyond its circle that which is harmful
or unworthy. The Square and Compass are recognized by the general public as the
symbol of Freemasonry.
The symbolism of the square and compass is seen
in many ancient carvings and artwork. A stonecutter's square has been seen to
represent the earth, while the compass has related to the arc of heaven. Thus
their union has represented the union of heaven and earth. The Volume of Sacred
Law can also represent God's communication to man through scripture and inspired
writings. The triple symbol can also be seen as representing God's expression
through the creation of heaven and earth.
The Three Great Lights are also consistent with
the three tier system of Blue Lodge Masonry. One way of interpreting the triple
symbolism is seeing human nature as divided into three parts - body, mind, and
soul with a Degree for each part. In the same way, the Three Great Lights are
the guiding principals of the three natures: the Square to the body, the Compass
to the mind, and the Volume of Sacred Law for the soul.
Presentation of
the Lambskin Apron
The Apron is at once an emblem of innocence and
the badge of a Mason. By innocence is meant clean thinking and clean living, a
loyal obedience to the laws of the Craft and sincere good will one's Brethren.
The Badge of a Mason signifies, among other things, that Masons are workers and
builders. Other aspects of this most visible vesture of our Fraternity should be
mentioned. The apron as a mark of distinction has been found in many similar
organizations of initiatory nature including the Essenes and the Mythraic
Mysteries, and has been conspicuous on statues of some Egyptian and Greek
deities. The lamb has always been a symbol of innocence and sacrifice. There are
two senses in which innocence is being used here. Innocence in one sense is free
from moral defect. The other sense used is that of being new born.
Another consideration of the white lambskin apron
is that the Sign of the Ram begins at the Spring Equinox - the time of year that
life is renewed. The Masonic Apron is made up of two parts: a square and a
triangle, representing four and three respectively. The symbolism of these
numbers, as well as their sum, should be studied in connection with the form of
the apron in the different degrees. Finally, it should be mentioned that the
word candidate comes from the Latin candidatus
which means, "clothed in white."
Working Tools of
an Entered Apprentice
The Working Tools presented to the candidate were
those used by the ancient operative craftsman in the erection of the building on
which he was working. To the Speculative Mason, these represent the moral habits
and forces by which man shapes and reshapes the essence of his human nature. By
these symbolic tools, he also fits his own behavior to society and community.
While they do not contain the whole philosophy of Masonry, the various Working
Tools allocated to the three degrees, by their very presence, declare that there
is constructive work to be done; and by their nature, indicate the direction
this work is to take.
The Working Tools of this degree are specified as
the twenty-four inch gauge and the common gavel. The symbolic description of
these tools is provided in the ritual and the Monitor, so there is no
need to repeat that here. It is interesting that one tool (gauge) is used
passively and the other (gavel) is used actively. One is a tool of measurement
and calculation, while the other is one of force. One tool decides what to keep,
while the other gets rid of the rest.
The three parts may also be seen to represent the
tripartite nature of the soul defined by Plato: the desirous, emotional, and
mental. When properly cultivated, they embody the virtues temperance, fortitude,
and prudence. These three virtues combined in proper order promote the supreme
virtue of the whole self: equilibrium or justice.
The Northeast Corner
The Northeast Corner is traditionally the place
where the cornerstone (the first stone) of a building is laid. The Apprentice is
thus placed, because from here he will erect his own temple by the principles of
Freemasonry. Other considerations on the northeast corner are the following. The
north in Masonry is attributed to darkness and the east to light. Therefore, the
northeast is a place midway between darkness and light. Being midway, it is also
symbolic of equilibrium. Furthermore, this spot representing equal light and
darkness corresponds with the point of the Spring Equinox when the nighttime is
equal to the daytime. There is some evidence that the lambskin apron was
presented to the candidate at one time in the northeast corner of the lodge.
It needs to be mentioned that there is a seeming
contradiction of this symbolism with physical reality. If we imagine the lodge's
boundaries to be the eastern and western horizons, with the north and south
walls being the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn (where the sun reaches it
northern and southern limits), then the day that the sun rises in the northeast
corner of the "lodge" is the Summer Solstice near St. John the Baptist's Day.
Sometimes symbolism overlaps, but in many cases it is a hint at a deeper
meaning.
The Lecture of
This Degree
The Lectures given to the candidate by the
Worshipful Master are intended to elaborate certain phases of the ritual, giving
a broader explanation of the ceremonies in order for the candidate to understand
the lessons of Freemasonry. The four cardinal virtues of Temperance, Fortitude,
Prudence and Justice are explained here as well as the three tenets of Brotherly
Love, Relief and Truth.
The lodge is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist
and Saint John the Evangelist. Freemasonry long ago chose as its patron saints
John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. By doing this, the Brethren arrived at
the conclusion that their patron saints belonged to a Lodge and that it must
have been in the city in which they lived - Jerusalem. By this tradition, all
Lodges symbolically come from one at Jerusalem. By tradition, also, every Mason
hails from such a Lodge. By claiming to come from this mythical Lodge, he proves
that he hails from a "just and legally constituted Lodge." The form of a Lodge
is an oblong square, or a rectangle. It extends from East to West (horizon to
horizon) and between North and South. The covering of the Lodge is the canopy of
heaven. It is not a coincidence that the two major patrons of the Masonic Lodge
have their birthdays near the Summer and Winter Solstices where the sun reaches
its most northern and southern limits. The East in a Masonic Lodge does not
necessarily mean the actual point of the compass. The East in the Lodge is the
station of the Worshipful Master whence he dispenses light and instruction to
all his brethren. Some Lodges may actually have the Master sitting in another
compass location, but the important point is that the Master is always
symbolically located in the East and the other symbolic points of the West,
South and North are located in proper relation to the station of the Master.
Further instruction is given in the long form of the lecture regarding the
Supports of the Lodge: the three pillars of Wisdom, Strength and Beauty, which
also relate to the three immovable Jewels of the Lodge: the Square, Plumb and
Level, which still further relate to the three principal Officers and three
Lesser Lights of the Lodge.
The three movable Jewels of the Lodge consist of
the Rough and Perfect Ashlar and the Trestleboard. The Rough and Perfect Ashlars
are precise symbols of the process of initiation. In a Hermetic sense, the Rough
Ashlar is the prima materia, while the Perfect Ashlar is the
Philosopher's Stone. The Ornaments of the Lodge consist of the Mosaic Pavement,
the Indented Tessel, and the Blazing Star. We walk in a world of opposites: good
and evil, night and day, hot and cold, love and hate. The Mosaic Pavement
symbolizes this fact. Again, all of these symbols should be studied further to
find out what they conceal and what they reveal.
The Charge
At the end of the ceremony and instruction in
each degree, the candidate is charged to perform his Masonic duties. The Charge
given him explains these duties especially in their relation to the particular
Degree. These Charges should not be ignored as mere conventionalities.
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