How does a candidate prepare for initiation into Freemasonry?

Preparation for initiation begins internally, with a candidate's mind, heart, and intention. Claudy emphasizes that a candidate must first be prepared in his heart, acting entirely of his own free will and accord 2. Wilmshurst similarly describes the true candidate as one who is inwardly prepared, willing to set aside past preconceptions and thought-habits, and seeking purity, self-knowledge, and control over his passional nature 1.

Within the lodge, the candidate's personal preparation is entirely symbolic and carries specific esoteric meaning for each degree 3. Mackey notes that these ceremonial usages bear a striking resemblance to ancient Jewish Temple customs recorded in the Talmud, which required worshippers to divest themselves of staff, shoes, outer garments, and money before entering 3. Because this preparation is conventional and essential to the instruction that follows, its details cannot be altered or abridged 3.

The duty of conducting this preparation is entrusted to an experienced member of the lodge 3. In English lodges, this officer carries no distinctive title, but French lodges refer to him as the Frère terrible, while German lodges use the title Vorbereitender Bruder or Fürchterlicher Bruder 3. In some jurisdictions, the duty falls to the Master of Ceremonies 3. Mackey highlights the delicacy of this role, noting that the officer must possess a thorough knowledge of the reception ritual and treat the candidate with the highest standard of gentlemanly propriety 3.