The Entrustment of the Second Degree, also known as the Fellow Craft Degree, emphasizes the importance of mental development and the control of the lower mind. It is a stage where the candidate is expected to engage in self-improvement and the pursuit of knowledge. The candidate is guided to understand that the conquest of the passions and emotions, which was the focus of the Entered Apprentice Degree, is now replaced by the conquest and control of the lower mind.
As stated in the text, “So the first necessity for our candidate of the Second Degree is to control his mind, if he has anything worth calling a mind to control; and if he has not, to develop it. And this is the whole trend of the Degree and of its ceremonies; to that end he must study; to that end he must strive to open various centres in his higher bodies.” This degree encourages the candidate to make daily advances in Masonic knowledge and to develop a clear and effective thought process.
Moreover, the Second Degree is characterized by the awakening of a chakra within the astral body that enhances the ability to empathize with others, thus fostering a sense of companionship and service, which are essential qualities in Freemasonry.