Is the trailing noose of the cable tow to be hung on the front or back? The trailing noose of the cable tow is typically described as hanging down the back of the candidate, resembling a reversed necktie. This is emphasized in the context of the ritual, where it is important for the Deacon to maintain a firm grip on the cable tow to prevent the candidate from attempting to retreat, which could be fatal by strangulation. The ritual highlights the significance of the cable tow as a means of guidance and security during the initiation process.
As noted in the paper by VW Bro. Trevor W. McKeown, "...the candidates had the ends of their cable tow hanging loose, with the rope swinging down their back like a reversed necktie." This indicates that the noose is not intended to be at the front but rather secured at the back during the ceremony.