Tracing board second degree
The Second Degree Tracing Board is a significant representation in Freemasonry, focusing on the work to be done by the individual in the course of Masonic Labour. It is an illustration of an interior, contrasting with the exterior representation of the First Degree. The drawing suggests that the Mason embarks on an interior journey, entering a building that symbolizes 'The Temple' of oneself, as indicated by the teaching, '....ye are the Temple....'. The presence of the 'sun' inside the building symbolizes the Blazing Star or Glory, rather than the physical sun, indicating a deeper spiritual illumination.
Moreover, the Board features two columns representing opposites, with a staircase between them, symbolizing the ascent in consciousness through the worlds of the soul and spirit. This staircase is often depicted with fifteen steps, which some interpretations suggest represent seven stages of an interior journey, aligning with the Renaissance view of mystical ascent. The Masonic Lectures associate various teachings with these steps, including the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences, which guide the Mason in their personal development and understanding of the divine.
In essence, the Second Degree Tracing Board encapsulates the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth that is central to the Masonic experience.