What should I expect before my 2nd degree?
Before your Second Degree in Freemasonry, also known as the Fellow Craft Degree, you can expect a ceremony that emphasizes the development of your intellectual, artistic, and psychic faculties. This degree is often referred to as 'passing' and involves a series of rituals that build upon the foundation laid in the First Degree.
During the preparation for this degree, you will be required to demonstrate your proficiency in the First Degree, which includes being able to recite the obligations and answer specific questions. The inner preparation is considered even more important than the outer, as it signifies that your journey in Freemasonry begins in your heart.
As you enter the Lodge, you will be received on the angle of the Square, which symbolizes the importance of acting upon the square with all mankind, particularly with your brethren. The ceremony will involve a series of questions and answers, and you will be expected to give proof of your qualifications and readiness to advance.
Moreover, the Second Degree focuses on the conquest and control of the lower mind, which is seen as a more challenging task than the emotional control emphasized in the First Degree. You will be encouraged to make daily advances in Masonic knowledge and to engage in the study of the liberal arts, particularly geometry, which is foundational to the principles of Freemasonry.
Overall, the Second Degree is a significant step in your Masonic journey, aimed at enhancing your understanding and commitment to the values of the Craft.