The library, questioned
Entered Apprentice
An Entered Apprentice is a candidate who has received the first degree of Freemasonry, representing the initial rank of entry into the Fraternity [1][6]. Historically, in operative stonemasonry, apprentices worked for seven years before completing a "Master's Piece" to prove their skill, a requirement that survives in modern Masonry as the candidate's obligation to learn ritual lessons by heart before advancing [9]. Late seventeenth-century documents show that apprentices possessed a recognized standing within lodges and were charged to keep counsel, and after the revival of 1717, Entered Apprentices formed the bulk of the Craft [7]. However, as legislative authority shifted to Master Masons, the status of the rank evolved, causing the first degree to become largely preparatory to later initiations [6].
Symbolically, the Entered Apprentice stands at a point of beginning, stationed in the northeast corner of the lodge between the darkness of the north and the light of the symbolic east [1]. The degree's lessons emphasize moral principles such as charity, interpreted not merely as alms but as personal empathy, helpfulness, and thought [4]. In this degree, the candidate's obligation highlights the necessity of secrecy, and symbols like the cable tow serve a physical purpose prior to spiritual development [5]. An Entered Apprentice in good standing retains the right to attend first-degree lodge meetings, converse on elementary Masonic subjects, and apply for advancement, though Masonic rights are forfeited if suspended or expelled [2]. To proceed to the next degree, the apprentice must demonstrate suitable proficiency by mastering the assigned ritual [9].
Drawn from Carl H. Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, pp. 1-1 · Albert G. Mackey, The Principles of Masonic Law, pp. 90-91 · Carl H. Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, pp. 1-1 · Carl Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Fellowcraft, pp. 1-1 · Albert C. Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and Its Kindred Sciences, pp. 193-193 · Albert C. Mackey, Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and Its Kindred Sciences, pp. 193-193 · Carl H. Claudy, Introduction to Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, pp. 1-1
Further reading, from the archive.
- what is the historical origin of the 24-inch gauge and how do preston and mackey interpret its division
- what is the historical origin of the entered apprentice ritual
- Tell me about candidate preparation
- what is the moral lesson of the working tools in the first degree
- what is the historical origin of the candidate's hoodwink in craft masonry
- Why the peculiar manner of entry into Freemasonry
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what is the moral lesson of the working tools in the first degree
same for the second degree
- what does the twenty-four inch gauge symbolise in craft masonry and do writers agree on it
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what does the blazing star symbolise in craft masonry and do writers agree on it
where did it come from in the lectures
- why is the candidate hoodwinked during initiation
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what do the rough and perfect ashlars symbolise in craft masonry and do writers agree on them
what does Preston say about them · how do mystical writers like Wilmshurst read them
- why is the candidate placed in the north east corner in the first degree
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Explain “the point within a circle” in the context of other components of the Masonic ritual
The Point within a Circle is (a) defined with geometric precision in the Ritual and (b) it is also said to be “the point from which a Master Mason cannot err”. Comments?
- What is gained with each degree
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why is the candidate hoodwinked during initiation
what do writers like wilmshurst make of it · how far back in craft ritual does blindfolding go
- What is the symbol of north east corner charge
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First degree working tools
And the chisel?
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why is the cable tow used in the first degree
does the length actually matter
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why do we circumambulate the lodge sunwise
where does that come from · is it ever done the other way
- why is an Entered Apprentice placed in the northeast corner
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what do the rough and perfect ashlars represent for a Mason's moral life
where are they placed in the lodge · is the perfect ashlar ever actually achievable
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whats the deal with the apron thing
why different colours
- Lesser lights
- Cardinal virtues
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What is the significance of the North being called a place of darkness?
Where does this idea come from?
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What does a newly initiated Freemason in India do next?
How does he learn the ritual? · What is expected of him in his first year?
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What is the significance of the Master's gavel?
Why do the three principal officers each have one?
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What is the significance of circumambulation?
Why does the candidate move sunwise? · Is this borrowed from older rites?
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Why is a candidate prepared as he is?
How old is the practice?
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What is the cable tow and what does it signify?
How is its length interpreted?
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Why do Masons wear aprons?
What do the different colours and levels mean? · Why is the Chapter's regalia different again?
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What are the working tools of an Entered Apprentice?
Where does the practice of moralising the tools come from? · Are the tools the same in every jurisdiction?
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What does Freemasonry teach about charity?
How was Masonic relief organised historically? · What do Grand Lodges support today?
- What is the northeast corner
- How do the working tools of the First Degree differ from those of the Second Degree?
- كيف تساهم الماسونية في العمل الخيري؟
- Hwat are the best books to read by an apprentice?
- What is the Entered Apprentice obligation in ohio?
- What are the symbolic meanings of the Masonic apron?
- What are the working tools of an Entered Apprentice Mason?
- what is the sign of an entered apprentice
- what is the sign of an entered apprintace
- What are the key symbols used in the First Degree?
- What is the philosophy and teachings of the first degree
- What is the best thing about the first degree
- Was ist die Antwort auf die Lehrlings-Frage: Woher komme ich?
- What is the main concept in each degree in Freemasonry?
- What is the significance of the initiation ceremony in Freemasonry?
- How should a candidate prepare himself for Initiation to Freemasonry?
- What are the key takeaways for the candidate in the 3 degrees of Craft and Mark, Royal Ark Mariner, Royal Arch Chapter degrees? Can you explain in simple terms in 1-2 lines for each degree?
- Elaborate on the entered apprentice trestle board
- What are the degrees in Operative Masonry?
- How does the first degree relate to the other degrees in Freemasonry?
- What is the significance of the tools used in the first degree?
- what is the esoteric meaning of the first degree
- is the entered apprentice degree associated with water?
- What is the significance of the lambskin apron in Freemasonry?
- How does the symbolism of the apron relate to the Entered Apprentice Degree?
- How does Freemasonry promote charity and support among its members?
- What are the symbolic meanings behind the Masonic degrees?