The document discusses the symbolism of the initiation ritual for an Entered Apprentice Mason. It describes the candidate being prepared in heart and character, taking vows of secrecy, being blindfolded with a cable-tow around his neck, kneeling in prayer, being conducted around the lodge, and being presented with the three great lights of Masonry - the open Bible, square, and compass - and a white leather apron. The ritual emphasizes internal qualifications over worldly attributes and places the candidate in the northeast corner, between darkness and light.

2. Symbolism of
The Entered
Apprentice
for the good of masonry

3. We were first
prepared in our
heart
for the good of masonry

4. You were duly
and truly
prepared
Emphasized a man’s internal qualifications
rather than worldly wealth and honors
for the good of masonry

5. You were worthy
and well
qualified
Your Character and reputation were
•
investigated
You received a favorable vote of the
•
lodge
for the good of masonry

6. You entered into
the Lodge
From the outer world of
•
materialism
To inner world of true being
•
for the good of masonry

7. You were
received on the
point of a sharp
instrument
Serious consequences for
•
violating our obligations
Dishonor ourselves
•
for the good of masonry

8. You were
hoodwinked with
a cable­tow about
your neck
The darkness and ignorance of the
uninitiated
Bound to other Masons by a tie as long

and as strong as we permit
for the good of masonry

9. You were caused
to kneel and
attend prayer
First invoking the blessing of Deity
•
Supreme Architect for his guidance
•
and blessings
for the good of masonry

10. You were
conducted once
around the
Lodge
Patterned after the movement
•
of the Sun as seen from earth
Outline the circumference of
•
for the good of masonry

11. You were placed
in due form
Making vows was
•
common
Bound himself for life
•
Promise not to reveal of masonry
for the good
•

12. The Three Great
Lights of
Masonry
for the good of masonry

13. The Open Bible
Should regulate our conduct
according to its tenants and
teachings
Acknowledgment of his relation to

Deity
for the good of masonry

14. The Square
Morality, Truthfulness and
honesty
To “act on the square” is to act

honestly
for the good of masonry

15. The Compass
Restraint, skill and
Knowledge
Excludes all that is harmful

or unworthy beyond its circle
for the good of masonry

16. The Square and
Compass
together
The Square represent the earth
The Compass relates to the arc
of heaven
Union of heaven and earth
for the good of masonry

17. You were
presented a
white leather
apron
An emblem of innocence and a badge
of Freemasonry
Symbolizes clean living, obedience to
the laws of the craft, and a sincere
goodwill
for the good of masonry

18. You were asked to
deposit something of
a metallic nature
Metals controlled the planets
Candidate is not to bring passions
•
and prejudice into lodge
for the good of masonry

19. You were placed
in the northeast
corner of the
lodge
Where cornerstone of building is
•
laid
Midway between darkness and
•
light
for the good of masonry