How to Prepare for the Entered Apprentice Degree
If you’ve recently had your petition accepted to become a Freemason and are awaiting your Entered Apprentice degree, you might be wondering how to prepare. The good news is that the hardest part is already behind you! Let’s explore what you need to know and do to get ready for this significant step in your Masonic journey.
The Basics of Preparation
- Relax and Wait: The most important thing to understand is that there’s no extensive studying or preparation required before your Entered Apprentice degree. You’ve already done the hard part by making the decision to become a Freemason, finding a Mason to ask about joining, filling out a petition, and being accepted by the lodge. Now, your main task is simply to wait for your initiation date.
- Understand the Scriptural Basis: While you don’t need to study, it’s helpful to understand that many of the moral lessons in Freemasonry are based on scripture. In many lodges, especially in the United States, these teachings often come from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. However, this can vary depending on your location and the specific lodge.
- The Hiram Abiff Legend: The lessons taught in the degree are largely based on a legend about a man named Hiram Abiff. While you don’t need to know this legend beforehand, being aware that it forms a central part of the teachings can help you mentally prepare for what’s to come.
Important Points to Remember
- Moral Teachings, Not Religious Doctrine: Freemasonry uses biblical stories and other scriptures to teach moral lessons applicable to everyday life. It’s crucial to understand that these teachings are not meant to replace religious beliefs or church teachings. Freemasonry is not about salvation or the afterlife, but about becoming a better person in this life.
- Open-Mindedness: Be prepared to approach the experience with an open mind. Freemasonry welcomes men of various faiths, as long as they believe in a Supreme Being. The moral lessons are designed to be universally applicable, regardless of your specific religious background.
- Trust in the Process: Remember why you chose to become a Mason in the first place. You likely trusted the Masons you knew and admired their character. This trust will be an essential part of your journey.
Practical Steps
- Confirm the Scripture Used: Ask your lodge what holy book or books will be present on the altar during your initiation. This can vary between jurisdictions and lodges.
- Dress Appropriately: It’s a good idea to ask about the dress code for your initiation. Many lodges have specific requirements or recommendations.
- Clear Your Schedule: Ensure you have ample time set aside for the degree. It’s an important event, and you don’t want to feel rushed.
- Reflect on Your Decision: Take some time to think about why you’ve chosen to become a Freemason. This personal reflection can help you approach the degree with the right mindset.
What to Expect
While the specific details of the degree are not revealed beforehand, you can expect:
- A ceremony rich in symbolism and moral teachings
- To meet and interact with your future brothers in the craft
- To begin learning about the principles and values of Freemasonry
Remember, the Masons in your lodge are there to guide and support you. They want you to have a meaningful and positive experience as you take this important step.
Conclusion
Preparing for your Entered Apprentice degree is more about mental and emotional readiness than studying or memorizing information. Trust in the process, approach it with an open mind, and remember that the Masons who will be conducting your initiation were once in your position too. They understand any nerves or uncertainty you might feel and are there to guide you through this important step in your Masonic journey.
Your initiation as an Entered Apprentice is not an end, but a beginning. It’s the first step on a path of moral and intellectual growth within the fraternity of Freemasonry. Enjoy the experience, and welcome to the craft!
