The Masonic Journey

The Masonic Journey

Our Degrees

The experience of becoming a member of a Masonic lodge is divided into three ceremonial stages known as “degrees.” These three degrees are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate Medieval craftsmen. At each educational stage, a craftsman was required to achieve proficiency before moving to the next stage. Symbolically, the degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood, and age.

Entered Apprentice

As a candidate’s first experience with the ceremonies of the fraternity, this degree is intended to be an introduction to Masonry. It is, like all Masonic ceremonies, a solemn and meaningful event. The Entered Apprentice is entrusted with secrets of the Masonic Order, which are all moral and ethical in nature, and is expected to honour them in accordance with Masonic law.

Once a candidate completes the Entered Apprentice degree, he takes his first step as a Freemason and enjoys the title of “Brother.”

Fellowcraft

Fellowcraft is a term used by the ancient Guilds of Operative Masons that refers to skilled members of the craft – a literal ‘fellow of the craft.’ Within Freemasonry, the Fellowcraft references a more advanced search for Masonic wisdom, symbolism, and philosophy. For skilled craftsmen, this degree would have marked a person’s progress from an apprentice to a journeyman, which brings with it increased responsibility, learning, and work. Once completed, the candidate may advance to the third and final degree.

Master Mason

The third degree symbolises man’s maturity in life or age and his increase in knowledge and wisdom. The last of the lodge ceremonies, the Master Mason degree completes the initiation ceremonies into the fraternity, and the new Master Mason may enjoy both the rights and responsibilities of membership. A Master Mason has the right to visit lodges throughout the world, sharing in fraternal fellowship with like-minded men who now share a common bond.

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The specific rituals and ceremonies involved in each of the degrees vary, but they typically involve symbolic gestures, teachings, and sometimes dramatic presentations. For instance, in the Entered Apprentice degree, candidates undergo initiation rituals that symbolise their introduction to Masonic principles and teachings. In the Fellowcraft degree, candidates delve deeper into Masonic symbolism and philosophy through additional rituals and teachings. The Master Mason degree, being the final degree, involves ceremonies that symbolise the culmination of the candidate’s journey, emphasising themes of maturity, wisdom, and brotherhood.

Progression from one degree to the next typically requires candidates to demonstrate proficiency in the teachings, symbolism, and rituals associated with each degree. This proficiency is often assessed through examinations or evaluations conducted by experienced Masonic members. Candidates may also be required to fulfill certain educational or participatory requirements before being eligible to advance to the next degree. However, the specific criteria for progression may vary among different Masonic jurisdictions.

Progression from one degree to the next typically requires candidates to demonstrate proficiency. Achieving each degree confers both symbolic significance and practical benefits within the fraternity. Symbolically, each degree represents a stage of personal development and growth, with the Master Mason degree symbolising maturity, wisdom, and full membership in the Fraternity. Practically, each degree grants certain privileges and responsibilities within the Masonic community. For example, Master Masons have the right to participate in lodge meetings, vote on important matters, and visit other lodges worldwide, fostering fraternal fellowship and collaboration with other Masons. Additionally, each degree opens up opportunities for further education, leadership roles, and involvement in Masonic activities and philanthropic endeavors’ in the teachings, symbolism, and rituals associated with each degree. This proficiency is often assessed through examinations or evaluations conducted by experienced Masonic members. Candidates may also be required to fulfill certain educational or participatory requirements before being eligible to advance to the next degree. However, the specific criteria for progression may vary among different Masonic jurisdictions.

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