The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 5 - Technical Terminology 293
14 Star, Eastern 863 androgynous order
15 valley city where a Scottish Rite body
is located
16 wind, a Mason's journey of knowledge from
East to West
17 Zenith decrees of the Supreme
Council of the 33d degree are
dated from the
Zenith
3. Chalk, Charcoal, and Clay ("Earthen Pan")
These terms from the semantic field of nature which have nothing to do with
operative Masonry are a little surprising to profanes who try to establish their
link with Freemasonry. However, not only the Masonic cyclopedias and
dictionaries explain the meaning of the triplet, also the Masonic monitors and
manuals refer to it, even with illustrations, since these three words constitute a
part of the lesson the Entered Apprentice receives. Thus, the cyclopedias explain
almost unanimously:
By these three substances are [...] symbolized the three qualifications
for the servitude of an Entered Apprentice - freedom, fervency, and
zeal. Chalk is the freest of all substances, because the slightest touch
leaves a trace behind. Charcoal, the most fervent, because to it, when
ignited, the most obdurate metals yield; and clay, the most zealous,
because it is constantly employed in man's service, and is as constantly
reminding us that from it we all came, and to it we must all return. 864
Simons' Standard Masonic Monitor from 1888 depicts the three substances,
resolving their figurative meaning by stating that "Entered Apprentices should
serve their Masters with freedom, fervency, and zeal," 865 and using almost the
same explanatory text as the cyclopedia quoted above.
863 For explanation, see chapter on rituals, the Order of the Eastern Star.
864 EOF, p. 141. A similar explanation of these three terms is found in GHCDF, p. 456, and in IFL,
p. 876 ("Freiheit, Wärme und Eifer").
865 Simons, p. 46.