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

400
Chapter 7 - Rituals
Bible is opened in this degree, that commences with "Behold, how good and how
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
The Worshipful Master asks the Junior Deacon to ascertain whether there are
any candidates in waiting. Finding that there is a candidate wishing to receive the
First Degree, the Junior Deacon reports so to the Worshipful Master, who,
hearing no objection from the brethren, decides to confer that degree. He raps his
gavel once and asks the Senior Steward about the requirements of the candidate's
preparation. The symbolic reply is: "being divested of all
metallic substances, neither naked nor clothed, barefoot
nor shod, left knee and breast bare, hoodwinked, and a
cabletow about his neck" 1271 (p. 23).
The Senior and Junior Stewards, as well as the
Secretary, are sent to the preparation room to prepare the
candidate accordingly, while the Junior Warden is told to
"call the craft from labor to refreshment," in order to
resume their labor again at the sound of the gavel in the
East. Meanwhile, in the preparation room the candidate
has to answer several questions asked by the Secretary,
such as whether he came on his own free will, whether he
will conform to the usages of the order, etc. The Secretary
explains what the candidate can expect from the
fraternity, which is connected with the reason for taking
off his "metals" as a symbol for leaving the superfluities
of life behind:
You will here be taught to divest your mind and conscience of all the
vices and superfluities of life, and the Lodge into which you are now to
be admitted expects you to divest yourself of all those distinctions and
equipments which are not in keeping with the humble, reverent, and
childlike attitude it is now your duty to assume [...]. (p. 25)
Next to the removal of his "metals," the candidate's left breast and knee are
bared, he is "slipshod" and blindfolded, and a cabletow is put around his neck.
When satisfied with the candidate's answers, the Secretary raps once at the door
and reports this to the Worshipful Master. The latter closes in one sentence 1272
the lodge in the Third and opens it on the First Degree, which is necessary for
this "work and instruction." The Bible is therefore opened at another page,
Psalms 133, and the two points of the compass are covered by the square, which
denotes that in an Entered Apprentice's lodge, the matter still triumphs over the
spirit. Then, the Junior Deacon raps three times on the outer door and informs
the Tyler that the lodge is now opened on the First Degree.
1271 For explanation, cf. chapter 4.3, "Clothing and Equipment."
1272 There exist a short form and a long form to close and re-open the lodge in another degree. This is
the short form. The long form repeats the catechetical questions and answers we have already
observed in the Opening Ceremony.