With the first leg of my journey into the world of Masonry now complete and after some serious contemplation of my travels thus far, I feel compelled to write about my experiences.  Since there are so many aspects to cover (esoterical, emotional, evaluative), I have decided to break this article up into its constituent pieces so each can be given due consideration.  Today I will be focusing on the Allegorical, Symbolic and Metaphorical teachings that I have learned during the EA degree from initiation through proficiency.

To an intelligent and thoughtful man, the degree of Entered Apprentice serves a much more important function that that of providing a means to an end whereby a man can be labeled a Freemason; it serves as the tool (I've come to learn that Masons love tools) through which a candidate is introduced to the mysterious and beautiful world of Freemasonry.  It is a world steeped in traditions and full of allegories, symbols and metaphors through which a man can be transformed into a Mason.  I say "can" because it is only after a deep, philosophical discussion with one's inner conscious that the teachings of the degree will be revealed - that it's not being called a Freemason which is important - it's the act of being one... It seems to me that those not willing to think long and hard about its implications are doing themselves, and Freemasonry as a whole, a disservice.

After shedding what's tantamount to all we've ever known in the world, rebirth begins with knocking on a door -  knocks which will surely reverberate forever in the hearts of industrious Masons with the same fervor the "shot heard 'round the world" did in the hearts of colonial era patriots.  It changes everything for with it, a man leaves behind darkness and ignorance, the hallmark of our lives before Masonry, for the light and knowledge of a new existence in the Craft.

Soon after we pass into the lodge room, we are received in a manner which reminds us that there are consequences for our actions.  By the same token, we are also shown the serious and confidential manner of a Mason's work (which I have endeavored to keep private while writing this). 

By being led around in the ascribed ritualistic condition, we are poignantly taught through allegorical association that the life of a Mason is a constant quest for self improvement and light.  It is done clockwise, from East to South to West, which I think is done to  mimic the path of the the sun, effectively tuning us in to the circadian order of the universe.  Since we have no sight and rely upon a brother to keep us safe from harm and depend on him to not lead us astray, we are taught to have faith and place our trust in mankind, especially the brethren.

I believe that the altar, the representative of Deity, is placed in the center of the lodge to remind us that the Grand Architect of the Universe should be placed at the center of our lives.  We are caused to take our obligation there, in the presence of Him, and are brought to light there.  Considering the importance of the obligation to Masonry, it is no coincidence that we take it in the presence of the Grand Architect.

With our obligation, we are taught to never reveal the way in which Masonry teaches its great truths.  The oral penalties (which, in accordance with my oath, will be left unsaid) under which we voluntarily submit are not literal, rather they are symbolical of the seriousness with which the Brethren will regard transgressions and violations of trust.  A man who does not value his word is in turn not valued by the Craft.  With this newly created bond, our cable tow, replaced by a stronger and more meaningful tie to Masonry and the Brethren, was effectively rendered superfluous and handled appropriately.

The apron we are presented with, as white as fresh-fallen snow, is a symbol of purity and a reminder of how we should endeavor to live our lives.  It is made out of lambskin because the lamb has long been a symbol of innocence and sacrifice, both essential qualities of a Mason.

The working tools of an Entered Apprentice Mason are especially interesting to me because they seem to be diametrically opposed yet one would cease to be useful without the other.  The 24" gauge is a passive instrument used to determine how the common gavel, an active tool, should be employed.  While one is a tool of force that can cause great destruction, it is kept in check by skillful measurement.  We are taught by this symbolism that we must keep our passions under control by finding a delicate balance between force and intelligence.

A demand was then made of us to teach us the importance of harmony within a lodge.  This harmony can be disrupted by external influences which are symbolically represented by the materials we had previously been divested of in the first part of the ceremony.  By this we are reminded to leave our passions and prejudices at the door of the lodge.

I also noticed the number 3 was prevalent throughout the ceremony and it took many forms throughout the degree.  While symbolical of the Holy Trinity, it could also be representative of the three parts of human nature: body, mind and soul which must be perfectly balanced for a Mason's work to be finished.  As anyone who has ever tried to balance an object knows, the perfect equilibrium needed to keep the object upright never lasts for long - it requires constant adjustments to stay in check; likewise, a Mason may never be able to achieve or maintain this balance, but they must be willing to fail in their pursuit of perfection.

And that is what being a Mason thus far means to me.