1° - Entered Apprentice

 

In the Entered Apprentice degree, the foundation of a Mason’s moral and spiritual journey is laid.

 

The three key moral lessons of this degree are:

 

1. The Value of Humility and Obedience

The Entered Apprentice is a beginner, symbolizing a state of innocence and learning. This teaches that wisdom begins with humility and a willingness to learn from those who have more knowledge and experience.

 

 

2. The Importance of Moral Uprightness

The Entered Apprentice is taught to live by the principles of integrity, honesty, and virtue. The working tools, such as the 24-inch gauge and common gavel, remind Masons to divide their time wisely and remove vices and imperfections from their character.

 

 

3. Brotherhood and Equality

Freemasonry teaches that all men are equal in the eyes of God and within the lodge. The Entered Apprentice is encouraged to practice kindness, support his brethren, and recognize the value of unity and fraternity.

 

 

These lessons serve as the groundwork for a Mason’s personal and moral development, preparing him for the deeper teachings of the Fellow Craft and Master Mason degrees.

Summary of Chapter 1 of Morals and Dogma (With Blue Lodge Context)

 

Title: Apprentice

Albert Pike’s first chapter explores the Entered Apprentice Degree, the symbolism of Blue Lodge Masonry, and the moral foundations of Freemasonry. The Blue Lodge consists of the first three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason—each representing a step in personal and spiritual enlightenment.

1. The Blue Lodge & The Entered Apprentice Degree

The Blue Lodge is the foundation of Freemasonry, where all Masons begin their journey. The Entered Apprentice degree symbolizes a candidate’s initiation into the mysteries of Masonry—a new beginning in the search for truth.

  • Entered Apprentice (1st Degree) → Moral and spiritual foundation
  • Fellowcraft (2nd Degree) → Intellectual and philosophical growth
  • Master Mason (3rd Degree) → Wisdom, mastery, and deeper truths

The Entered Apprentice degree is about preparation, self-discipline, and purification, making the candidate worthy of further knowledge.

2. Light & Darkness: The Candidate’s Journey

  • The candidate enters blindfolded, symbolizing ignorance and the need for guidance.
  • The removal of the blindfold represents receiving the Light of Truth.
  • Light = Divine wisdom, enlightenment, and knowledge.
  • Darkness = Ignorance, selfishness, and moral imperfection.

The search for light is a lifelong process in Freemasonry.

3. The Working Tools of the Entered Apprentice

Pike focuses on the symbolism of Masonic tools, which build the spiritual temple within.

  • The Gavel → Used to chisel away personal flaws and bad habits.
  • The 24-Inch Gauge → Represents time management (dividing the day into work, service, and rest).
  • The Common Gavel & Ashlars → The rough Ashlar (unrefined stone) represents an imperfect man, while the perfect Ashlar (polished stone) represents self-improvement.

A Mason’s work is to refine himself into a moral and upright person.

4. The Three Pillars of the Lodge: Wisdom, Strength, Beauty

  • Wisdom (Solomon) – Guides decisions and actions.
  • Strength (Hiram of Tyre) – Provides the power to act with integrity.
  • Beauty (Hiram Abiff) – Represents harmony, balance, and moral virtue.

These pillars symbolize the core values of Masonry and structural balance in the universe.

5. The Square & Compass: Symbols of Masonic Morality

  • The Square → Represents honesty, fairness, and upright conduct.
  • The Compass → Teaches self-restraint and wisdom.
  • The Letter "G" → Stands for Geometry (sacred knowledge) and God (divine order).

Together, these symbols guide Masons to live honorably and seek higher knowledge.

6. The Great Architect of the Universe (GAOTU) & Divine Truth

Freemasonry is not a religion but acknowledges a universal divine principle:

  • The Great Architect of the Universe (GAOTU) represents the supreme intelligence behind creation.
  • Masons are encouraged to seek truth, regardless of religious background.

Pike emphasizes that understanding God requires moral and intellectual development.

7. Moral Lessons of the 1st Degree

The Entered Apprentice degree teaches fundamental virtues:

  1. Brotherly Love – Treating others as equals.
  2. Relief (Charity) – Helping those in need.
  3. Truth – Living with honesty and integrity.

These virtues form the heart of Blue Lodge Masonry.

Conclusion: The Apprentice’s Journey Begins

  • The 1st Degree is about self-awareness, discipline, and personal transformation.
  • The goal is to leave ignorance behind and seek enlightenment through virtue and wisdom.
  • This foundation prepares the candidate for higher knowledge in later degrees.