The Entered Apprentice degree is the first step in the Masonic journey, and it lays the foundation for the lessons and teachings that will unfold in subsequent degrees. In Mackey's The Symbolism of Freemasonry, the lessons of the Entered Apprentice degree emphasize personal transformation, the pursuit of truth, and the moral and spiritual growth of the individual. Here are the key lessons and symbols associated with the Entered Apprentice degree:

1. The Importance of Self-Knowledge

• The Entered Apprentice degree emphasizes the need for self-reflection and self-awareness. Before one can truly improve and grow, they must first know themselves. This is symbolized by the initiation process, which is a journey into self-discovery.
• This degree encourages the candidate to begin their journey by understanding their own weaknesses, virtues, and the areas in which they need to improve in order to become a better person, a better brother, and a better member of society.

2. The Symbolism of the Lodge and the Inner Journey

• The Lodge itself is seen as a symbolic representation of the world and the universe. The room is arranged in a way that reflects Masonic principles, and the altar represents the sacred space where moral and spiritual work takes place.
• Entering the Lodge symbolizes the candidate’s entry into a new stage of life, where they are called to transform themselves and to learn how to build a spiritual temple—a symbol of their own moral and spiritual development.

3. The Symbolism of the Three Great Lights

• The Three Great Lights in the Entered Apprentice degree are the Holy Bible, the Square, and the Compasses. Each of these symbols represents a guiding force for the Mason:
  • The Holy Bible represents Divine Truth and the moral teachings that guide Masons in their journey toward virtue.
  • The Square represents moral rectitude and the need for Masons to live a life of integrity, aligning their actions with their ethical standards.
  • The Compasses symbolize self-discipline and the ability to govern one's actions by measuring desires and impulses in relation to the greater good.
• These Three Great Lights guide the Mason in their journey toward enlightenment and help them navigate the moral and spiritual challenges of life.

4. The Concept of the Sacred and Profane

• The Entered Apprentice degree emphasizes the distinction between the sacred and the profane. The sacred represents the higher spiritual and moral principles that Masons aspire to follow, while the profane represents the lower, worldly distractions and concerns that can interfere with personal growth.
• Masons are taught to strive toward the sacred, living by virtue, and to avoid distractions or influences that detract from their pursuit of higher knowledge and wisdom.

5. The Symbolism of the Working Tools

• The working tools in the Entered Apprentice degree are the 24-inch gauge and the common gavel. These tools are symbolic of the Mason's ability to regulate their time and actions:
  • The 24-inch gauge is a tool used to measure time and represents the importance of proper time management—allocating time for work, rest, and worship.
  • The common gavel is a tool used for breaking off rough edges and symbolizes the need for personal refinement—removing flaws and imperfections from one’s character to become a more virtuous person.
• Together, these tools symbolize the building process of personal transformation, as a Mason works to refine themselves, just as a stone is shaped and perfected for use in the construction of the spiritual temple.

6. The Initiation as a Symbol of Rebirth

• The initiation ritual symbolizes death and rebirth. In the process, the candidate is symbolically "reborn" as an Entered Apprentice, leaving behind ignorance and entering into the light of Masonic knowledge.
• The lesson here is that the individual must be willing to undergo a spiritual rebirth in order to move from a state of moral ignorance or darkness to a state of light, which represents wisdom, truth, and enlightenment.

7. The Moral Lessons of the Entered Apprentice

• A key lesson of this degree is the importance of moral conduct and character. The candidate is encouraged to live with integrity, honesty, and fairness in all aspects of life. This is symbolized through the Square, which represents the need for Masons to "square" their actions with their ideals.
• Masons are also taught the importance of brotherly love, relief, and truth—three core principles of Freemasonry that are meant to govern a Mason’s conduct. These principles are not just abstract concepts but are meant to be lived and applied in everyday life.

8. The Symbolism of the Light and the Journey from Darkness to Light

• The journey from darkness to light is one of the most prominent themes in the Entered Apprentice degree. Darkness symbolizes ignorance and the unknown, while light symbolizes knowledge, truth, and spiritual enlightenment.
• The candidate's progression from darkness (ignorance) to light (knowledge) represents the transformation that takes place through the Masonic journey, where each step taken brings the candidate closer to greater understanding and wisdom.

9. The Importance of Faith and Hope

• The Entered Apprentice degree encourages the candidate to develop faith in the Divine and in their ability to improve. It stresses the importance of hope as a driving force—hope for a better future, hope for spiritual growth, and hope for personal enlightenment.
• Masons are encouraged to trust in the process of transformation, believing that through their commitment to the Masonic path, they will become better people and contribute positively to society.

10. Brotherhood and Community

• The Entered Apprentice degree emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and community. The Lodge is seen as a place where Masons can come together to support one another in their personal and spiritual journeys.
• Masons are taught that working together as brothers and helping each other is essential to personal growth and to the well-being of the Lodge and society as a whole. The concept of unity is central, reminding Masons that their journey is not taken alone but with the support of their fellow Masons.

---

These lessons and symbols in the Entered Apprentice degree form the foundational teachings of Freemasonry. They encourage personal transformation, the development of moral character, and the pursuit of knowledge. The degree teaches the importance of discipline, brotherhood, and the steady journey toward light—representing both personal enlightenment and a higher understanding of Divine Truth.