The Second Degree also known as the Fellowcraft Degree builds upon the foundation laid in the First Degree. While the First Degree focuses on new beginnings and fundamental principles, the Second Degree delves deeper into intellectual development, the liberal arts and sciences, and the concept of progression in knowledge and skill. It encourages the Mason to move beyond the basics and to actively engage in learning and self-improvement.
Think of it as moving from primary to secondary school. You’ve grasped the basics, and now you’re ready to explore more complex subjects and develop your skills further.
To understand the lessons of the Second Degree, we must explore the following:
- The Pursuit of Knowledge and Skill
- The Significance of the Fellowcraft Journey
- The Liberal Arts and Sciences
- The Working Tools of the Fellowcraft
- The Concept of Progression
The Pursuit of Knowledge and Skill.
The Second Degree, signifies a step forward on your Masonic journey. Symbolically, it represents a move from the foundational principles learned in the First Degree towards intellectual development and the acquisition of knowledge and skills.
Think of the First Degree as preparing the ground, and the Second Degree as planting the seeds of learning and cultivating them. The focus shifts from basic moral principles to actively engaging your mind and expanding your understanding of the world and your place within it.
Unlike the First Degree, which primarily focuses on moral foundations, the Second Degree actively encourages the Mason to engage in learning and to cultivate their abilities. It emphasizes that personal growth comes through diligent effort and the acquisition of knowledge.
Think of it like moving from simply understanding the rules of a game to actively practicing and developing the skills needed to play it well. The Second Degree encourages you to be an active participant in your own development, seeking out knowledge and refining your skills in various aspects of life.
Reflection
What are your initial thoughts on this idea of the Second Degree emphasizing intellectual growth? Does it sound like a natural progression from what you understand about the First Degree?
Why do you think the pursuit of knowledge and skill is considered so important for personal growth and development? Can you think of any areas in your own life where you’ve actively tried to learn and improve?
The Significance of the Fellowcraft Journey.
In the Second Degree ritual, there is a symbolic journey that the candidate undertakes. This journey represents the progress of learning and the ascent of the mind in the pursuit of knowledge. Think of it as moving through different stages of education or exploring new fields of study.
Unlike the more grounded and foundational focus of the First Degree, the Fellowcraft journey involves ascending stairs, which can be seen as a metaphor for intellectual and spiritual elevation. Each step can symbolize a different area of learning or a different stage in personal development.
This journey emphasizes that growth is not stagnant but requires active movement and exploration. It suggests that by diligently pursuing knowledge and understanding, we can elevate ourselves and gain a broader perspective on the world.
Reflection
Have you ever felt like you were on a journey of learning something new? What did that feel like, and what motivated you to keep progressing?
The Liberal Arts and Sciences.
A significant part of the Second Degree focuses on the Liberal Arts and Sciences. Historically, these were considered essential disciplines for a well-rounded and educated person. In the context of Freemasonry, they are presented as areas of study that can contribute to a Mason’s intellectual and personal development.
These arts and sciences are traditionally divided into two groups:
- The Trivium: Grammar, Rhetoric, and Logic. These focus on the skills of language, communication, and reasoning. Think of them as the tools for clear thinking and effective expression.
- The Quadrivium: Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astronomy. These involve the study of numbers, space, harmony, and the cosmos. They encourage an understanding of order, proportion, and the universe around us.
The Second Degree emphasizes the importance of exploring these areas to broaden one’s understanding and cultivate a well-informed mind. It suggests that a Mason should strive for a balanced education, engaging with both the arts of language and the sciences of the natural world.
Reflection
Have you encountered these terms – Trivium and Quadrivium – before? What do you think is the value of studying such a diverse range of subjects for personal growth?
The Working Tools of the Fellowcraft.
Just as the Entered Apprentice is introduced to specific working tools, so too is the Fellowcraft. The primary Working Tools of the Fellowcraft are the Square, the Level and the Plumb Rule. Each of these tools carries significant symbolic meaning related to a Mason’s conduct and understanding:
- The Square: This tool is used by operative masons to ensure that stones are perfectly square, meaning they have right angles. Symbolically, the Square teaches morality and rectitude of conduct. It reminds the Fellowcraft that their actions should be just and upright in their dealings with others. Think of it as a guide for ethical behaviour, ensuring that your interactions are “square” or fair.
- The Level: Used by operative masons to check if a surface is horizontal, the Level symbolizes equality. It reminds the Fellowcraft that all people meet on a common level, regardless of their social standing or material possessions. In the eyes of morality and within the bonds of brotherhood, all are equal.
- The Plumb Rule: This tool is used to determine if a wall or structure is perfectly vertical. Symbolically, the Plumb Rule teaches uprightness of life and conduct. It encourages the Fellowcraft to live according to principle and to remain steadfast in their moral compass, just as the plumb line hangs true.
Reflection
Can you see how these tools build upon the lessons of morality introduced in the First Degree, offering more specific guidance on how a Mason should conduct themselves? What are your initial thoughts on the symbolism of the Square, the Level, and the Plumb Rule?
Comparison to the First Degree Working Tools
In the First Degree, we learned about the Twenty-four Inch Gauge, which symbolizes the division of time and the importance of balance, the Chisel and the Common Gavel, which represents the need to rectify our imperfections. These tools focus on foundational principles of order and self-refinement.
Now, consider the Working Tools of the Fellowcraft: the Square, the Level, and the Plumb Rule. These tools move beyond basic refinement and introduce concepts of moral conduct (Square), equality (Level), and uprightness (Plumb Rule) in our interactions with the world and others.
Think of it this way: the Entered Apprentice tools are about preparing yourself, while the Fellowcraft tools are about how you interact with the world and your community as a more developed individual. One set focuses on internal improvement, the other on external conduct based on moral and social principles.
Reflection
Can you see how the progression of these tools reflects the overall journey from a beginner to someone actively engaging with and contributing to the Craft and society? What differences or similarities strike you most between these two sets of tools?
The Concept of Progression.
The overarching theme that ties together all the lessons of the Second Degree is the idea of progression. This degree emphasizes that a Mason’s journey is not static but involves continuous movement forward in knowledge, understanding and skill.
Think of it like climbing a staircase – each step you take elevates you to a higher level. The Second Degree encourages this ascent in your intellectual and personal development. The Fellowcraft is expected to actively seek out knowledge, engage with the liberal arts and sciences and apply the principles of morality, equality and uprightness in their life.
This concept of progression is crucial because it highlights that Freemasonry is a lifelong journey of learning and self-improvement. The Second Degree marks a significant step forward from the foundational lessons of the First Degree, urging the Mason to become a more informed, skilled and well-rounded individual.
Reflection
Why do you think this emphasis on continuous progression is so important in personal and professional life? Can you think of any areas where you’ve experienced the benefits of continuous learning and development?
In Summary
This degree marks a progression from the foundational principles of the First Degree, emphasizing intellectual development and the pursuit of knowledge and skill. The symbolic Fellowcraft journey represents this ascent of the mind in learning.
A significant focus is placed on the Liberal Arts and Sciences (Trivium and Quadrivium) as essential disciplines for a well-rounded education. The Working Tools of the Fellowcraft – the Square, the Level, and the Plumb Rule – symbolize morality, equality, and uprightness in conduct, building upon the ethical lessons of the First Degree.
Ultimately, the Second Degree underscores the concept of continuous progression in a Mason’s life, encouraging active engagement in learning and self-improvement.
