Entered Apprentice Ring

Q:  Now that I have passed my Entered Apprentice degree, can I wear an
     Entered Apprentice  Ring?

A:  No, I’m sorry, but you may not. 

Q:  Why not?

A:  There is no such thing as an Entered Apprentice ring, however I have recently seen a few Fellowcraft rings available for sale on various websites. In the United States, however, most members who attain their Fellowcraft degree have only a relatively short period of time before they become a Master Mason. However, in some other countries, such as Australia, becoming a Master Mason is a much longer journey which is performed in the time-honored method in which it takes 7 years to go from Entered Apprentice to Master Mason.

Q:  So, why did you write a page about it?

A:  There are 3 reasons. 

    (1.)  To help you understand that it is unavailable and help you
           end your time spent looking for one.

    (2.)  To save you any small embarrassment to yourself which might
           be caused by asking one of your lodge members.

    (3.)  To help you learn more about how each degree displays the
           Square and Compasses, so you may better understand what
           your Master Mason's ring symbolizes...which you will read
           more about a little farther down this page.

Q:  I see other brethren wearing rings.  What kind of rings are they?

A:  They are Master Mason rings, (also called Masonic rings), which
     may only be worn after the brother has passed his 3^rd degree,
     …and become a Master Mason. 

Q:  I’m very proud to have passed my Entered Apprentice degree
     (and sad that there is no such thing as an Entered Apprentice ring).
     So, can I purchase a Master Mason’s ring, now?

A:  The Master Mason’s ring signifies and honors your achievement of
     having passed the 3^rd degree. 

     The raising of a brother to the “Sublime degree of Master Mason” is
     a high honor, indeed.  However, while you may purchase your Master
     Mason’s ring before you pass your degree; it is best to wait until you
     have a full understanding of what the ring symbolizes before you begin
     to wear it.

Q:  I want everyone to know how proud I am to be an Entered Apprentice.
     What would happen if I purchased and began wearing a Master Mason ring?

A:  In the United States, it is possible to pass all 3 degrees in 3-6 months. In other      countries, becoming a Master Mason typically takes approximately 7 years.
     Therefore, while you may purchase your Master Mason ring, it would
     be advisable not to wear it until you have, indeed, received your 3rd degree.
    
     If you begin wearing it before you have been raised, your lodge
     brothers may perceive you to be one who takes what is not rightfully
     theirs, without having earned the right and privilege to do so... and in
     all probability, one of them will gently call you aside to admonish you
     as to the impropriety of such.

Freemasonry Degree Symbols

Within Freemasonry, there are 3 levels, (or 3 degrees)...Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.  Each degree is symbolized by how the square and compass is displayed.  


 

Entered Apprentice Degree Symbol:

Both points (legs) of the compass lie under the square.

 

Fellow Craft Degree Symbol:



The left point (leg) of the compass lies on top of the square and the right point (leg) of the compass lies under the square.

Simon-Sez:  An easy way to remember this is "Up north, down south" (symbolic of the plumb.)




Master Mason Degree Symbol:




A Master Mason ring has both points of the compass overlaid on top of the square.  (see the ring, below)

EA:  The Entered Apprentice degree is a pledge of your word. 

FC:  The Fellow Craft degree is an obligation of your spirit. 

MM:  The Master Mason degree is your seal of authenticity as both
        a man of your word with the dedication of your spirit toward
        both the fraternity of Freemasonry and the brotherhood of man.

 

For more information about this ancient seal of authenticity,...you may wish to read a little about the history of the Masonic Signet Ring.

To learn more about the Masonic symbols of the 3 degrees, as well as the meanings of the Masonic verses within each of them, please read Masonic Degree Verses.

To read more about Entered Apprentice Mason Training, click on this link.

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