Yesterday we started are initial run through learning the Second Degree (Passing) Ceremony. We covered two main parts, firstly Opening the Lodge, then proceeding to ask the Candidate the Second Degree questions. The Opening we’ve covered a few times in the First Degree, but it’s worth have another quick run through so you don’t get complacent and miss something. Remember you need to ask Entered Apprentices (but not the candidate) to leave. Secondly we cover the Second Degree questions. You learnt the answers to these questions back when you were the candidate yourself – your first piece of Masonic Ritual you had to learn – and again when you were Senior Deacon.
Of course, being Master you need to lead by asking the questions. That leads us to…
Learning Masonic Ritual, Day 45 of 100: Second Degree Entrusting
Now the Candidate has answered the questions, today we’ve got two pledges to ask the Candidate and do the first of the Second Degree Entrusting with the password and grip (pages 115-116 in my book of Emulation Ritual). Unlike the First Degree which has three Declarations, there are two Pledges in the Second Degree. These are also a little shorter too, and seem to flow better easier, making them a little easier to learn.
The Entrusting (at least at this part of the ceremony) is also quite short so shouldn’t be too much hassle today to learn. As at the end of it the Candidate leaves the Lodge in order to prepare, it makes sense to use this as a break for today.
If you have some time spare and feel confident with today’s learning (remember, this is your first read through for learning so you don’t need to be word perfect, but build a familiarity with the Ritual to build on) feel free to run through anything else we’ve covered over the previous 44 days. I had a quick run through the Installation Ceremony again.