CLC - ENTERED APPRENTICE - 05.22.17

T HE U SE OF T OOLS AND S YMBOLS Symbolism involves using one thing to represent another. Words, signs, gestures, drawings, and even physical articles such as our “working tools” are all forms of symbols. Some symbols have external meanings, which Masons call exoteric, and some have internal meanings, which are called esoteric. Some symbols are more abstract. For example, the Mason’s quest for truth is often referred to as a quest for “light.” Symbols are a way of expressing our commitment to certain principles and describe the things we do to improve ourselves. Symbols can also be very personal. Each of two Masons may take something different from a particular symbol, based on different needs which each man brings to Freemasonry.

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