What does Freemasonry mean to you? What are its purposes, aims, and ideals?
What is the difference between Operative Masonry and Speculative Masonry?
Where and when did Freemasonry originate? From what date do we trace our modern origins? What occurred on this date?
What is the meaning of the titles A. F. & A. M. and F. & A. M.? In California, which title do we use?
Is Freemasonry a religion? Why or why not?
Is Freemasonry considered a secret society? Why or why not?
Allegorically, in what historical location is the degree work of our Lodges meant to take place? Why is this place so important?
Giving your own opinion, why do you believe that only one who believes in a Supreme Being may become a Mason?
What are the qualifications to become a Mason under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of California?
What percentage of a Lodge must vote favorably upon an application for it to be accepted?
What do we mean when we say that a candidate must be first prepared in his heart?
What is the meaning of duly and truly prepared?
What is the symbolism of the hoodwink?
What is the symbolism of the cable-tow?
How is the candidate received upon first entering a Lodge and what is it meant to convey?
What is the purpose of circumambulating (walking in a circle around) the Lodge room during the ceremony of initiation?
Who are the Holy Saints John and what is their importance in Freemasonry?
What are the Three Great Lights of Masonry and why are they placed in the center of the Lodge?
What does the open Volume of the Sacred Law (VSL) upon the Altar signify, and which Holy Book(s) do we use in California?
Give the meaning of the Square.
Give the meaning of the Compass.
Of what significance is the Obligation?
Even though the physical penalties mentioned in the Obligation are symbolic, why are they retained in the ritual work?
Of what is the Lambskin Apron an emblem? What does it signify?
What are the Working Tools of an Entered Apprentice Mason? After reading what the ritual has to say about them, what, in your own words, do you think they mean for us? Consider the difference between Operative and Speculative Masonry.
What is the Rite of Destitution meant to teach us?
The North is a place of darkness. The East symbolizes the rising Sun or the dawn of illumination. Why is the Entered Apprentice placed in the North-East corner of the Lodge?
Name the Four Cardinal Virtues.
What are the Three Great Supports of Masonry? To which Officers are they attributed?
What is the difference between a Rough Ashlar and a Perfect Ashlar? Why is this symbol considered by some to be the most important symbol in all of Freemasonry?
Define the term Cowan.
Define the term Eavesdropper.
What is the meaning of the term Worshipful, and how is it used in a Masonic Lodge?
Give an example of one symbol from the Entered Apprentice Degree and describe its meaning. Look below the surface and try to see what universal principles it is meant to communicate.
What has been your experience of Freemasonry thus far? Has it met your expectations? Why or why not?