Monday, 10 February 2025, 11:07 AM
Site: The Mason Word
Course: 1. Freemasonry for Non-Masons (Freemasonry for Non-Masons)
Glossary: Some Jargon Explained
C

Craft

This term is often used to describe the practice of Freemasonry, e.g. becoming a member of the Scottish Craft.

It refers to the series of degrees practised by lodges operating under the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

Freemasonry originated in Scotland as lodges of stone-masons started to admit gentlemen who were not operative stonemasons.  The use of the term Craft' to describe the system may be said to hark back to this learning of a skill, or craft.

In Anglo-Saxon, craft meant cunning, skill, power, dexterity, etc. The word became applied to trades and occupations calling for trained skill on the part of those practicing it. The distinction between such trades and those not requiring trained workmen, so rigidly maintained, was one of the hallmarks of the Middle Ages.

Freemasonry is called a Craft, partly for historical reasons, partly because, unlike so many fraternities, it requires a training (given in the form of initiation ceremonies) of those seeking its membership.


D

Degree

One of a series of three progressive stages in becoming a Freemason.  The ceremonies consist of morality 'plays' using ritual.

Dogma

Definition:
1 a : something held as an established opinion especially: a definite authoritative tenet.
   b : a code of such tenets - pedagogical dogma.
   c : a point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds.
2 : a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church.

The literal meaning of dogma in ancient Greek was "something that seems true." These days, in English, dogma is more absolute. If you believe in a certain religion or philosophy, you believe in its dogma, or core assumptions. If you belong to a cult that believes that cupcake consumption is the only true path, then you follow the cupcake dogma. Dogma, once adopted, is accepted without question. Go eat cupcakes!
E

Entered Apprentice

The first of the three Degrees involved in becoming a Freemason.  When a candidate is initiated he is 'Entered' an apprentice in the same way that the operative mason would become indentured to a stonemason to learn his skills.

Esoteric

This is the opposite of exoteric. The root of it is the Greek eso, within. It means that which is secret, in the inner circle.  Ritual may be said to have an esoteric meaning, as the stories are not intended to be taken as literal truth, but should be interpreted by the candidate in search of a deeper understanding.

Exoteric

This is the opposite of esoteric.  The exoteric aspects of masonic ritual are the literal meanings of the words, rather than their spiritual interpretation.

F

Fellowcraft

The second of the Degrees involved in becoming a Freemason.  Having undertaken further study the apprentice would advnace to become a Journeyman, or Fellow of the Craft.  The term us sometimes referred to in a Speculative lodge as Fellow Craft, or Fellowcraft.

G

Grand Lodge of Scotland

Grand Lodge of Scotland CrestThe Grand Lodge of Scotland has 32 Provincial Grand Lodges in Scotland itself, and 26 District Grand Lodges overseas, each headed by a Provincial Grand Master or District Grand Master. Private lodges belong to a Province or District, through which they report to the Grand Lodge in Edinburgh.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland, together with the United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of Ireland, is one of the three senior Regular Masonic jurisdictions, commonly known as the 'Home' Grand Lodges. The three operate closely together, through a formal memorandum of cooperation and common rules for recognition of Masonic bodies internationally. Inter-visitation rights with the Home Grand Lodges are generally considered the chief mark of masonic regularity

Grand Master Mason

Scotland is unique in the title given to the head of its Grand Lodge.  Other Grand Lodges around the world use the local language equivalent of "Grand Master", only Scotland uses the title "Grand Master Mason".

H

Harmony

St David (University Lodge) HarmonyIn Scotland the social meal following a Lodge Meeting is referred to as "Harmony".

Bear in mind that Harmony after a Lodge Meeting is a continuation of the Meeting so although a relaxed and social atmosphere is appropriate, and indeed desirable, loud, coarse or intemperate behaviour is unacceptable.