Monday, 10 February 2025, 9:27 AM
Site: The Mason Word
Course: 1. Freemasonry for Non-Masons (Freemasonry for Non-Masons)
Glossary: Some Jargon Explained
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.