In ancient times apprenticeship was a means by which young men could learn and advance themselves within a profession. Generally apprenticeship involved a seven year bonding with a skilled teacher and in many instances was a contractual agreement. The master was to teach and the apprentice was to serve and learn.   

    At each step through the Degrees, the newly obligated Mason is directed to read, reflect, and follow the moral codes outlined in his Holy Book, for these are his spiritual compasses. However there are other guideposts within his introduction to the Craft that are extremely important, notably “The Grand Lodge Laws” and the by-laws of his Lodge. For the most part, the by-laws of a lodge outline the operational procedures for the lodge, while “The Grand Lodge Laws” are more comprehensive covering both the Grand Lodge and its subordinate lodges.

    As often taught, the trestle-board is the board upon which the Master traces the designs by which the Craft are to pursue their labors and its design may be found upon the pavement or floor of many lodges. It has always been considered one of the jewels of the lodge and its importance, both to the operative Mason and the speculative Mason, is unquestioned, but can we see deeper meaning within its design?

            Perhaps one of the most familiar phrases is “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep”. This phrase points to there being darkness before there was Light and carries deep meaning within the Craft. In most cultures and peoples, darkness is associated with death and the cold of winter, whereas light is associated with life and the warmth of spring and summer. Depending upon the times, each of these states was feared or revered.