When I was made an entered apprentice I was given three working tools to contemplate.
For non Masons please let me explain. The aim of working tools is to muse upon symbolic objects that represent a moral lesson and then adjust your viewpoint and behaviour in life so as to improve your character.
A level for example would be a good symbol if you wanted to learn to treat people equally.
I remember being presented with them in the ceremony and feeling a little bit disappointed, I couldn’t take them home with me afterwards. I suppose I just wanted something tangible to work with. Maybe I could place Next next to my bed or put it in a special place that would remind me of those qualities so I could apply them during the day.
Many years later someone actually bought me a mini set of working tools which I thought were rather beautiful but they were different from the ones I’d been using. They were probably made for someone who is a member of an American Lodge and they didn’t quite have the feel that I was looking for.
Now Jonti Marks the wonderful Masonic author and contemplative Freemason along with his daughter Bridie have produced a beautiful set of Masonic contemplation cards. Their aim is to be used exactly as I had in mind when I first donned an apron, as a reminder, they include the working tools I was presented and a lot more too
I remember when we had a meeting over these cards Jonti and I were trying to find a way to make them happen. We needed to make sure that neither of us ended up out of pocket but we also wanted to make sure that they were usable as a tool, I don’t think either of us said it but I believe both of us knew that these would really aid people in their path. I wonder if Jonti wanted to keep the working tools he was presented with!?
Now you can contemplate Masonic symbols without having to take a large box of wooden implements around with you. They can fit in your pocket!
I just want to add while I’m here that this isn’t a new idea. In fact it’s very traditional in the early years of Freemasonry. People were using cards as means of contemplation with decks and symbols available for their use. Perhaps one day I will write more about these deck.
But for now you can see the Masonic Wisdom cards here.
https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/esoteric/masonic-wisdom-cards-a-deck-for-daily-reflection.htm