What items were used in the preparation of a fellow craft?

The preparation of a Fellow Craft in Masonic ritual traditionally involves specific symbolic items, and the cable tow and hood are particularly significant. The cable tow represents the bond of brotherhood and the obligations that hold Masons together, while the hood signifies the concealment of the initiate's identity or the bridging of two worlds—the profane and the sacred. These items play a critical role in conveying the teachings and principles of Freemasonry, guiding the candidate through their journey of enlightenment and knowledge.

Other choices refer to symbols or items that are relevant in different contexts within Masonry but do not specifically pertain to the Fellow Craft preparation. Robes and crowns might symbolize rank or authority but are not typically associated with this specific degree. Similarly, gavels and charters relate to governance and administration within the lodge rather than the personal initiation experience of a Fellow Craft. A ring and a sword are symbolic of commitment and defense in a broader sense but do not hold the same direct connection to the initiation process of a Fellow Craft as the cable tow and hood do. Thus, the focus on the cable tow and hood accurately reflects the essential elements involved in the preparation for this degree.