What items does the individual rest their hands upon during the Obligation?

During the Obligation, an individual rests their hands upon the Holy Bible and the Square and Compasses. This practice is deeply rooted in Masonic tradition, symbolizing the importance of faith and moral guidance (represented by the Holy Bible) along with the tools of Freemasonry that represent virtue and morality (the Square and Compasses).

The Bible signifies the spiritual and ethical guidance that Masons are expected to follow in their lives. The Square serves as a symbol for morality and fairness, encouraging members to act right and just in all their dealings, while the Compasses emphasize the importance of self-control, boundaries, and maintaining balance in one's life and actions.

Items like a Masonic symbol and a banner, or a ceremonial sword, do not represent the same foundational principles and spiritual sentiment that the Holy Bible and the Square and Compasses convey in the context of the Obligation. Similarly, the Square and the Rod lacks the significant spiritual component that the Holy Bible adds to the ceremony. By resting their hands on the Holy Bible and the Square and Compasses, members reaffirm their commitment to uphold the values and teachings of Freemasonry.