What is the order of the Golden Dawn?
The Order of the Golden Dawn was founded in 1887 by two Freemasons. They were interested in Qabalah and its connections to Christianity. This led them to study hermetic traditions as well as Occultism.
After publishing some articles on their findings, they began receiving letters from those interested in joining their society (The Hermetic Order). Today we will talk about where this order came from, how it changed over time, what initiations are like, and more!
The founding of the Golden Dawn
The two freemasons were William Robert Woodman and Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers. They were originally from England but moved to Paris in 1884. It was there that they met the French occultist Eliphas Levi who introduced them to the hermetic tradition.
After returning to England, they began publishing The Golden Dawn magazine. This is where most of the members originally came from. They started receiving letters and requests for membership to their new order.
The Golden Dawn structure
Woodman died in 1892, leaving Mathers as a leader over this occult school.
In 1895 he published The Book of Lies, which laid out some basic teachings that many considered blasphemous. His actions caused him to be kicked out of the Hermetic Society.
He later moved back to Paris with his wife Moina, publishing until his death in 1918. Mathers led the Order of the Golden Dawn after Woodman’s died and before it closed down in 1903 following a leadership dispute.
Initiation into the Golden Dawn
There are three main initiatory degrees in the order. They are Neophyte, Zelator, and Theoricus. There is also an Outer Order with four grades: Minerval, Brother of the Rosy Cross, Knight of the East and West, and Rose Croix.
To become initiated, one must complete a series of tasks and rituals. This is done under the guidance of a mentor.
What does one learn in these initiatory degrees?
The Neophyte grade is focused on basic magical training, which includes meditation, astral projection, and talisman consecration. The Zelator grade teaches about Qabalah and its connection to the tarot. Theoricus is focused on the study of ceremonial magic.
The Outer Order teaches about the history and symbolism of Freemasonry. It also provides instruction in meditation, astral projection, and Qabalah.
What were some of the influences on the Golden Dawn?
One of the main influences was Freemasonry which is why so many of their teachings are similar. The Golden Dawn also looked to Western Esoteric traditions such as Qabalah, Hermeticism, and Alchemy. They were influenced by the Rosicrucians, Freemasonry, and other groups that emerged in this period, including the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor, which was a group dedicated to spiritual enlightenment.
The influence of the mythical Hermes Trismegistus is also very apparent in their teachings. This is likely because of the popularity of The Emerald Tablet, which was attributed to him.
What are some of the current popular beliefs about the Golden Dawn?
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about this occult school. Some people believe that it’s still active and that you can become initiated into it.
It is important to note that the Golden Dawn was a popular occult school in its time. It even influenced Freemasonry through groups such as the Hermetic Order of Masonry and Societas Rosicruciana In Anglia (SRIA).
The history of this occult order has been dramatically romanticized over the years. Many books and articles have been written about it, only adding to the mystique.
However, it is essential to remember that it was just a school with teachings similar to Freemasonry. It was not some magical order that had all the answers. The leaders were often in conflict, and the order eventually shut down.
The history of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn is a fascinating one to study, and I would highly recommend learning more about it if you are interested in this area. It can be hard to separate fact from fiction, but there’s no denying its influence on Freemasonry, Western Esoteric traditions, and modern Occultism as a whole
What is the significance of the Golden Dawn?
The Golden Dawn was one of the first occult schools to teach Qabalah and its connection to magic. They were also one of the first groups to introduce initiatory degrees into their order. This helped to create a standard for other occult schools that followed. Their influence can be seen in many schools of modern Occultism.
What are some other influential occult schools?
Other notable groups include The Hermetic Brotherhood Of Luxor, Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO), and Aleister Crowley’s Thelema. Each of these schools has its own unique teachings and practices.
It is important to remember that there is no one “correct” way to approach Occultism. Each person will have a unique path to follow.
These schools were all influential in their own way, and each has something unique to offer. It’s interesting to study the history of these groups and see how they have evolved.
The Order of the Golden Dawn is a fascinating occult school with a rich history that fascinates people today. Its influence can be seen in many schools of modern Occultism.
Hermetic traditions as well as Occultism
Within the Order of the Golden Dawn, there are three hermetic traditions which are:
– Alchemy
– Astrology
– Theurgy
Other occult schools also practiced these three traditions, such as Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) and Aleister Crowley’s Thelema. Each tradition has its own unique teachings and practices.
Alchemy
The practice of Alchemy is the transformation of matter from one form to another. This process can be used to achieve spiritual enlightenment or material gain.
Astrology
Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial objects to divining information about human affairs and terrestrial events.
Theurgy
Theurgy is the practice of invoking angelic or godly powers. It is similar to Goetia but does not involve the use of demons.
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
The order was active until 1903, when it split into two factions: Stella Matutina and Alpha et Omega. Today, many groups claim descent from either faction or both, including but not limited to the Rosicrucian Order, Freemasonry, and Thelema.
The order is significant because it was one of the first occult schools to teach spiritual development alongside magic practice. It also introduced many people to hermetic traditions, which have had a lasting influence on Occultism.
Aleister Crowley’s Thelema
When Aleister Crowley was initiated into the OTO, he was given the title of “Master of the Temple.” This made him the head of the order.
Crowley is significant because he introduced Thelema, a new form of Occultism that combines elements from Eastern and Western traditions. Thelema has been influential in modern magic practices.
Many people have been influenced by the Hermetic Order of The Golden Dawn, which is still active today. It has had a lasting influence on Occultism throughout history and continues to be influential in practice.
Hermes Trismegistus
One way that the golden dawn influences many magical groups is through hermeticism. Hermes Trismegistus is a figure from ancient myth associated with both Thoth and the Egyptian god of wisdom.
Hermes Trismegistus has been influential in many occult schools, including those that have influenced Golden Dawn members such as Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy, and Alchemy. You could say that the hermetic tradition is a direct descendent of Hermes Trismegistus.
The Golden Dawn has been called Hermeticism’s largest and most successful export.
Hermes Trismegistus was thought to be an Egyptian philosopher who knew astronomy, astrology, alchemy, geometry, mathematics, and other esoteric subjects.
Many occultists believe that he was a contemporary of Moses and that the Corpus Hermeticum is an ancient text containing his teachings.
The order of the golden dawn and Hermes Trismegistus are significant because they have been influential in many occult schools throughout history. Each has something unique to offer and continues to be influential in modern Occultism.
