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solar eclipse: the fall and regeneration of the golden dawn by Mike Wortman (dissthentic@disinfo.net) - February 08, 2001 |
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| The great wealth of occult knowledge that exists today, from Tarot and astrology, to Wicca, alchemy and even some psychology principles, has its roots in the teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Founded in London in 1887 by Dr. William Woodman, S. L. MacGregor Mathers and Dr. William Wynn Wescott, it was a preparatory school and fraternity in name only, as it recognized women as being as important and vital as men, a position virtually unheard of at the time. Membership was recruited from all circles of profession and social standing. Many writers and artists of the time were once members of the original order, including W. B. Yeats, Arthur Machen, Aleister Crowley, Bram Stoker, and A. E. Waite. Originally an extension of German Rosicrucianism, the Order based its information on several texts, including the Egyptian (Osirian) Book of the Dead (generally considered the oldest book in existence), and a set of initiatory documents called the 'Cipher Manuscripts'. These were instructions for spiritual evolution and an alchemical process of great inner transformation, culminating in the integration of the personality's internal elements and the discovery of one's true purpose (True Will) or Work in this lifetime. These teachings were executed primarily through the initiatory process of training, application, and testing of the subject matter in each grade of the Order (pertaining to specific areas of study and meditation on progressively more complex concepts, and integrating material). The curriculum included applied practical magic (mainly the Qabalah), but also including alchemy, astrology, Tarot and other Western Esoteric mysteries. The Order itself had a turbulent history, culminating in the revolt and splitting of the Order in 1900, due to power struggles and the conflicting egos key members. The secrecy oath to which all Neophytes were sworn to was extremely important above all other oaths taken during initiation into the Order. This was necessary for several reasons, including the privacy of the members, and for the Order's continued survival as a magical organization. Due to its conceptual distance from mainstream society, the Order would have been (and later was) publicly considered 'Satanic' by late 19th century society (its initiatory system did influence the organizational structure of the Church of Satan and the Temple of Set). It was the breaking of this oath, and questions over the actual origins of the Order that caused the split. Many of the members chose to break away from the original Golden Dawn, and found their own magical societies and temples. Mathers changed the name from the Golden Dawn to the Alpha Et Omega, due to scandalous press and legal problems, which has since gone through several name changes. Today, innumerable organizations claim lineage to the original Order, some even trade-marking the name. Whether these various groups originate from the true Order or not, some are genuine and others are not. The publication of much of the Golden Dawn's inner teachings has resulted in an avalanche of information, some of it valid, much of it misinformation. 'New Age' commercialism has made it very easy for those who care more about money than your spiritual wellbeing to prey on those interested in self-knowledge and the various occult philosophies. This requires that we investigate, compare and thoroughly think about the options that we are presented with if we wish to follow these paths. Fortunately, there is a renewed interest in the teachings of the Golden Dawn: some adherents are committed to preserving the tradition. To 'Know Thyself', the fundamental aim of Magick, is more important today than it ever was, as the emerging 'Age of Aquarius' battles degenerative commercial plundering. There are many paths to enlightenment; the door leading to the light is open for any that wish to seek entry. |
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The Golden Dawn Library Project Expose 'Exposing Satanism' Order Of The Twilight Star Hermetic Order Of The Golden Dawn Builders Of The Adytum Golden Dawn & Hermetic Resources Sanctum Sanctorum: Golden Dawn Resources La Vera Storia Della Golden Dawn Disinformation Dossier On William Butler Yeats Disinformation Dossier On Aleister Crowley The Great Beast 666 Disinformation Dossier On Anton LaVey Disinformation Dossier On Marilyn Manson Disinformation Dossier On The Temple Of Set Hermetic Order Of The Morning Star International Hermetic Order Of The Golden Dawn (r) Authentic Hermetic Order Of The Golden Dawn (r) Alchemy: Virtual Library The Egyptian Book Of The Dead Virginia Interactive Arts: The Historical Golden Dawn Disinformation Dossier On Kenneth Anger Morning Star International |
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