An Oibre Mhor

Pre-Order New Releases from Kerubim Press!

2012-01-26T07:17:00.001-08:00

Check out the latest press release from Kerubim Press. Golden Dawn and Enochian - what more could you want?

Pre-order Now!

Limited Hardback Editions available for pre-order.

The Kerubim Press launch titles, King Over The Water by Nick Farrell and Enochian Magic In Theory by Dean F. Wilson, are now available for pre-order. Both books are set for a late February launch, which is only weeks away, and there are only 100 copies of the Limited Hardback Edition of each title. All 100 copies will be signed and numbered by the author, and each copy will come with a Kerubim Press bookmark that is sure to be the envy of whatever it is you're currently using as a bookmark. If that wasn't enough, the Limited Hardback Editions also feature a different cover design compared to their paperback cousins, making them a true collector's item.

Paperback editions will be available from online retailers like Amazon in late February. Ebook versions will also be available within the coming months.

KING OVER THE WATER

King Over The Water is Nick Farrell's controversial prequel-come-sequel to Mathers' Last Secret, the exposé on Samuel Mathers from Golden Dawn fame. This book is set to rock the magical work just as much as its predecessor, with a thorough look at the ousted King of the Golden Dawn and how things went in his post-rebellion group, the Alpha et Omega. There are also a number of previously unpublished original GD and AO documents, such as the original Z documents and the Book of the Tomb, the secret and much coveted text that was required for making a Vault of the Adepts.

Pre-order Now!

ENOCHIAN MAGIC IN THEORY

Enochian Magic In Theory is Dean F. Wilson's long-awaited tome on the theoretical elements of the powerful Enochian system of magic. The book provides an indepth look at the history of the system and answers many of the questions about the puzzles left behind by Dee and Kelley. Using a unique mix of scholarly critique and personal insight, Wilson provides a thorough understanding of a system that has beguiled many. As a magician who has worked extensively with Enochian magic for many years, Wilson prepares the foundations required for using the system - the necessary steps before delving into the practical guidelines of Enochian Magic In Practice, the sequel expected later this year.

Pre-order Now!

Remember that there are only 100 copies of these Limited Hardback Editions. Make sure to pre-order your copy today to avoid disappointing both yourself and your bookshelf.

KERUBIM PRESS

Path of Initiation

2011-09-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

γνῶθι σαυτόν

- Know Thyself

One of the oldest maxim of philosophical thought as espoused by such great thinkers as Plato, Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Coleridge. The premise of this maxim, as it evolves into an axiom, is that by understanding oneself and one's actions one can better engage life and the world around us. Rendered as "nosce te ipsen" in latin. For those not interested in pursuing a magical or mystical path this may sound like the easiest thing in the world. We grow up listening to our parents, family, friends and our communities informing us who we are in their eyes. This isn't necessarily a fatalistic perspective for a person as many people cope well in the world and forge wonderful lives for themselves; for others interested in magic knowing oneself or one's motivations is often understood to be crucial to developing within magic as a

paradigm.

Approaching a magical order for initiation might seem simplistic. If you click on the links to their website you will often find an online application form, for applicants to submit their application electronically. See simple! Right? Not so, since we often engage with online media very differently than we do hardcopies of things we may rush through details and maybe even forget ourselves by using shorthand or text-speak. Some people just aren't strong spellers and this is fair enough but considering this is the first impression many orders and temples have of prospective candidates and depending on the information supplied will determine whether or not an interview will be arranged. It may seem harsh but from my canvassing of various friends in a variety of magical orders its often accompanied by a dialogue online. I mean an Order would need to be pretty hard-faced to not recognise that some people have genuine problems, but nonetheless take your time!

In terms of the applicant it may be the first time or the hundredth time one has applied to a magical order (though if the latter you may want to heed key advice of this blog piece and slow the feck down! Seriously its not a race its a path). Either way just like the function of the magical diary the application allows the applicant to consider carefully where they've come from and why they are applying. Gnoithi Seauton - Know thyself in practice. No one's denying the limitations of words as a form but words are powerful tools which aren't to be feared. Perhaps its my English student tendencies coming to the fore again but I'm familiar with, though not fluent in other languages like Irish, German and Spanish. If you can't focus yourself for an application form (which no one likes filling out by the way, so you're not alone) how can you be focused for an interview? While many Orders say that interviews will be arranged for all applicants no one should assume this when submitting an application. Just like with a job applicant the two are likely to be considered in tandem. Be smart about this folks and don't waste people's time. If it helps print it out first and fill it in in pen.

I've recently discovered what really drives me cuckoo when looking at applications . They are: incomplete forms/omitting information, refusing to answer direct questions such as which orders have you been previously/currently been affiliated with, and demanding Order related information before initiation to name but a few.

Leaving an application form blank in some respects is actually advisable if you're not 100% sure you can trust the website. Hopefully filling out the application at all means you've considered this and have checked around and so do trust it. For most Orders I doubt it will completely kill your chances (though I promise nothing since I don't speak for every Order and this is just a personal blog post), but if you decide to leave pieces blank consider whether or not you will feel like disclosing them later when they email for a meeting or even at the interview. It's about being prepared.

While interviewers like to see people strengthening their egos through the work this does not mean they like to see inflated egos, so if you're prone to establishing yourself as a god I can confidently say that most sincere occultists will be too busy to stop and feed your ego. This does beg the question of how to strike the appropriate measure of respect and friendliness after the initial contact is made online. First, I would council that a person fill out online forms with due diligence and care. Like magical diaries (if anyone doesn't keep one really suggest they start, so much help!) forms aren't intended to get private information on you but to get a sense of who you are. Its just a sense remember, so if you heeded the advice about care and diligence you'll most likely be successful regardless of whether it was the perfect rendition of who you are. I suggest keeping a copy of it because sometimes reaching the next step can take a while for some Orders. If you don't hear back don't panic, wait a week or maybe two and send an email asking for confirmation. Sometimes machines mess up, others human error. Don't plague the Order but chasing up for confirmation can show a measure of sincerity and commitment which some leaders like to see. (Not sure how I feel about this, naturally if its an accident of the system or servers it's understandable but I've heard rumours of some Orders that do this as standard).

Step two is scheduling an interview. Once again these can be formal or informal my general guideline for this is like a job interview let personality shine through but be focused and polite. No one likes interviews but they are oh so good for you to be introduced to the Order. Its okay to show some personality and even be a little nervous but try not to let that get in the way. (Wow I really feel like I'm the esoteric answer to FÁS - Ireland's job and skills training group with cliché's like this! Sorry).

G:.D:. and New Media

While I might be called presumptuous for suggesting that applicants, of which their are many and various styles and amounts, should consider what it is they are engaging with when they apply online. By this I mean the medium of the information exchange online. Just because the Golden Dawn practices magic doesn't mean the use of modern technology is moot. Indeed consider for a moment that the 'Original' Golden Dawn was founded in 1888 when we had the first development in what some sociologists call new media technology i.e. the telegram and transatlantic postage. The GD (and other Orders of the time) was present for international connection, sure its not the internet but sparked stories like Stoker's Dracula and theres also an interesting scene when Jane Eyre hears Rochester telepathically! (No, seriously I kid you not!)

The GD is not so past it that the internet should be seen as a secondary element to the process of initiation and therefore inconsequential. While some commentators (muggle and magical alike) might suggest the GD and all magic is merely fanciful re-enactment or nostalgia it is a living tradition that grows with the times around it. This is, in my opinion, its continued strength and appeal to modern day seekers.

Personally I consider it a mark of respect for modern day magicians to acknowledge that they are living in modern times. If anyone's read my pagan blog you'll know that while I respect the past I wouldn't be what one might call a overtly nostalgic. I'm pretty much the same with ceremonialism.

One final piece of advice, Orders are rarely so petty as to reject someone's application on petty grounds. Sometimes they might feel some maturing is needed others they might feel there is a better suit elsewhere for you to pursue magical and spiritual goals. However, if you're sure you want to be a member of the __[insert appropriate Order here]__ Order I suggest you take the time of the initial rejection to reflect maybe read up on the history of that Order and the tradition and apply again in some months time. Also keep an eye for other spiritual opportunities such as more accessible events like workshops and talks.

I wish you well on your search!

[NB: post was edited (07/11/2011) to insert some clarity of position. Please accept my apologies for inconvenience to readers and posters alike.]

Topic ideas for Fear-Draiochta blog?

2011-08-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

I'm so sorry been off the blogosphere for so long. Life dramas and work committments. What I hope to do come Samhain (October) is begin a new series of writings for the Phases of the Moon and the Sabbats. I'm in final year of college so will be kept very busy but I hope that people will indulge me.

If theres anything you'd like to see discussed email me: abhainn@pagansineire.com or leave a comment below.

I commented on Oibre-Mhor before about upcoming dates to watch for including Dean Wilson speaking at Feile Draíochta 2011 in October, as well as the launch of the website for the Dublin Temple of MOAA, and also left a note on the state of Occult Ireland and Pagans in Eire. (see three lines here took a whole post! lol).

Also what do you think of the new layout? Seems more accessible now to me?

Updates: Forums, New Website Launch and Talks coming up!

2011-08-08T06:27:00.000-07:00

Well dear readers,

I don't know about any of you but I've been having the busiest Summer in a good long while. I tend to be a lot more informal (yes it gets worse!) on my other blog, Fear Draíochta and so if you've been following posts there you may have guessed I'm heavily involved in community work in the LGBT community and juggling college as my final year encroaches. I have three items I'm like to let you all know about;

Forum news,
Website launch,
Féile Draíochta

1. Forum News

Forums have had changes in personnel and procedures due to spam and because many of the Moderators are incredibly busy.

Occult Ireland was badly hit by spam bots and while the clean-up is underway it will take time. Most of the forum categories are cleaned up but in order to sign up you will need admin approval. This was the only way to control the spambots from registering. We are looking into alternatives but may take some time. Frater Yechidah has stayed on as Co-admin in an advisory capacity (he really thinks he can get off that lightly! lol) and Adder as a Moderator.

Pagans in Eire wasn't as badly hit but since its on the same platform it was hit and we took the same measures. Sharrow was promoted to Co-admin to help regulate things better and she's been an angel along with our Moderators, Nuadu and Solais.

Forum upgrades will come but I just need to free up time. Sorry for the way. Both OI and PIE are on Facebook for further updates.

2. Magical Order of the Aurora Aurea - Dublin Temple

MOAA launched in late 2009 as a new order within the Golden Dawn tradition. Since then the Order has flourished and continues to achieve a lot - I'll admit I'm biased, doesn't make it untrue mind ;) - throughout this the Irish Temple based in Dublin has been working to. Its now come to the stage where the Dublin Temple are ready to launch our website. The link is in the subtitle above and I'd like to invite you all to take a gander... more will be added over time.

Okay... take a gander but hurry back for more about Féile Draíochta 2011.

3. Talks at Feile Draíochta 2011

Féile Draíochta is Ireland's answer to Witchfest/Craftfest and indeed has gone by those names in the past. It was started in 2003 and is hosted by Barbara Lee and author Lora O'Brien. This festival remains the highlight of many magical seekers social calendars and this year Dean Wilson will be offering a talk on the Golden Dawn with some practical exercises for those interested in attending. Details of which can be found on the link above below is a brief introductory biography from the website itself:

Dean Wilson lives in Dublin and is a Gnostic and Golden Dawn ceremonial magician. He has a keen interest in the Qabalah, Enochian and Gnosticism. He is a member of Nick Farrell's Magical Order of Aurora Aurea and sometimes goes by the motto Frater Yechidah. In this talk Dean proposes to explain to us from the basis of his own experience and work what the Golden Dawn is, including a brief history. He will discuss the Golden Dawn today and its influences on modern magic, with an insight into the place of paganism within it.

Some other guest speakers confirmed are Jon Hanna a noted speaker on witchcraft and magic. In time the website will be updated with more speakers and workshop facilitators so please do check in regularly. I can't wait to attend myself!

Guest blogging at Conscious Development

2011-06-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

My dear friend Steven is the brains and beauty behind Conscious Development which is a blog aimed at inspiring and offering support to people along their spiritual and personal development. Steven also operates a page on Facebook for Conscious Development.

If you click the link to Conscious Development above you can see my humble contribution to the discussion. I really enjoyed writing for this piece and would like to thank Steven for the chance to do so!

Neopaganism and Academia

2010-11-16T05:55:00.000-08:00

Within modern esotericism there is a strong penchant for scholarly work and emphasis and so it comes and no surprise to read MOTO, and to follow the breadcrumbs back to Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and witness some interesting relationships towards the academic work of Ronald Hutton. I'll be frank and forthright right now and say I've never read the man's work despite a lot of neopagans insisting I would enjoy it for it's reputed scholarly work. I'm not one to enjoy presumptions much but I've been trying to maintain an open mind. What I would say is that academic work is not published so that everyone agrees. Often it's the most immediate means for an academic to circulate their completed thesis or work for review and debate amongst the appropriate circle.

To look at neopaganism in more detail (frankly I have some info needing further exploration and its being held for my Final Year Project work) I would argue that one need to look not just historically but culturally and sociologically as well. Often since we're looking at a relatively new paradigm which is still developing cultural characteristics all the time so reaching a definitive conclusion. This may not wrap up matters perfectly for a lot of those relying on academic research (or more often the "notable authority's" name assoc

iated with it) to prove their assertions correct and others wrong.

In my own opinion, is that neopaganism as we now understand it to be is a syncretism of a variety of influences dating circa the mid-20th Century. The lines between Wicca and Neopaganism can become blurred at times especially when one views Wicca with the lens of what is published in "Wicca101" material. Frankly I find this exceedingly lazy for crafting a personal praxis or a system of magical operation and is often endemic of a media-based culture consumed with immediacy of magic and not the systemic approach which I believe inevitably serves for more effective mag

ic in the long run.

It is at this juncture we reach a crux in the positions of a lot of neopagan witches, who may like myself identify themselves sooner with the term witch, in identifying 'witch' with the role of a priesthood and therefore as a spiritual counsellor or leader. There are of course the initiatory traditions often described in-house as 'The Craft of the Wica' or increasingly as British Traditional Wicca (BTW) or Traditional Initiatory Wicca (TIW). I've even seen a few mentions of 'Neo-Wicca' for those not following an initiatory tradition. All of which seems to be a strong indicator for the nuances of how subcultures develop and branch out over time. Traditional or Initiatory Wicca involves the praxis revolving around a central religious philosophy best described by those adhering to it.

Personally I've never sought dedication to a particular deity, either god or goddess. On Fear Draíochta I have posted on a working relationship to Sinann both because I am living on the back of the river Shannon (the longest river in Ireland) which holds a lot of cultural history and mythos which in Ireland is strongly connected on territorial basis. The myths and legends as espoused in the literary records, as opposed to those which are orally recorded often centuries after the arrival of Christianity.

Since my last post on Sinann I've encounter so many possible facets to the "goddess" and I use comas for a reason since we have a theory in development around this being yet another possible title rather than a goddess. Also I do need to clarify that there is no historical or archeological evidence that Irish deities, were never worshipped in the sense of classical mythology with huge temples and shrines.

On my altar you will see some Egyptian statues in the background but once again no dedication since namely this was intended as a working altar not a shrine but also because while invariably working with these deities or godforms I have been exploring my own identity as a witch and magician. But chiefly these statues feature because I have no space elsewhere in my room for them and they happen to support the painting in the background. I'm a firm believer in practical and pragmatic paganism.

Perhaps Nick Farrell is correct when he suggests that neopagan practitioners and observers do tend to defer to orthodox practices harkening to their Christian or monotheistic upbringing because I do believe in a One Being and the deities which have now been assumed into neopaganism such as the Mórrígain, the Dagdha and Boann from Irish mythology, Rhiannon and Cerridwen from Welsh and Epona from Central Europe are aspects of this One Being perhaps with their own sentience and personality of purpose. I don't pretend to be steadfast in my beliefs as I'm still developing my own sense of cosmology based on experiences.

Names, Mottoes & Drag

2010-09-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

First I initially did state "et. al." in the title so I reserve the right to ramble incoherently.

Earlier today I was reading Donald Michael Kraig's blog on The Magickal Name and after reading the thought processes of earlier Golden Dawn members when selecting their mottoes I felt compelled to comment because naturally I thought necessity being the mother of invention I'd been rather clever in spotting a suitable motto in my family motto (thank heavens for being from a Norman family!). Oh well least there's validation and I can rest assured that I'm not alone (truthfully I do know some others who've found empowering family mottoes to serve as magical mottoes too but if I didn't post on this I'd never make a post at all). I think there is a marked difference between a magic(k)al name and a motto.

First, a name is a noun and can have a multitude of concepts attached to it. For instance I've known many a neo-pagan who took the name of a particular mythological figure or deity only to end up living out this character's role almost perpetually. I've known others who adopt a series of adjectives as names like Dancing Faerystorm and then wonder why they've started acting like they have ADHD and their voices have gone up a couple of octaves so that now dogs seem to respond. Kraig references Silver RavenWolf as one of his examples of the thought processes involved in selecting a magickal name, so there are some really well considered names out there which hold much deeper reflection for the individual.

Secondly, a motto is more descriptive than a magickal name is. It tends to encapsulate an ideal in the form a of phrase. A better way of describing a motto would to call it an aspiration for one's work within the Order/tradition. Generally, its considered poor taste to select a motto of another magician because the aspirations selected could prove problematic; there are, however, several common names that would have two or more mottoes associated with them so not sure how practical this is. Like I said I took my motto from my family's motto. At one point it was public but not since initiation.

For people's delectation I'm linking to The Golden Dawn Roll Call on angelfire, though M organ Drake comments on Golden Dawn Forum that there is a more comprehensive list in The Golden Dawn Source Book by Darcy Kuntz.

Following on from the role of mottoes and magickal names is the concept of robes and basically dragging it to the androgynous beat that is the Tau-robe. So while dear-not-so-auld Ru Paul here (pictured right) might be prone to donning glamourous costumes for his performances the androgynous nature of the spiritual elements to the Great Work of the G.D. magician tend to pull together for a different effect.

Lets face it Tau-robes and nemyss and the whole ensemble isn't designed to be flattering to anyone's shape or their EGO. And neither is one's magical motto. The objective is clear as one is meant to be seeking communion with the Higher Self. I'm not even doing to presume I've accomplished this and know anything about it but such is the objective. Its not that the magician suddenly stops being female or male (or any association thereof) during ritual but another mode of expression is being sought. One's magical persona is a safe vestige for aspects of the Higher Self to manifest in the ritual drama.

I was at a workshop for LGBT awareness in my university at the start of this year and attended a drag workshop hosted by a friend of mine. I felt bad for this friend because the workshop wasn't simply a skit of how to slap on some lippy or eyeliner and a cheap dress but it explored the whole concept of gender inversion and the history of performance. In hindsight probably a little OTT for an audience of college students who'd been out the night before and many still not sober. I remember something which stood out for me as part of the talk when it cam to a performance by Lady GaGa which entailed a Ritual of the Phoenix. I doubt there was much magic involved but the dramatic effect was evident even from the images (will try and source an image shortly). At the time GaGa was coming into question around what precisely was her specific gender. It really illustrated how drama can be an extremely potent tool for an individual let alone for an aspiring magician.

The LRP by Moonlight

2010-09-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

Yup I did the hippy thing last night. Strangely it wasn't very hippy but rather informative in terms of supplying a connection during the ritual. Last night was a Waning Crescent moon, which fell beautifully over the trees and field to the back of my house. The day had been beautiful and so there were few clouds to contend with thankfully because the stars were almost as fantastic. I live out in the countryside and this tends to my "genuine" claim to the term 'paganus' or country-dweller.

I stepped out the patio door after hours so as not to have an audience. No robes or that, simply me and the heavens above. I performed the Qabalistic Cross, which was excellently timed as a light breeze came around me. Realistically I wasn't far from the back door so it really had no other choice as to where to blow. As it did so I could visualize the LVX or Light descending. Don't get me wrong I've had no problems in visualizing this before but there was something about being outside, and reassuring that it wasn't just the safe confines of my ritual altar in my room that presented such sensations.

Forming the Pentagrams was very interesting because the night sky really lent itself to the ritual as a cosmic scene. I guess its also refreshing for me to have space to move around properly. Generally because my room is quite cluttered I have to rely on visualization to "see" the energies extending beyond and back.

I didn't stay out any longer than was needed to perform the LRP because I am just recovering from a very clingy head cold. It's been around for the past week and while it is lessening now I think I shall perform a MP ritual over the weekend to knock off the rest of it. Today I surprised myself and cleaned my room (terrible procrastinator here!!) and that usually means I've been sick long enough and now I want to get my room back on track and therefore my Life.

Just Who are the Olympics? (Part I)

2010-04-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

I've recently reviewed some commentaries on Nick Farrell's article, Olympic Spirits around the Magic/Esoteric Blogosphere. Perhaps its worth noting at this early stage not all the comments were from practitioners of the Golden Dawn system specifically and so the personal interpretations tend to take on well just that personal reflections and understandings. Nick's article brings up some interesting questions on the evolving nature of magical systems as a whole. I also must confess/assert that at present my interest in this is more academic than it is magic. One of the most fascinating developments in recent sociology has been the emergence of the awareness of subcultures in the veins of the established community and society. Magic can be largely divided into several smaller sub-groups but in my view it stands as a subculture in its own right.

Before examining the thread of Olympic Spirits perhaps defining how to identify a subculture might help. Wikipedia proclaims that:

Subcultures can be distinctive because of the age, ethnicity, class, location, and/or gender of the members. The qualities that determine a subculture as distinct may be linguistic, aesthetic, religious, political, sexual, geographical, or a combination of factors. According to Dick Hebdige, members of a subculture often signal their membership through a distinctive and symbolic use of style, which includes fashions, mannerisms, and argot. They also live out particular relations to places; Ken Gelder talks about "subcultural geographies" along these lines.

The Golden Dawn system actually adheres to much of this principle in that we don ostentatious clothing when we wear our robes and regalia and with our usage of insular terminology such as in the Outer Order degree system or indeed in sigil formations which may have unique application in the Golden Dawn system even apart from other Magic Systems. This is all before we get into the differences within the different Golden Dawn Orders which for various reasons take on differences in ritualistic practices.

Coming from a Neopagan background to the G.'.D.'. System there appear to be a lot of similarities and a lot of differences at the same time. Notably in the Neopagan paradigm the nature of godforms can be quite varied. Some modern Pagans/Witches will look upon the Gods as immanent and some will look upon them as emanations of the Divine. As most religions or spiritualities go the labeling of one's Path can be more cumbersome than sociologists and cultural theorists would prefer. While my own Spirituality does not normally incorporate the Olympic Pantheon like most people I am familiar with the 12 Principle Gods of Mount Olympus (note: the Arbatel uses 7 of these Gods; Apollo, Selene, Ares, Hermes, Zeus, Aphrodite and Chronos). One of the things that strikes me looking at the various interpretations and renditions of the Greek Pantheon is it's continued usage.

As Nick points out when looking at the Olympic Spirits in the Arbatel are given titles possibly to make them less "pagan" or even as a formula to approach them within the context of the power of the energy behind the planetary elements. In his article Nick provides some examples of Gods associated to the Spirit and their associations. The usage of Olympic Spirit workings clearly has avenues of expression in Western Magic as a whole and not just their traditional presence in Western Ceremonialism. Perhaps some exploration between the god names and the Olympic Spirits may illuminate how the energies of the names and the powers behind them have also evolved if at all. I look forward to hearing about others experiences...

I'm reserving Part II of this blog for more practical experiences to be explored. The magician's path is after all one of personal exploration rather than academia alone.

JWMT - Vernal Equinox 2010 Issue

2010-03-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well the Vernal Equinox Issue of JWMT - Journal of the Western Mystery Tradition has been published. This is a free e-zine offered to the esoteric community with contributions from a variety of well informed sources.

My thanks go to J.S. Kupperman for an excellent edition dealing with the concept of Angels. Feel free to roam the website and over past contributions from other members of the community.

www.jwmt.org/

Fraternity and Solidarity

2010-03-10T13:08:00.000-08:00

I started a post some time ago on the issue of Fraternity and Solidarity within magical traditions and basically ran out of steam while posting. I also just hit a writer's block. With the recent discussions on Sincerus Renatus' blog under: The Golden Dawn and Self-Initiation as well as a response on Arcad's blog: here. In part this blog is my own exploration of the growing role of Self-Initiation in the WMT as well as the counter point which is the continued growth of lodge or temple work as explored on Bro. BHDH's blog. All of those have interesting posts regarding the role of Orders/Temples and Self-Initiation.

Having originated within the sphere of personal exploration of the modern Craft paradigms my view of self-initiation remains somewhat askew. I was never one to follow that I needed to self-initiation in order to held as "valid" in the eyes of other practitioners within modern Craft, besides logically speaking there is nothing affecting my aura in the same manner as initiation may have done. Within the G.D. system its largely felt that a SI ceremony would need to be repeated several times in order to adequately affect the sphere of sensation of the candidate.

In any eventuality my own philosophy on the issue initiation is that while in an ideal circumstance one would be able to make use of a fully qualified temple officers but that the onus is always going to be on the student of the occult to persevere through the material and to make sure they keep both the theoretical and the practical work on the go. Simply put initiation alone does not an adept make. I should know! I've been initiated all of just over a month myself and I'm still not a ZAM!

The argument of recognition is not one that is unique to the Golden Dawn system. Initiatory Wicca has also been facing a similar argument in terms of grade advancements and titles for a while now. Ultimately a sign that someone is worth listening to is in the work they have undertaken to develop their understanding of the system and in how the proceed to contribute to its continuity. On Pat Zalewski's group a comment by Nick Farrell and a few others sparked something in my understanding. We're social creatures by design (biological or divine, doesn't matter for the purposes of this conversation) and as such the idea that because one is grand high lord muckidy-muck within a temple or order matters very little within the realm of society. Society survives and thrives from social development in ideas and perspectives and as such sometimes achieving one's True Will may involve the littlest exertion of energy as simply being the honest you may work in more ways that can be immediately perceived.

The title of this post is Fraternity and Solidarity, and herein lies the "catch22". Sometimes the temptation to view these concepts within the context of a insular group dynamic may prove deliciously tempting (I know I'm as gulty, just remember a moment on the lips a lifetime on the hips!) since within such groups language can develop a clandestine quality as well. With the presence of online forums and groups even the solitary magician isn't immune from the social trends of the moment. Nor should they be, its more about employing the terminology with common sense.

What is Magic?

2010-03-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

While I have been practicing the foundational magics for some time now my recent focus into the Golden Dawn system has conjured up some examinations about my definition of what is magic and how it features in my life. Meditation on the matter proved extremely trying and challenging as I seemed to have some pretty defined explanations for what magic is. In my mind's eye magic is an all pervasive element to the world around us. Neither good nor bad in and off itself but something by which the magician, skilled in their art, could shape and mould into a physical reality. The ancient Egyptians believed that the universe had been created through the power of Heka.

Heka literally means activating the Ka, the aspect of the soul which embodied personality. Egyptians thought activating the power of the soul was how magic worked. "Heka" also implied great power and influence, particularly in the case of drawing upon the Ka of the gods. Heka acted together with Hu, the principle of divine utterance, and Sia, the concept of divine omniscience, to create the basis of creative power both in the mortal world and the world of the gods. - Wikipedia

We find a similar exploration of divinity within the Irish deity of Anú as being expressed by the people as Danú. Anú being an expression of the primorial form of the goddess, possibly seen as unknown by the people whereas Danú is an expression that could be explored through the language employed at the time. If only one knew the language to be used, with so many traditions and expressions to encapsulate the divine. Its that concept of the hidden and mysterious. The issue of the dynamic between the different viewpoints towards magic arose quickly from there as what I considered to be mysterious is that which I have yet to cast the light of illumination upon.

I started asking myself what is black magic. Looking at it from the colour spectrum black doesn't typically feature since traditionally it is a lack of colour and therefore the unknown or unexpressed. In esoteric settings black has become synonymous with initiation, so it was conceivable that black magic, in some eyes, could be seen as the magic of initiation. Therefore, at least when starting out most magicians are black magicians in so much as they are ignorant of the principles in motion. When each system structures itself around a quasi-language structure then seems natural that learning the lingo would take time and many blunders along the way.

In the Golden Dawn system the candidate makes a statement that they will:

I will not debase my mystical knowledge in the labour of evil magic at any time, tried or under temptation. (Neophyte Oath 0=0)

In ignorance it's easy to become side-railed in the excitement of a new process or way of thinking and so rather than the standard idea that failure will your undoing this vow serves as a stern reminder of the course of action that one should aspire to in trying situations.

The concept of initiation remains possibly one of the most aloof and intangible aspects to any occult path. It is also that the concept of initiation has become more and more entangled with another alien concept, that of adept-hood. At 0=0 a magician hasn't yet completed the required gradework for admittance into the Adept Order, but even from this early start this is largely the goal as with being an Adept comes a certain expectation of being more of one's self. God help anyone that has to put up with more me!

I had a further epiphany when I read over Nick Farrell's article on The Sphere of Sensation on MOAA's website. I was struck by the explanation of the nature of the sphere of sensation as a hologram of the universe and a possible link to the Divine nature of the Universe. Like misty droplets from the ocean, the closer to the surface the more the light illuminates. A certain amount illumination is found in the stimulus around us, it is that journey to the surface to embrace the light for its wonders.

Magical Order of the Aurora Aurea and it's Correspondence Course

2010-02-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

Nick Farrell has just announced the formation of the Magical Order of Aurora Aurea and the details as rendered by Nick online are as follows:

"After laying low on the subject for a few months, I just thought I would tell everyone about the Golden Dawn Order that has been formed after I left the HOGD.

The Website for the Order can be found here www.auroraaurea.com. The Magical Order of the Aurora Aurea will be a world-wide Golden Dawn group whose main focus is taking a magical approach to the system. There are a few minor changes, but the frame work and initiations are traditional (Whare Ra) GD. The Order structure is slightly different and there is a ritual public face, called an Anticum. There is also a separate correspondence course for those who are not close to a full temple (although we are hoping that the course will draw people together to form Aurora Aurea temples).

The training material includes the traditional Golden Dawn material along with new teachings that work within the same system. The Order is much more hands on and practical than the pile of papers, traditional knowledge paper plus examination system of the Golden Dawn. It requires daily work and will have a full grade system at least until 7=4.

We are based in Europe with temples in Italy, Slovenia, Dublin and Wales.

The Correspondence course is a rewrite of the HCOMA course which was closed down by the former Director of Studies last year. If anyone was on that course and would like to continue then they are welcome to join at their previous level. It is a supervised course but offers no recognised grade other than the spiritual work that the student manages to achieve on their own.

It has been fun starting an Order from scratch, although my head hurts now that I have been writing the course material. I have nearly finished the 3=8 material! Currently members are flat out translating the material into different languages too.

Anyway have a look at the website and if you have any questions get in touch.

Nick Farrel"

The Healing Light

2010-02-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

I come in the power of Light, I come in the Light of wisdom, I come in the mercy of Light, the Light hath healing in its wings.

Thus it is written in the Neophyte 0=0 Ceremony of the Golden Dawn. I find it interesting to examine this quote some more in order to understand the nature of the work a new initiate is expected to complete. The first part of the quote states "I come in the power of the Light", this strikes me as the initializing stage of what is to come. For anyone accustomed to practicing magic whether ceremonially or even the foundational magics will know that often much of the preparation stages can formulate a strong awareness of one's power as a magician. Power in this case isn't just energy or capability to perform magic but also to engage in the system. It takes power in the form of will in order to face oneself.

The second part states, "I come in the Light of wisdom". Wisdom in this case can be for a multitude for reasons, ranging from understanding your own motivations for pursuing an initiatory system. Or even the pursuit of Wisdom itself. In the Outer Order Grades its been widely acknowledged that the aims of these grades are to suitably rise or bring awareness to the various issues underlying and potentially inhibiting the magician from advancing in their chosen spiritual path. Its been commented a bit on Dean's blog here and on Sincerus Renatus's blog here on the huge aid that psychology and psychotherapy can be to the practicing magician. More will be discussed below on my views on this below.

The third part of the quotes goes on to state, "I come in the mercy of the Light", thus indicating the invaluable role of mercy has in the magical practices. Considering the work of the Outer Order in the elemental grades I believe it's possible to discern more from this statement. Mercy can be defined as: "an act of compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm". Within the context of the G.'.D.'. system it would seem to indicate the power one has to show mercy or compassion to one's self.

And finally, "the Light hath healing in its wings." Wow, what evocative imagery here. Having engaged in the all the necessary steps we have the imagery of the angelic wings bringing forth healing from within and with out. The pursuit of one's Holy Guardian Angel is also of relevance here in that time is not solely a linear experience but in this regard I must return to comment after further experience. In any case the overall phrasing seems to emulate the pathway the candidate can expect to change. Prior to my own initiation I must confess some strange dreams involving flying magicians almost angelic like and others yet learning to be thus.

In any paradigm dedicated to the healing of a person, either emotionally, mentally or physically, there are certain group characteristics that tend to come to the fore eventually. As a person comes more into themselves the new sense of strength is bound to be extended into the relationships around them. Within the confines of a Temple or Order this 'new' stage can result in conflicts amongst members. Nick Farrell commented in his book, 'Gathering the Magic: Creating 21st Century Esoteric Groups', on how after time it has been observed in esoteric groups a "breaking out" point as the initiate has worked on themselves and now how the group may have certain difficulties embracing the new social equilibrium. In this regard other mundane areas of study such as sociology can aid in people's understanding of the process. In and off itself Sociology as a paradigm developed from people wishing to understand group psychology more. We are afterall social creatures and as all too often happens when people spend any extended period on introspection there can be an over focus on the alchemical changes we as magicians wish to engage. And to what end one may wonder?

Even within esoteric and magical systems there can develop an over dependency on healing. Without returning to the 'mundane' world around us how will we ever gauge these developments? Amongst our peers also seeking change and usually from a different stand point in their own personal stage?

Golden Dawn: A Tradition for All?

2010-02-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

This is a response to Dean's blog on the same subject matter, which can be found here. The subject which has caught the attention of a lot of members of the Golden Dawn community.

From my own experience when approaching initiation one of the crucial elements needing to be expressed was my own epilepsy. There are certain practical issues with epilepsy and being in a ritual space. At least when people are informed they are better able to 'prepare' for the seizure form. Most people are familiar with the stereotypical seizure format which is tonic-clonic or formerly grand-mal seizure. Though in truth there are numerous seizure forms and each don't get me started on being diagnosed with epilepsy.

The discussion on bias on application forms towards those with mental health issues is something of a major issue for Orders and Temples alike as applicants do need to be able to disclose such issues without reprisal. That said I've never been a fan of judging someone on the basis of an application whether it be for a job interview or for initiation. Naturally the two don't compare but as a system for vetting prospective candidates applications can be a useful tool if coupled with a suitable interview process. While I believe its something of a rarity these days, I do believe that some temples and orders make attempts at least to do some astral work or divination work, how successful these are at vetting members is unknown to myself personally.

I think judging my the vast amount of responses along the blogosphere and on Pat Zalewski's YahooGroup that enough has been discussed on the issue of whether the G.D. discriminates or not but what I would like to pose to readers is whether or not you feel that such obstacles such as depression, epilepsy, et al. really do hinder one's study of the system or whether they can actually act as a catalyst to further discovery about one's self?

Greetings

2010-02-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

This is an experimental endeavour for myself having just really begun my understanding of the G:.D:. system anyway I'm going to be waiting a while before I start posting material here.