The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was an occult order that was founded in London in 1887. The order was based on the principles of Hermeticism, which is a system of thought that emphasizes the unity of all things and the potential for humans to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The Golden Dawn’s teachings were based on a variety of sources, including Kabbalah, tarot, astrology, and Egyptian magic. The order was divided into three grades: Neophyte, Zelator, and Practicus. Each grade had its own set of rituals and teachings. The Golden Dawn was a very influential organization, and its teachings have been adopted by many other occult groups.
The Golden Dawn was founded by three men: William Wynn Westcott, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, and William Robert Woodman. Westcott was a lawyer and Freemason, Mathers was a scholar of Kabbalah, and Woodman was a doctor and Freemason. The three men met in 1887 and decided to form a new occult order. They based their order on the teachings of the Rosicrucians, a secret society that was said to have been founded in Germany in the 17th century. The Rosicrucians were known for their interest in alchemy, magic, and the occult.
The Golden Dawn’s teachings were based on a variety of sources, including Kabbalah, tarot, astrology, and Egyptian magic. Kabbalah is a system of Jewish mysticism that is concerned with the nature of God and the universe. Tarot is a deck of cards that is used for divination and spiritual guidance. Astrology is the study of the influence of the planets on human affairs. Egyptian magic is a system of magic that was practiced in ancient Egypt.
The Golden Dawn was divided into three grades: Neophyte, Zelator, and Practicus. Each grade had its own set of rituals and teachings. The Neophyte grade was the first level of initiation. The Neophyte was taught the basics of the Golden Dawn’s teachings, including Kabbalah, tarot, and astrology. The Zelator grade was the second level of initiation. The Zelator was taught more advanced teachings, including magic and ritual. The Practicus grade was the third and highest level of initiation. The Practicus was taught the most advanced teachings of the Golden Dawn, including theurgy and spiritual development.
The Golden Dawn was a very influential organization, and its teachings have been adopted by many other occult groups. The Golden Dawn’s teachings have been used by groups such as the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), the A∴A∴, and the Church of Satan. The Golden Dawn’s teachings have also been used by individuals such as Aleister Crowley, Dion Fortune, and Israel Regardie.
The Golden Dawn was disbanded in 1903, but its teachings have continued to be influential. The Golden Dawn’s teachings have been used by many different groups and individuals, and they continue to be studied and practiced by people all over the world.
References:
- DuQuette, Lon Milo. The Chicken Qabalah: The Mystical Qabalah of the Golden Dawn Tradition. New York: Weiser Books, 2004.
- Fortune, Dion. The Mystical Qabalah. New York: Samuel Weiser, 1987.
- King, Francis. Modern Ritual Magic: The Rise of Western Occultism. London: Thames & Hudson, 2003.
- Regardie, Israel. The Golden Dawn: The Original Account of the Teachings, Rites & Ceremonies of the Hermetic Order. New York: Llewellyn Publications, 1972.
- Wasserman, James. The Rosicrucians and the Golden Dawn: An Introduction to Their History, Their Aims, Their Methods, and Their Influence. York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser, 1988.