Frank Salt joined the Smaragdum Thalasses Temple no. 49 in 1936, as a 19 year old. He subsequently rose through the ranks, becoming Hierophant, Chief Adept, briefly Cancellarius and then Demonstrator for many years, i.e. one of the ‘Wardens’ or Temple Chiefs. He had quietly withdrawn from activities in the early 70’s after sounding a warning to his fellow Chiefs, but it still came as a shock when he was informed of Whare Ra’s closure.
After a hiatus that concluded in his realisation that he was in a position to perpetuate the Order, he began initiating and training students from the mid 1980’s onwards. I was one of his early students.
By this point he had collected a good number of original papers, and had spent a great many hours retyping them to ensure that ‘clean’ copies would be used by his students – many of the old documents had hand written notes and corrections in them, and he wanted the Order’s documents to be free of these blemishes.
Frank would often write once or twice each month, but sometimes once a week or more. His letters bore humour, well wishes, and always contained little treasures to get one digging. I kept pace (being eager to receive his next letter), but much of what he said actually took years to realise. I was a clean slate from an occult perspective, but still wanted to know facts.
Intuition, the importance of silence as a necessity, the work of the Soul, the sacredness of the ceremonies, the role of symbols in transformation. He also wrote instructions on Order administration, how to make and paint (more permanent) temple furnishings, and described pitfalls to be mindful of. Anecdotes from Whare Ra, descriptions of the old temple and performing ceremonial there, his interactions and relations with with key members. His letters often ran to multiple pages. I used to check my mail box daily, just in case, eagerly waiting for his next reply. Good times really.
In the flesh, he was not much different. I would visit two or three times a year, for two or three days at a time, spending much of each day with him. During these visits he would reinforce or expand the themes of his letters, tempered by walks and less esoteric discussions. He was sprightly for his age. I visited him the day before he died, and whilst diagnosed as terminally ill, he remained sprightly – we went for our usual walk and he farewelled me with a firm hug. I still fondly remember the scent of his pipe tobacco.
He was living in a retirement home for the eight years I knew him, the Mount Roskill Masonic Village, and his only telephone was in a public area. I rarely called him. Perhaps three times during this time. Discrete conversations using the phone were awkward at best.
He expected diligent work from me. Seeing the genuine seriousness of this senior adept was all the encouragement I needed! I had to go the long way to figure things out for myself. I regularly sent him my notes taken during meditation, and these would trigger particular responses from him. Rarely on the specifics of my meditations, more on processes and acknowledging intuition when it struck. He was careful not to correct or say something was correct in my meditations. I did not need my ego stoked. I had to progress under my own steam. Draw my own conclusions.
He made several tape recordings including reading out of the various Order ceremonies, providing instructions on intoning various words, on history, and the esoteric meaning of the Order’s name. My Hebrew pronunciation is as was his. My pronunciation of Enochian and other names used in rituals is as was his. My prayer to the Lord of the Universe is as was his.
Reading books about the Golden Dawn was off the table. I was to EXPERIENCE the Order as intended, not read about it! So I didn’t. Not that there was that much to read back then, honestly. Besides, had more than enough Order work to get on with!
In ceremonial, he was quietly spoken, but quite diligent in his focus. He used pauses and eye contact to great effect. I came to understand the more important elements of the rituals through observing the manner in which he delivered them. I became sensitive to his deliberate action. Only on a few occasions was he dramatic in his delivery, the rarity emphasising the desired impact. I had the privilege of being Initiated and Advanced by him in Temple, but also assisting him as an Officer in other’s Advancements. I got some guidance as a consequence. Practical and pertinent. His teaching extended to ceremonial methods also.
He indicated he rather liked Enochian when he studied under Euan Campbell, and gave Talesmatic work a good nudge, but by the time I came into his sphere he was more drawn to Kabbalah and Tarot, and had an affinity with Tatwas for teaching scrying (starting at Portal). He had an awareness of Alchemy, but not once mentioned the kundalini or other Eastern concepts (other than Tatwas) to me. He was thankful for Steiner’s “Knowledge of the Higher Worlds” for first opening his eyes to occultism, but otherwise Steiner did not feature in his discussions. Likewise Blavatsky or Bailey did not arise. He framed his teachings through a thoroughly western Christian Kabbalistic lens.
I felt a deep appreciation for the man and the adept. He was very clearly dedicated and respectful. Thoroughly convinced of the efficacy of the Order’s methods. He put the effort in, and I seemingly responded well – all the payment he desired.
Actions speak louder than words it is said. Here I am, almost 40 years after meeting Fiat Lux, carrying on his work, mostly in obscurity. I am not alone. That should speak volumes for the man as a teacher. He would consider his work done.
Kasmillos
