Following my previous post, The Kabbalistic Divisions of the Soul, we now turn to a more veiled domain—Daath. Neither a Sephira in the classical sense nor a mere conceptual void, Daath represents the liminal chamber through which the Adeptus Exemptus must pass on the ascent toward the Supernal Triad. It is, in the language ofContinue reading “HVH and Daath – Further Speculation”
Author Archives: kasmillos
The Kabbalistic Division of the Soul
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn drew heavily on the Kabbalistic work, ‘The Zohar’, in formulating the mystical framework underlying its initiatory system. Central to this framework, I believe, is the Kabbalistic division of the Soul as defined by that most esteemed of Kabbalists, Rabbi Isaac Luria. Mathers had only recently translated and publishedContinue reading “The Kabbalistic Division of the Soul”
Reflections on the Threefold Path
In the Order’s system of symbolism and ceremonial, the Trinity holds a special significance. Beyond its exoteric theological associations, the trinitarian current encodes the universal mystery of the Spirit’s descent into manifestation and the Soul’s arduous return, back to the One. Shin—the three-flamed Hebrew letter of Fire—expresses the Spirit’s triple emanation as it pours outwardContinue reading “Reflections on the Threefold Path”
Scent in Golden Dawn Work
Scent doesn’t get much attention in modern occult discourse. It’s either left to the realm of aesthetics or reduced to a token puff of incense at the start of ritual. But within the older initiatory systems—including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn—scent was far from incidental. The Order certainly used incense to create atmosphere.Continue reading “Scent in Golden Dawn Work”
The Name of the Order
When I first joined the Order, I assumed it was of a solar nature. “Golden Dawn” seemed a reference to the rising Sun, and Tiphareth was so prominent and central in the Tree of Life. Famously, the Sun is shown rising above the water in the Cross and Triangle in the Inner O. manuscript “BookContinue reading “The Name of the Order”
Why the Secrecy?
Frank Salt, or rather Fiat Lux, wrote many papers for his students as he carefully laid the foundation for the continuation of the Order, into which he was originally initiated in 1936. He had been Hierophant, Chief Adept and Demonstrator (Praemonstrator) in what is generally considered the longest and most successful of the old “GoldenContinue reading “Why the Secrecy?”
Addressing the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram
Members of the 5=6 Grade of Adeptus Minor receive a lengthy manuscript on the advanced use of the Pentagram called Ritual B. In this manuscript, the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram is described thus (abridged); “Invoking, for use in the morning, in general and un-important occasions, invocations and operations.” “Banishing, for use at night, toContinue reading “Addressing the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram”
The Immeasurable Region
Before too long a student of the Order will encounter the phrase “Prepare to Enter the Immeasurable Region” spoken by the Hierophant. This is one of only a few occasions where dramaticism is employed, but no further definition or description is given of it’s meaning. It is left to each student to ponder. Its meaningContinue reading “The Immeasurable Region”
The Magic of the Order
The need to join a healthy, functioning Temple, so that you are exposed to the transformative magic of the Order, is the most important thing to take away from this discourse. The Order has always used group ceremonial for a reason. It might take many years to find such a Temple, for all sorts ofContinue reading “The Magic of the Order”
The Candidate’s Regalia
Prior to their Initiation, each Candidate for the Grade of Neophyte 0=0 is required to procure a pair of red footwear and a black robe, to be worn over street clothes during their ceremony. Of these, the red footwear is usually the harder to obtain, for men particularly. At a pinch, a pair of redContinue reading “The Candidate’s Regalia”
