Much has been written and argued about the “legitimacy” or “lineage” of modern Golden Dawn temples. The subject is often presented as if there were a single, unbroken line back to 1888, which one can simply trace and thereby claim authority. The reality is far more nuanced. The Golden Dawn fractured in 1900, just 12Continue reading “Legitimacy and Lineage in the Golden Dawn”
Category Archives: (i) History
One Student’s Memory of Fiat Lux
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 He had quietly withdrawn from activities in the early 70’s after soundingContinue reading “One Student’s Memory of Fiat Lux”
How Golden Dawn was Whare Ra?
In short, very, but perhaps more so. It is true that under the early Stella Matutina a review of the Outer Order ceremonies did take place, resulting in some changes to the Golden Dawn originals. These revised rituals were used at Whare Ra. In hindsight I might consider them relatively new to the Order, butContinue reading “How Golden Dawn was Whare Ra?”
Post Advancement Ceremonial Bliss
I remember my first Initiation vividly. I had just travelled the length of the country to meet a man I had never meet before, but only written to. I was to come to his door and knock, to let him know I had arrived, and then to wait. I was on edge, and IContinue reading “Post Advancement Ceremonial Bliss”
What’s in a Name?
Traditionally, when a Candidate applies for membership of the O., they fill in a Pledge Form a few weeks before their Initiation, which includes their proposed Motto, or magical name as some like to call it. This Motto is then reviewed by one or all of the Chiefs, who give their consent for the CandidateContinue reading “What’s in a Name?”
The Magic of Havelock North
In 1916 a new constitution was issued to the Stella Matutina, and the Order’s Chiefs immigrated to New Zealand, settling in the pastoral village of Havelock North, in the Provincial District of Hawke’s Bay on the central East Coast of the North Island. The village lay on the gentle west facing foothills below the locallyContinue reading “The Magic of Havelock North”
The Samothracian Mysteries
I have previously written about my experience as a young man meeting an old shepherd on Samothrace, and the spiritual impact it had on me. This morning I was digging through some old photo slides I took back then of the “Sanctuary of the Great Gods”, and to my delight I found some forgotten handContinue reading “The Samothracian Mysteries”
Whare Ra in the Fifties
When the Smaragdum Thalasses Temple no. 49 closed its doors, many of the administration papers were burnt by the Cancellarius, on instruction from the O.’s Chiefs. Neither the Roll nor the Warrant survived the fire, but many copies of the Ceremonies did – including very early copies of the Ceremonies that the Cancellarius preserved himself,Continue reading “Whare Ra in the Fifties”
Whare Ra Leadership – Part Four
The Wardens would sometimes appoint a Sub-Warden to assist them, remaining in tenure while the Warden was in Office. This was particularly so for the Demonstrator, given the workload of training and assisting a relatively large number of active members. For instance Betty Jones, who was later to become a Chief of the O.,Continue reading “Whare Ra Leadership – Part Four”
Whare Ra Leadership – Part Three
The G.H. Chiefs were responsible for the functioning of the whole Order. However, they were assisted by Three Wardens, Officers responsible to the Chiefs for the functioning of the Outer Order – the Demonstrator (or Praemonstrator as it was originally called), Imperator and Cancellarius. Wardens held Office for three years, and immediately after each VernalContinue reading “Whare Ra Leadership – Part Three”
