Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome those from almost any other magical path, but because the Golden Dawn system is a unique tradition of magical training in its own right, we ask that you start at the beginning and progress through the grades, like any other initiate. With your experience, you may find you pass through the grades faster than others, but we do ask that you respect our tradition and grade structure. Almost any other path - we say this because we do not accept anyone who is an advanced practitioner of left-hand path magic or Thelemic magic. We find these forms of magic are not compatible with our Hermetic system and current, and our experience is that conflict of energies often occurs and causes psychological problems for the magician concerned.

In our experience, yes it does. Clearly, it is much better to go through a full, physical temple initiation or advancement, because this allows the initiate to participate fully in the magical current of the order. We only offer astral initiations to those who, due to distance, are unable to travel to a temple. We ask that they fulfil their physical initiations as soon as they can and to do this before entering the higher grades. Therefore, we provide an annual conclave for those who need to do this. We contend that all magic operates astrally first, as per the Hermetic principle of "As Above - So Below" embodied in the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus.

It all depends on the progress of the initiate, including knowledge studied and the alchemical experiences they undergo during their practical magical training. On reaching the grade of Portal (which can take, on average, between 3-7 years), the initiate can apply to join the Inner Order, and if accepted, they can be initiated into the Adept grade. Acceptance into the Second Order is a privilege, not a right, and will depend on their previous work and conduct within the Order generally.

Yes. People from any religious background can apply to join the order. All we ask is that the applicant believes in a higher and Divine power that governs the universe. Without this belief, it is very difficult to engage in a mystical path, particularly one that is based on Western Hermetic Theurgy. Before applying, we ask that you consider if your belief system is truly compatible on both a spiritual basis and a moral one. If your religion, for example, promotes hatred towards another religious group, or focuses on worship of darker forces, then it will simply not be compatible with the Order current, and will waste your time and ours.

As a rule, we generally say no, particularly if somebody is actively dependent on hard drugs and cannot live without them. This path is about self-mastery, so ideally an initiate will have mastered their way of controlling their emotions without resorting to substances. If you need psychological help, then please go and get this. If you review the Order Oath, you will note that we ask you to agree to never be placed in a state of extreme passivity or deep induction through the use of substances or other methods. Being a Golden Dawn mystic is about mastery of the self in all situations. In terms of having mystical experiences, we find the Order provides methods to achieve this to a high degree, without use of any substances at all, as long as you put in the work to practice the techniques and meditations that are provided. Cannabis and alcohol - We ask that anyone using these substances does not enter the temple while under the influence. What you do in your free time is your business, but please abstain for at least 48 hours before attending temple meetings or engaging in magical work. If you have been prescribed cannabis for medical reasons, please let us know so we can take this into account. Those who wish to take their mystical path seriously, usually are willing to agree to the above. Please ask via our contact form if you have any questions on these matters.

We ask you to carefully consider your motives for joining the order. The Golden Dawn path is about Hermetic Theurgy, and not about trying to control or have power over other people. If your reason for joining is to control others or force someone to love you or to cause harm, then you probably need to go for counselling rather than join a magical group. Ultimately, this magickal path aims to give the practitioner power over themselves.

No, this website and organization have absolutely no relation to the racist, Greek political party of the same name. The Fellowship of the Golden Dawn Universum actively opposes their views and actions. Our Golden Dawn tradition stems from a magical Order that began in Victorian-era England, and we are not in any way aligned with the racist, and arguably fascist, Golden Dawn political organization of Greece. We stand against racism, antisemitism, and intolerance.

Yes, our Order operates across the Americas, Europe, the UK, Australia, and is developing in other countries. We aim to be universally available to all who genuinely seek to learn the mysteries, and we consider applicants from across the world.

We accept applications for membership from all sincere applicants, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, physical abilities, ancestry, gender identity, religion, or sexual orientation. Our Order is committed to inclusivity and opposes any form of discrimination.

Yes, applicants who do not have access to a local temple, sanctuary, or study group can join as correspondence members. However, correspondence membership will depend on the availability of mentors, who are all volunteers dedicating their own time to support students.

Yes, we charge basic fees related to our running costs, and each temple sets its own fee structure. The Order is a non-profit organisation, and any funds raised are put back into the development of the Order. Leaders and teachers within the Order contribute a great deal of voluntary time to support its members.