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Training in the Western Mysteries
A Living Tradition of Magical Training
Study the teachings, symbols, and practices of the Golden Dawn through guided coursework, ritual experience, personal mentoring, and progressive initiatory development.
Training Manuals
When you join you are provided with a grade book, containing all you need to know to start your work in that grade. Each grade book contains reading and practical work. As you progress through each grade you are given a new manual to study, as well as personal mentoring from your allocated mentor and a variety of classes in your local temple or online.
Kabbalah
A core part of hermetic theurgy involves the study of Kabbalah (Qabalah). Based on the Zohar, various schools of Kabbalah filtered into Western Theurgy via the so called “Christian kabbalists” of the Rennaisance, such as Giovanni Pico della Mirandola. Views of the Kabbalah in the Golden Dawn originates from the Kabbala Denudata by Rosenroth, and the teachings of Isaac Luria, aka "the Arizal", for example. In your training, you will study the energies within the Tree of Life and how to use them.
Tarot / Divination
Tarot has been a part of the Golden Dawn training ever since the first form of the Order was established in 1888. In fact one of the historical members (AE Waite) published the widely-known Rider-Waite-Smith deck, designed by artist and order member, Pamela Colman-Smith. Within your training you will be taught how to read the tarot as well as other methods of divination.
Ritual
Ritual work is a core part of the experiential learning aspect of Theurgy. Famous ancient theurgist, Iamblichus, made it very clear that theurgy is not just an intellectual pursuit. What we learn has to be put into practice. You will be given rituals and meditations to practise at home and within your local temple. You will be taught how to use your voice and how rituals function.
Invocation
As you progress through the grades you learn to evoke and access various energies and intelligences. These aspects of the created universe are the most sacred and powerful tools for the magician, both for self transformation and within any magical action.
Talismans
Talismanic magic is just one of the many aspects of magical practice. When you Join the order, we teach you the underlying principles of this and how to create your own talismans, during the grades of the Outer Order.
Explore The Mysteries
Areas Of Study
Beyond the foundational grades, the Golden Dawn tradition offers access to a wide range of specialised studies. As your knowledge and experience develop, you may choose to explore disciplines that deepen your understanding of the self, the unseen world, and the timeless principles that underpin the Western Mysteries.
Basic training in Alchemy is available, including its symbolism and the application of key alchemical principles to yourself and to the material world around you. Those who find this aspect particularly interesting can be supported to develop their specialism by our Adept alchemists within the Order.
Basic training in Astrology is available, including basic chart interpretation and the use of this to understand yourself and the impacts of planetary forces on the world. Those who find this aspect particularly interesting can be supported to develop their specialism by our Adept astrologers within the Order.
This becomes available in the Adept Grades of the Order.
This becomes available in the Adept grades of the order.
Having progressed through the elemental training within the Outer Order, you may be eligible to continue your specialist magical training through more in-depth work via the Second (Inner) Order of the RR et AC. The Second Order is a different Order from the Golden Dawn but it governs the Outer Golden Dawn Order. If accepted, you will be able to progress through the Adept grades. Access to the Second Order is by invitation only following a process of assessment. It is not automatic and will depend on your commitment to the magical path, theurgical development and your approach and work while in the Outer Order.
Outer Order
The Grades of the OUTER Order
Advancement within the Golden Dawn is marked through a series of initiatory grades, each corresponding to a sphere upon the Tree of Life and an aspect of spiritual development. Through study, ritual, and personal practice, students gradually unfold a deeper understanding of themselves and the hidden laws of the universe.
0=0 Grade of Neophyte
The initial grade you enter into when you join the order and receive your first initiation. This focuses on basic background material for magical working, some ritual and medication work and basic tarot.
WEBSITE TEMPLATES
1=10 Grade of Zelator
The grade of Zelator introduces you to working with the Earth element and relates to the Sephira of Malkuth on the Tree of Life. After passing through the Zelator advancement ritual you will be provided with training materials and ritual work related to the grade.
WEBSITE TEMPLATES
2=9 Grade of Theoricus
The grade of Theoricus introduces you to working with the Air element and relates to the Sephira of Yesod on the Tree of Life. After passing through the Theoricus advancement ritual you will be provided with training materials and ritual work related to the grade.
WEBSITE TEMPLATES
3=8 Grade of Practicus
The grade of Practicus introduces you to working with the Water element and relates to the Sephira of Hod on the Tree of Life. After passing through the Practicus advancement ritual you will be provided with training materials and ritual work related to the grade.
WEBSITE TEMPLATES
4=7 Grade of Philosophus
The grade of Philosophus introduces you to working with the Fire element and relates to the Sephira of Netzach on the Tree of Life. After passing through the Philosophus advancement ritual you will be provided with training materials and ritual work related to the grade.
WEBSITE TEMPLATES
The Grade
of Portal
The grade of Portal is the final grade of the Outer Order and represents the entrance to the Second Order, should the initiate wish to proceed with that. On passing through the Portal advancement, the initiate is provided with a final set of training materials and meditation and ritual work to perform. Once they are deemed ready they can apply to enter into the Second Order. Entry into the Second Order is not a right, but a privilege and will depend on the work they have achieved up to this point and their conduct within the Order.
