n esoteric Order founded in England in the 1880's, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was originally heavily influenced by Freemasonry. Its three founding members were prominent Masonic figures and early members of the first Masonic lodge of research, Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076. While the common variety of legitimate Freemasonry is not occult oriented at all, the Golden Dawn (at least in its Inner or Second Order, the R.R. et A.C.) was a full blown magical Order. Still, Masonic elements can be found in the rituals and other work of the Golden Dawn. From its beginning the Golden Dawn and most of its offshoots have admitted women on an equal basis with men.

The Order continues to exist today in various forms throughout the world. These range from ripoff artists and egomaniacal illuminati manipulators to sincere men and women preserving the traditions of the so called Order. There are those who want to "control" the Golden Dawn for their own purposes like illustrius Brother Robert Gilbert of the QC 2076 Lodge or the infamous Sandra “Tabatha” Cicero , and those who freely share what they have and encourage others in this field. If this sounds like religion, it is not a coincidence.

The history of the Golden Dawn from its origins to the present, has been plagued by strange and bizarre people doing strange and bizarre things. In general, if the "Chiefs" of a Temple largely make a living from their involvement in the Order beware! If they claim to be the One, True and Only Authentic "Rosicrucian" Order (except for the few Others that acknowledge all of their self proclaimed "Authority") you are, frankly, better off looking elsewhere. However, you say, you want to join the Golden Dawn. You're smart, young, sensitive and have a penchant for Hermeticism of the Golden Dawn type. [1]

The history, rituals and regalia really move your romantic spirit. You visualize yourself in flowing robes wielding your Magical Sword to banish evil and invoke the Holy Archangels in dramatic form. However, the more that you look into the Golden Dawn groups that publicize themselves, and the more you read the postings of alleged adepts on the alt.magick news group and elsewhere, the less confidence you have in the existing branches of the Order that you see out there. What's an Aspirant to do? Well, there is nothing to stop sincere persons from forming their own group. An enormous amount of material has been freely available online and elsewhere for many years.

A diligent search will reap many rewards. Meditation and practical experience persisted in over a long period of time will overcome tremendous obstacles. A background in some sort of fraternal organization that works ritual might be helpful. Israel Regardie would always recommend any individual interested in following a Magical path to seek and stick with some form of psychological therapy. There are many mentally unbalanced people in this field. They are best avoided when identified as such. They will do nothing for your spiritual advancement. Expect only to be disappointed by them. Certainly a good sense of humor is necessary. An industrial strength bullshit detector is essential when getting involved with any religious or occult group. Think for yourself and don't be a zombie for this or any other Order. Good luck!


The Grades of the Golden Dawn


First or Outer Order

Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

0° = 0° Neophyte

1° = 10° Zelator

2° = 9° Theoricus

3° = 8° Practicus

4° = 7° Philosophus



Second or Inner Order

Ordo Rosea Rubea et Aurea Crucis

5° = 6° Adeptus Minor

6° = 5° Adeptus Major

7° = 4° Adeptus Exemptus



Third Order

8° = 3° Magister Templi

9° = 2° Magus

10° = 1° Ipsissimus


Some branches of the Order add a grade between 4° = 7° Philosophus and 5° = 6° Adeptus Minor called the Portal Grade. Some also add "sub grades" to the 5° = 6° Adeptus Minor Grade: Zelator Adeptus Minor, Theoricus Adeptus Minor, Practicus Adeptus Minor and Philosophus Adeptus Minor. These sub grades usually have no ceremony of initiation but do have examinations which must be passed before proceeding to the next one. Other branches of the Order do not do this. Some branches of the Order do not work the ceremonial of the "Elemental Grades" of 1° = 10° Zelator through 4° = 7° Philosophus although they do administer the traditional examinations of these Grades.

The current ceremonial work of these various branches of the Order can vary quite substantially at times from published versions of the ritual as they appear in Crowley's Equinox, Regardie's Golden Dawn and Complete Golden Dawn System of Magic or Torrens Secret Rituals of the Golden Dawn. Traditions and examinations can also vary considerably from one group to another. Some groups (for a fee) will confer the work "astrally" upon distant candidates. Some charge relatively "high" fees for each Grade as well as additional annual dues. Some groups are headed by extremely authoritorian individuals. These are best avoided entirely. Some charge little or no money at all.

Endnote by Wes Penre, Illuminati News:

[1] ^ I can't emphasize enough that the Golden Dawn together with all other secret societies with secret grades of initiation that I know of are controlled by the upper echelons of the Illuminati. These Orders may seem benevolent at first and do have some interesting and true teachings to be honest, but the more you advance within their systems, the more manipulated you will be. It is extremely hard to mentally break free from these magic[k]al Orders, once you have advanced within them.

Wes Penre is the owner of the domain Illuminati News and the publisher of the same. Please also check out his MySpace website: http://www.myspace.com/wespenre.