Hackers Besiege Golden Dawn! LOIC Cannons Target GD Mailing List!

"Where the forces of light shine brightly, darkness is never far behind. Where darkness gathers and shadows rise, we Magi of light forever hold a line."

- Rosicrucian Imperator David Griffin

Dear Magician,

No matter how hard they try, noone will prevent me from bringing the highest teachings of Magick to you.

After 22 years as Rosicrucian Imperator of the Golden Dawn, any man would grow weary of the constant attacks. Sure. I'm tired, but such is a cross I gladly bear to carry forth Magick in the world to YOU!

Last weekend's free webinar "Demons and Golden Dawn Magick" was a smash success, together with the official opening of our new Magick 101 website.

I should have known though that trouble would not be far behind. It always is. No sooner had we announced our upcoming free public webinar, "Astrology and Golden Dawn Magick," (coming this saturday 7/23/16, register here) when all hell broke loose!

For periods up to six hours, new contacts were suddenly added to our mailing list at such a frenetic pace, it could be nothing other than the variant of a DDOS hack attack - a attempt to crash the listserver by overwhelming it with new registrations, using an array of computers and relays known by hackers as a "LOIC cannon."

The only way this makes any sense is that some Anonymous kids must not be able to tell the difference between the "Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn" spiritual tradition and Greek racists who have unfortunately also been calling themselves Golden Dawn. If anyone reading this knows how to contact the hackers, please educate them about the difference between Rosicrucian Magicians and Greek fascists!

Luckily, our mailing list is maintained by one of the best companies in the industry. There support team was on the problem immediately. So far, albeit sporadic attacks conrtinue, our mailing list has never yet gone down.

As a countermeasure, we have backed up our mailing list to a second listserver, so should one go down, we should still remain in contact with you from the back-up listserver.

Let me assure you of one thing ...

No matter how hard the forces of darkness work against us, the light shall always triumph in the end.

I promise you - come what may - we will not cancel this weekend's webinar. I will not permit dark forces to keep this knowledge from you. Don't miss this free public webinar:

"How to Master the Winds of Your Life
Using Astrology and Golden Dawn Magick"
with Gayle Praker and David Griffin

Saturday 7/23/16 at 12:00 PM PDT

Space is limited. Register HERE Now!

Come find out what they so desperately don't want you to know.

In abundance, power and truth,

David Griffin

GH Frater Lux ex Septentrionis

Rosicrucian Imperator of the Golden Dawn

EXPOSED: Llewellyn Blog Mistakes Mysticism for Magick (Answer to Donald Michael Kraig)

by Golden Dawn Imperator

David Griffin

Today there remains a tragic amount of confusion among aspiring Magicians about the very real differences between Mysticism and Magick.

All science grows in three main phases. These are (1) a common vocabulary, (2) correlation, and (3) effect-cause-effect. This means that every known science began by first establishing a common vocabulary that permitted its proponents to communicate. Without a clear definition of each term, conversations end up turning into arguments even when both sides are actually proclaiming the same truths.

Aristotle was quite adamant that we must always begin by clarifying our terms. Unfortunately, when important terms and concepts, such as “Magick” and “Mysticism” are used with imprecision, we end up fighting about something that isn’t really important. I won’t bother with the last two phases as they are not relevant to this discussion.

Donald Michael Kraig recently published an article entitled "The Dark Night of the Soul." You can read the entire article over on the Llewellyn blog here. I am concerned about the level of confusion perpetuated in the Magical community by this article through imprecise use of the terms "Mysticism" with "Magick."

In "Dark Night of the Soul," Kraig draws a distinction between what he calls "technological/spiritual Magick" and "Religious Magick," yet goes on to describe both of these forms of so-called "Magick" in purely Mystical terms.

From the perspective of the Hermetic and Magical traditions, including luminaries such as Giordano Bruno, Marcilio Ficino, Cornelius Agrippa, Gerolamo Cardano, Pietro D'Abano, Theophrastus Paracelsus, and Eliphas Levi (not to mention the entirety of Egyptian, Chaldeaen, and Sumerian Magick) what Kraig describes is not really Magick at all, but pure Mysticism.

Kraig is absolutely correct that what he calls "Religious Magick," or "seeking a direct relationship between the Divine and the practitioner" is actually Mysticism. But why call Mysticism "Religious Magick" at all?

Mysticism is Mysticism. Magick is something else. Calling Mysticism "Magick" merely creates unnecessary confusion.

As for what Kraig calls "technological/spiritual Magick," which Kraig defines as "Attuning oneself with the Divine," this is not Magick at all either, at least from the point of view of centuries of Hermetic and Magical tradition.

This also is Mysticism, pure and simple. According to long established Hermetic and Magical tradition, Kraig in reality is contrasting two different aspects of Mysticism, which he mistakenly calls "Magick."

Kraig's conflation of the terms "Magick" and "Mysticism" perfectly mirrors the utter bewilderment about the real differences between Magick and Mysticism that plagues today's esoteric community. Sadly, interchangeable and imprecise usage of these terms, such as Kraig's usage in the article under discussion, perpetuates such confusion rather than clarifying and eliminating it.

I have written extensively previously on the differences between Mysticism and Magick (here). I repeat the most relevant aspects, as follows:

"Mysticism and Magick are two quite distinct spiritual paths. The primary difference between Magick and Mysticism lies codified in the actual methods of practice, together with the Mystical or Magical inclinations of the practitioner. 

The Mystical path refers to the capacity and will of the practitioner to place oneself in a passive position in relationship to eternal Being and the forces of nature, which the Practitioner begins to invoke and pray to, so they may manifest and enlighten one, thus spiritually uplifting and exalting the practitioner.  

The Magical practitioner, on the other hand, does not place him or herself in a passive state towards natural and Divine forces, but rather in a positive state. Recognizing the Divine Spark inside oneself, the practitioner actively collaborates with Eternal Being rather than waiting for its manifestations. 

In Mysticism, the practitioner expects Divinity to manifest itself, and to ascend the staircase that leads from below to on high aided by the Divine hand that takes us and leads us ever upwards. 

Magic does not expect this, instead conquering the Inner Planes through one's own effort rather than through Divine aid. Thus, whereas the Mystical approach is one of submission, the Magician instead is a conquerer. 

A perfect example of the Magical path may be found in the Mithraic Ritual deposited in Paris, which shows one such practice of divine Ascension of the Magical initiate. While rising towards Divinity to be received like a prodigal Son or Daughter, the practitioner greets the Gods as equals that gradually appear, not fearing them or subjugating oneself before them, but admonishing them and blandishing them with Magical words that open the gates of heaven. 

Whereas Magick is based on knowledge, Mysticism is based on on ignorance in the literal sense of "ignoring" or "unknowing." In fact, one of the most important mystical texts in all of Christianity, "The Cloud of Unknowing," speaks of making oneself obscure, humble and ignorant before the unmanifest - to remain there, in silence, gradually emptying oneself, while waiting for something or someone (God) to come and fill the void thus created. 

Thus two completely different modalities become evident. Whereas the Mystic reflects the Divine light that is poured out upon him, the Magician generates this light, becoming an emitter himself.  

A.E. Waite

The foremost exponent of the Mystical path in the Golden Dawn was Arthur Edward Waite, who completely suppressed Magick in favor of Christian Mysticism in his Fellowship of the Rosy Cross and its Inner Order, the Rosa Rossa et Aureae Crucis (Rectified Rite). Waite's Fellowship of the Rosy Cross, reconstructed in recent years and open only to Christians, today remains the most Mystical order in the Golden Dawn community. 

The foremost exponent of the Magical path in the Golden Dawn was the great Mage, S.L. MacGregor Mathers. Mathers understood that the Golden Dawn primarily as a Magical rather than a Mystical tradition. Over time the Magical spiritual path has become more and more pronounced in Mathers' Alpha Omega. The A.O. today remains the most Magical order in the Golden Dawn community. 

In between the Alpha Omega and the Fellowship of the Rosy Cross, which most clearly exemplify the diametrically opposed Magical and Mystical Golden Dawn paths, there today exist a host of Golden Dawn orders that lie somewhere in between ... that have not gone so far as to suppress Magick outright as did the Waite order, yet nonetheless remain quite Mystical in their approach to the Golden Dawn."

Although this will likely come as a surprise to many of Donald Michael Kraig's readers, judging by what Kraig has written in "Dark Night of the Soul," Kraig's underlying philosophical approach to occultisim, the Golden Dawn, and Magick in general, is not really a Magical approach at all, but rather a Mystical approach instead.

This does not mean that Kraig's books do not include a great deal of Magical techniques, albeit borrowed from other sources. Clearly they do. For example, Kraig's Modern Magick borrows heavily from published Golden Dawn material.

Nonetheless, to one versed in the literature of the history of Magick and of Hermeticism, it is obvious that Kraig's underlying philosophical position and personal approach to esoteric work is consistently that of Mysticism, rather than that of Magick.

Although this may astonish some of Kraig's readers, it should nonetheless come as no surprise, considering that Kraig is both a member and a covert public representative of one of the most mystically oriented of all Golden Dawn orders.

If one analyses Kraig's writings carefully, it becomes readily apparent that Donald Michael Kraig has for decades been a primary exponent of the Mystical approach, both to occultism in general, and to the Golden Dawn in particular.

Thus we should not be surprised that the arguments contained in Kraig's latest article conflate the Mystical "Dark Night of the Soul" of the Christian Mystic, St. John of the Cross, with the thoroughly Magical "Crossing of the Abyss," which occurs during the transition between the classical Golden Dawn's Second and Third Orders.

There is precious little I may reveal in public about the true nature of this perilous "Crossing of the Abyss" between the Golden Dawn's Second and Third orders, since this remains oath bound information in the A.O. Let me give a hint, at least, as to the true nature of this Magical (not Mystical) process, however, with the following piece of prose:

The Abyss

We on Earth live in a house of mirrors.

We are like deluded rats running on a wheel in a cage, chasing our cherished illusions. 

Read a book, perform a rite, or perhaps even a guided fantasy... 

... and "Abracadabra!" - Now we are "Self-Initiates." 

Get depressed, find a book in a store front window, overcome the depression ... 

and "Shazaam!" - Now we have "Crossed the Abyss!" 

Is there really nothing more to Magick than what is likely but self-inflicted delusion? 

Is there no exit from the house of mirrors? 

Is there no way past the perilous Minotaur - and OUT of the labyrinth - once and for all?

Is it any wonder that the esoteric community remains so confused about the differences between Mysticism and Magick, when even respected occult authors like Donald Michael Kraig and publishing houses like Llewellyn perpetuate such bewilderment with imprecise use of key terms?

It is important that the actual differences between Magick and Mysticism, as established by many centuries of Magical and Hermetic tradition, be clarified in the public mind rather than further obfuscated.

It is also important that the public comes to fully understand the fundamental difference between the Magical versus the Mystical approach to esotericism - and that they are not at all the same.

It is lastly important that the public comes to understand the fundamental philosophical differences between mystically vs. magically oriented Golden Dawn orders, as well as the difference this makes in practical approach for the spiritual development of initiates, despite that most Golden Dawn orders appear the same when superficially examined.

Let us be clear about one thing.

In the Alpha Omega, we do not make Mystics.

To make Mystics is the mission of religions, churches, and mystically oriented Golden Dawn orders. This is not the mission of the Alpha Omega.

The mission of the Alpha Omega instead is like the first rays of dawn bursting across the sea, banishing shadows, eliminating confusion - And making clear the difference between Mysticism and Magick for legitimate seekers - tired of groping around in the dark alone.

Alpha Omega

Because we make Magicians!

Click HERE to explore our Outer Order, undergraduate level Magical training program, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn!"

Don't miss:

The Golden Dawn Website

The Journal of the Golden Dawn Research Center

The Golden Dawn FAQ

The Golden Dawn YouTube Channel

The Golden Dawn Channel on Blog Talk Radio

The Llewellyn-Donald Michael Kraig-Concurrence Kerfuffle

by Golden Dawn Imperator

David Griffin

My recent article  about Astral-only initiation showing the positions of leaders across the spectrum of the Golden Dawn community, seems to have stirred up a bit of a kerfuffel with Donald Michael Kraig. You can read parts one and two of this apparently controversial article here and here.

In the article, I merely pulled together the written positions of leaders across the Golden Dawn community, showing how there is wide consensus about many aspects of claims made by proponents of Astral-only Initiation.

It seems that to some, however, being seen as holding written positions corresponding closely with mine, feels like the moral equivalent of catching cooties in the first grade.

At the heart of the hubbub lies a divergent interpretation of the word  "cooties."  Oops! Sorry. I mean the word "concur."

Trying to keep a scholarly tone, and considering that each of these G.D. leaders' positions is based on many years of independent research, I pointed out in the article how frequently our written positions concur with one another when it comes to Astral-only Initiation.

Donald Michael Kraig, clearly unhappy about this, then wrote here:

"I wish to make it known that unless I specifically say so in writing, I neither concur nor do not concur with any policy in Mr. Griffin's group or any other group. If some individual or group agrees with what I have written, they are concurring with me, and not vice versa. 

In this particular instance, I do not have access to any of Mr. Griffin's documents, beliefs, or policies. I have not requested them. I am not interested in them. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that I concur with Mr. Griffin or his group. Is it possible that I might? It's impossible to say. However at this time it is false to claim that I do."

Sigh.

All I did was to point out that there exist concurrences between our written positions, not that Don and I are having some sort of secret bromance, or even (heaven forbid) that we as persons might occasionally agree about something.

I admit that, at this point, my frustration was such that I was tempted to post a picture of Mit Romney, saying: "I neither concur nor do not concur." 

Instead, I swallowed my pride, extended the olive branch even further, and clarified here my use of the word "concur," even suggesting an alternative nomenclature that Don might find less contentious:

Care Frater Don, 

It sounds like word "concur" may somehow be a bit too strong for you or perhaps has a connotation for you that remains unknown to me.

According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of the word concur is:

verb (concurs, concurring, concurred)

[no object]

• 1 be of the same opinion; agree:

the authors concurred with the majority

[with direct speech]:

‘That’s right,’ the chairman concurred

• (concur with) agree with (a decision or opinion):

we strongly concur with this recommendation

• 2 happen or occur at the same time; coincide:

in tests, cytogenetic determination has been found to concur with enzymatic determination 

It is in this sense and no other that I use the word "concur" in the article. 

Is there another word you would prefer when discussing areas where our writings indicate we have independently reached similar conclusions in our research or we hold similar opinions or beliefs in specific areas? 

Would you prefer the use of “similar opinion” or "similar conclusion" rather than “concur? ”

Respectfully,

David Griffin

I was optimistic that the above clarification would put the entire matter to rest. I had never said to begin with that Don agrees with or endorses me personally. I only pointed out how our written positions demonstrate concurrence about several of the specific claims made by proponents of Astral-only Initiation.

I certainly never wrote that Kraig endorses the Alpha Omega, which no one in the Golden Dawn community would believe anyway, considering that Frater Kraig's Golden Dawn order and the A.O. have a long history of litigation - and even a non-disparagement agreement (paragraph 4 here) prohibiting our even mentioning one another's groups on-line!

I was therefore somewhat surprised when Don instead escalated the hullabaloo, dragging even Llewellyn Publishing into the foofaraw, by writing on the Llewellyn blog here:

"If you read something and agree with what I wrote, it means that you concur or agree with me. It does not mean that I agree with you. I might. I might not. I would have to see everything that you believe and have written before I give my endorsement. Saying that I agree with you just from what I’ve written would require you to read my mind and determine my thoughts. You have no evidence that I in any way agree with you, concur with you, or endorse you. The only accurate thing you can say is that you agree with me."

and

"Unless you see, in writing that is published under my name, that I agree with, support or concur with an individual or group, I neither support nor do not support them."

"Really?"

"Donald Michael Kraig said that?!?

... And on the Llewellyn Blog?!?"

Cooties ... Really ...

At least one thing is certain. It is clear Donald Michael Kraig feels passionate about the word    "cooties."  "concur."

But seriously ...

I sincerely regret Don Kraig is unhappy that he and I fully agree in some areas. However, arguing against those points only divides the Golden Dawn Community rather than brings it together. 

I also regret putting Kraig on the spot for finding common ground between our written positions, but my goal to make Magicians requires finding common ground that unites the Golden Dawn community wherever it is found.

I understand Frater Kraig's political allegiance and respect that he is trying to remain dutiful, but sooner or later, all Golden Dawn leaders must learn to work together or destroy the community.

The Golden Dawn community wants harmony. The time has come for Golden Dawn leaders to focus on what we share in common rather than the differences that divide us.

To do otherwise is to abdicate the great responsibility our students have placed in us.

"All we are saying, is give peace a chance."

Magical Astrology 101: Golden Dawn Dojo!

Astrology helps you understand how celestial forces affect your life at birth, now, and in the future. But why not take charge of your destiny instead of merely observe it?

Discovered in ancient Sumeria, Magical and Alchemical Astrology come down through Egypt, the Hermetic tradition, and the Golden Dawn.

Magical and Alchemical Astrology empower you to:

 

• Become the Solar, purely energetic life form all humans are evolving towards.
• Survive death, consciously immortal inside the stars!
• Complete your Solar evolution in a single incarnation with Magical and Alchemical Astrology.
• Transmute lead (Saturn) into gold (Sun) - your physical body into a Solar Body of Light - with Alchemical Astrology.
• Master your horoscope - and your destiny! Awaken and Balance Astrological forces in your energetic body (aura, "Soul) with Magical Astrology. 

Announcing the world's first Magical and Alchemical Astrology dojo!

Join Golden Dawn Imperator, David Griffin, author of the coveted Ritual Magic Manual, for ongoing, face-to-face energy work and training in Magical and Alchemical Astrology.

David will coach and guide anyone interested in Magical Astrology methods for energetic Soul and cultivation and awakening in an ongoing, bi-weekly dojo style training format. These spiritual exercises involve a series of gentle movements, visualisations and vibrations, which do not require any previous training or experience.

This is a unique opportunity, as in-person training in the methods of Magical and Alchemical Astrology is presently offered no where else.

Space is limited. Enrollment is open. Drop-ins welcome. Please wear loose, comfortable clothes.

Golden Dawn Dojo begins Saturday Jan. 5 and every other Saturday thereafter, at 6:00 PM at Well of the Moon, 2650 S. Decatur Blvd. Suite A02, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Free-will donations gratefully accepted.

Unleash YOUR Soul!

Alpha Omega

We Make Magicians!

Don't miss:

Golden Dawn Website

Golden Dawn Research Center

Golden Dawn FAQ

Golden Dawn TV

Golden Dawn Radio