Does Astral-only Initiation Work? Consensus Among Golden Dawn Experts

The discussion regarding the alleged benefits and limitations of "Astral-only" Initiation, created by Esoteric Order of the Golden Dawn leader, Robert Zink, has gone on for years in the Golden Dawn community and resurfaces from time to time. This time the discussion has been revived again in a blog article by Mr. Zink.

The fundamental question is whether or not anyone can be exclusively astrally initiated at a distance.

Proponents of Astral-only initiation claim that a group or people (or a Temple) can initiate a person by perfoming a ritual somewhere else for a person separated by geographical distance, allegedly initiating the candidate by reading off their name in Temple during the ritual. Other claims made by proponents of Astral-only initiation include:

1. Astral Initiation accomplishes everything that traditional Golden Dawn initiation does
2. The original (pre 1903) Golden Dawn practiced Astral Initiation.
3. Critics of Astral-only Initiation do not understand that all magick takes place on the Astral Plane.
4. Astral Initiation helps those who would otherwise not have access to Golden Dawn initiation.

Let's examine what various leaders and members of the Golden Dawn community have said about these claims over the years. To begin with, the late Frater Donald Michael Kraig, in an article entitled Ritual and Ritual Theater wrote here:

"Some events are both ritual and ritual theater. For example, in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, initiation rituals involved a group of officers and the initiate. However, there could also be an audience that participated very little in the ritual. So the actual initiation is both ritual and ritual theater. The involvement of others and their energy, as well as the initiate seeing the activity of others and of the temple, makes the very concept of “astral initiations” into the Golden Dawn dubious at best."

There have been numerous other voices in the Golden Dawn community who have spoken out about the ritual theater aspect of Golden Dawn initiation over the years. In March, 2009 Open Source Golden Dawn Chief, Joseph Max, wrote in a post that you can still read here):

"The Hall of the Neophytes is full of much interlocking symbolism designed to have a specific effect on the Aspirant at the point at which they "light up.". Any ritual of High Magic is a work of psycho-dramatic performance art. All Ritual is Drama, as all Drama is Ritual (ask the ancient Greeks.) It is powerful Magic in and of itself. 

So... if the Awakening of the Body of Light *is* Initiation (the first one anyway,) it doesn't matter how it comes about, even spontaneously. But *Golden Dawn* Initiation is a sub-set of this phenomena; it's aimed in a definite and unique direction down a particular Path of Attainment. It comes from the Neo-Platonic tradition of Ritual Drama, so the powerful effects of psycho-drama are part of the system. It's a "play" performed for an "audience" of one. 

Therefore the question comes down to: can a Golden Dawn Initiation, that will effectively awaken the Body of Light AND point the Aspirant down the unique Path the Golden Dawn School follows, be accomplished *without* the live dramatic component, and the personal involvement of the Aspirant in that performance? 

Personally speaking, I think it would be difficult. It's certainly possible to accomplish psycho-dramatic impact with solo visualization (in fact it's one of the things a Golden Dawn school teaches,) but for a rank beginner without any background to do it? That would be a rare talent." 

On the question of the ritual theater aspect of Golden Dawn initiation, former Hyperborean Adept, Sincerus Renatus wrote here:

"The ritual is a drama, a play, which also has as a function to impart a though form or cognitive structure into the candidate, a theme so to speak, which gives a tone or atmosphere for the Grade. This has to be experienced live and in person, not read through or imagined in the inner eye. Compare this to reading a novel and watching a stage play; two legitimate artistic expressions but quite different in nature and quality. Full and physical initiation is a stage play of old Greek dramatic proportions."

On this same subject, Golden Dawn member, "Polimetis," writes here:

"[Proponents of Astral-only initiation] always argue that Initiation is not Theatre and is all about the astral (forgetting, as you say, the importance of basic psycological and emotional impact!)? Well, actually, ancient Drama comes directly from the Dyonisian and Eleusinian Mysteries, and Tragic Festivals continued to be a sacred ceremony and a sacred experience for the Athenians, which is, actually comparable to intiation ceremonies (especially masonic high degrees where only a few of the candidates participate, and most are just onlookers!). 

I'll bet no one in ancient Greece could say that if the director mentions the name of an Athenian citizen that was out of town, before the perfomance of a Tragedy, would ‘astrally” experience the awe and pity that the tragedy inspired, and the psycologically healthy Catharthic effect of actually seeing the sacred perfomance!" 

I am pleased to see that not only Donald Michael Kraig's independent research, based on so many years of magical experience, but also the independent research of Joseph Max, Sincerus Renatus, and Polimetis support my own conclusion that Astral-only Initiation does not accomplish everything that traditional Golden Dawn initiation does.

Let us move on to examine the claim made by proponents of Astral-only initiation that the original (pre 1903) Golden Dawn or its offshoots practiced Astral Initiation.

Noted magical author, Nick Farrell (Chief Adept of the Magical Order of Aurora Aurorae), writes here:

"If astral initiation was used within the GD there would be some evidence of it... If an astral initiation was taking place then where and when and why did it not leave a trace of paperwork? There are no records of astral initiations being performed, nor any members who are identified as being part of the GD who had their initiations astrally recorded. Nor is there any mention of the procedure being used in the various editions of by-laws, nor any diary notes from anyone saying that they had taken part in an astral initiation. While we have access to many different GD rituals, there are no recorded instructions for how to perform one..."

"Occam’s razor tells us that if all the evidence suggests that we have to assume that it is logical that the Golden Dawn did not perform astral initiations." 

Golden Dawn scholar, Samuel Scarborough, chief of the Ordo Stella Matutina Golden Dawn writes here:

"I think of myself as something of a scholar on the GD as well as a serious student of the GD system. The same can be said for Nick Farrell or Imhotep, or several others that say that these astral initiations are not verifiable, nor were they done in the original GD or AO or SM after the 1903 Schism in the regular sense. There is no evidence for “astral” or long-distance initiation from those orginal bodies.

I disagree with certain groups that claim that these astral (long-distance) initiations were commonplace within the original Golden Dawn. I have never seen the evidence to support the claim. Nor can I think that Westcott, Woodman, and Mathers received some astral initiation as founders of the GD in the first place."

I am pleased to see that again the independent research of Nick Farrell and Sam Scarborough support my conclusion that the original Golden Dawn did not practice Astral-only Initiation. There appears to be a wide consensus in the Golden Dawn community regarding claims made by proponents of Astral-only initiation. Mr. Zink has been invited over and over to provide evidence to support his thesis that the original Golden Dawn practiced Astral only initiation. He has so far failed to provide even one shred of evidence to support this odd claim.

Let us move on to examine their claim that critics of Astral-only Initiation do not understand that all magick takes place on the Astral Plane.

In this regard, Nick Farrell says here:

"Physical initiations have an astral component. But if you mean do I think it is possible for someone to initiate you into the 0=0 grade of the Golden Dawn without you being there I would say that it is unlikely. I would say that it would take a supremely good magician (angelic being, or secret chief) to be able to do that. I do not think that simply performing the ritual with a stand-in is enough."

On Nick Farrell's blog, Golden Dawn member, "Magician," also addresses this claim here:

"The discussion isn’t about whether or not magic can work at long distance. The discussion is about if initiation ceremonies can work long distance where there is no way to infuse the physical symbols into the aspirant’s sphere of sensation."

I have addressed this issue numerous times over the years as well. For example, I write here:

"No one is disputing that there is an astral component to both initiation and magick. However, what proponents of Astral Initiation do not understand is that this astral element is rooted in the physical body. They reach a completely erroneous conclusion that, merely because an astral component is there in initiation, they can make you a full Golden Dawn initiate from the comfort of your armchair on the other end of the world..."

Proponents of Astral Initiation allege that it accomplishes everything traditional, physical Golden Dawn initiation does. Golden Dawn leader, Peregrin Wildoak comments in this regard here:

"I do think since the GD initiations were designed for phsyicality, and some of the important parts are done physicially, the control a phsyical initiation has to produce an inner experience for the initiate is beyond anything an astral initiation can do."

Donald Michael Kraig writes here:

"The true astral initiation occurs when both you and the higher initiation forces/energies/spirits of the group are ready for it to happen. No sooner. No later. The physical initiation may help it occur sooner, perhaps simultaneous to the physical initiation. But because so many people these days want to be initiated, some groups have specialized in offering astral initiations. But are they valid within the Western Mystery Tradition? 

If you take someone with little or no training and tell them to visualize walking around a triangle (as I was for an Order a long time ago), the answer is decidedly NO!" 

... and ...

"This means that although so-called “astral initiations” sold to you may make you a member of a group (and allowed to pay them nice big yearly or monthly dues), on a spiritual basis it usually is meaningless."

Nick Farrell adds here:

"A physical initiation is an intensely emotional experience with physical and emotional reactions that have a deep impact on the person. For an initiation to have any impact, such a person should be able to feel something, if not at the immediate time, but in their dreams immediately afterwards. However the reports of people who have undergone astral initiations ... have been extremely nebulous or non-existent (or) have included comments which were so nebulous that they are more likely to be psychosomatic or wish-self-fulfillment."

Samuel Scarborough has this to say here:

"Does long-distance (astral) initiation work? Well, I would say that at best it would be dubious... My concern, and most whom disagree with long-distance initiation, is that there is no way to verify that the person being initiated is actually receiving the energy due to the gap between the initiating body and the candidate."

Golden Dawn Adept, V.H. Frater P. commented here:

"What i miss in this debate is the simple fact that, apart from the energetic transmission from the Hierophant unto the candidate, it is impossible to impregnate the MIND of the candidate with the physical symbols that are displayed in these ceremonies. For doing this, the candidate has to be physically present, and able to use his eyes! Moreover, by blindfolding him/her and exposing him to a dramatic procedure, his mind is made extra sensitive and absorptive. This is an ancient technique."

Enochian Magick author, Scott Stenwick, wrote here:

"My issue here is not that magical force is impossible to transmit over a distance. Rather, mystery traditions make use of a specific piece of psychological technology, the cultivation of cognitive dissonance through uncertainty. If, going into an initiation, you have absolutely no idea what is going to happen, the mind enters a state that is both hypervigilant and more open to suggestion. A good mystery tradition initiation, then, takes advantage of this unusual state of mind to imprint the principles taught by the degree. While there should also be spiritual forces brought to bear during the ritual, the imprinted memory of the experience serves as a sort of "anchor" within the initiate's mind that allows him or her to connect with them more easily." 

I am pleased to see that yet again, the independent research of a wide cross-section of the Golden Dawn community, including Donald Michael Kraig, Peregrin Wildoak, Nick Farrell, Sam Scarborough, and other Golden Dawn members, based on many years of initiatic experience, support my own conclusion that the astral aspect of initiation does not at all negate the necessity and importance of the physical aspect of initiation. I have spoken out on this many times in the past, for example here:

"It has been argued that there is always an "astral" element in any genuine Golden Dawn initiation. This is true in the limited sense that the energetic or "astral" body of the candidate is always ultimately impacted by the initiation. In other words, the initiation ritual works on many levels and affects not merely the physical body of the candidate. This does not mean, however, that the actual physical presence of the candidate is not required."

... and here:

"There is an actual transmission of energies from the physical body of the initiating Hierophant to the physical body of the initiate. To fully transmit these energies and fully awaken the LVX current in the energetic body of the candidate is extremely difficult to fully accomplish even under the best of circumstances - with the candidate physically present in the temple."

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Vegas Vortex's MYSTERIUM 2014: David Griffin to step in for Donald Michael Kraig

At Mysterium (Jan 31 - Feb 2, 2014) in Las Vegas, NV, beloved Magickal author Donald Michael Kraig was originally scheduled to appear as featured guest. When news recently broke HERE that Mr. Kraig is battling for his life against pancreatic cancer and will not be able to attend, Vegas Vortex hosts, Jeff and Abbi McBride asked Leslie and David Griffin to step up to the plate at the last minute, presenting on Magick and Alchemy from the Hermetic perspective.

Attendence at Mysterium 2014 is extremely limited. At present there are only 6 places left. Reserve directly with Vegas Vortex HERE. You can read about the event directly on the Vegas Vortex website HERE.

Here is what Leslie and David Griffin will present:

Introduction to Hermetic Magick and Alchemy

An introduction to the triad of Hermetic spiritual disciplines, Alchemy, Magic, and Astrology. What is the goal of spiritual development, according to the Hermetic tradition.

Fundamentals of Hermetic Magick and Alchemy

Basic concepts of Hermetic spiritual development and workshop experiencing the physical energy called LVX in the Hermetic tradition, kundalini to the Tantrics, and chi of the Tao.

Egyptian Godforms and Golden Dawn Godforms

Hawk, Lion, Bull, and Man as Egyptian Gods, Native American spirits, and Golden Dawn Godforms. A Core Shamanism approach to Egyptian pre-dynastic shamanism.

David Griffin is the author of the record breaking Ritual Magic Manual, and teaches Hermetic Magic and Alchemy as Imperator of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and Chief Adept of the Rosicrucian Order of Alpha Omega.

Leslie McQuade's extensive experience as a field archaeologist and ethnographer blends the best of academic discoveries in the field of Shamanism with down-to-earth practical applications learned from native practitioners around the world.

Vegas Vortex Hosts - Jeff and Abbi McBride

A Call to Magical Action: Healing for Donald Michael Kraig

Last week the Golden Dawn community showed again the way that we take care of our own, when VH Frater Aaron Leitsch was threatened with losing his vision as he did not have enough money for the insurance deductible for his cataract surgery. The outpouring of love and financial support from the entire Golden Dawn community was nothing less than inspiring.

This week the Golden Dawn community is in danger of losing yet another one of our own, as VH Frater Donald Michael Kraig has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. All across the Golden Dawn and Pagan communities, calls are going out for concerted Magical action to heal VH Frater Kraig. I echo this call to magical action.

Donald Michael Kraig

Donald Michael Kraig is not only a noted author and thinker, he’s also a charming, funny, and supportive individual.

See more at The Wild Hunt HERE.

Esoteric author, Nick Farrell has proposed the following healing ritual, which I am reblogging from the Facebook event Mr. Farrell created HERE. Under the curcumstances, I have no doubt that Farrell will not mind my reblogging his proposed ritual, adding my voice to his attempting to help Frater Kraig. I urge all readers of the Golden Dawn blog to perform Mr. Farrell's proposed ritual for the healing of Donald Michael Kraig:

Do the following ritual (or anything really) as soon as you can to help Don Kraig fight off cancer. It can be done anytime you like.... let us know how you got on. 

HEALING RITUAL 

Perform the Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Pentagram.

Go east (place the statue or the picture in the east with the candle beneath it).
Come to me, Thoth, oh noble Ibis.
Oh god who loves Khmun, oh letter-writer of the Ennead, come to me and give me thy magic. Make me skilful in your calling of magic! Better is your calling than any callings, it makes humans great. He who masters it is found fit to hold office. You are he who offers counsel, fate and fortune are with you, come to me and give us your counsel. Assist Don Kraig so that people shall say "Great are they, the deeds of Thoth!" And we shall be assigned them to your calling of magic and we shall be more than human.
In the name of YHVH Eloah ve-Daath I call upon you, strong and mighty Angels of Healing, that if it be the will of YHVH Eloah ve-Daath, the holy God, the Father and the Mother of all, show me the miracle of your healing power.

Open the way for Don Kraig to walk his path in strength, heal his body and mind, cast out those weakness that plague him, regenerate his cells and banish any agents of illness that stand against him and the demon of cancer so that he may serve the mysteries as an individual lamp drawn from the central flame of unity.
INVOCATION to the FOUR GOOD ANGELS
OF HEALING of the EAST
In the Name of IDOIGO (II-DOH-II-GO) and ARDZA (AR-DEE-ZA),

(draw cross in the quarter)

I (your motto) call upon the FOUR GOOD ANGELS OF HEALING of the EAST, you who are skilled in the medicine of the ONE THING and dispensers of ALL cures. In the name of that ONE THING which created the UNIVERSE from TRUTH and the builder of the heavenly city of Jerusalem, come forth CZONS (SEE-ZOH-EN-ES), SIGAS (SII-GAS), FMOND (EF-MON-DEE), TOITT (TOH -II-TEE-TEE). Open the way for Don Kraig to walk his path in strength, heal his body and mind, cast out those weakness that plague him, regenerate his cells and banish any agents of illness that stand against him and the demon of cancer so that he may serve the mysteries as an individual lamp drawn from the central flame of unity.
In the name of IDOIGO (II-DOH-II-GO) and ARDZA (AR-DEE-ZA)
Let this be so.
Go north.
INVOCATION to the FOUR GOOD ANGELS
OF HEALING of the NORTH
In the Name of ANGPOI (AN-JII-PEE-OY) and UNNAX (UN-NAKS),

(Draw cross in the quarter)

I (your motto) call upon the FOUR GOOD ANGELS OF HEALING of the NORTH. You who are skilled in the medicine of the ONE THING and dispensers of ALL cures. In the name of that ONE THING which created the UNIVERSE from TRUTH and the builder of the heavenly city of Jerusalem, come AIGRA (AY-II-GRA), ORPMN (OR-PEE-EM-EN), IZINR (II-ZII-EN-ER) RSONI (ER-SOH-NII).

Open the way for Don Kraig to walk his path in strength, heal his body and mind, cast out those weakness that plague him, regenerate his cells and banish any agents of illness that stand against him and the demon of cancer so that he may serve the mysteries as an individual lamp drawn from the central flame of unity.
In the name of ANGPOI (AN-JII-PEE-OY) and UNNAX (UN-NAKS) let this be so.
(Go west).
INVOCATION to the FOUR GOOD ANGELS
OF HEALING of the WEST
In the name of OBGOTA (OB-GOH-TAY) and AABCO (AY-AY-BE-CO)
(draw cross in the quarter)

I (your motto) call upon the FOUR GOOD ANGELS OF HEALING of the WEST. You who are skilled in the medicine of the ONE THING and dispensers of ALL cures. In the name of that ONE THING which created the UNIVERSE from TRUTH and the builder of the heavenly city of Jerusalem, come forth TOCO (TO-CO) or TOGCO (TO-JEE-CO), NHDD (EN-HAY-DEE-DEE) or NHODD (EN-HAY-OD-DEE), PAAX (PEE-AY-AY-KS) or PATAX (PAY-TAY-KS), SAIX (SAY-EX) or SAAIX (SAY-AY-EX).

Open the way for Don Kraig to walk his path in strength, heal his body and mind, cast out those weakness that plague him, regenerate his cells and banish any agents of illness that stand against him and the demon of cancer so that he may serve the mysteries as an individual lamp drawn from the central flame of unity.
In the name of OBGOTA (OB-GOH-TAY) and AABCO (AY-AY-BE-CO) let this be so.
Go to the south.
INVOCATION to the FOUR GOOD ANGELS OF HEALING of the SOUTH
In the name of NOALMR (NOH-AL-MER) and OLOAG (OL-OH-AY-JEE),

(Draw cross in the quarter)

I (your motto) call upon the FOUR GOOD ANGELS OF HEALING of the SOUTH. You who are skilled in the medicine of the ONE THING and dispensers of ALL cures. In the name of that ONE THING which created the UNIVERSE from TRUTH and the builder of the heavenly city of Jerusalem, come forth OPMN OPAMN (OH-PAY-EM-EN), APLST (AY-PEE-EL-ES-TEE), SCMIO (ES-SEE-MII-OH) and VARSG (VARZH).

Open the way for Don Kraig to walk his path in strength, heal his body and mind, cast out those weakness that plague him, regenerate his cells and banish any agents of illness that stand against him and the demon of cancer so that he may serve the mysteries as an individual lamp drawn from the central flame of unity.
In the name of NOALMR (NOH-AL-MER) and OLOAG (OL-OH-AY-JEE), let this be so.
(Go to the centre)
Invocation of the Spiritual Stone
Oh thou Mighty Angel of Unification Ehben. Thou who art the celestial force of Equilibrium. Bring harmony and balance to Don Kraig. Heal the illness within his body. Lead him to the realisations and people that will cure him completely and utterly. Let those who treat him be skilled and let this illness be banished from him so that he may lead a healthy and long life. Move within his sphere of sensation along with the Angels of Healing. Open the way for Don Kraig to walk his path in strength, heal his body and mind, cast out those weakness that plague him, regenerate his cells and banish any agents of illness that stand against him.
Open the way for Don Kraig exorcise the demon of cancer so that he may serve the mysteries as an individual lamp drawn from the central flame of unity so that he may serve the mysteries as an individual lamp drawn from the central flame of unity.
EHBEN
(Vibrate this seven times and the power comes down through you. See each cell of Don glowing with white light. Let this fade and then perform a Kabbalistic Cross.)

Donald Michael Kraig's Appeal: Will the Golden Dawn Stand Together For Tolerance?

by Alpha Omega Imperator

David Griffin

The past week has experienced an unexpected and extremely welcome show of unity from across the entire spectrum of the Golden Dawn community. Given the fractious history of our modern Golden Dawn community, this is particularly heartening.

The matter began with an article written by Donald Michael Kraig over on the Llewellyn blog (here) entitled "A Call to Leaders of the Golden Dawn," wherein Frater Kraig pointed out the danger posed to the Golden Dawn spiritual community caused by growing confusion with the Greek ultra-nationalist political party, Chrysi Avgi, whose name has repeatedly been given in the media as "Golden Dawn."

Donald Michael Kraig issued the following appeal:

"If you do not support the goals and ideals of Greece’s Golden Dawn, stand up and let people know this ... Even if you disagree with other Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn groups, I would propose that you consider standing in solidarity with them on this one, single issue."

Due to the threat posed to the Golden Dawn spiritual tradition by confusion with Chrysi Avgi, Kraig's appeal aroused an astonishing show of unity across the entire Golden Dawn community, coming from such diverse Golden Dawn leaders and areas as Donald Michael Kraig, Nick Farrell, Aaron Leitch, and even from solitary G.D. practitioner and independent blogger, Frater ATLV.

Given the fractious history of the modern Golden Dawn community, it is wonderful to witness such unity surrounding at least one issue. Despite our differences, when there is a significant outside threat to the reputation of the entire Golden Dawn tradition, our entire community has proven we can put our differences behind us and stand together when needed!

In this regard, Frater ATLV wrote here:

"This problem has brought about something rarely seen in the Golden Dawn Community ... solidarity. It is indeed rare to see the various leaders and authors in the Golden Dawn Community stand together, united, on any issue."

About the threat posed to the Golden Dawn tradition, Aaron Leitch wrote:

"Frankly, I don’t think anyone who has ever heard of the Golden Dawn is going to confuse us with the Greek neo-fascists Chrysi Avgi (which translates into English as “Golden Dawn”).  But, those folks aren’t the problem. 

The real problem is for those who have never heard of us before, and whose first introduction to the term “Golden Dawn” is through the popular media talking about the Greek party.  (Do a Google search on the term now, see what comes up and in what order!)  Then, if those people encounter an actual Hermetic Order of the G.D. book, website, or member they will jump to the immediate conclusion that they are seeing something fascist. 

And that can bring real problems.  Previously, if your boss or landlord or (in some cases) extended family discovered that you are into some kind of mysticism called “Golden Dawn”, they would likely think you were way too into Harry Potter and move on.  Now, if those same people were to hear that you practice “Golden Dawn” they might think you’re a closet nazi – which could lead to serious problems for you."

The Alpha Omega stands shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the Golden Dawn community in denouncing the confusion caused by political extremism in Greece being called "Golden Dawn" by the media. The Alpha Omega advocates racial and religious tolerance.

Morgan Eckstein wrote:

"Let it be known that the Ba Iset Order of the Rosy Cross (Evolving Order of Eclectic Ways/Ba Iset Order of the Golden Dawn) is in no way connected to the organization of the Greek political party known as  Chrysi Augi (which Greek name translated in English means "Golden Dawn")." 

The Alpha Omega has already been leading the way for years in openly advocating racial and religious tolerance, which are fundamental guiding principles of our order, as is evidenced on the Alpha Omega Manifesto that you can read on our website here:

"Hermetic doctrine teaches that the entire Universe is ONE - and that we are all but cells in the body of this enormous cosmic entity. As such, the Alpha Omega believes in the brotherhood and sisterhood not only of all women and all men - but of all created things. We therefore hold all religions in reverence, as individual manifestations of a single underlying perennial truth.... 

The Alpha Omega is based on principles of personal responsibility, personal liberty, and self-determination. Each member of our order is accepted for initiation - and advanced in grade - exclusively according to individual merit. We do not discriminate due to race, religion, gender, sexual or political orientation."

- Alpha Omega Manifesto  

Let me be clear and repeat this yet once again. The Alpha Omega has always been - and still today remains - ecumenical in our approach to the Golden Dawn and nonsectarian in our membership. Thus the AO stands for tolerance in ALL senses.

Nick Farrell writes:

"The Golden Dawn system of magic is never about extremes, it is always to do with balance ... One race cannot be superior to another, one religion cannot be better than another."

Mr. Farrell raises a very important point. Indeed, extremism in ALL its forms poses a very real threat to the Golden Dawn spiritual community. Sadly, there are not only political extremist groups causing confusion today, but there are religiously intolerant groups as well, for example those who promote a religious segregationist vision of the Rosicrucian tradition, against which I have spoken out already on many previous occasions on this blog.

In this regard, let us recall that the Golden Dawn is not a religion. The traditional G.D. advocates a philosophy that is non-sectarian and ecumenical, encouraging respect for all religions, as is evidenced in this passage from the Neophyte ritual:

 "Remember to hold all true religions in reverence, for there is none but contains a ray from the Ineffable Light that you are seeking."  

- Golden Dawn Neophyte Ritual

Sadly, this has not prevented sectarianism from gaining a foothold in the Golden Dawn community, especially at the Second Order level. Today, one Golden Dawn order excludes Thelemites from its Inner Order. Another order excludes not only Thelemites, but also Jews, Pagans, and Muslims from entering their Second Order level.

One Golden Dawn order recently published a document claiming that excluding all but Christians from the R.R. et A.C., is the cornerstone of the traditional Golden Dawn! This is historically inaccurate, overlooking that one of the very first Golden Dawn Second Order initiates, Moina Mathers, was of Jewish origin. She was born Moina Bergson, sister of French philosopher Henri Bergson. Their family name, descending from Poland, was originally Bereksohn.

Moina Bereksohn Mathers

Thus, although the Alpha Omega stands firmly with our Golden Dawn brothers and sisters in taking a stand against confusion caused by Chrysi Agvi in Greece, let us recall that religious extremism poses an equally dangerous threat to the Golden Dawn spiritual tradition.

Thus, the Alpha Omega roundly applauds today's show of unity across the Golden Dawn community as an essential and powerful beginning. We respectfully submit, however, that what Frater Kraig has urged does not yet go far enough.

The Alpha Omega today issues another appeal to leaders from across the Golden Dawn community. Let us also stand together in denouncing religious extremism and in fully embracing religious tolerance, nonsectarianism, and ecumenicalism.

Let us together create a world in which all brothers and sisters of all religious faiths - Jews, Muslims, Christians, Thelemites, Buddhists, and Hindus - are All welcome in in ALL grades of ALL Golden Dawn orders - not only without regard for the color of their skin, but also without regard for their religion.

May the Golden Dawn spiritual tradition yet fulfill its destiny as a spiritual light of TOLERANCE in the world!

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

Astral-Only Initiation: Broad Consensus across the Golden Dawn Community

by Golden Dawn Imperator

David Griffin

The discussion regarding the benefits and limitations of Astral-only initiation has resurfaced again this week. This discussion has gone on in the Golden Dawn community for years. The fundamental question is whether or not anyone can be exclusively astrally initiated at a distance.

Proponents of Astral-only initiation claim that a group of people (or a Temple) can initiate a person by performing a ritual somewhere else for a person separated by geographical distance, allegedly initiating the candidate by reading off their name in Temple during the ritual.

I have pointed out numerous times in the past, for example here and here, that there is a vast amount of concurrence between the conclusions of various Golden Dawn members all across the entire panorama of the Golden Dawn community on the subject of Astral-only initiation.

Sadly there are still not enough Golden Dawn temples around and Astral-only initiation just does not cut it. This is why it is important that there are other good options around. For example, Peregrin Wildoak this week wrote:

We may not be able to receive [initiation] physically, but we can unfold as if we had by carefully practicing the broader tradition.

Peregrin is correct. There needs to be a effective means of Self-Initiation that somewhat accomplishes the same magical goals as physical initiation present in a real Golden Dawn temple. This closely mirrors the results of my own independent research. There are just not enough locations with Golden Dawn temples and better alternatives must be presented for aspirants in outlying areas.

I still believe that nothing can beat traditional Golden Dawn initiation. If you do not have access to a traditional temple though, my research indicates that the best thing to do is to awaken the magical forces inside of you using Ritual Magic.

This is also why I wrote the Ritual Magic Manual ...

The Ritual Magic Manual fills an essential need for would be Golden Dawn magicians by providing everything you need for the magical component of Self-Initiation on your own, in a complete - step by step - user-friendly format. In the Ritual Magic Manual, you will find all of the pentagrams, hexagrams, Egyptian God Forms, Enochian and Qabalistic names sigils and names of power, flashing colors, etc. - all in one place!

My primary objection to Astral-only initiation has been the less than honest manner that it has been portrayed. For example I wrote here, that my objection arises...:

"...when modern innovations like Astral Initiation get misrepresented to the public as traditional or classical Golden Dawn practices. It is the dishonesty that is most destructive."

In regard to confusion caused by proponents of Astral-only initiation, Donald Michael Kraig wrote here:

"The thing I don’t like is when people pay dues, read some papers, do no work, pay for various “astral initiations,” and then claim to be experts with high levels of initiation. They make real occultists and initiates look foolish and bad." 

My research into the subject has always left me wary that the methods used by proponents of Astral-only initiation have the potential of becoming dangerous. In the past, proponants of Astral-only Initiation have criticised me rather harshy for this online.

I was pleased to read this week that results of independent research conducted by Aaron Leitch has led to similar conclusions. Aaron Leitch writes:

Personally, I find this to be rather dangerous.  I’ve seen how taxing a Neophyte Ceremony (and its aftermath) can be on any candidate, even with access to a full Temple and all the guidance and support that comes with it.  Blasting someone with a massive bolt of LVX and then expecting them to sink or swim on their own is… well, not something I’d do to someone myself.

On other aspects, proponents of Astral-only initiation claim that the founders of the Golden Dawn were themselves  initiated using Astral-only initiation. In this regard, Peregrin Wildoak this week writes:

There are no records of Mathers, Westcott or Woodman travelling to receive physical initiation from the supposed German source of the Golden Dawn. This lack of evidence however, does not support the view they were astrally initiated by continental adepts while safely back home in England.

Proponents of Astral-only initiation claim that it accomplishes everything that traditional Golden Dawn initiation does. I have addressed this issue numerous times over the years. For example, I here I wrote:

"It has been argued that there is always an "astral" element in any genuine Golden Dawn initiation. This is true in the limited sense that the energetic or "astral" body of the candidate is always ultimately impacted by the initiation. In other words, the initiation ritual works on many levels and affects not merely the physical body of the candidate. This does not mean, however, that the actual physical presence of the candidate is not required."

... and here:

"There is an actual transmission of energies from the physical body of the initiating Hierophant to the physical body of the initiate. To fully transmit these energies and fully awaken the LVX current in the energetic body of the candidate is extremely difficult to fully accomplish even under the best of circumstances - with the candidate physically present in the temple."

Reaching similar concusions, Aaron Leitch this week writes:

I agree that *all* initiations involve an astral process. If it didn’t, it wouldn’t be anything more than a passion-play walk-through done merely to say “welcome to our group...The astral is where the magick of the initiation happens. But this is not the same thing that is meant by groups who claim to offer “astral initiation.”

Alpha Omega Adept, Sincerus Renatus correctly points out that the ritual theater elements is also important, here:

"The ritual is a drama, a play, which also has as a function to impart a though form or cognitive structure into the candidate, a theme so to speak, which gives a tone or atmosphere for the Grade. This has to be experienced live and in person, not read through or imagined in the inner eye. Compare this to reading a novel and watching a stage play; two legitimate artistic expressions but quite different in nature and quality. Full and physical initiation is a stage play of old Greek dramatic proportions."

On the same subject, Samuel Scarborough this week writes:

There are certain criteria for an initiation to be considered effective and proper. You clearly outline those criteria of Physical, Astral, Etheric, Mental, Spiritual. I normally only use three levels (Physical, Astral, and Etheric). An initiation should have elements where there is some action on these levels at the same time for the Candidate.

Alpha Omega's, V.H. Frater P. commented here:

"What i miss in this debate is the simple fact that, apart from the energetic transmission from the Hierophant unto the candidate, it is impossible to impregnate the MIND of the candidate with the physical symbols that are displayed in these ceremonies. For doing this, the candidate has to be physically present, and able to use his eyes! Moreover, by blindfolding him/her and exposing him to a dramatic procedure, his mind is made extra sensitive and absorptive. This is an ancient technique."

Donald Michael Kraig this week added:

"When someone says that an Astral Initiation is the one that really counts, they are talking about type AI-1. But some people who are officers in groups or initiates of groups that primarily perform AI-2 initiations falsely want you to believe that saying an Astral Initiation is the one that counts refers to what they are doing. It does not."

I am pleased to see that, whereas for many years I stood nearly alone in pointing out the problems with Astral-only initiationcommunity have come to so closely resemble what I have been saying all along.

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

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