Sex-Magick and Scientific Discourse (Reply to Peregrin Wildoak)

by Golden Dawn Imperator

David Griffin

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

- Albert Einstein

Peregrin Wildoak recently wrote an article in reply to a recent post on the Golden Dawn blog called: "Sexuality and the Golden Dawn." You can read the G.D. Blog article here. You can hear the original interview on Blog Talk Radio here. You can read Peregrin's reply here.

There is much to agree with in Peregrin's article, not the least of which is the article takes a tone akin to scientific discourse that enables the discussion to advance.

You may have noticed that, over the past several months, the Alpha Omega has been working very hard to improve the quality of dialogue in the Golden Dawn community, so that philosophical discussion can more easily advance.

In the past, dialogue easily got bogged down by Golden Dawn scholars (myself not exempted) presenting positions as though they were the "right way" or the "true Golden Dawn way." Dialogue in the past at times got derailed by subtle forms of mudslinging or even open personal attacks.

The purpose of scientific publications is to create a conversation based on logical reasoning and/or experimental research. Doctoral students are constantly reminded they are “joining the conversation” through their research.

All of us are doing nothing more than continuing a conversation that started nearly 200 years ago. Peregrin’s essay on sex in the Golden Dawn exemplifies the type of “conversation” we at the A.O. hope to inspire within the G.D. community.

For too long, leaders within the tradition have sniped and fought each other to the detriment of ourselves and of the Golden Dawn community.

To this end, we at the AO several months ago introduced three guiding principles for entering a conversation that we strive to conform to with each new blog article. The time has come to offer thes principles to the community at large to enhance our dialogue and move toward a respectful approach to sharing and learning from one another.

They are:

1. Never negative.
2. Attack poor reasoning - not people.
3. Offer alternative approaches or answers – not the “right” way.

Perhaps this list will grow over time. While we as a community have not yet reached the rigor of the scientific journaling process, we can only begin this transition by supporting one another.

My personal mission is to contribute to the Golden Dawn community by correcting the damaging methods that have crept into it over the past decades (myself not exempted). The previous path of the G.D. leadership would not have left a lasting legacy worthy of praise by future generations.

“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.“

 - Thomas Jefferson

With these few guiding principles set forth, let us move forward to discuss the "sex" question.

Peregrin Wildoak writes:

"There is no evidence the Golden Dawn taught sex magic, even at its highest levels... 

...sexual magic was not part of the classical (pre 1903) Golden Dawn. And the other day I saw comments from Pat Zalewski and Nick Farrell echoing this view."

I am pleased to see that, according to Peregrin, not only his independent research, but also Pat Zalewski’s and Nick Farrell’s independent research support the Alpha Omega's philosophical position, I have stated over and over for years, for example when in reply to fear mongering marketing, I wrote here:

"Indeed so-called "gutteral sex magick" has no place in the Golden Dawn. There is no Golden Dawn order, nor has there ever been one with orgies nor the sort of practices ascribed to Aleister Crowley."

When it comes to sexual magic, the real question is not where the Golden Dawn was before 1903, but rather which direction the Golden Dawn should go here and now in the 21st Century.

"Gutteral sex magick?" Is there anyone in the Golden Dawn community who can take such a rumor seriously? Sadly, not everyone outside the community is as knowledgable as we are. When people go to Google searching for information about the Golden Dawn, then read things like "Golden Dawn sex-magick is a red herring designed in to take advantage of lower desires," it harms the entire G.D. tradition.

When it comes to negative marketing, we as a community can do better (myself not excepted). I am pleased several Golden Dawn leaders are taking mature positions that help dispel false rumors about "hedonistic Golden Dawn sex cults." Such things harm the entire Golden Dawn.

Peregrin continues:

"This does not mean the Golden Dawn rituals and teachings are devoid of the symbolism, connections, motifs and structures for sexual magic."

I am pleased to see Peregrin’s research supports the repeatedly revealed teachings of the Alpha Omega, for example here:

"In the Golden Dawn, all of the rites, symbols, and even implements and vestments are permeated through and through with the fundamental doctrine of sexual polarity."

To my knowledge, the statement I made repeatedly (here, for example) still remains true today:

"The Alpha Omega is the only Golden Dawn order that offers traditional Hermetic spritual practices in the highest grades that include spiritual sexuality."

Let's be crystal clear about one thing though. I am not referring here to "sex-magick" nor have I ever been referring to "sex-magick" in this context either. 

Over the years I have clarified again and again that practices involving spiritual sexuality in the highest grades of the Alpha Omega are those of Hermetic Internal Alchemy - not "sex-magick."

I have also revealed Alpha Omega teachings regarding the true nature of Hermetic Internal Alchemy repeatedly over the years as well, for example in 2005, when here I wrote:

"Hermetic Internal Alchemy is in reality a system that uses the subtle fires of the human body, including love and sexuality, as potent tools for spiritual development by transmuting the matter of the physical body into ever purer and more refined forms of energy." 

And here when I wrote:

"The Secret of transmutation of all metals into gold lies inside each and every one of us - for the "Prima Materia" (First Matter) of Internal Alchemy is the living matter of our physical bodies. The "Opus Magnum" (Great Work) of Hermetic Internal Alchemy is the transmutation of Lead - the matter of your physical body - into Gold - pure Solar Energy, Divine consciousness, and immortality. 

This Internal (PHYSICAL) Transmutation is fueled by the internal fires of your body - among which LOVE and SEXUALITY are primary motors for spiritual and energetic evolution. 

Hermetic Internal alchemy is "internal" in the sense that we use an inner laboratory, an internal athanor, and an internal fire - all inside of the human body in a PHYSICAL sense"

Peregrin continues:

"Any practical magical exploration of these themes however is best conducted well outside the gaze of the Neophyte and indeed the Outer Order."

Again, Peregrin’s philosophical position supports the long-held Alpha Omega position I have revealed repeatedly, most recently here:

"Such teachings are of the variety "go home and practice with your husband, wife, or partner(s) depending on your gender, sexual orientation and relationship style."

Referring to a letter from Moina Mathers to Paul Foster Case, reproduced from the recent GD Blog article, Peregrin writes:

"There is nothing here that indicates methods and processes for physical sexual magic were taught at all."

Yet once again, conclusions of Peregrin's independent research support my own philosophical conclusions (See above).

Peregrin continues:

"The “not mere theory” clause is obviously used to emphasise the implicit warning that “sex matters” not be approached before the adept is completely in control of his “passionate self”.

Again, Peregrin's conclusions support the long held philosophical position of the Alpha Omega. Alpha Omega teachings still have more to say on this subject, however.

What does Moina Mathers really mean when she writes:

"In fact, we only give a rather complete explanation of this subject in that Grade where the Adept has proved to be so equilibrated and spiritualized that he is complete lord of his passional self."  

Is Mina talking about asceticism? Is she uttering some sort of moral injunction against sexuality? Since we don't have a time machine, it is impossible to prove what Moina Mathers really meant.

Moina's statement does, however, make perfect sense in light of teachings I received as Apprentice of Hermetic Master Alchemist, Frater Lux E Tenebris. 

Although (due to oath-bound restrictions) I can not go into detail about the actual methodology of Hermetic Internal Alchemy, the time is ripe to lift the veil just a tiny bit more.

The Hermetic Alchemical Initiatic tradition teaches that, prior to even beginning the alchemical processing of Hermetic Internal Alchemy, the the Adept must first gain complete mastery of his or her emotions.

This is accomplished by cultivating ongoing emotional balance and equilibrium at all times in daily life. This is not any sort of moral injunction, but rather a technical requirement of alchemical processing.

And this is only ONE prerequisite to begin Hermetic Internal Alchemy. Yet how many Second Order Adepts have achieved even this? Few. Very few.

The problem is that alchemical processing in Hermetic Internal Alchemy requires "circulation," as frequently alchemical processes in an external laboratory do as well. "Circulation" within the human body, however, can be quite dangerous for someone who is not properly prepared.

When it comes Internal Alchemy, since the entire alchemical Opus occurs in the laboratory of the human body, everything about us gets "circulated," including our emotions.

"Circulation" in Internal Alchemy is meant to purify and exalt our spiritual nature. However, if an unprepared alchemist circulates mood swings or even powerful emotions, they may end up creating greater and greater emotional instability instead of spiritual exaltation.

This is a fundamental reason why the actual spiritual practices employed in Hermetic Internal Alchemy have always been reserved for the highest grades of Hermetic or Rosicrucian Orders, even those that came long before the Golden Dawn. These particular spiritual practices can be extremely dangerous for the unprepared - and, practiced improperly, can lead to self-destruction rather than spiritual exaltation.

This is why they have always been kept so secret. This is also why they should never be attempted without the guidance and supervision of a Master Alchemist.

I invite the reader to again examine Moina Mathers statement again below, In light of this discussion, it should now be readily understandable.

Moina Mathers wrote:

"We only give a rather complete explanation of this subject in that Grade where the Adept has proved to be so equilibrated and spiritualized that he is complete lord of his passional self."

Peregrin continues:

"The dangers of prematurely acting within the sexual-magic realm are real, as are the results which are sadly visible in any modern Neo-Pagan and magical community."

"physical sexual magic should be limited to the Inner Order, if undertaken at all. 

In fact, I would say a rough rule of thumb would assign the practices to the Chesedic Adeptus Exemptus grade."

Peregrin's conclusions, based on many year of his own magical experience, yet once again closely mirror my own long held philosophical position on this subject. Of course, Peregrin is not talking here about turning the Golden Dawn into some sort of hedonistic sex cult.

Peregrin is talking about serious occultism and has obviously given the matter a lot of thought. If one were to introduce the Science of Sexual Magic into the Golden Dawn, I concur with Peregrin that the Adeptus Exemptus grade would be a logical place to begin to introduce the fundamentals.

The Alpha Omega could be very helpful with this process, since we have a huge amount of oath-bound material concerning sexual magick, even though we have so far chosen not to include it in our own curriculum. I am certainly not opposed to the idea. If the Golden Dawn community wanted to move in this direction, the Alpha Omega could certainly be of assistance.

I do foresee fundamental obstacles, however, in addition to the one briefly touched on by Peregrin above. We are all aware of the sexual abuse that has occurred under the guise of "sex-magick" in the Neo-Pagan community as well as in the wider magical community. The Golden Dawn community has not been immune issues surrounding sexual abuse either.

I mention this not to point a finger at or "attack" any particular person, but because sexual abuse is a serious concern. There is a very real risk that introducing sexual magic into the Golden Dawn's Second Order, might unintentionally open the door for the sexual abuse of Golden Dawn members. I would very much like to hear how Peregrin and other Golden Dawn leaders propose our community might overcome this obstacle.

The other danger is that if Golden Dawn orders decide to expand their curriculum to include sexual magick, they open themselves to the sort of fear mongering negative marketing attacks like those we have already seen. I would like very much to hear how Peregrin and others who would like to see sexual magick included in the Adeptus Exemptus grade, propose that our community tackle this problem as well.

It would be extremely risky for the reputation of the entire Golden Dawn for anyone to include sexual magick in any grade of any Golden Dawn order, unless the problems of sexual abuse and fear mongering marketing are first addressed by the community and lasting solutions found.

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."

- Albert Einstein

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The Initiatic Mysteries Debate: A Hermetic Master Speaks Out

Master Hermes Trismegistus

As most readers of this and related Golden Dawn blogs are already aware, we are in the midst of a lively and passionate debate about the value of silence, secrecy, and the sanctity of the Hermetic mysteries. Since publishing my last article, the discussion has grown even more lively, albeit buried in comment section of this blog and spreading quickly across the Blogosphere.

In reply to my article on Cynics & Secret Chiefs, F.S wrote:

Whilst I am usually at odds with your opinions. I find this particular post quite interesting. Here you release secrets that are to be frank common knowledge, through the use of sexual force, compassion and love it is possible to do just as you say, the process also slowly begins to create and birth as you say the solar body.

This is NOT a secret. These techniques are espoused all through out eastern esoteric traditions, there are also many simple to comprehend alchemical glyphs detailing the process in our western traditions. All it takes is some contemplation. 

Though to attempt to trap the leaders of the other orders with such teachings is I feel a bit beyond you? This is not a test of yours, you have structured your words in a way as to make any attempted reply by other orders to look shameful and indignant. This in my opinion is a blase way of going about your admittedly sane per-suite of keeping your oaths, and inspiring others to do the same.

Please note, I do not doubt your connections to these secret chiefs. Though it was always my understanding that the third order was meant for those who have already attained this solar immortality you speak of, not for those still trying to. 

F.S.

I replied:

Care Soror FS,

Thank you for your frank and forthright comment! 

You are quite correct in your observation of similarities between the highest initiatic levels of the Hermetic tradition and the highest levels of the great initiatic traditions in the East. 

This arises from the history of alchemy. The practices arose in Sumeria, then became the Royal Art Alchemy in Egypt. Egyptian alchemy subsequently spread to the East, where it entered both the Taoist and Tantric traditions. These traditions, of course, existed prior to the arrival of Alchemy from Egypt. Nonetheless, their alchemical traditions came directly from ancient Egypt.

Here in the West, the Egyptian alchemical knowledge spread to Europe following the Greek and Roman conquests of Egypt. In Magna Graecia, alchemy entered the Pythagorean tradition. In the Roman republic, it was transmitted through the Hermetic tradition. From there, alchemy spread throughout Europe, particularly to Germany, where it became a part of the Rosicrucian tradition, from whence it comes to us in the Golden Dawn.

I apologize if my article is perhaps a bit too passionate. Sadly, the "no proof" chorus from certain of our order's critics has tried my patience at times, especially since all actual evidence our order has presented has over and over been completely ignored. The "no proof" mantra was instead merely repeated again and again for nearly a decade now as a mere rhetorical tactic to sow seeds of doubt.

Our order has walked a delicate tightrope in this process. What we have done, with permission of the Hermetic Masters in Europe, has been to provide enough public information to demonstrate that the higher Hermetic teachings actually do exist, as well as to give a general idea of what their actual aim and purpose really is.

What we have NOT done is to publicly reveal specific details of the means of alchemical processing, the actual spiritual disciplines and techniques involved. 

Unlike magick, about which entire libraries have been written, the highest processing of Internal Alchemy still today remains sealed behind a veil of initiatic silence in the Hermetic tradition here in the West. This is also the case with Taoist and Tantric alchemy in the East, where true Alchemical Masters are even more difficult to find than they are here.

This further clarifies what I meant at the opening of this article:

"[The HOGD/AO and the Hermetic Masters in Europe] are NOT the ONLY orders which have the TRUE secrets - which are the ONLY available means for full initiation. However, we DO provide access to these HIGHER orders - and in turn we DO provide access to TRUE secrets - which DO provide a complete and full initiation system.":

FS continued: 

"I do not doubt your connections to these secret chiefs. Though it was always my understanding that the third order was meant for those who have already attained this solar immortality you speak of, not for those still trying to."

I replied:

You are both correct and incorrect. 

The Grades of the Third Order of the Alpha et Omega (that were intended for the Golden Dawn all along) correspond to three specific levels of spiritual attainment - three successive alchemical separations and projections, culminating with the separation of the Solar Body of Light from the physical body at the moment of death and the projection of the consciousness into the Solar body. This is the culmination of the Opus Magnum - the achievement of conscious immortality in the SOLAR PLANE inside light at the fast vibrating end of the universe.

More than this I hesitate to say. I have always emphasized that the Third Order are real people and exist in the flesh. This is true. It is also true, however, that there are also Hermetic Masters that have already completed the Opus Magnum - already reside on the Solar Plane - yet are still part of the Third Order.

The Third Order is, in reality, presided over by a council of 12 Magi in physical incarnation. However, a corresponding council of 12 also exists on the Solar Plane.

This does not mean that Felkin was really in touch with a Solar Master, however. He was not. He knew through Mathers what I am telling you now and therefore deceived himself that he was in contact. He was not. The techniques used by Felkin only reached the Lower Astral, the realm of illusion. 

The whole reason why I have hesitated to ever bring this up, is that admitting that there are also disincarnate Hermetic Masters in the Third Order, opens the door to all sorts of abuse in certain other Golden Dawn orders, where leaders like to justify anything they do by deceiving their members into believing that they are "channeling the Third Order."

Channeling and any sort of mediumistic or waking trance state only reach the LOWER ASTRAL plane, the realm of delusion and self-decetption. The SOLAR PLANE is much higher and requires and extremely high level of energetic evolution to perceive.

The actual techniques for spiritual perception in the SOLAR PLANE are carefully guarded secrets of the Third Order and can only be used by Magi - who have already achieved the Second alchemical separation and projection. 

This is something far different that Felkin's "channeling the Secret Chiefs" that has been so abused by certain Golden Dawn leaders to assert their will and dazzle Neophytes.

Warm regards, David Griffin

In my previous article, I highlighted certain tactics routinely used against our order during the Golden Dawn war, like ad hominum attacks on HOGD/AO leaders and repeating "spin" mantras, like the catch phrase "No proof!" over and over like a broken record,  while ignoring all actual presented evidence.

Sadly, it appears that this exposition was not enough, and the old "No Proof!" "spin" tactic has merely been given new mantra by our detractors, namely "No Real Secrets!" Our opponents additionally appear to have begun republishing only one side of the debate, again ignoring all presented evidence contrary to their position.

Once again, I urge everyone to keep this debate at a fraternal, factual, and scholarly level - free of all ad hominum attacks and rhetorical "spin" tactics. It is clear that bloggers on both sides feel very passionate about this issue. Let us all nonetheless resolve to redouble our efforts to keep this debate fraternal, scholarly, factual, and free of propaganda-like "spin" tactics!

Frater Peregrin today wrote, on his Magic of the Ordinary blog:

As part of the fallout over the whole recent magical secrecy argument, GH Fr LES gave us a very interesting post. The post was carefully worded that any attempt at reply would be either pointless or would need to fulfil certain requirements set out by GH Fr LES. So I did not bother replying.

A certain Sr FS did reply, and not being party to the original discussion was able to say a few things without looking churlish, pointing out the various alchemical ‘secrets’ GH Fr LES keeps hinting at are not secret at all. They are in fact discernible with a little book knowledge and contemplation.

- Peregrin 

 FS answered my above reply, as follows:

GH Fr LES,  Unfortunately the title of Soror gives perhaps the wrong sexuality, I am indeed a male, though I take the believed femininity as a compliment :). Also I should note, I am not by any means a member of any particular order, F.S. will do as it was only intended as a pseudonym for my anonymity :).

Again though I shall re-state what I said above, whilst it is in my opinion a great thing for your order to keep such things hidden, this by no means is not understood by others. I know of several initiates, of differing orders who are aware of techniques to achieve solar consciousness.

My own training and study within the Gnostic tradition also has shown me that these secrets exist there also. Again, you need only look at a glyph of Bahpomet to understand some of the picture, you need only find the tarot card the lover to understand a extra not to dismiss either the image of ISIS, and the story's of the egyptian god's. There are books, and other papers, and intellectual information out there also detailing the idea, and hinting at the process, again with contemplation the process can be unlocked by anyone, willing enough to put in the time, this does not require any sublime initiation, it simply requires time and a willingness to do foundational work. Thanks, F.S.

So that the new issues presented by FS would receive a proper reply, I passed FS' latest remarks along to the Hermetic Masters in Continental Europe, requesting a responce directly on this blog. Hereafter, follow therefore the words of alchemical Master, R.C. that I received this morning, faithfully translated and transmitted by Lux ex Septentrionis, Frater R+AC.

____________________

Dear F.S. and Peregrin,

I certainly do not wish to deprive you of your cherished illusions. The actual creation of the Solar Body of Light, however, has never been published anywhere or at any time. In reality, the creation of the Solar Body of Light is the most carefully guarded secret of all the great initiatic traditions of the world, from the Pythagorean and Hermetic traditions in the West to the Taoist tradition in China, and the Tantric traditions in both India and Tibet. There do exist, however, documents where you might find vague indications, and in rare instances, perhaps even  a pseudo instruction in the training of the Solar Body of Light. 

But know this. All of the great traditions teach that the true creation of the Solar Body of Light CAN NOT even BE communicated in writing. In fact, the TRUE secret can't even be communicated as oral tradition, but rather only energetically, from the Master having already achieved this development to the Disciple who receives this most sacred of initiations. 

This transmission can only occur from SOUL to SOUL, and certainly not from a written page to a person. Read and study carefully the instructions that Christ gives to his disciples. Like Buddha, all true alchemical Masters have said over and over that you must have a particular YEAST to awaken gold, and that this yeast may be possessed only by one who has formed it by Divine grace or has received it from another son of Hermes. The former is extremely rare as we shall see.

This is because this formation can only be accomplished through a certain union of Souls and spiritual power passed to the Disciple from an alchemical Master who in turn received it from his own Master, etc. This, however, is TRUE initiation, and not that as understood today in this period of spiritual decadence wherein so many do not even understand the spiritual value of silence, puffing themselves up instead by pretending to publish secrets in books, on the internet, etc.

The true mystery can only be obtained from one who has it. The same is true for initiation. To open a book and consider yourself an initiate merely because you read dead words on paper made from dead wood is a dead end that leads only to delusion and spiritual bankruptcy. This is also the true meaning of initiatic lineage. As it is written that: "None may become Priests and Priestesses of the Eternal unless consecrated by the Eternal itself."

Only the rarest of human beings, having received their mission on Earth from on high, have received that rare gift of a fully formed Solar Body of Light or the ability to cultivate it in a single lifetime on their own - the great Avatars like Christ, Buddha, Krisna, etc. All others must raise their Solar Bodies with the sacred YEAST - that only another who possesses it - a Solar Master - may transmit.

Can you not see and understand that those who seek, awaken precisely when they come into contact with someone who has precisely this YEAST for their spiritual awakening? Think for a moment. Investigate for yourself, but do not allow yourself to be misled by a delusion of simplicity of something that I can assure you is not a simple matter at all. Do not allow yourself, through mere vanity, to be misled by dead words written on dead wood made into paper.

I repeat: This is the most occulted SECRET of humanity, carefully concealed in all of the religions and alchemical traditions of the world. 

However, if you truly believe that to cultivate a Solar Body of Light on your own is such a simple matter, requiring only time and discipline (very laudable as they are) as you each claim, I invite you to prove this to us.

I will then, together with countless others, bow before the first among you who accomplishes this "simple" task - recognizing you as our new teacher and Master at the level of another Christ or Buddha.

With respect,

Master R.C.

Cynics & Secret Chiefs

Let me start this blog with a confession. Rumors of my meglomania are hotly exaggerated.

The Invincible Griffin

In reality, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (Alpha et Omega) is but ONE of various outer vehicles of the Internal College led by the Hermetic Masters in Europe.  We are NOT the ONLY order with access to these HIGHER orders - and in turn we and they are NOT the ONLY orders which have the TRUE secrets - which are the ONLY available means for full initiation.  However, we DO provide access to these HIGHER orders - and in turn we DO provide access to TRUE secrets - which DO provide a complete and full initiation system.

I am not going to cover the lantern of the Mysteries thrust into my hand just to gain approval of other well known Golden Dawn authors and bloggers. If I do, then I don't deserve this lantern. It isn't in my hand because of my personal greatness or glory, but because it is my job as a Kerux of the Hierophants of the Greater Mysteries. I am here to help guide the Outer and Inner Orders into the Third Order that resides here on the physical plane. 

But here is something that really puzzles me...

When did THIS happen to the Golden Dawn community?

I am referring to the loss of the compass that guided the founders of the order. The more I see debates on fora and blogs and read and hear from the current generation of Golden Dawn authors, the more I wonder if the idea of the Mysteries and the principle of belonging to an OCCULT order has gotten lost in the fog of post-modernism and the "let's make a quick buck off the occult" era.

To fill you in, it all started one rainy day with a discussion about why secrecy in the Golden Dawn needs to be kicked out to the curb, because: 

a) It is not necessary in this era of the "the winner is who breaks his oath first and makes it to the publisher fastest," and

b)  "Hey most of us don't believe in the vows we are taking even while we are taking them" anyway - An oath is "only a formality" like wearing black to a funeral even when we don't care abut the dead guy in the casket. The dead guy here is no other than the traditional principles that formed the spirit of the classical Golden Dawn and the mysteries for thousands of years.

Yes, yes, yes...we can argue it is all outdated and absolute in this modern age of IPods, IPads, E-Initiations and cyber funk magick - But let's be honest....deep down we all agree that wisdom is AGELESS...why else would these pop occultists fight like starved pirahnas over the next stash of unpublished Golden Dawn documents dating from before they were born? 

The Mysteries are not in the papers. They are in the spirit that penned them - and it is this spirit that penned them has repeated over and over for generations:

"Keep the Mysteries from the eyes of the uninitiated..."

If we throw away the spirit of the thing then all we have left is its corpse lying in a casket in a busy funeral filled with people that never really cared if she lived or not.

I was personally targeted recently on another blog for criticism and ridicule for holding tight to the guiding spirit of the Golden Dawn and the original beliefs shared by many of the founding fathers and mothers of the order. 

Frater Peregrin wrote on in his MOTO blog:

"The appeal to hidden Orders, masters etc is all a load of nonsense anyway."

Sadly, such cynicism today actually typifies a rather large section of the Golden Dawn community. There are many who today believe that there are NO Masters, NO secrets orders, NO secret knowledge, and EVERYTHING is either published or ABOUT to be published.

How did our Golden Dawn community ever get so jaded?

Was it the faith healing workshops that were sold using the Golden Dawn name?

Or was it the Angel Magic Subliminal CDs? 

Or was it the uninitiated, that gave themselves fancy titles - divorced the Golden Dawn from its roots - and promised you to become a "full Golden Dawn initiate" from the comfort of your armchair?

Or was it the self-styled teachers who play on peoples' fears because they feel threatened?

Whether it was one, a combination, or all of the above - one thing is clear ...

With all the nonsense that has gone on under the banners of the Golden Dawn - many people in our community have become so jaded they can no longer believe in even the POSSIBILITY that there might yet exist unpublished Mysteries, more advanced practices, or even Hermetic teachers more spiritually advanced than Nick Farrell, Peregrin, or myself!

This sad state of affairs in our community has left the Alpha et Omega for over a decade faced with a serious dilemma - how are we supposed to preserve the sanctity of the Mysteries, yet still show the community we are not just one more "snake oil faith healer" selling "armchair initiations."

We solved this dilemma by over the years describing the higher Hermetic Mysteries in enough detail to show the reasonable progression from not only the magic of the Golden Dawn, but also of the lab alchemy of the Golden Dawn's predecessor, the Golden and Rosy Cross order.

Bear in mind that there are some people out there who keep chanting "No proof!" over and over - merely as a rhetorical tactic to create doubt - because they feel threatened in their personal interests by any higher Hermetic Mysteries beyond what Regardie published.

Even if we would show these people conclusive evidence - heck, even if we were to show them the whole kit and kaboodle - the entire Third Order curriculum, initiation rituals and all, they would still go on chanting "No proof!" while they secretly rushed off to publisher with everything. We must accept from the beginning that no amount of factual evidence will ever change the bad faith of these folks.

However, contrary to the "No proof!"" mantra used as a rhetorical tactic by our critics...

 

...And whether or not you believe in the existence of secret, Hermetic Master Alchemists...

The Alpha et Omega has nonetheless over the years released a long series of revelations that, in reality, constitute QUITE SUBSTANTIAL and transparent body of SOLID EVIDENCE about the teachings, direction, and practices of the AO's Third Order.

For those that missed this - so might be otherwise be fooled by the "No proof!" parrots - here is a general summary:

1. The true nature of the Opus Magnum is ENERGETIC EVOLUTION. This is the actual purpose of life on Earth. Human beings are but larval forms of a higher, purely energetic form of life that human beings are evolving towards.

2. The Prima Materia of Internal Alchemy is actually the the living matter of the HUMAN BODY.

3. The alchemical transmutation of Lead into Gold is actually an analogy for the transmutation of the Physical Body (Saturn = Lead) into a SOLAR BODY of LIGHT (Sun = Gold).

4. The ROYAL ART of Alchemy is the science of IMMORTALITY - the science of the cultivation of SOUL: a Solar Body of Light that can survive the death of the physical body - and even render us CONSCIOUSLY IMMORTAL.

5. The TRUE PURPOSE of all Hermetic arts, whether GOLDEN DAWN MAGICK, laboratory alchemy, or Hermetic Internal Alchemy is the ACCELERATION of this Energetic Evolution that otherwise would require many incarnations to complete.

6. The THIRD ORDER of the Alpha et Omega teaches HERMETIC INTERNAL ALCHEMY - the highest form of Hermetic Science - in the sense that it is the most powerful operative practice to ACCELERATE Energetic Evolution.

7. Hermetic Internal Alchemy is so powerful that - by using it - you can cultivate a Solar Body of Light in a single lifetime.

8. Hermetic Internal Alchemy uses a SECRET FIRE to "cook" and transmute the physical body into pure energy.

9. The true nature of this Secret Fire is the FIRES of the PHYSICAL BODY itself.

10. The most powerful and creative of these fires of the physical body are LOVE and SEXUALITY.

11. Hermetic Internal Alchemy thus cooks the Physical Body (Saturn = Lead) into a Solar Body of Light (Sun = Gold) by harnessing the fires of Love and Sexuality - and using them to accelerate Energetic Evolution.

12. The processes of Hermetic Internal Alchemy hold the secret keys to the true and correct preparation of the PHILOSOPHER'S STONE.

13. The Philosopher's Stone is an incredibly powerful ELIXIR of LIFE that can be used, on the one hand, to increase longevity, and on the other hand, to dramatically accelerate the cultivation of a Solar Body of Light.

14. The opening phase of this Opus Magnum of Hermetic Internal Alchemy involves cultivation and separation of the ASTRAL BODY. 

(I revealed this for the first time in my last blog article, where I discussed the PLASTICITY of the Astral Body - how for the first alchemical SEPERATIO (in order to separate the Astral Body from the physical body) it is necessary to first liberate the Astral Body from the turbulence caused by its constant bombardment with physical sensations, thoughts, emotions, etc., coming from the physical body. I also revealed that this is the true reason why real initiatic traditions universally require initiatic SILENCE.)

15. Finally - I reveal NOW for the first time - that true ASTRAL PROJECTION is only possible AFTER an Adept has first fully cultivated his or her ASTRAL BODY and achieved the FIRST ALCHEMICAL SEPARATIO. (This can only be achieved by first liberating the Astral Body from the domination of the Physical Body as described above). 

16. This has nothing to do with the sort of waking visions involved in "Skying in the Spirit Vision" or that is commonly understood as Astral Projection by the New Age community. Such waking, visionary states can only reach as far as the LOWER ASTRAL, the realm of illusion and self-deceoption. 

17. True Astral Projection occurs in a completely DIFFERENT state of consciousness other than any sort of WAKING visionary or trance state. This state is known only to Adepts once they achieve the First Alchemical Separation.  Only then, can we pierce through the LOWER ASTRAL with its deceptions and delusions - to achieve the TRUE spiritual vision on the HIGHER ASTRAL plane.

18. This HIGHER visionary experience of the HIGHER ASTRAL PLANE opens only to the eyes of the Adept that has:

     a. Fully cultivated her or his Astral Body - and

     b. Liberated the Astral Body from the domination of the physical - and

     c. Achieved the alchemical SEPARATION of the ASTRAL body from the physical body and mastered its PROJECTION.

     d. Awakened to full consciousness and awareness on the HIGHER ASTRAL.

19. This "PROJECTING IN THE SPIRIT VISION" is a higher and superior form of visionary experience available to Adepts of the THIRD ORDER of the Golden Dawn. Skrying in the Spirit Vision, as published by Crowley and Regardie, referred by analogy to this  higher, THIRD ORDER technique all along.

I will in future articles reveal more about the actual state of consciousness and awareness involved in "Projecting in the Spirit Vision," as well about the true nature of the Higher Astral Plane, and how this form visionary experience substantially differs from the Skrying in the Spirit Vision published by Regardie. 

Moreover, I will ultimately make astonishing revelations regarding the TRUE preparation, rectification, and multiplication of the Philosophers' Stone...

Unless, of course, someone from the chorus of "No proof!" parrots would prefer to enlighten us about these Higher Hermetic Mysteries themselves first instead? 

Don't count on the "No proof!" parrots doing this, however. Curiously, it is  precisely when it comes to THEM providing any real evidence of THEIR understanding of any Hermetic Mysteries higher than those published by Regardie...

That the "No proof!" chanters suddenly discover the value of SILENCE.

Sub Umbra Alarum Tuarum, Yeheshua,

David Griffin

G.H. Frater Lux Ex Septentrionis

Imperator Ordinis, Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

outer order of the Rosicrucian Order of Alpha et Omega

"Ex Deo Nascimur.

In Yeheshua Morimur.

Per Sanctum Spiritum Reviviscimus"