Articles
On the Neophyte, Women, and the Melusina
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. “I believe then, and believe now, that the probationer of A∴A∴ is nearly always offered the opportunity to betray the Order, just as the neophyte is nearly always tempted by a woman.”—Aleister Crowley Aleister Crowley’s claim that an A∴A∴ Neophyte is nearly always tempted…
The Three Chiefs
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Inherited from the original Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Outer College of A∴A∴ and the Ordo R.C. are governed by a Triad of Officers: The Cancellārius[1]Lat. “secretary”; fem. Cancellāria. (Chancellor), Imperātor[2]Lat. “commander; chief”; fem. Imperātrix, & the Præmonstrātor[3]Lat. “one who points out beforehand;…
Working the A∴A∴ System
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Since the death of Frater O.M. in 1947 and Frater D.D.S. a few years later, there have been no universal Chiefs of the A∴A∴. Crowley’s appointed successor in the O.T.O., S∴H∴ Frater Saturnus (Karl Germer), 8°=3⸋, was also one of the senior living A∴A∴…
On the Relationship Between a Probationer and His or Her Neophyte
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. “The Chancellor of A∴A∴ views without satisfaction the practice of Probationers working together. A Probationer should work with his Neophyte, or alone. Breach of this rule may prove a bar to advancement.” —Official pronouncement, The Equinox, I:5. At the very beginning of one’s approach…
The Imprimātur of A∴A∴
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Imprimātur is Latin for “let it be printed”. The term has been widely used by the Catholic Church in two senses: a) in old times, for authorizing the publication of a book, otherwise to be censored; b) in modern times, as an endorsement of…
The Holy Seal of the A∴A∴
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. This Seal first appeared in Book 4, Part I (1911). It did not appear anywhere in the first volume (first ten numbers) of THE EQUINOX. The central part—the seven-pointed star and its embellishing features—also appeared in Crowley’s The Book of Lies (1913), Cap. 49….
The Magical Circle
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law In most traditions, a magical circle is commonly used to make clear to the spirit world, the working space for the practitioner. In Liber ABA Part 2 is stated concerning the magical circle: The Circle announces the Nature of the Great Work.Though the Magician…
Review: “The Winds of Wisdom”
Earlier today a good friend delivered me Shoemaker’s new book “The Winds of Wisdom”. I have now sat with it for approximately three hours which in this case is a fair amount of time being that the book is only about 120 pages – but as with much in life it’s about quality and not…
Review: “The Holy Books of Thelema” Hell Fire Club Edition
A new edition of the Holy Books is now available through Hell Fire Club Books a boutique book publisher out of England who produces high quality bindings and limited editions of titles of interest to the occult community. What makes a Hell Fire Club production unique is the craftsmanship of one Eamonn Loughran. A true master of his trade who lovingly crafts each…
Review: “The Golden Flower”
About two weeks ago, I received a copy of the book “The Golden Flower” – a wonderful gift from my dear Brother (of no direct blood relations) Ricardo Flores and so I thought I would share my impressions with some of you. First, I should point out that Ricardo’s writings are not at all your…