The Essential Golden Dawn: An Introduction to High Magic »

Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero are Senior Adepts of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.  They share an enthusiasm for the esoteric arts.  They live in Florida with their cat, Lealah, where they work and practice magic.

Sandra Tabatha Cicero is a Senior Adept of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts.  

2004 COVR Award 2nd Runner-Up!

The Golden Dawn is one of the most influential and respected systems of magic in the world. Over a century old, the teachings of this once-secret society are considered the capstone of the Western Esoteric Tradition. Yet many of the available books on the subject are too complex or overwhelming for readers just beginning to explore alternative spiritual paths.

The Essential Golden Dawn is for those who simply want to find out what the Golden Dawn is and what it has to offer. Written by recognized experts on the topic, this introduction to High Magic is both straightforward and succinct. It explores the origins of Hermeticism and the Western Esoteric Tradition, as well as the rich history of the Golden Dawn and its founders. This guide explains the "laws" of magic and magical philosophy, describes different areas of magical knowledge that a Golden Dawn magician can expect to learn, and presents basic rituals for the novice.

If you have been curious about the Golden Dawn, but intimidated by its scope, this concise guide will shed light on this powerful system of practical magic and spiritual growth.

Contents

list of illustrations, xi

the cross and triangle: the symbol of the golden dawn, xiii

introduction, xv

1: Hermeticism and the Western Esoteric Tradition . . . 1

Hermetism: The Origin of Hermeticism, 1

Influences on Hermetism, 3

Hermetism, 19

A Summary of Important Influences on Early Hermetism, 21

The Hermetic Literature, 24

Christianity and Hermetism, 25

Hermes Trismegistus in the Renaissance, 27

Later Additions to Hermeticism, 28

Hermetic Principles of the Golden Dawn, 29

2: A Brief History of the Golden Dawn . . . 33

The Years Before the Golden Dawn, 35

The Founders of the Golden Dawn, 44

The Cipher Manuscript, 48

Some Prominent Early Members, 51

The R. R. et A. C., 56

Problems, 58

The Offshoot Orders, 62

3: Magic: What It Is and How It Works . . . 67

Defining Magic, 68

Magic and Religion, 71

The Ancient Origins of Western Magic, 72

Medieval Magic, 75

Renaissance Magic, 75

How Magic Works, 78

Magic: The Enigmatic Art, 86

High Magic: Theurgy, 87

Working with Spiritual Beings, 89

Golden Dawn Magic, 91

4: The Structure of the Golden Dawn System . . . 95

Grades and Officers, 96

The Greatly Honored Chiefs, 101

The Temple Chiefs, 101

The Outer Order Officers of a Golden Dawn Temple, 104

Initiation as Ritual Drama, 107

The Psychology of Initiation, 111

The Three Degrees, 114

The Outer Order Grades: The First Degree, 115

The Portal: The Second Degree, 134

The Inner Order: The Third Degree, 139

The Third Order, 143

5: Golden Dawn Rituals . . . 145

The Qabalistic Cross (QC), 146

The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP), 147

Magical Gestures, 149

The Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Pentagram (LIRP), 150

The Exercise of the Middle Pillar, 151

The Temple and Magical Implements, 153

Preparation for Ritual, 154

Basic Steps Involved in a Golden Dawn Ritual, 154

The Invoking Ritual of the Triangles, 157

A Mystic Repast of the Four Elements, 161

Prayers and Invocations, 162

6: Golden Dawn Teachings: What Is Included . . . 167

Qabalah, 167

Astrology, 179

Divination, 187

Alchemy, 199

Skrying and Astral Work, 209

Enochian Magic, 214

7: The Work of a Golden Dawn Magician . . . 227

The Purpose of Initiation, 227

The Question of Group Lineage, 229

Self-Initiation, 232

Mixed Tradition Groups, 234

The Safeguards of the Golden Dawn System, 235

The Problem of Ego, 239

Following a Magical Discipline, 241

A True Initiate, 248

appendix i: golden dawn timeline, 251

appendix ii: a brief list of golden dawn mottos, 257

glossary, 259

bibliography, 291

index, 299