The Teachings of the Golden Dawn

The purposes for which the Golden Dawn was formed were twofold; first, through study, teaching, and organization, to serve as guardian of the Western Esoteric Tradition, and second, to initiate, educate, and nurture those individuals called to carry on the Great Work (that is, to become more than human, and to achieve union with the Divine.)  For those individuals who are called to the Western Esoteric Mysteries, the Golden Dawn system presents itself as a vital, consistant, and secure method for spiritual enhancement.

The fundamental practices and techniques of the Golden Dawn's system of psychic development are threefold; the first is initiation, the second is assimilation of Qabalistic and Hermetic knowledge, and the third is personal ritual work.  All three are prerequisites for advancement into the Golden Dawn Tradition.  Initiation by itself is pointless without the repeated practice of ritual techniques and individual ceremonial work.

The Golden Dawn "system of magic" has been one of the most influential systems in the development of the majority of modern magical systems.  Many of the teachings found in many western occult books today can be traced back to the original teachings of the historic order.  For example, most of the symbolism in modern tarot decks today can be traced back to the Rider-Waite tarot deck which was designed and created by Arthur Edward Waite who was once part of the ranks of the historic Golden Dawn Hermetic Society.  Another example of the far-reaching influence of the Golden Dawn can be seen in the teachings of Gerald Gardner’s Wicca who borrowed some of its teachings from Aleister Crowley who was once an initiate of the Isis-Urania Temple of the Historic Golden Dawn and has been the source of many of the published works relating to the Order which influenced Gerald Gardner when developing the Wiccan teachings and rituals. 

The Ordo Stella Matutina is a continuation of the traditional teachings of the historic Golden Dawn Hermetic Society through the process of initiation and dissemination of the classical Golden Dawn Knowledge Lectures.  We are not a religion or "spiritual cult" but a mystical and magical school that uses the hidden symbolism found in the religions of the Western cultures which includes but are not limited to Ancient Egyptian, Ancient Greek, Gnosticism, and Judeo-Christianity. Some Eastern ideas have been included such as the study of Tattwas and techniques of Yoga meditation.  Below is a list of some of the the components of our esoteric teachings:

• Hermeticism
• Qabalah
• Alchemy
• Tarot
• Astrology
• Geomancy
• Divination
• Ritual Magic
• Egyptian Magic and Mysticism
• Chaldean Mysteries
• Angel Magic
• Astral Projection
• Tattwas
• Meditation Techniques
• Magical Tools and Implements

More advanced students will also be introduced to the following teachings:

• Enochian Magic
• Rosicrucian Magic
• Advanced Alchemy
• Ritual Formula
• Advanced Astrology
• Advanced Tarot
• Techniques of Initiation
• Talisman Creation and Consecration

The grade structure and their correspondences to the Elements of the Ancients and Qabalistic Tree of Life both of which are major components in the majority of the curriculum are shown as follows:

Grade	Name	Element	Planet	Sephira	Meaning
0=0	Neophyte	Â	Â	Â	Â
1=10	Zelator	Earth	Â	Malkuth	Kingdom
2=9	Theoricus	Air	Moon	Yesod	Foundation
3=8	Practicus	Water	Mercury	Hod	Splendour
4=7	Philosophus	Fire	Venus	Netzach	Victory
Â	Portal	Spirit	Â	Â	Â
5=6	Adeptus Minor	Spirit	Sun	Tiphareth	Beauty
6=5	Adeptus Major	Â	Mars	Geburah	Might
7=4	Adeptus Exemptus	Â	Jupiter	Chesed	Mercy
8=3	Magister Templi	Â	Saturn	Binah	Understanding
9=2	Magus	Â	Â	Chokmah	Wisdom
10=1	Ipissimus	Â	Â	Kether	Crown

The grades of Neophyte through Philosophus comprise the First, or Outer Order.  A grade called the "Portal" comes between 4=7 and 5=6, and this contains some very powerful symbolism on the transition between the Outer and Inner "Mysteries."  The three Adept grades comprise the Inner Order (Rosae Rubeae et Aureae Crucis), and are normally only open to those who pass rigorous examinations and are chosen on other qualifications.  From the members of the Inner Order are chosen the Chiefs of the Ordo Stella Matutina who are responsible for the governance and administrative work of the Order. The final three grades (which refer to the "Supernal" sephiroth) comprise the Third, or Hidden Order of Masters which represent the hidden link to the egregore or "group spirit" of the Ordo Stella Matutina.

The key to success in the study of the Hermetic arts is obtained through dedicated study and practice of the curriculum.  No “secret unpublished documents” or claims to lineage will ever be an acceptable substitute for adopting an attitude of persistence and perseverance in The Great Work.  The Ordo Stella Matutina can only give you the keys to the doorway of spiritual awakening.  The rest is up to you