Argenteum Astrum
Encyclopedia
The A∴A∴ is a magic
al order that was created in 1907 by Aleister Crowley
and George Cecil Jones
after they left the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
. The acronym, A∴A∴, has been assigned many meanings (see table below). The order is a Thelemic
magical fraternity
, the goals of which are the pursuit of light and knowledge. Its motto is: "The method of science, the aim of religion." The holy book of the order is Liber AL vel Legis (in English, The Book of the Law
). While the A ∴A∴ is not part of Ordo Templi Orientis
, O.T.O. does consider the A∴A∴ to be a close ally.
took over running the Order, but since Germer's death the situation has been less clear. Various so-called "lineages" of the A∴A∴ survive today that claim to be descended from Crowley. One such lineage cites actress Jane Wolfe
(known as Soror Estai) as the link. Other lineages run through pupils of Marcelo Ramos Motta
, a student of Germer. Another lineage links itself to Crowley through Israel Regardie
, claiming that he joined the A∴A∴ when he became Crowley’s secretary in 1928, but distanced himself from the organization when the two men parted company four years later in 1932. One more lineage runs through Grady McMurtry
. However presently there exists no single undisputed central authority of the A∴A∴ such as existed under Crowley and Germer; nor has any surviving mechanism for the transference of such temporal authority been preserved down to the present day.
. The A∴A∴ is a spiritual organization focused on enlightenment of the individual, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the chain of initiation from teacher to student, and devoting all of one's attainments to those individuals who follow.
All members of the A∴A∴ at some point, are expected to perform several major tasks including
, and to prepare him for his initiation
into the A∴A∴ proper. His principal business is to begin such practices as he may prefer, and to write a careful record of the same for one year. In this, he is charged with the tasks of attaining a "scientific knowledge of the nature and powers of his own being". Crowley elsewhere mentions that the Probationer must demonstrate a reasonable level of proficiency in the core practices of the Order (as laid out in Liber E and Liber O). This is primarily to ensure that when advancement comes, the newly created Neophyte will have the necessary experience to guide his own Probationers in their work. Initiation into the following grade of Neophyte is conferred after at least one year, through an unpublished ritual titled Liber Throa.
takes place, and the candidate is set in fertile spiritual soil in which to grow. The Neophyte is charged with the task of attaining "control of the nature and powers of [his] own being." This is prosecuted through the acquisition and use of the technique of Rising on the Planes, i.e. by acquiring perfect control of the Astral Plane
. Initiation into the grade of Zelator is conferred after a minimum of eight months, through the ritual, titled The Passing through the Tuat. This grade corresponds to Malkuth on the Tree of Life
.
and Pranayama
. He also begins to study the formula of the Rosy Cross
. The word "Zelator" probably stems from the Greek zealos, zeal. This is in reference to the energy-building asanas and pranayamas that characterise the main work of the grade. The Oath
of the grade states the Zelator is to "obtain control of the foundations of [his] own being", a reference to the Sephirah Yesod, to which the grade is attributed. Advancement to Practicus is administrative only, requiring no initiatory ritual as such, and may be conferred at any time. This grade corresponds to Yesod on the Tree of Life
.
on the Tree of Life
.
to the Order. In particular, this grade stresses the application of adorations to various deities, such as are outlined in Liber Astarte. The oath
of the grade characterises this; the Philosophus resolves to "obtain control of the attractions and repulsions of my own being." This effort is primarily directed toward transcending one's likes and dislikes, deliberately defying one's morality, and so on. The aim is to break out of one's predefined idea of self, and reach a perfectly equanimous perspective. Advancement to Dominus Liminis is made at the perfection of this process, and may take place at any time, with no prescribed ritual. This grade corresponds to Netzach on the Tree of Life
.
of this grade is precisely this, to "obtain control of the aspirations of [one's] own being". The title "Dominus Liminis" means "Lord of the Threshold,"["Dominus" = Latin nominative case = "Lord;" "Liminis" = Latin genitive case = "of the Threshold"] a substitution for Mathers's Golden Dawn Grade "Lord of the Portal," the Portal or Threshold in question being a reference to the fact that the initiate is now passing from the Lesser Mysteries of the Outer Order of the GD to the Greater Mysteries of the Inner Order of the RC & AA.
. His work is to manifest the Beauty
of the Order to the world, in the way that his superiors enjoin, and his genius
dictates. This grade corresponds to Tiferet on the Tree of Life
.
to support the authority of the Exempt Adept, his superior. He achieves self-reliance, the proper use of Force
, and the authority to govern the lower grades. This grade corresponds to Geburah on the Tree of Life
.
, and his proposals for its welfare and progress. He will thus be known as the leader of a school of thought. He will have attained all but the supreme summits of meditation
, and should be already prepared to perceive that the only possible course for him is to devote himself utterly to helping his fellow creatures. This grade corresponds to Chesed
on the Tree of Life
.
is not a Grade in the proper sense, being rather a passage between the two Orders. It is an annihilation of all the bonds that compose the self or constitute the Cosmos
, a resolution of all complexities into their elements
, and these thereby cease to manifest, since things are only knowable in respect of their relation to, and reaction on, other things.
. The essential Attainment is the perfect annihilation of that personality which limits and oppresses his true self. The Magister Templi is pre-eminently the Master of Mysticism
, that is, his Understanding
is entirely free from internal contradiction or external obscurity; his Word
is to comprehend the existing Universe in accordance with his own Mind. This grade corresponds to Binah
on the Tree of Life
, and to the Secret Chiefs
in the old Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
. Crowley also linked it with the experience he called "Shivadarshana" and with the Four Formless States of Buddhism
, although he cautions against treating these criteria as sufficient for the grade.
, declares his law, and is a Master of all Magick in its greatest and highest sense. His will is entirely free from internal diversion or external opposition; His work is to create a new Universe
in accordance with his Will
. This grade corresponds to Chokmah on the Tree of Life
. It also bears some resemblance to Nietzsche's "new philosopher" who creates values, although with more focus on self-transcendence according to Crowley biographer Lawrence Sutin.
. Ipsissimus is quite hard to translate directly from Latin to English, but it is essentially the superlative of "self", translating rather approximately to "His most Selfness," or "self-est." (c.f. generalissimo
for the same superlative form in use for a grade from same Latin root.)
Crowley named as a condition of this grade the trance Nirodha-samapatti, which reduces heartbeat and other life functions to the bare minimum. Theravada
Buddhist monks traditionally attain nirodha-samapatti by producing the aforementioned Formless States one after the other, and perceiving in each what they call the Three Characteristics of all existence: sorrow or tendency towards sorrow, change or unreliability, and insubstantiality or lack of self. Crowley and the A∴A∴ however seek to replace this threefold view with the quest for balance as both a motive for discipline and the means of achieving their end goal. In Liber B vel Magi they urge the Magus seeking further progress to identify the Buddhist Three Characteristics with the opposite states. "Wherein Sorrow is Joy, and Change is Stability, and Selflessness is Self." Crowley's version of nirodha includes "seeing first the truth and then the falsity of the Three Characteristics" according to his published theory -- in other words, he uses the goal of Theravada to aid in the joyous affirmation
of the Eternal return
.
The Ipsissimus should keep the achievement of this final grade secret even from the rest of the Order and continue with the work of the Magus, while expressing the nature of an Ipsissimus in word and deed.
Magic (paranormal)
Magic is the claimed art of manipulating aspects of reality either by supernatural means or through knowledge of occult laws unknown to science. It is in contrast to science, in that science does not accept anything not subject to either direct or indirect observation, and subject to logical...
al order that was created in 1907 by Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley , born Edward Alexander Crowley, and also known as both Frater Perdurabo and The Great Beast, was an influential English occultist, astrologer, mystic and ceremonial magician, responsible for founding the religious philosophy of Thelema. He was also successful in various other...
and George Cecil Jones
George Cecil Jones
George Cecil Jones was a Welsh chemist, occultist, one time member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and co-founder of the magical order A∴A∴...
after they left the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was a magical order active in Great Britain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which practiced theurgy and spiritual development...
. The acronym, A∴A∴, has been assigned many meanings (see table below). The order is a Thelemic
Thelema
Thelema is a religious philosophy that was established, defined and developed by the early 20th century British writer and ceremonial magician, Aleister Crowley. He believed himself to be the prophet of a new age, the Æon of Horus, based upon a religious experience that he had in Egypt in 1904...
magical fraternity
Magical organization
A magical organization is an organization created for the practice of magic or to further the knowledge of magic among its members. "Magic" in this case refers to occult, metaphysical and paranormal activities, not to the performance of stage magic...
, the goals of which are the pursuit of light and knowledge. Its motto is: "The method of science, the aim of religion." The holy book of the order is Liber AL vel Legis (in English, The Book of the Law
The Book of the Law
Liber AL vel Legis is the central sacred text of Thelema, written by Aleister Crowley in Cairo, Egypt in the year 1904. Its full title is Liber AL vel Legis, sub figura CCXX, as delivered by XCIII=418 to DCLXVI, and it is commonly referred to as The Book of the Law.Liber AL vel Legis contains three...
). While the A ∴A∴ is not part of Ordo Templi Orientis
Ordo Templi Orientis
Ordo Templi Orientis is an international fraternal and religious organization founded at the beginning of the 20th century...
, O.T.O. does consider the A∴A∴ to be a close ally.
History
After Crowley's death his student Karl GermerKarl Germer
Karl Germer was the Outer Head of the Order of Ordo Templi Orientis from 1947 until his death in 1962...
took over running the Order, but since Germer's death the situation has been less clear. Various so-called "lineages" of the A∴A∴ survive today that claim to be descended from Crowley. One such lineage cites actress Jane Wolfe
Jane Wolfe
Jane Wolfe was an American silent film character actress and Thelemite.-Early life:A Pennsylvania Dutch, Wolfe was born in St. Petersburg, Pennsylvania on March 21, 1875...
(known as Soror Estai) as the link. Other lineages run through pupils of Marcelo Ramos Motta
Marcelo Ramos Motta
Marcelo Ramos Motta was a Thelemic writer from Brazil, and member of A∴A∴.Early life=Motta was born at the city of Rio de Janeiro . Very little is known about his childhood, only that he was born into a family with Swiss-German ancestry and received a very strict education, amplified by his...
, a student of Germer. Another lineage links itself to Crowley through Israel Regardie
Israel Regardie
Israel Regardie, born Francis Israel Regudy was an occultist and writer, author of books on the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.-Early life:...
, claiming that he joined the A∴A∴ when he became Crowley’s secretary in 1928, but distanced himself from the organization when the two men parted company four years later in 1932. One more lineage runs through Grady McMurtry
Grady McMurtry
Grady Louis McMurtry was a student of author and occultist Aleister Crowley and an adherent of Thelema. He is best known for reviving the fraternal organization, Ordo Templi Orientis, which he headed from 1971 until his death in 1985.-Early life and career:He lived in various parts of Oklahoma and...
. However presently there exists no single undisputed central authority of the A∴A∴ such as existed under Crowley and Germer; nor has any surviving mechanism for the transference of such temporal authority been preserved down to the present day.
Name
| Language | Possible Name | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Latin Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and... |
Argentium Astrum | silver star |
| Greek Ancient Greek Ancient Greek is the stage of the Greek language in the periods spanning the times c. 9th–6th centuries BC, , c. 5th–4th centuries BC , and the c. 3rd century BC – 6th century AD of ancient Greece and the ancient world; being predated in the 2nd millennium BC by Mycenaean Greek... |
Άστρον Αργυρόν (transliteration: Astron Argiron) | silver star |
| Latin | Arcanum Arcanorum | secret of secrets |
| Aramaic Aramaic language Aramaic is a group of languages belonging to the Afroasiatic language phylum. The name of the language is based on the name of Aram, an ancient region in central Syria. Within this family, Aramaic belongs to the Semitic family, and more specifically, is a part of the Northwest Semitic subfamily,... |
אריך אנפין, (transliteration Transliteration Transliteration is a subset of the science of hermeneutics. It is a form of translation, and is the practice of converting a text from one script into another... : Arikh Anpin) |
vast countenance (meaning Kether) |
| English | Angel and Abyss | Angel and Abyss |
Membership
A∴A∴ is unique in that members officially only know those directly above and below in the chain of instruction. There are no regular group rituals (measures are taken to hide the identity of the Officers during the few Temple initiation rituals), and members are expected to work alone, consulting as needed with their superior in the Order. In this way the founders of the system hoped to avoid the many political problems that allegedly brought about the downfall of the predecessor organization, the Hermetic Order of the Golden DawnHermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was a magical order active in Great Britain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which practiced theurgy and spiritual development...
. The A∴A∴ is a spiritual organization focused on enlightenment of the individual, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the chain of initiation from teacher to student, and devoting all of one's attainments to those individuals who follow.
All members of the A∴A∴ at some point, are expected to perform several major tasks including
- The discovery and living out of one's own true willTrue WillTrue Will is a term found within the mystical system of Thelema, a religion founded in 1904 with Aleister Crowley's writing of The Book of the Law. It is defined at times as a person's grand destiny in life, and at other times as a moment to moment path of action that operates in perfect harmony...
- The recognition that "The word of the Law is Θελημα"and that "Love is the law, love under will."
- The acknowledgement of the authority of the offices of The Great Beast and the Scarlet WomanBabalonBabalon—also known as The Scarlet Woman, The Great Mother, or the Mother of Abominations—is a goddess found in the mystical system of Thelema, which was established in 1904 with English author and occultist Aleister Crowley's writing of The Book of the Law...
- The acceptance of Ra-Hoor-Khuit as the Lord of the Aeon, and work to establish his reign upon Earth
- The attainment of a mystical state known as "the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian AngelHoly Guardian AngelThe term Holy Guardian Angel was possibly coined either by Abraham of Würzburg, a French Cabalist who wrote a book on ceremonial magick during the 15th century or Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, the founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, who later translated this manuscript and...
" - The experience of the AbyssAbyss (Thelema)Within the mystical system of Thelema, the Abyss is the great gulf or void between the phenomenal world of manifestation and its noumenal source.-Theory and Practice:...
Initiatory structure
The A∴A∴ consists of eleven grades, divided into a preparatory stage and three initiatory Orders, two of which come from the Golden Dawn with few changes. As a result, the name A∴A∴ can also refer specifically to the Third Order. In theory members of the Third Order can generate their own variations of the First and Second Order teachings as reflections of their own Understanding.Student
A student's business is to acquire a general intellectual knowledge of all systems of attainment, as declared in the prescribed books. At the end of a fixed period, the Student sits an open-book examination to test his reading, after which he passes through a small ritual involving the reading of the History Lection (Liber LXI), and passes to the grade of Probationer.Probationer
(0°=0): This grade exists primarily for the candidate to prove himself capable of executing the Great WorkGreat Work
The term Great Work is a term used in Hermeticism and in certain occult traditions and religions such as Thelema.-In Hermeticism:...
, and to prepare him for his initiation
Initiation
Initiation is a rite of passage ceremony marking entrance or acceptance into a group or society. It could also be a formal admission to adulthood in a community or one of its formal components...
into the A∴A∴ proper. His principal business is to begin such practices as he may prefer, and to write a careful record of the same for one year. In this, he is charged with the tasks of attaining a "scientific knowledge of the nature and powers of his own being". Crowley elsewhere mentions that the Probationer must demonstrate a reasonable level of proficiency in the core practices of the Order (as laid out in Liber E and Liber O). This is primarily to ensure that when advancement comes, the newly created Neophyte will have the necessary experience to guide his own Probationers in their work. Initiation into the following grade of Neophyte is conferred after at least one year, through an unpublished ritual titled Liber Throa.
Neophyte
(1°=10): The title of this grade is derived from the Greek neophytos, meaning newly planted. The Neophyte grade is the first grade in which true initiationInitiation
Initiation is a rite of passage ceremony marking entrance or acceptance into a group or society. It could also be a formal admission to adulthood in a community or one of its formal components...
takes place, and the candidate is set in fertile spiritual soil in which to grow. The Neophyte is charged with the task of attaining "control of the nature and powers of [his] own being." This is prosecuted through the acquisition and use of the technique of Rising on the Planes, i.e. by acquiring perfect control of the Astral Plane
Astral plane
The astral plane, also called the astral world, is a plane of existence postulated by classical , medieval, oriental and esoteric philosophies and mystery religions...
. Initiation into the grade of Zelator is conferred after a minimum of eight months, through the ritual, titled The Passing through the Tuat. This grade corresponds to Malkuth on the Tree of Life
Tree of life (Kabbalah)
The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim in Hebrew, is a mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism to describe the path to God and the manner in which he created the world ex nihilo...
.
Zelator
(2°=9): The Zelator's main work is to achieve complete success in AsanaAsana
Asana is a body position, typically associated with the practice of Yoga, originally identified as a mastery of sitting still, with the spine as a conduit of biodynamic union...
and Pranayama
Pranayama
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word meaning "extension of the prana or breath" or more accurately, "extension of the life force". The word is composed of two Sanskrit words, Prāna, life force, or vital energy, particularly, the breath, and "āyāma", to extend, draw out, restrain, or...
. He also begins to study the formula of the Rosy Cross
Rosy Cross
The Rosy Cross is a symbol largely associated with the semi-mythical Christian Rosenkreuz, alchemist and founder of the Rosicrucian Order...
. The word "Zelator" probably stems from the Greek zealos, zeal. This is in reference to the energy-building asanas and pranayamas that characterise the main work of the grade. The Oath
Oath
An oath is either a statement of fact or a promise calling upon something or someone that the oath maker considers sacred, usually God, as a witness to the binding nature of the promise or the truth of the statement of fact. To swear is to take an oath, to make a solemn vow...
of the grade states the Zelator is to "obtain control of the foundations of [his] own being", a reference to the Sephirah Yesod, to which the grade is attributed. Advancement to Practicus is administrative only, requiring no initiatory ritual as such, and may be conferred at any time. This grade corresponds to Yesod on the Tree of Life
Tree of life (Kabbalah)
The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim in Hebrew, is a mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism to describe the path to God and the manner in which he created the world ex nihilo...
.
Practicus
(3°=8): A Practicus is expected to complete his intellectual training, and in particular to study the Qabalah. The grade title suggests the "practical" use of the skills acquired through the previous grades. The Practicus is prosecuted to "obtain control of the vacillations of [his] own being", which is to say that he must learn to control his own mind, and become one-pointed in thought, and so in word and action. Advancement to Philosophus, like the advancement to Practicus, is also a purely administrative process, and again may be conferred at any time. This grade corresponds to HodHod (Kabbalah)
Hod in the Kabbalah of Judaism is the eighth sephira of the Kabbalistic tree of life. It is derived from hod הוד in the Hebrew language meaning "majesty" or "splendor" and denoting "praise" as well as "submission"....
on the Tree of Life
Tree of life (Kabbalah)
The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim in Hebrew, is a mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism to describe the path to God and the manner in which he created the world ex nihilo...
.
Philosophus
(4°=7): The Philosophus is expected to complete his moral training. He is tested in DevotionLoyalty
Loyalty is faithfulness or a devotion to a person, country, group, or cause There are many aspects to...
to the Order. In particular, this grade stresses the application of adorations to various deities, such as are outlined in Liber Astarte. The oath
Oath
An oath is either a statement of fact or a promise calling upon something or someone that the oath maker considers sacred, usually God, as a witness to the binding nature of the promise or the truth of the statement of fact. To swear is to take an oath, to make a solemn vow...
of the grade characterises this; the Philosophus resolves to "obtain control of the attractions and repulsions of my own being." This effort is primarily directed toward transcending one's likes and dislikes, deliberately defying one's morality, and so on. The aim is to break out of one's predefined idea of self, and reach a perfectly equanimous perspective. Advancement to Dominus Liminis is made at the perfection of this process, and may take place at any time, with no prescribed ritual. This grade corresponds to Netzach on the Tree of Life
Tree of life (Kabbalah)
The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim in Hebrew, is a mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism to describe the path to God and the manner in which he created the world ex nihilo...
.
Dominus Liminis
(the link): The grade of Dominus Liminis is a "bridge" that connects the outer Order of the G∴D∴, centred in Yesod, with the Order of the R∴C∴, centred in Tiphareth. The work of the Dominus Liminis extends and refines the work of the previous grades, synthesising it into a coherent whole. The self-control of the Neophyte, the energy of the Zelator, the one-pointedness of the Practicus and the indifference of the Philosophus are fused together, and turned to the work of strengthening and refining the faculty of aspiration. Indeed, the oathOath
An oath is either a statement of fact or a promise calling upon something or someone that the oath maker considers sacred, usually God, as a witness to the binding nature of the promise or the truth of the statement of fact. To swear is to take an oath, to make a solemn vow...
of this grade is precisely this, to "obtain control of the aspirations of [one's] own being". The title "Dominus Liminis" means "Lord of the Threshold,"["Dominus" = Latin nominative case = "Lord;" "Liminis" = Latin genitive case = "of the Threshold"] a substitution for Mathers's Golden Dawn Grade "Lord of the Portal," the Portal or Threshold in question being a reference to the fact that the initiate is now passing from the Lesser Mysteries of the Outer Order of the GD to the Greater Mysteries of the Inner Order of the RC & AA.
Adeptus Minor
(5°=6): The Grade of Adeptus Minor is the main theme of the instructions of the A∴A∴ It is characterised by the Attainment of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian AngelHoly Guardian Angel
The term Holy Guardian Angel was possibly coined either by Abraham of Würzburg, a French Cabalist who wrote a book on ceremonial magick during the 15th century or Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, the founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, who later translated this manuscript and...
. His work is to manifest the Beauty
Beauty
Beauty is a characteristic of a person, animal, place, object, or idea that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure, meaning, or satisfaction. Beauty is studied as part of aesthetics, sociology, social psychology, and culture...
of the Order to the world, in the way that his superiors enjoin, and his genius
Genius (mythology)
In ancient Roman religion, the genius was the individual instance of a general divine nature that is present in every individual person, place or thing.-Nature of the genius:...
dictates. This grade corresponds to Tiferet on the Tree of Life
Tree of life (Kabbalah)
The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim in Hebrew, is a mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism to describe the path to God and the manner in which he created the world ex nihilo...
.
Adeptus Major
(6°=5): The work of the Adeptus Major is to use Magical PowersMagic (paranormal)
Magic is the claimed art of manipulating aspects of reality either by supernatural means or through knowledge of occult laws unknown to science. It is in contrast to science, in that science does not accept anything not subject to either direct or indirect observation, and subject to logical...
to support the authority of the Exempt Adept, his superior. He achieves self-reliance, the proper use of Force
Force
In physics, a force is any influence that causes an object to undergo a change in speed, a change in direction, or a change in shape. In other words, a force is that which can cause an object with mass to change its velocity , i.e., to accelerate, or which can cause a flexible object to deform...
, and the authority to govern the lower grades. This grade corresponds to Geburah on the Tree of Life
Tree of life (Kabbalah)
The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim in Hebrew, is a mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism to describe the path to God and the manner in which he created the world ex nihilo...
.
Adeptus Exemptus
(7°=4): The Exempt Adept must prepare and publish a thesis setting forth his knowledge of the UniverseUniverse
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
, and his proposals for its welfare and progress. He will thus be known as the leader of a school of thought. He will have attained all but the supreme summits of meditation
Meditation
Meditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
, and should be already prepared to perceive that the only possible course for him is to devote himself utterly to helping his fellow creatures. This grade corresponds to Chesed
Chesed
The Hebrew noun khesed or chesed is the Hebrew word for "kindness." It is also commonly translated as "loving-kindness," or "love." Love is a central Jewish value, and leads to many particular commandments. Chesed is central to Jewish ethics and Jewish theology...
on the Tree of Life
Tree of life (Kabbalah)
The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim in Hebrew, is a mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism to describe the path to God and the manner in which he created the world ex nihilo...
.
Babe of the Abyss
(the link): The Babe of the AbyssAbyss (Thelema)
Within the mystical system of Thelema, the Abyss is the great gulf or void between the phenomenal world of manifestation and its noumenal source.-Theory and Practice:...
is not a Grade in the proper sense, being rather a passage between the two Orders. It is an annihilation of all the bonds that compose the self or constitute the Cosmos
Cosmos
In the general sense, a cosmos is an orderly or harmonious system. It originates from the Greek term κόσμος , meaning "order" or "ornament" and is antithetical to the concept of chaos. Today, the word is generally used as a synonym of the word Universe . The word cosmos originates from the same root...
, a resolution of all complexities into their elements
Classical element
Many philosophies and worldviews have a set of classical elements believed to reflect the simplest essential parts and principles of which anything consists or upon which the constitution and fundamental powers of anything are based. Most frequently, classical elements refer to ancient beliefs...
, and these thereby cease to manifest, since things are only knowable in respect of their relation to, and reaction on, other things.
Magister Templi
or Master of the Temple (8°=3): The principal business of this grade is to obtain a perfect understanding of the UniverseUniverse
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
. The essential Attainment is the perfect annihilation of that personality which limits and oppresses his true self. The Magister Templi is pre-eminently the Master of Mysticism
Mysticism
Mysticism is the knowledge of, and especially the personal experience of, states of consciousness, i.e. levels of being, beyond normal human perception, including experience and even communion with a supreme being.-Classical origins:...
, that is, his Understanding
Understanding
Understanding is a psychological process related to an abstract or physical object, such as a person, situation, or message whereby one is able to think about it and use concepts to deal adequately with that object....
is entirely free from internal contradiction or external obscurity; his Word
Word
In language, a word is the smallest free form that may be uttered in isolation with semantic or pragmatic content . This contrasts with a morpheme, which is the smallest unit of meaning but will not necessarily stand on its own...
is to comprehend the existing Universe in accordance with his own Mind. This grade corresponds to Binah
Binah (Kabbalah)
Binah, , in the Kabbalah of Judaism, is the second intellectual Sephirah on the tree of life. It sits on the level below Keter , across from Chokmah and directly above Gevurah...
on the Tree of Life
Tree of life (Kabbalah)
The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim in Hebrew, is a mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism to describe the path to God and the manner in which he created the world ex nihilo...
, and to the Secret Chiefs
Secret Chiefs
The Secret Chiefs are said to be transcendent cosmic authorities, a Spiritual Hierarchy responsible for the operation and moral calibre of the cosmos, or for overseeing the operations of an esoteric organization that manifests outwardly in the form of a magical order or lodge system...
in the old Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was a magical order active in Great Britain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which practiced theurgy and spiritual development...
. Crowley also linked it with the experience he called "Shivadarshana" and with the Four Formless States of Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
, although he cautions against treating these criteria as sufficient for the grade.
Magus
(9°=2): The Magus seeks to attain WisdomWisdom
Wisdom is a deep understanding and realization of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to apply perceptions, judgements and actions in keeping with this understanding. It often requires control of one's emotional reactions so that universal principles, reason and...
, declares his law, and is a Master of all Magick in its greatest and highest sense. His will is entirely free from internal diversion or external opposition; His work is to create a new Universe
Universe
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
in accordance with his Will
Will (philosophy)
Will, in philosophical discussions, consonant with a common English usage, refers to a property of the mind, and an attribute of acts intentionally performed. Actions made according to a person's will are called "willing" or "voluntary" and sometimes pejoratively "willful"...
. This grade corresponds to Chokmah on the Tree of Life
Tree of life (Kabbalah)
The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim in Hebrew, is a mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism to describe the path to God and the manner in which he created the world ex nihilo...
. It also bears some resemblance to Nietzsche's "new philosopher" who creates values, although with more focus on self-transcendence according to Crowley biographer Lawrence Sutin.
Ipsissimus
(10°=1): Beyond the comprehension of the lower degrees. An Ipsissimus is free from limitations and necessity and lives in perfect balance with the manifest universe. Essentially, the highest mode of attainment. This grade corresponds to Kether on the Tree of LifeTree of life (Kabbalah)
The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim in Hebrew, is a mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism to describe the path to God and the manner in which he created the world ex nihilo...
. Ipsissimus is quite hard to translate directly from Latin to English, but it is essentially the superlative of "self", translating rather approximately to "His most Selfness," or "self-est." (c.f. generalissimo
Generalissimo
Generalissimo and Generalissimus are military ranks of the highest degree, superior to Field Marshal and other five-star ranks.-Usage:...
for the same superlative form in use for a grade from same Latin root.)
Crowley named as a condition of this grade the trance Nirodha-samapatti, which reduces heartbeat and other life functions to the bare minimum. Theravada
Theravada
Theravada ; literally, "the Teaching of the Elders" or "the Ancient Teaching", is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It was founded in India...
Buddhist monks traditionally attain nirodha-samapatti by producing the aforementioned Formless States one after the other, and perceiving in each what they call the Three Characteristics of all existence: sorrow or tendency towards sorrow, change or unreliability, and insubstantiality or lack of self. Crowley and the A∴A∴ however seek to replace this threefold view with the quest for balance as both a motive for discipline and the means of achieving their end goal. In Liber B vel Magi they urge the Magus seeking further progress to identify the Buddhist Three Characteristics with the opposite states. "Wherein Sorrow is Joy, and Change is Stability, and Selflessness is Self." Crowley's version of nirodha includes "seeing first the truth and then the falsity of the Three Characteristics" according to his published theory -- in other words, he uses the goal of Theravada to aid in the joyous affirmation
Amor fati
Amor fati is a Latin phrase loosely translating to "love of fate" or "love of one's fate". It is used to describe an attitude in which one sees everything that happens in one's life, including suffering and loss, as good...
of the Eternal return
Eternal return
Eternal return is a concept which posits that the universe has been recurring, and will continue to recur, in a self-similar form an infinite number of times across infinite time or space. The concept initially inherent in Indian philosophy was later found in ancient Egypt, and was subsequently...
.
The Ipsissimus should keep the achievement of this final grade secret even from the rest of the Order and continue with the work of the Magus, while expressing the nature of an Ipsissimus in word and deed.
External links
- Liber LXI vel Causae A∴A∴
- Liber XXXIII, An Account of A∴A∴
- A Syllabus of the Official Instructions of A∴A∴
- One Star in Sight
Lineage links
- Order allied with Ordo Templi OrientisOrdo Templi OrientisOrdo Templi Orientis is an international fraternal and religious organization founded at the beginning of the 20th century...
: Outer College Curriculum Resources - Aleister CrowleyAleister CrowleyAleister Crowley , born Edward Alexander Crowley, and also known as both Frater Perdurabo and The Great Beast, was an influential English occultist, astrologer, mystic and ceremonial magician, responsible for founding the religious philosophy of Thelema. He was also successful in various other...
via Grady McMurtryGrady McMurtryGrady Louis McMurtry was a student of author and occultist Aleister Crowley and an adherent of Thelema. He is best known for reviving the fraternal organization, Ordo Templi Orientis, which he headed from 1971 until his death in 1985.-Early life and career:He lived in various parts of Oklahoma and...
lineage: Clerk Houses of Grady Louis McMurtry's A∴A∴ Lineage - Aleister Crowley via Jane WolfeJane WolfeJane Wolfe was an American silent film character actress and Thelemite.-Early life:A Pennsylvania Dutch, Wolfe was born in St. Petersburg, Pennsylvania on March 21, 1875...
lineage: The Order A∴A∴- Jane Wolfe via Phyllis SecklerPhyllis Seckler-External links:****...
lineage: Temple of Thelema and College of Thelema - Jane Wolfe via Phyllis SecklerPhyllis Seckler-External links:****...
lineage: The A.'.A.'.- Phyllis Seckler via Frater Sirivs lineage: Astra et Clerum. A lineage operating in Sweden.
- Jane Wolfe via Phyllis Seckler
- Aleister Crowley via Karl Germer via Marcelo Ramos Motta via Ray Eales lineage: AATHELEMA
- Marcelo Ramos MottaMarcelo Ramos MottaMarcelo Ramos Motta was a Thelemic writer from Brazil, and member of A∴A∴.Early life=Motta was born at the city of Rio de Janeiro . Very little is known about his childhood, only that he was born into a family with Swiss-German ancestry and received a very strict education, amplified by his...
via Frater Adjuvo lineage: ASTRVM ARGENTVM - Marcelo Ramos Motta via David Bersson lineage: Castletower Domain
- Israel RegardieIsrael RegardieIsrael Regardie, born Francis Israel Regudy was an occultist and writer, author of books on the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.-Early life:...
via Gerald SusterGerald SusterGerald Suster was a British historian, occult writer, and novelist. He was best known for his biographies of Aleister Crowley and Israel Regardie .-Family life:Suster's father, Ilya Suster, an entrepreneur in the egg products industry, was born Ilya Shusterovich...
lineage: Astron Argon. A lineage operating in Serbia, Croatia, Greece, Poland and Norway.- Gerald Suster via Frater Alion lineage: Astron Argon. A lineage operating in Russia and Belarus.
- Runar Karlsen and Paul Joseph Rovelli lineage: A.·.A.·.