This weekend just past, three members of Isis-Hathor Lodge, attended the Conference in London celebrating 120 years of the Golden Dawn. All the speakers at this Conference (Saturday) were traditional (i.e. not “Open Source”) Golden Dawn speakers.Yet, the speakers there did talk (generally) about the idea – of the Fama Fraternitatis (see previous post on this forum) – of the Golden Dawn “OPENING” its doors to the world, and even for these traditional Golden Dawn Speakers, many of whom have supported the idea of “secrecy” in esoteric Orders over the years, spoke of being less secret and more open to the world now about the Teachings of the Golden Dawn Orders. Thus, even the exponents of secrecy are now agreeing that in this 120th year of the Golden Dawn’s existence, that NOW is a time when much secrecy should be dropped and openness of the teachings prevail. In this respect, the Open Source Order of the Golden Dawn is most ready to lead the way in this (as it has already done). We are proud to be part of this and we are delighted to lead the way in this.
The next day (Sunday), a surprise extra talk was scheduled by two of the main speakers at the 120 Conference – famous Golden Dawn authors Tabatha and Chic Cicero. his too turned out to be very interesting: Chic gave a very inspiring and passionate talk about the importance of humility in accomplishing the work of the Order and the Great Work generally. He talked about the dangers of inflated ego (sadly, so common in magical fraternities), and how that can destroy all the good work done if not controlled. I think all of us found this talk very inspiring and true. One point was made by Chic and Tabatha that the traditional titles, such as “Very Honoured” or “Greatly Honoured” Frater or Soror were perhaps best dropped and everyone – of whatever Grade – be simply a Frater or Soror. In this again, the Open Source Order of the GD has lead the way, for we do not use these “titles” at all.
Although firm supporter of the traditional Golden Dawn, Tabatha Cicero also talked about about the necessity and benefits of updating the system of the Golden Dawn in the light of new research and of the importance not to adhere rigidly to the teachings, but to maintain a certain open-mindedness about the need to develop the system. She said that those that felt the system should be treated as “carved in stone” and not altered in anyway, were the same people who did not remain members of the Order for long. I kept thinking of the Taoist idea of rigidity=death, flexibility=life. Again, I was happy to agree and once again proud of my Order (the OSOGD) for being a leader in the promotion of the idea that the Golden Dawn system should be developed, upgraded and improved over time.
Do compare this post with previous entitled: “AFTER 120 YEARS I WILL BE OPEN [SOURCE]”
Khabs Am Pekht
Sr SD
Thank you, Soror, for representing us (OSOGD) at the Conference. We repose in full confidence that you brought honor and respect to yourself, your Temple and your Order.
What we really wanted to happen is coming to pass: not a declaration of authority based on “commands” that change the Golden Dawn, but instead it is being brought about “virally”, by cultural memes. We’ve advanced the idea of more openness and free development of the methods and practices of the Golden Dawn. We have no authority to decree such changes should be made. But we have the free marketplace of ideas, and the mutual respect of our peers. And lo and behold, the changes we have promoted are coming to pass, not just within our own temples, but within the whole community!
Heh. Magic works.
Can I just mention that the three members of Isis-Hathor lodge who attended the conference were hospitably fed and sheltered by a very kindly Soror.