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 A COMPENDIUM BY FRATER D.M.T.
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
A∴A∴
Curriculum
The A∴A∴ is an organization whose heads have obtained by personal experience to the summit of Scientific Illuminism. They have founded a system by which every one can equally attain, and that with an ease and speed which was previously impossible.
Many students come to the Great Work with a good working knowledge of occultism, magick and the rest, often having many years of study behind them, and commonly with a background in other fraternal Orders. Since we cannot gauge the level of an individual until they have worked with us for some time we therefore apply the same student examination for all students irrespective of stated background.
The purpose of this examination is partly to prepare the student, to facilitate further communication with the Order and partly to teach an important fact; that of the common ground between systems, so as to avoid the trap of dogmatism commom to all systems, and to warn against attaching importance to non-essentials.
All students are expected to obtain the texts set forth in the student reading list, and notifying the Cancellarius of the same, to study them, and apply for examination in not less than three months. Successful students may be invited to the Grade of Probationer.
The Initiatory Structure of the A∴A∴
The Order of A∴A∴ adheres more or less strictly to the guidelines set forth in Liber Collegii Sancti sub figura CLXXXV by Aleister Crowley.
The Order consists of eleven degrees or levels, organized into three groups, the Orders of the SS, the RC and the GD respectively set forth in One Star in Sight sub figurâ CDLXXXIX. In the A∴A∴ "blind is not blind" - guide and progress is measured by this series of degrees. A person is admitted by an Instructor who is at least one degree ahead in the system. This person in turn responds to his instructor and so on in sequence along the degrees.
[Read more about the initiations in the A∴A∴ Initiation section.]
Student of the Mysteries
(Below is the curriculum of the grades. You also find link after each grade to the detailed explanations of each degree.)
Student of the Mysteries
— The Task of a Student of the Mysteries —
The Student is to acquire a general intellectual knowledge of all systems of attainment, as declared in the prescribed books. For this course of reading the Student should consult the curriculum officially approved by the A∴A∴.
The Student is expected to show a thorough acquaintance with the books referred to, but not necessarily to understand them in any deeper sense. On passing an examination, he or she may be admitted to the grade of Probationer.
The Student can also take "The Oath of a Student of the Mysteries":
"I, _____, being of sound mind and body, on this day of _____, do hereby resolve to fulfill the Task of a Student of the Mysteries. With sincere aspiration, an open mind and unswerving perseverance, I shall apply myself to the task of studying the curriculum of A∴A∴, and thus do the necessary groundwork to acquire fitness for the Great Work. In no less than three months from this date, upon passing an examination, may I be admitted to the grade of Probationer of A∴A∴."
— Reading Curriculum —
A Student must study the following books:
{These publications are in the public domain provided by the Outer College & Keep Silence & 100 Monkey Press & Celephais Press.}
Study of these books will give a thorough grounding in the intellectual side of Their system.
"The purpose of this reading course is to familiarize the student with all that has been said by the Great Masters in every age and country. He should take a very critical examination of them not so much for the purpose of finding the truth as he can not do so except for the virtue of his own spiritual experience, but to discover the harmony in these varied writings.He should guard against predilections on a certain author.You should become thoroughly acquainted with the method of mental balance, endeavoring to contradict any statement, however although it may seem indisputable.
The general purpose of the course, in addition to what has already been said, is to ensure sound education in matters of the occult, so that when spiritual enlightenment comes, it may occur in a well-built temple. Where the mind is strongly replete with concepts rooted in theories, the result of enlightenment, is to inflame the portion of the mind occupied by the concept which, instead of transforming candidate into Adept, transforms it into an intolerant blessed and a fanatic." [Aleister Crowley - EQUINOX III.]
— Further Reading —
In addition to the student reading list, the study of the following texts should offer more information both on the subject of A∴A∴ itself and the Great Work in its broader context, and would make the basis of a library.
- "Gems From the Equinox". Compiled by Israel Regardie. A compilation of some of the more important texts from the Equinox.
- "The Tree of Life". Israel Regardie. A treatise on ceremonial magic.
- "The Golden Dawn". Israel Regardie. A useful discussion of the system the preceded the A∴A∴ system of magic.
- "The Mystical and Magical System of A∴A∴". James A Eshelman. A comprehensive look at the A∴A∴ system of magick as taught in the Soror Estai lineage.
- "Initiation in the Aeon of the Child: The inward journey". J.D. Gunther. Together with the follow-up, an interesting academic look at the A∴A∴ system through the eyes of a Modern initiate of the Motta lineage.
- "The Angel and the Abyss". J.D. Gunther. A further discussion of various recondite areas of the path. Academic food for thought.
- "Living Thelema". Dr. David Shoemaker. A pragmatic, psychology tinged look at the process of initiation.
- "Magick: Liber ABA". Aleister Crowley. THE Textbook on Magick and Thelema. A must read for all magicians.
- "Liber Al vel Legis". The Book of the Law, the foundation text of Thelema. (Pre-2014 editions have not been altered, Caveat Emptor).
- "The Holy Books of Thelema". The Class A documents of the A∴A∴. Essential reading for aspirants. (Caveat Emptor as per Liber Al).
- "Prometheus Rising". Robert Anton Wilson. An insightful look at the process of initiation and spiritual transformation by a master.
- "Principia Discordia". A not-so-serious look at religion and religious groups. Essential reading for sanity maintenance.
- "The Magick of Aleister Crowley: A handbook of the rituals of Thelema". Lon Milo DuQuette. An extremely useful compendium of ceremonial and theory for the beginner.
- "The Hero with A Thousand Faces". Joseph Campbell. The Classic of comparative mythology. Guarenteed to be useful for aspirants of all grades and none.
- "The Equinox - Volume V. No.5 - Sex and Religion"
Further readings are listed in » Liber Os Abysmi vel DAATH sub figurâ CDLXXIV
A note on the conduct of students
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
It is a fact of life that the majority are not fitted for the work laid down by the Holy Order, more often than not a student will come to us asking for assistance, and ready to move heaven and earth in order to demonstrate that they are indeed fitted for initiation. We then, as we are oath bound to do, ensure that they are duly tried and tested. The initial test, the student exam, is a picture of simplicity, we ask that the student acquire and read certain texts, and when they feel they are ready, to apply for examination.
The examination itself demonstrates that the student has read and understood (to an extent), the nature of these texts, and that he is able to apply himself for a short period to the acquisition of knowledge. In short, the student demonstrates a certain amount of sincerity, after which he may be invited to take the oath of a Probationer and begin the Great Work in earnest as an aspirant to the Holy Order.
We maintain strict adherence to the rules for studentship and the conditions surrounding the admittance of Probationers. One important aspect of the student grade is that passing it gives the student the right to be proven. If he cannot even get that far then the real ordeals are still ‘lone and far’ for the time being.
Therefore the Chancellor has determined to make the conditions of studentship clear, so that there can be no doubt as to what is expected.
After initial contact, the student has as much time as he likes to complete the reading, we expect nothing from him at all, and will leave him to his willed task, giving him a date after which he may apply for examination.
When he feels he is ready at any time after his three months, the student may apply for examination. After this we expect him to complete the examination in a reasonable time, three months is more than adequate, six months is excessive. Nor will we push any student, we have neither the time nor inclination to spend our time making silk purses out of pigs ears, each student must work out his own path, we can only assist willing parties.
After six months we will suspend the studentship. Once suspended, we will not communicate with that individual further, but will pass on, giving priority to more willing students.
Since the student grade is unofficial, this does not prohibit the individual from applying to another lineage of the A∴A∴, and he being free of all obligation may do as he chooses.
On a final note: Students and Probationers are reminded that their conduct during the course of their membership should be in accordance with the spirit and rule of the A∴A∴. Advancement to the grade of Neophyte implies a high level of trust, and we will only grant initiation to this grade or beyond to those we deem mature and trustworthy enough to oversee students themselves. The Imperator of A∴A∴ in Albion may withhold initiation from unsuitable candidates and those who may be a liability to the Order.
Love is the law, love under will.
V.H. Fr M.
Imperator
[Source: A∴A∴ in Albion]
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Probationer
The Oath of a Probationer:
"I, _____, being of sound mind and Body, on this _____ day of _____ (An _____ Sun in _____ degrees) do hereby resolve: in the Presence of _____, an Neophyte of the A∴A∴: To prosecute the Great Work: which is, to obtain a scientific knowledge of the nature and powers of my own being. May the A∴A∴ crown the work, lend me of its wisdom in the work, enable me to understand the work! Reverence, duty, sympathy, devotion, fidelity, trust do I bring to the A∴A∴, and in one year from this date may I be admitted to the knowlegde and conversation of the A∴A∴! Witness my hand: _____ Motto: _____"
The Task of a Probationer:
Read more:
» THE PROBATIONER GRADE «
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Neophyte
The Oath of a Neophyte:
"I, _____, (old motto) being of sound mind and Body, and prepared, on this _____ day of _____ (An _____ Sun in _____ degrees) do hereby resolve: in the Presence of _____, a Zelator of the A∴A∴: To prosecute the Great Work: which is, to obtain control of the nature and powers of my own being. Further, I promise to observe zeal in service to the Probationers under me, and to deny myself utterly on their behalf. May the A∴A∴ crown the work, lend me of its wisdom in the work, enable me to understand the work! Reverence, duty, sympathy, devotion, assiduity, trust do I bring to the A∴A∴, and in eight months from this date may I be admitted to the knowledge and conversation of the A∴A∴! Witness my hand: _____ New Motto: _____"
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» THE NEOPHYTE GRADE «
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Zelator
The Oath of a Zelator:
"I, _____, (motto) being of sound mind and Body, and prepared, on this _____ day of _____ (An _____ Sun in _____ degrees) do hereby resolve: in the Presence of _____, a Practicus of the A∴A∴: To prosecute the Great Work: which is, to obtain control of the foundations of my own being. Further, I promise to observe zeal in service to the Neophytes under me, and to deny myself utterly on their behalf. May the A∴A∴ crown the work, lend me of Its wisdom in the work, enable me to understand the work! Reverence, duty, sympathy, devotion, assiduity do I bring to the A∴A∴, and right soon may I be admitted to the knowledge and conversation of the A∴A∴! Witness my hand [motto]: _____"
Read more:
» THE ZELATOR GRADE «
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Practicus
The Oath of a Practicus:
"I, _____, (motto) being of sound mind and Body, and prepared, on this _____ day of _____ (An _____ Sun in _____ degrees) do hereby resolve: in the Presence of _____, a Philosophus of the A∴A∴: To prosecute the Great Work: which is, to obtain control of the vacillations of my own being. Further, I promise to observe zeal in service to the Zelatores under me, and to deny myself utterly on their behalf. May the A∴A∴ crown the work, lend me of Its wisdom in the work, enable me to understand the work! Reverence, duty, sympathy, devotion, do I bring to the A∴A∴ and right soon may I be admitted to the knowledge and conversation of the A∴A∴! Witness my hand [motto]: _____"
Read more:
» THE PRACTICUS GRADE «
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Philosophus
The Oath of a Philosophus:
I, _____, (motto) being of sound mind and Body, and prepared, on this _____ day of _____ (An _____ Sun in _____ degrees) do hereby resolve: in the Presence of _____, a Dominus Liminis of the A∴A∴: To prosecute the Great Work: which is, to obtain control of the attractions and repulsions of my own being. Further, I promise to observe zeal in service to the Practici under me, and to deny myself utterly on their behalf. May the A∴A∴ crown the work, lend me of Its wisdom in the work, enable me to understand the work! Reverence, duty, sympathy, do I bring to the A∴A∴ and right soon may I be admitted to the knowledge and conversation of the A∴A∴! Witness my hand [motto]: _____"
The Task of a Philosophus:
Read more:
» THE PHILOSOPHUS GRADE «
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Dominus Liminis
The Oath of a Dominus Liminis:
I, _____, (motto) being of sound mind and Body, and prepared, on this _____ day of _____ (An _____ Sun in _____ degrees) do hereby resolve: in the Presence of _____, an Adeptus Minor of the A∴A∴: To prosecute the Great Work: which is, to obtain control of the aspirations of my own being. Further, I promise to observe zeal in service to the Philosophi under me, and to deny myself utterly on their behalf. May the A∴A∴ crown the work, lend me of Its wisdom in the work, enable me to understand the work! Reverence, duty, sympathy, do I bring to the A∴A∴ and right soon may I be admitted to the knowlegde and conversation of the A∴A∴! Witness my hand [motto]: _____"
The Task of a Dominus Liminis:
Read more:
» THE DOMINUS LIMINIS GRADE «
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Adeptus Minor
The Oath of an Adeptus Minor:
I, _____, (motto) being of sound mind and Body, and prepared, on this _____ day of _____ (An _____ Sun in _____ degrees) do hereby resolve: in the Presence of _____, an Adeptus of the A∴A∴: To prosecute the Great Work: which is, to attain to the knowledge and conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel. May the A∴A∴ crown the work, lend me of Its wisdom in the work, enable me to understand the work! Reverence and duty do I bring to the A∴A∴ and here and now may I be admitted to the knowledge and conversation of the A∴A∴! Witness my hand [motto]: _____"
The Task of an Adeptus Minor:
Read more:
» THE ADEPTUS MINOR GRADE «
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Adeptus Major
Read more:
» THE ADEPTUS MAJOR GRADE «
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Adeptus Exemptus
Read more:
» THE ADEPTUS EXEMPTUS GRADE «
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Babe of the Abyss
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Magister Templi
Read more:
» THE MAGISTER TEMPLI GRADE «
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Magus
Read more:
» THE MAGUS GRADE «
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Ipsissimus
Read more:
» THE IPSISSIMUS GRADE «
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On the Nature of the Oaths
by Frater Zephyros
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Those who have written about the A.'.A.'. and to this date, continue the practices in either a lineal program or even in a solitary manner, seem to have overlooked a fundamental part of the work. If we look at the Oaths themselves, separate and apart from the Tasks, which shouldfundamentally support the Oaths, we get a larger perspective on the developmental course of Initiation. The importance of this shouldn’t beunderestimated as it provides the rationale for the Tasks of the various Grades. The particular component of the various Oaths that I am referring to are as follows:
| Probationer: |
To obtain a scientific knowledge of the nature and powers of one’s own being |
| Neophyte: |
To obtain control of the nature and powers of one’s own being. |
| Zelator: |
To obtain control of the foundations of one’s own being. |
| Practicus: |
To obtain control of the vacillations of one’s own being. |
| Philosophus: |
To obtain control of the attractions and repulsions of one’s own being. |
| Dominus Liminis: |
To obtain control of the aspirations of one’s own being. |
| Adeptus Minor: |
To attain the knowledge and conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel.
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The Probationer Oath has us obtaining a scientific knowledge of the nature and powers of our being. This is a real discovery period that forces us to ask ‘What is being?’ From this, perhaps the question of what it’s nature might be is simultaneously answered, providing also a simple deduction as to what its powers might be. But we have to answer this question first and foremost. Is ‘being’ consciousness? Or is it also the body that houses that consciousness? And what is the nature of consciousness (whether connected to the mind or independent of it) and what is the nature of the body (whether or not it is also connected to consciousness)?
Experientially, we involve ourselves with the Task of memorizing a chapter of Liber LXV and the mastery of the Star Ruby (along with a certain initiatory instruction that accompanies this). We should discover an elemental reality where our etheric (as contrasted with astral) body is incorporated in a material universe that is more true than the qliphotic universe of that consensus reality, which belongs to the bulk of humanity. The electro-magnetic current in its vertical and horizontal dimensions should be observed, particularly as there is one coordinate where they intersect and where the self, the particular being that is the Probationer, is incarnated.
The Neophyte Oath has us gaining control of the nature and powers of this being. But what does that mean? Does that mean that we must become suddenly, masters of ourselves? No, it seems that would be rather absurd. We would not then be Neophytes, or even a Zelator on the successful attainment of such. But we would become Adepts, which tells us that this must mean something else entirely.
As in our Probationary period, we discovered experientially, an electro-magnetic, elemental dimension that incorporates a materialistic coagulation (or involution) of an etheric body, so now do we take one step further and begin to formulate the astral ‘body of light’. We then learn how to maneuver and manipulate the form of this body within that matrix that is called the ‘astral plane’. This certainly involves the four ‘Powers of the Sphinx’ and the alignment of one’s being with the energies now infusing the lower astral of our planet.
The Zelator Task is far more complicated in that one has to get to the foundations of one's being. But what is that? It speaks to the very heart of the Aspiration as for the first time, from the position of Yesod, the Aspirant can clearly see Tiphareth and the goal of the Outer College of Our Order. Yet the distractions of Choronzon, which may light up with the ego imitating the role of the guru or holy man can easily dissuade us here, especially as it is the charge of the Zelator to be of service to the Order. And in the Astral Triad of which the Aspirant is now fully involved, the vacillations of being that is the work of the Practicus and the ‘attractions & repulsions’ of being that is the work of the Philosophus also come into one’s awareness. So one has the struggle to maintain the Aspiration and forge ahead despite the increased difficulty of the obstacles that one has run into.
This is a churning force that really adds meaning to the saying, ‘The greater the trials, the greater thy victory’. It is as if the Zelator simultaneously takes on the work of both the Practicus and Philosophus programs. Indeed, it seems almost impossible to separate them. So it makes sense that there is no minimum time limitation placed on these Grades as by the time the Aspirant can claim Practicus, he or she has already done much of the work of both this Grade and its succeeding Grade.
Having delivered oneself through the intense ardor of this Ordeal, one should have attained the Magickal power to directly fructify the Aspiration to a fevered pitch of intensity that is might cement the focus of one’s whole being to that Aspiration. This of course, is that, which is of the Oath of the Dominus Liminis. Then, but one task remains… finally, one takes the Oath of the Adeptus Minor and excluding all else, seeks directly to attain the Knowledge & Conversation of Thine Holy Guardian Angel.
In summation, the key point is in the developmental progression of the Oaths and the sincere resolve that one brings to force in carrying out these Oaths. The Tasks are the support structures that assist the Aspirant in fulfilling the obligation of having taken the Oaths. And most importantly, note that the Oaths taken by the Aspirant are to the Aspirant first and foremost, though in a few places, there is also the obligation to the Order… that invisible and Great White Brotherhood that remains in eternal service to the Initiation of all humanity.
[Source: A∴A∴ Astron Argon]
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Proof read and edited by Frater D.M.T. © Thelemagick.
Love is the law, love under will.
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