Aurum Solis: Order of the Sacred Word

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Aurum Solis, Gold of the Sun, is a magical order founded in England in 1897 by George Stanton and Charles Kingold which claims descent from the Ogdoadic Tradition of the Western Mystery Tradition^[1]. It is best known through the published works of two of its leaders, Vivian Godfrey and Leon Barcynski. Better known by their pseudonyms, Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips, the husband and wife team together authored many books on different aspects of magical practice, such as Astral Projection and Creative Visualization, as well as their seminal work outlining the corpus of the Aurum Solis and the Ogdoadic Tradition, The Magical Philosophy.

Despite being a small Tradition and Order, in comparison to the Golden Dawn and its descendents or various Thelemic orders, it remains a distinct and unique system of magical philosophy and practice.

Contents 1 The Ogdoadic Tradition 1.1 Initiatory Structure 2 History of the Aurum Solis 2.1 Birth of the Order 2.2 The Early Order 2.3 Ordo Sacri Verbi 2.4 Denning & Phillips 2.5 The Modern Aurum Solis 2.6 The Astrum Sophia & Other Ogdoadic Groups 3 References 4 External links

[edit] The Ogdoadic Tradition

As defined in the Aurum Solis Constitution of June 1999,

The Ogdoadic Tradition is an initiatory system which arose from a fusion of pre-Christian traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean with the mystical teachings, to which no date of origin can be assigned, of the Oriental monasteries: Sinai, Carmel, St. Sabas.

It appears in the traditions of the Hesychasts (around the twelfth century) and in the symbolism of Byzantine art. Its signatures are the Fivefold Pattern of the House of Sacrifice as a plan of working (whether in ritual, pictorial or literary form) and the Eight-pointed Star of Regeneration as an emblem of Attainment. It appears in the insignia, ritual and architecture of the mediaeval Order of the Temple, and to some extent in the symbolism of other chivalric Orders. It inspired the design of the Baptistery at Florence; it appears in the work of Giotto (1270-1337), notably in his representation of the Temple of Jerusalem in the form of the House of Sacrifice, in his frescoes at Padua. It appears in the ritual accompanying the mediaeval Sacrament of Baptism, and in literary form in the works of such diverse writers as St. Bernard of Clairvaux and the great Renaissance Platonist Marsilio Ficino. It has given a structural plan to the Tridentine Mass, and in the present century has been used by Pope Pius XII in his Encyclical De Mystici Corporis [Mystici Corporis Christi].

"Not by the mere occurrence of the relevant symbols, but by their use in a significant context, is this tradition to be traced of which the keyword is Regeneration: a regeneration not depending on creed or sacraments, but upon the understanding and application of unchanging spiritual laws.

"The general historical designation of the tradition is Hermetic: not alone as signifying an involvement with alchemy, but because its teachings incorporate and build upon the works of Hermes Trismegistus."^[2]

In the Aurum Solis Second Hall Rite of Integration the newly received Servitor is told the following "History Lecture" of the Order's lineage:

The primary symbols of the Ogdoadic Tradition are the Fivefold Pattern of the House of Sacrifice and the Eightfold Star of Regeneration. The arcana of the House of Sacrifice are a key at once to the dynamism of the universe and to that pattern in the Divine Mind in accord within which human nature has come into being. This same key is also, therefore, that by which the faculties of the psyche are evoked in their true and potent order, and likewise it is that key by which the hidden powers of the universe can be understood, realized and attained. Above the image of the House of Sacrifice shines forth the glorious symbol which both fulfils and transcends it: The Eightfold Star of Regeneration. The Eightfold Star, which has been employed from ancient times to represent Life Divine, is the ensign of attainment and the emblem of an undying aspiration; and, supremely, it betokens that ultimate act of Regeneration whereby the Divine Mind calls back to its eternal selfhood, into the eternal Becoming which is both the essence and the act of the divine nature, everything which it has sent forth into space and time.

These great emblems and the ancillary tokens of the Ogdoadic Tradition are to be found, widespread, at significant points in the art and architecture, and even in the literature, of Europe. They are the visible signature of a living Hermetic Gnosis, of a dynamic esoteric ferment, among whose initiates have been numbered some of the most profound luminaries in the shaping of Western aspiration. For one thousand years our brethren of the Glorious Star have proclaimed the Ogdoadic mysteries in symbol and in word; yet the uninitiated, lacking the keys, have perceived therein only a canon of design or a literary form. The tradition has in this wise repeatedly been revealed, even displayed to the public gaze, yet it has not been seen; our Mysteries have been proclaimed, yet remain inviolate.

If we look beyond the cultures of the West, beyond the closely interwoven fabric of European through and history, we find, widespread through other cultures too, symbols which relate to the Ogdoadic Tradition and which, by their appropriate use, declare the knowledge and understanding of the initiate. We acknowledge and respect the schools of wisdom with which these symbols are associated, and we respect their special use and interpretation of those symbols. But while we say assuredly that the teachings of Aurum Solis would not exclude those interpretations, we respect also their customary secrecy and we do not seek to know or to elucidate further.

Know, however, O Theourgos that in European lands the territory in which the Western Mysteries properly so called have developed and flourished - there are certain places in diverse regions where the mighty symbols of the Ogdoadic Tradition have been emplaced in centuries past, and even now remain established: and these places are held by us to be most sacred sites of our tradition, where the power of a revered antiquity is added to the unchanging and deeply magical potency established there by means of the signs and by the will of those who wrought them.

The mysteries of the Ogdoadic Tradition were early transmitted to a number of the medieval Guilds, profoundly influencing their initiatory rites and disciplines. Thus ensued a high flowering of true Ogdoadic symbolism in art and architecture: enduring and sure tokens which bear witness to the mystical insight and elevated calling of the Guildsmen. Initiates of the Glorious Star in these latter times may look upon these Ogdoadic works, upon paintings and frescoes, upon delicate gems and great buildings, and say "Here were my brethren."

Nobly, and with most mystical significance, was the Fivefold pattern of the House of Sacrifice employed in the initiatory working of our medieval brethren the Knights Templar. Therein did they most skillfully evoke and coordinate the function and faculties of the psyche. Nobly too did they bear, in scarlet upon their white mantles, the Eightfold Star of Regeneration.

With arcane intent, for the creation of a sanctuary of power wherein supernal Light might focus upon earth, did Benedetto Gaetano, high initiate of the Glorious Star, ordain the emplacement of our symbol upon surrounding pillars of strength in Rome. For some six hundred years that mystic citadel has stood; set apart from its environs, seen but not perceived save by the initiate and the visionary, traversed but not entered save by those who hold the key of the Mysteries.

Mighty was the mystical and secret Ismaili Order of the Faithful Ones of Love which, in Asia Minor, comparably with the Sufis and Dervishes, followed within the Islamic world the path of inner illumination and of devotion to the spiritual elevation of humanity. Mighty was its Ogdoadic power; mighty were its planetary workings.

Mighty indeed was the Ogdoadic society of the Fideli d'Amore which, established in Italy at the end of the twelfth century, was a western formulation of the symbolism, mystique and practice of the Faithful Ones of Love, added to and enriched by the order of the Temple. Notable in the development of the Fideli d'Amore through many generations was the Florentine family of Cavalcanti, in which philosophy and independence of mind formed a proud heritage. Beyond their own lives and works, the Cavalcanti have added an undying luster to the whole Western Mystery Tradition by the great minds which they have apprised of the Fideli d'Amore and brought to initiation therein. Of these initiates, two especially are outstanding: Dante Alighieri, whom the poet Guido Cavalcanti introduced to the Fideli d'Amore in the thirteenth century, and Marsilio Ficino, the great Renaissance philosopher and mystic, who was brought to initiation in the fifteenth century by Giovanni Cavalcanti as Ficino's own Words attest.

In the city of Florence, in the fifteenth century, the Ogdoadic society called the Careggi Circle was formed from the membership of the Platonic Academy, under the inspiring genius of Marsilio Ficino, Neoplatonist scholar as well as initiate of the Fideli d'Amore. Brief in earthly reckoning was its splendor but deathless its glory: none can recount the history of the making of Europe without telling of the awakening which was here wrought in the minds of men and women. The work of the Careggi Circle, in the very beginnings of the Renaissance, had effects which even yet reverberate throughout the Western world. Scholars, poets and philosophers traveled thither from afar, seeking initiation or at least the inspiration of converse with the group. Reuchlin, the pioneer German Qabalist, and Erasmus, the humanist who carried the spirit of Renaissance learning to his native Holland, were among those profoundly influenced by the initiates of Careggi. Founded initially through the philosophic and occult interests of Cosimo de Medici, Ficino's patron, it was developed brilliantly by Cosimo's grandson Lorenzo the Magnificent, who inherited from Cosimo the initiatory name of Pan. Ficino himself, as supreme adept of the Careggi Circle, took the name of Saturnus. Giuliano de Medici, Lorenzo's brother was Hippolytus. Pico della Mirandola, the brilliant young Qabalist, was Apollo. Angelo Poliziano, poet in three languages, was Hercules. Michelangelo Buonarotti, painter, sculptor and poet of heroic imagination, was also an initiate of this high gathering, the last before the death of Lorenzo, and the murder of several initiates of the inner ring, marked the onset of the savage persecution by religious fanatics and the dispersal of the society.

High and most noble were the Ogdoadic works of the sixteenth century Order of the Helmet, whose emblem betokened silence and invisibility. Its initiates wrought in glorious words a world of wonder and of awe in which the mysteries would find an honored place. Through the centuries following, and even now, the writings of these initiates give wings of fire to the aspirations of those who hear or read them, and win their hearts to the Mysteries, to seek them out and find them in truth.

These Orders and their initiates do we salute in the splendor of the Glorious Star. And so likewise do we honor their successor, the brethren of the eighteenth century Society of the Blazing Wheel, Societas Rotae Fulgentis, who guarded the tradition for future generations, laying the foundations and preserving the sphere of amity upon which, and within which, Aurum Solis came to be established.

This, O Theourgos, is but a brief recounting of thy lineage; and herein thou mayest behold somewhat of the earthly manifestation of the High Company of the Glorious Star. Yet even were it possible to name all Orders and Initiates of the Ogdoadic Tradition, even thus would the Glorious Star appear not in its fullness.^[3]

[edit] Initiatory Structure

Again, from the 1999 Aurum Solis Constitution:^[4]

The Order has three operative foundation grades:

The first grade is Neophytos (Neophyte), the proper title of which is Apprentice of the Great Work.

The second grade is Servitor (Server), the proper title of which is Servitor of the Secret Flame.

The third grade is Adeptus Minor (Adept), one proper title of which is Priest of the Gnosis.

Unlike the first two grades, that of Adeptus Minor is not fully achieved by initiation. The fulfilment of the grade is by subsequent personal endeavour and reception of the Rite of Ratification, whereby the initiate becomes Adeptus Plenus (Full Adeptus Minor).

Hereinafter, the term 'Adeptus Minor' is understood as carrying only the initiatory status of the third grade, thus not comprehending Adeptus Plenus.

The first initiation (Neophyte) is given in the First Hall. The second initiation (Server) is given in the Second Hall. The third initiation (Adept) is given in the Third Hall.

The First and Second Halls constitute the Outer Order or Lesser Mysteries.

The Third Hall, which incorporates also the higher mystical degrees of the Order, constitutes the Inner Order or Greater Mysteries.

Initiates of the various Halls are addressed as Companion.

The name AURUM SOLIS is generally applied to the entire Order, but properly refers only to the Outer Order; the name of the Inner Order is STELLA GLORIOSA.

The three foundation grades of the Aurum Solis have correspondence to the three "Gate Sephiroth" of the Qabalistic Tree of Life: the grade of Neophyte to Malkuth or Earth, the grade of Servitor to Yesod or Luna, and the grade of Adeptus Minor to Tiphareth or Sol.

The initiation rituals themselves are resplendent with unique and beautiful symbolism, and are in many ways the heart of the Tradition. The three ceremonies are referred to as the Rites of Induction, Integration and Elevation respectively, and can be found in their entirety in the book Aurum Solis: Initiation Ceremonies and Inner Magical Techniques by Osborne Phillips.

[edit] History of the Aurum Solis

[edit] Birth of the Order

Just before the dawn of the 20th Century in England there were a number of "antiquarian" and "folklore" societies who chronicled curiosities and pursued their own chosen researches. One such society was known as Societas Rotae Fulgentis, Society of the Blazing Wheel, and had been slowly amassing a wealth of knowledge and research from the various antecedents of the Ogdoadic Tradition.

From this Society came two dedicated occultists, Charles Kingold and George Stanton. In the changing religious and political environment of the late 19th century they decided to take the core philosophy of the Societas Rotae Fulgentis and constitute it into a living magical and initiatory occult order, establishing the Order Aurum Solis in 1897 “to re-establish the Wisdom of the Mages and to proclaim anew the Secrets of the Alchemists.” George Stanton was the first Warden of the Order until the outbreak of World War I.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] The Early Order

The order continued to grow and thrive under the guidance of Stanton until the outbreak of World War I, which saw the cessation of order activity. From the early 1920s and onward, with the introduction of new initiates, the order gradually began to divide into the older membership who pursued their chosen studies on which the order was founded and the new membership who brought in more of a Masonic as well as Golden Dawn background. However this divide would not become fully apparent or divergent until later years, and indeed, proved to be a fruitful field for collaboration and expansion of order philosophy and practices. Notable in this period is the Rabbi Morris Greenberg who contributed much to the order's understanding of the Hebrew Qabalah and who continued to be a valued resource even in his last days in the 1930s at Bournemouth.^{[citation needed]}

In the politically charged environment of the late 1930s, the order issued the following statement regarding two prevalent philosophies in Europe, Communism and Fascism:

The development of the individual towards perfection, we hold to be a sacred duty: and we work for the common good, as a means towards the perfecting of every individual. To invert this ideal, and to regard the individual existing only for the good of the race as a whole, is to stultify all higher aspiration, and is directly opposed to the purposes of Occultism."

^{[citation needed]}

When World War II broke out in 1939, order activity again ceased. After the war ended in 1945, many members began working with other ceremonial magicians in Europe to cleanse the astral aftermath of the war and re-establish channels with the Divine. (While there is no known connection, Dion Fortune also contributed to magical workings related to WWII.) These workings proved quite powerful to the members involved, who brought that resulting vigor and zeal back to order when it officially resumed operation in 1949 and was reorganized.^{[citation needed]}

However the seeds of schism planted by the influx of new initiates had grown, and in 1956 the leadership of the order conducted a review of the whole question of magical workings, their different styles (ancient vs. modern) as well as their role within the order and issued the following statement:

Initiation into an understanding of the Occult powers does not necessarily result in the ability to make magical use of those powers. In English Freemasonry (the only type of Freemasonry reviewed in this instance) a type of ritual has been developed which is designed to initiate the understanding but, by deliberate intention, not to lead to ceremonial magick. The Freemasons do not claim and do not wish to be magicians. A Masonic type of ritual is not therefore likely to be suited to a magical Order."

^{[citation needed]}

This conclusion was to result in a split in the order, with the supporters of the more modern, Masonic-style ritual breaking away in 1957 to form the Hermetic Order of the Sacred Word, or Ordo Sacri Verbi. The Aurum Solis completely reorganized its ritual structure along the original lines conceived of by its founders.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Ordo Sacri Verbi

In an unpublished writing^[5] of Denning & Phillips', they present a refutation of some comments of Ithell Colquhoun's in her book, The Sword of Wisdom, regarding the relationship of the Ordo Sacri Verbi to the Stella Matutina. They state:

Certainly, a Golden Dawn influence was strong in the Sacred Word, and the bias was apparent in its workings; but this can hardly be interpreted as a claim to descent from Stella Matutina. The reason for the G.D. bias have to be traced to an episode in the history of its parent Order, Aurum Soils, and are given explicitly in the first volume of The Magical Philosophy. Aurum Solis itself is entirely independent of Stella Matutina both in its origin and in its fundamental tradition; a tradition which is demonstrated in The Magical Philosophy, with historical evidence of its development ranging over many centuries.

The "Order of the Light and of the Darkness" is the name by which Ms. Colquhoun incorrectly refers to the Order Lux in Tenebris ("Light in Darkness"); and Lux in Tenebris is quite another matter from Sacred Word. Roger Hunt of the Hermetic Order of the Sacred Word, and Ross Nichols of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, between them in 1968 created Lux in Tenebris, the inner name of which was 'Horus and Harpocrates." It is true that some Druid and some S.W. members worked its ritual; but neither the College of the O.B.O.D. nor the College of the S.W. ever accorded recognition to it, and the experiment was ephemeral. It probably is the foundation of the rumour which Ms. Colquhoun passes on to her readers, about Sacred Word meetings held at O.B.O.D. premises, although in fact Sacred Word meetings were never held at O.B.O.D premises, and Lux in Tenebris functioned on neutral ground."

The Hermetic Order of the Sacred Word published an article in The Aquarian Guide to Occult, Mystical, Religious, Magical London and Around edited by Francoise Strachan, published by The Aquarian Press in November 1970^{[citation needed]}. The four page article, entitled Ecce Homo, outlined the general philosophy of the Order and its framework: the Qabalah. Portions of this article were later adopted by the modern-day Aurum Solis as its "Manifesto" for a brief time.^{[citation needed]}

Chapter V of Book I: Robe & Ring (reprinted as Vol. 1: The Foundations of High Magick) of The Magical Philosophy, "Some Practical Considerations", is indicated to be an "O.S.V. Outer Order Document."^{[citation needed]}

Also, in Chapter I of the same book, "the opening speech in a formerly-used Neophyte Initiation Ritual of the Order of the Sacred Word" is quoted as:

"Now is this Temple become a diamond of rainbow-flashing dew, a rose of fire shining out from the mists of the world. Now are we who stand within the sacred place gathered together not as Children of Earth, but as Gods. For our purpose is the Great Work, which we follow beyond time, and our meaning is Mystery. We raise our arms, and the vast powers of creation and destruction are but a little beyond our fingertips. We raise our heads, and we hear sounding far from us the echoing thunder of our every act. O ye who stand in the Temple in silence, now has the time come to speak. Let us declare why we are met here and what is to be done.

The cry has come to our ears of a traveler lost in desolate places, weary of seeking a path in the darkness, and fearful to follow the wandering lights of the marshes. The cry has come to our ears of a soul near to despair, carried along by the ever-changing winds of doubt and illusion: the cry of one who seeks for Truth, and can know no rest until it has been found.

When the earth is frozen in winter or hard and bare in summer's heat, the rain falls upon it in vain. The precious water runs away and is lost in well or in stream, unless a channel has been prepared for it, and if a channel has been prepared, that is the work of Wisdom.

^{[citation needed]}

Apart from these items, though, there is little known regarding the Order of the Sacred Word's ritual, initiatory or philosophical structures.

In 1959, Ernest Page, notable London astrologer, became the Warden of the O.S.V. Page was, according to the Magical Philosophy, a well-known figure throughout Soho at the time. He would meticulously draft horoscopes and interpret them to a high degree of accuracy in local cafes either for free or for a very modest sum. He was also a skilled graphologist, and talented lyrical poet--a short verse of his appears in The Magical Philosophy, Book III: The Sword & the Serpent, pp. 170-171. As well as his esoteric work, he was a devoted social-worker with the Simon Society, an organization dedicated to helping those who needed aid but could not seek it through the normal channels. Upon becoming Warden of the Ordo Sacri Verbi, he immediately began to work for its reunion with the Aurum Solis. He did not live to see the reunion of the two Orders in 1971, and died in 1966. Melita Denning's poem "Orpheus," which prefaces Book I of the Magical Philosophy, serves as a dedicatory verse to Page.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Denning & Phillips

Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips are the pen-names of Vivian Godfrey and Leon Barcynski, who together authored many books in the early days of Llewellyn Publications, chief among which is the formal presentation of the Order Aurum Solis' philosophy and praxis: The Magical Philosophy.

Leon Barcynski began to receive magical training at the age of 16 from Ernest Page. For some time in the early 1970s, he was the head of the Aurum Solis psychic investigation team. Leon was also a pupil of U Maung Maung Ji, a lecturer in Eastern philosophies, who worked with the UN Secretary-General U Thant. He is a Fellow of the International Biographical Association, a Life Patron of the American Biographical Institute, and an Honorary Fellow of the Anglo-American Academy.^{[citation needed]}

Vivian Godfrey Barcynski was the first female Grand Master of the Aurum Solis, from 1976 to 1997. At one point Vivian spent about six years traveling throughout and gathering occult knowledge, chiefly from the Middle East and the Mediterranean. These studies led her to discover the work of the Aurum Solis on kindred matters. She studied Jungian psychology under Buntie Wills, herself a student of C. G. Jung's friend Toni Sussman. Vivian was invested Dame d'Honneur, OMCT, in 1968 by the Geneva Grand Priory of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple. She was also friends with Olivia Robertson, the founder of the Fellowship of Isis, since they were young women. Vivian spoke English, French, Italian and Latin.^{[citation needed]}

Around 1971, Vivian & Leon met or began working with Carl Llewellyn Weschcke. Around 1979 they moved to the United States. In June of 1982 Leon & Vivian were consecrated Autocephalous Bishops of the Paracletian Church by Herman Adrian Spruit, the founder of the Church of Antioch. In 1983, they both consecrated Carl Weschcke into the same bishopric. Around 1984, Vivian & Leon began working with William Stoltz and initiated him into the First Hall. On 8 July 1987 Vivian & Leon retired from the Aurum Solis, and Weschcke became the Grand Master. Yet on 23 June 1988 both resumed office at the unanimous request of the members; Vivian as Grand Master and Leon as Administrator-General.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] The Modern Aurum Solis

In 1989 the two returned to England, and the Grand Commandery of Athlit relocated. On 30 January 1994, Vivienne O'Regan, author of The Pillar of Isis, was established as Administrator-General of the Aurum Solis by Vivian Godfrey. In 1997 Vivian was diagnosed with cancer and died on 23 March. In September 1997, Leon Barcynski publishes an In Memoriam to Vivian. Vivienne O'Regan is established as Prior of the Order on 3 May 1998, then Deputy Grand Master on 9 September 1998, and then Acting Grand Master in December 1999. On 11 April 2001 Leon resumes office as the Grand Master of Aurum Solis.^[6]

On February 2, 2001 the Aurum_Solis_Magick Yahoo! Group was formed.^[7] By November 2, 2001 this discussion list was "An Official Outer Mercurial Zone of Aurum Solis devoted to the discussion of Magick and other elements of the Ogdoadic Tradition. Our work is primarily based upon the honest study and shared interest in the published writings related to the Order."^[8].

On July 26, 2002 the Grand Commandery issued the following statement on the Aurum_Solis_Magick Yahoo! Group effectively dissolving the American Aurum Solis:

Members of the Order,

We wish to make it plain that publications listed on the Publications Office website are the creative work and property of the Grand Master. They do not belong to the Order. They are the result of the Grand Master's professional work. The view that Magical States of Consciousness and the Rite of Affirmation "belong to the Order" and that members should be "entitled to them for free" is not on. The Rite of Affirmation has been made available to members gratis, as a gesture following impertinent criticism. However, the College has now met to consider matters, and the following has been decided.

1 -- This list will be closed.

2 -- The Publications Office website is being pulled and its material transferred, for the time being, to another domain. This, so that no misunderstandings may arise as to the ownership of works therein advertised.

3 -- The domain www.aurumsolis.co.uk is intended as the official voice of the Order.

4 -- No further 'Order' material -- such as the studies of the Third Hall -- is to be made available to the commanderies. Insistent demands for such material -- with no regard as to the authorship or origin of such, or of the time taken in its preparation, together with the unacceptable attitude of being "entitled to it", have progressed as far as can be tolerated. Should we spend long hours in preparing material, it would be expected to be given freely. But why should we so labour and supply? And by what right is such material claimed?

5 -- The Order Aurum Solis, by decision of the three chiefs, will henceforth act as Guardian of the Tradition and its resources, and the Order, and limited membership, will be restricted to the Commandery of Athlit (the Grand Commandery) and the Comandery of the Light of Byzantium. The Order will publish not only the works of the Grand Master, but selected studies of ritual and historical nature. Such studies will be available as advertised.

6 -- The USA commanderies are, from this time, no longer licensed to represent Aurum Solis, and the heads of those commanderies, in accordance with the constitutional powers of the Grand Master, are here removed from office. Each commandery will, however, upon request be provided with a charter of autonomy on agreed terms. But continued use of the name Aurum Solis by the commanderies will not be permitted, and the matter will be referred to others in case of dispute.

7 -- Existing Order websites will require revision or closure.

8 -- The Yahoo List Aurum Solis Magick, administered by Desmontes, is endorsed as a constituent part of Order life and as a department of the Grand Commandery.

9 -- Demand and criticism have had their hearing. We consider the conditions of membership in good standing to have been broken. Our response has been made.

Ruth Dance,
Administrator-General, AS
26 July 2002^[9]

On August 9, 2002 the Ogdoadic_Magick Yahoo! Group was formed and much of the membership of the former Aurum_Solis_Magick discussion group joined.

In September 2002, William Stoltz, a Taoist Tantric Buddhist Freemason, with a charter of succession received from Leon Barcynski, established the Ordo Astrum Sophiae.^[10]

On October 5, 2002 the Aurum Solis was reconstituted as an exclusively Christian Order.^[11]

The work of the Order's Tipharic Guild of Theosis, which carries historical Apostolic Succession, is now the main vehicle of Order aspiration and esoteric purpose, wherein the Eightfold Star -- the symbol of the New Life -- and the pattern of the House of Sacrifice -- the symbol of the psyche -- find true and potent expression.

Our ongoing researches into the Ogdoadic Tradition comprise study of the thought and formulations of Byzantine, Medieval, Renaissance and contemporary periods, with appreciation of Neoplatonist, Hermetic and Humanist views; but spiritual exercises and techniques for self-development based thereon are conducted exclusively within the ambience of the Christian mysteries.

Membership of the Order is restricted to those individuals who are:

1 Committed to the ideal of Christ and determined to live a dedicated Christian life of prayer and spiritual exercise.
2 Willing to study for, and to receive, orthodox Christian initiation: thus to progress into the historical priesthood.
3 Able to advance knowledge and understanding of the Ogdoadic Mystery Tradition, of its esoteric interpretation of Christian symbolism, and of its relevance to the psychological and spiritual development of the individual within the context of historical Christianity.

In the Light of the Glorious Star,

Ruth Dance,
Administrator-General, AS^[12]

Shortly after, the Aurum Solis Publications Office website displayed a slightly different message:

Aurum Solis was reconstituted in October 2002 as a Christian Esoteric Order of the Ogdoadic Tradition of the Western Mysteries.

The Order researches the historical works of the Ogdoadic Tradition and employs the symbolic values found therein as an aid to the understanding and fostering of the process of Theosis

The work of the Order's Tipharic Guild of Theosis is now the main vehicle of inspiration and attainment of the Aurum Solis with orthodox Christian initiation to the degrees of deacon, priest and bishop.

The Order's magical degrees of Neophyte, Servitor and Adeptus are continued within the Aurum Solis Guild of Lapis Philosophorum and, maintained in their fullness, are open to members by invitation.^[13]

Eight months later, on June 14, 2003, Leon Barcynski retired as Grand Master and was replaced by Jean-Louis de Biasi, the current (as of April 4, 2007) Grand Master, who issued a declaration emphasizing the scientific and Hermetic nature of the Order. Notably, no mention was made of Christianity in this declaration.^[14]

In May 2004, the Ordo Astrum Sophiae reintegrated with the Aurum Solis,^[15] but on December 21, it resigned from the order declaring that it would "continue to maintain a spirit of support and respect for the Ordo Aurum Solis, its current work, its Grand Master, and its vital contribution to the Western Mystery Tradition".^[16]

On January 1, 2007, Leon Barcynski (past Grand Master of the Aurum Solis) recognized William Stoltz's (Grand Master of Ordo Astrum Sophiae) authority to confer degrees up to and including the rank of Adeptus Minor but emphasized that he was "unable to establish any person as an Adeptus Plenus" and that that authority rested with Jean-Louis de Biasi only.^[17]

[edit] The Astrum Sophia & Other Ogdoadic Groups

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• The Official Website of the Aurum Solis
• Ordo Astrum Sophiae
• The Ogdoadic Notes
• OgdoadicMagick.Net
• Site of Norman Kraft, Aurum Solis adept and author of Ogdoadic Magick