Questions and Answers

What is the lineage of the FLO? How is it related to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn?

Lineage is something frequently talked about in magical circles, with some of the opinion that unless there is a link to an authentic historic lineage, the teachings of the group or organisation are compromised or invalid. Others believe that the 120 Current of the Golden Dawn can be tapped into by anyone who applies themselves. Whilst lineage is important, especially in regards the oral tradition and secret teachings developed and handed on, anyone can tap into the current. Nothing can ever replace face to face physical initiation, and self-initiation will only take you so far.

The FLO traces its lineage to the Alpha et Omega of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn through Paul Foster Case. Case was the Chief Adept of Alpha et Omega in New York and went on to found the School of Ageless Wisdom, later renamed the Builders of the Adytum. Paul Case not only drew on the Golden Dawn, but through his own Inner Order Contact.

The Golden Dawn itself was founded by S.L. MacGregor Mathers, William Robert Woodman and William Wynn Westcott. Mathers managed some of the later GD temples, and his emissary to the American Temples was Elsa Barker, who transmitted teachings to Paul Case's Predicessor Michael Whitty and later Paul Case himself. Thus, this direct line traces back to the original founders of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

Paul Clark, who was one of seven protégés of Ann Davies who took over the BOTA after Case’s passing, received the Tradition as taught by Paul Foster Case. As explained in his book “Paul Foster Case: His Life and Works”, when there were concerns about the future leadership of BOTA, Paul Clark was given copies of all of the teachings to ensure the Tradition would continue and went on to found the Fraternity of the Hidden Light in early 1980's.

Paul Clark was an avid researcher and incorporated much of the original Golden Dawn teachings and refocussed on the lodge system that the BOTA had largely moved away from after its focus on its correspondence lessons. There were lodges in BOTA, but this was not their focus, and students took lessons or attended Pronaos and had to wait years for an invitation into a lodge. It was this deficit that the FLO corrected, at a time when GD groups were either in abeyance or quietly working behind the scenes away from the public gaze. Paul Clark, like Paul Foster Case, had also established his own Inner Order Contact which guided him in the formation of the FLO.

How does FLO differ from the Golden Dawn?

FLO follows the Rosicrucian Grade system, which is similar to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the Sociatas Rosicriciana in Anglia, which attributes each Grade to the Sephiroth upon the Qabalistic Tree of Life. The two systems are completely compatible, but there have been some changes as the FLO is a unique expression of the Western Mystery Tradition with its own Inner Mandate. Like the Golden Dawn, the Outer Order is considered preparatory, and the Second or Inner Order is mostly where Magic and Theurgy are taught and practiced. Some magic is now taught in the Outer Order, but the bulk is reserved for the 5=6 Grade and above. The Third Order is considered to be the abode of the Masters or Secret Chiefs who guide the Order in the Outer World.

Some notable differences between the FLO and GD are replacing Enochian with a different system, utilising alternative Elemental Tablets in the Grades. The use of the Egyptian God-forms is also absent in the Outer Order of the FLO and has been replaced by the Qabalistic Archangels. The Archangels provide a more Universal experience that is suitable for modern consciousness. That is not to say the Egyptian God forms or those from other Traditions are not powerful or utilised, just that this is our preference, and we find them more compatible to our needs. The system is such that the Magician can work with any pantheon which resonates with them.

We feel that the Traditional Golden Dawn has much of value, but has been largely commercialised through many books, groups and teachers. Many prospective students forget that the GD inspired many other groups and organisations which have evolved and advanced the original system. Today, the FLO is one of these living and vibrant expressions of the Western Mysteries that continues to expand the Tradition through ongoing research and expansion via its specialised Guilds.

Does FLO practice Enochian Magic?

No. FLO has its own alternate system, as the founders of both BOTA and FLO were originally of the opinion that Enochian Magic is dangerous. Today, the Order is much more open minded, and there is no prohibition on the study and practice of Enochian Magic, but it is not recommended until the student has progressed to the Second Order and made contact with their Holy Guardian Angel. Historically, Paul Foster Case held a strong bias against the practice of Enochian magic, and he attributed the death of his close friend Michael Whitty to its use. Case also cited many examples where there were negative effects of Enochian, which is a bias perpetuated by Ann Davies and Paul Clark, amongst others. Yes, there are dangers, but they can be mitigated if the system is used correctly and when ready.

How long are your Probationer courses? Do I have to do all of them before applying for physical initiation?

The first course, titled “Threshold: A Guide to Initiation” takes around 12 months to complete. For many years, there was a minimum requirement of only 3 months taking the course as a Probationer before students could petition for physical initiation into a lodge. Experience has shown us this is too soon to consider this, and we suggest a minimum of at least 6 months. We need to see that our Probationers are actually doing the work and persevere with foundational studies before progressing further. Even after physical initiation, members are encouraged to continue with the courses as they add additional content to the assigned work in the Grades.

How long will it take me to get to Second Order?

Ultimately, this is down to each individual, their development, maturity, application and deciation to the Great Work. There used to be a recommended time period for how long was spent in each of the Grades, but this approach is no longer considered realistic and it must be judged on an individual bases. The Adept and Proculator also monitors the readiness of students.

On paper, Second Order could be achieved within 3-5 years, but has typically taken 10 years for some. There is no hard and fast prediction for when this occurs, and the student who has progressed to the Portal grade is in a state of gestation, which can be lengthier than the proceeding Grades. Progress to the Inner Order is not guaranteed, and each student must be "invited". The Outer Order Grades also serve the purpose of filtering out members who are not ready to progress to the Second Order and contact with their the HGA.

Ideally, we do not want to rush through the Grades or stay too long when we should be progressing.

Is Magic practiced in the Outer Order?

There are some practices that would be considered practical magic in the Outer Order. However, the bulk of these are reserved for when the student is ready in the Second Order and has established a link with their HGA.

Many groups today are offering more in the Outer Order, but there is a reason why this has been reserved for the Adept and our Order adheres to the more traditional approach.

What are the fees and costs of membership?

Probationer courses cost $12.00 per month, payable quarterly at $36.00. For initiated lodge members, this increases to $25.00 per month which includes access to all courses.

We are a not-for-profit organisation, and all dues are used to sustain our lodge and its teachings.

When I am ready, how do I petition for full initiated membership into the Lodge?

After the minimum recommended probationary period, students may petition in writing to be considered for physical initiation. We prefer to form a relationship with prospective Initiates to our lodge, and to meet face to face first. We are very selective to who is invited into our special group and to the lodge and Order egregore.

After a petition for initiation is received, the candidate must submit a Spiritual Autobiography and is then invited to an interview with the Lodge Chiefs who will make a decision on the suitability of the candidate. If accepted, a date is set and preparations are made.

Can I belong to other groups?

There is no organisation that can or should dictate to its members prohibition towards affiliations with other groups or teachings. However, we do make recommendations based on what works best for our students who are following our system. We usually dissuade members from (at least in the Outer Order) engaging in other practices or participating in other organisations until they have sufficiently advanced. This allows time to focus on the Grade work, build a foundation of Personality and prepare it for contact with the HGA. Once there is a solid foundation, other practices and traditions can and should be explored.

How far do the Grades go?

Traditionally, the Grade work in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and associated groups would progress Initiates up to Adeptus Exemptus, on the belief that the higher Grades of Magister Templi, Magus and Ipsissimus occur after death of the physical body. Some traditional groups only go as far as Adeptus Minor, believing that once contact with the HGA has occurred, the Adept can explore the higher Grades through personal magical work and nurturing the connection they have established. Other groups, especially in Thelemic Circles, offer Grade ceremonies up to the top of the Tree of Life at Ipsissimus.

The FLO maintains Grade work up until Adeptus Exemptus and believe that this is as far as an Initiate can progress whilst phyically incarnated. This does not mean that each individual cannot work with the higher Sephiroth, as the entire Tree of Life exists inside all of us.