Initiatory structure A∴A∴

1 initiatory structure

1.1 student
1.2 order of g∴d∴ (golden dawn)

1.2.1 probationer
1.2.2 neophyte
1.2.3 zelator
1.2.4 practicus
1.2.5 philosophus
1.2.6 dominus liminis


1.3 order of r∴c∴ (rosy cross)

1.3.1 adeptus minor (without)
1.3.2 adeptus minor (within)
1.3.3 adeptus major
1.3.4 adeptus exemptus


1.4 order of s∴s∴ (silver star)

1.4.1 magister templi
1.4.2 magus
1.4.3 ipsissimus

initiatory structure

the initiatory structure of a∴a∴ based on qabalistic tree of life, grades following sephira tree in reverse order. a∴a∴ sub-divided 3 orders: s.s., being governing body (third order) , comprising grades above abyss; r.r. et a.c. (second order), comprising degrees below abyss above veil of paroketh; , golden dawn (first order), comprising grades below veil of paroketh. complete description of tasks of first order given in liber xiii vel graduum montis abiegni: syllabus of steps upon path, in equinox volume 1.

two additional grades , dwellers on thresholds, link orders: dominis limnis in paroketh, , babe of abyss in abyss.

members of third order can generate own variations of first , second order teachings reflections of own understanding, contemplating systems of attainment not compassed in curriculum of main system.

student

a student s business acquire general intellectual knowledge of systems of attainment, declared in prescribed books. @ end of fixed period, student takes written examination test reading, after passes through small ritual involving reading of history lection (liber lxi), , passes grade of probationer.

the order of g∴d∴ (golden dawn)
probationer

(0°=0): probationer s principal business begin such practices or may prefer, , write careful record of same 1 year.

neophyte

(1°=10): has acquire perfect control of astral plane.

zelator

(2°=9): zelator s main work achieve complete success in asana , pranayama. zelator begins study formula of rosy cross.

practicus

(3°=8): expected complete intellectual training, , in particular study qabalah.

philosophus

(4°=7): expected complete moral training. tested in devotion order.

dominus liminis

(the link): expected show mastery of pratyahara , dharana.

the order of r∴c∴ (rosy cross)
adeptus minor (without)

(5°=6): lesser adept (without). expected perform great work , attain knowledge , conversation of holy guardian angel.

adeptus minor (within)

(5°=6): lesser adept (within). admitted practice of formula of rosy cross on entering college of holy ghost.

adeptus major

(6°=5): greater adept. obtains general mastery of practical magick, though without comprehension.

adeptus exemptus

(7°=4): exempt adept. completes in perfection these matters. either (a) becomes brother of left hand path or, (b) stripped of attainments , of himself well, of holy guardian angel, , becomes babe of abyss, who, having transcended reason, nothing grow in womb of mother. finds master of temple.

the order of s∴s∴ (silver star)
magister templi

or master of temple (8°=3): principal business of grade obtain perfect understanding of universe. essential attainment perfect annihilation of personality limits , oppresses true self. magister templi pre-eminently master of mysticism, is, understanding entirely free internal contradiction or external obscurity; word comprehend existing universe in accordance own mind. grade corresponds binah on tree of life, , secret chiefs in old hermetic order of golden dawn. crowley linked experience called shivadarshana , 4 formless states of buddhism, although cautions against treating these criteria sufficient grade.

magus

(9°=2): magus seeks attain wisdom, declares law, , master of magick in greatest , highest sense. entirely free internal diversion or external opposition; work create new universe in accordance will. grade corresponds chokmah on tree of life. bears resemblance nietzsche s new philosopher creates values, although more focus on self-transcendence according crowley biographer lawrence sutin.

ipsissimus

(10°=1): beyond comprehension of lower degrees. ipsissimus free limitations , necessity , lives in perfect balance manifest universe. essentially, highest mode of attainment. grade corresponds kether on tree of life. ipsissimus quite hard translate directly latin english, superlative of self , translating rather approximately selfness, or self-est. (c.f. generalissimo same superlative form in use grade same latin root.)

crowley named condition of grade trance nirodha-samapatti, reduces heartbeat , other life functions bare minimum. theravada buddhist monks traditionally attain nirodha-samapatti producing aforementioned formless states 1 after other, , perceiving in each call 3 characteristics of existence: sorrow or tendency towards sorrow, change or unreliability, , insubstantiality or lack of self. crowley , a∴a∴ seek replace threefold view quest balance both motive discipline , means of achieving end goal. in liber b vel magi urge magus seeking further progress identify buddhist 3 characteristics opposite states. wherein sorrow joy, , change stability, , selflessness self. crowley s version of nirodha includes seeing first truth , falsity of 3 characteristics according published theory.

the ipsissimus should keep achievement of final grade secret, rest of order, , continue work of magus while expressing nature of ipsissimus in word , deed.