The Golden Dawn "system of magic" has been one of the most influential systems
in the development of the majority of modern magical systems. Many
of the teachings found in many western occult books today can be traced back
to the original teachings of the historic order. For example, most
of the symbolism in modern tarot decks today can be traced back to the
Rider-Waite tarot deck which was designed and created by Arthur Edward Waite
who was once part of the ranks of the historic Golden Dawn Hermetic
Society. Another example of the far-reaching influence of the Golden
Dawn can be seen in the teachings of Gerald Gardner's Wicca who borrowed
some of its teachings from Aleister Crowley who was once an initiate of the
Isis-Urania Temple of the Historic Golden Dawn and has been the source of
many of the published works relating to the Order which influenced Gerald
Gardner when developing the Wiccan teachings and rituals.
The Ordo Stella Matutina is a continuation of the traditional teachings of
the historic Golden Dawn Hermetic Society through the process of initiation
and dissemination of the classical Golden Dawn Knowledge Lectures.
We are not a religion or "spiritual cult" but a mystical and magical school
that uses the hidden symbolism found in the religions of the Western cultures
which includes but are not limited to Ancient Egyptian, Ancient Greek,
Gnosticism, and Judeo-Christianity. Some Eastern ideas have been included
such as the study of Tattwas and techniques of Yoga meditation. Below
is a list of some of the the components of our esoteric teachings:
More advanced students will also be introduced to the following teachings:
The Ordo Stella Matutina is a matricular system in that information is organized
in a way that certain teachings are reserved for students who have passed
a certain point in their occult studies. Students are tested in each
grade and are initiated into the next grade before they are able to proceed
with the studies and practical work associated with that specific grade.
The grade structure and their correspondences to the Elements of the Ancients
and Qabalistic Tree of Life both of which are major components in the majority
of the curriculum are shown as follows:
| Grade |
Name |
Element |
Planet |
Sephira |
Meaning |
| 0=0 |
Neophyte |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| 1=10 |
Zelator |
Earth |
 |
Malkuth |
Kingdom |
| 2=9 |
Theoricus |
Air |
Moon |
Yesod |
Foundation |
| 3=8 |
Practicus |
Water |
Mercury |
Hod |
Splendour |
| 4=7 |
Philosophus |
Fire |
Venus |
Netzach |
Victory |
| Â |
Portal |
Spirit |
 |
 |
 |
| 5=6 |
Adeptus Minor |
Spirit |
Sun |
Tiphareth |
Beauty |
| 6=5 |
Adeptus Major |
 |
Mars |
Geburah |
Might |
| 7=4 |
Adeptus Exemptus |
 |
Jupiter |
Chesed |
Mercy |
| 8=3 |
Magister Templi |
 |
Saturn |
Binah |
Understanding |
| 9=2 |
Magus |
 |
 |
Chokmah |
Wisdom |
| 10=1 |
Ipissimus |
 |
 |
Kether |
Crown |
The grades of Neophyte through Philosophus comprise the First, or Outer
Order. A grade called the "Portal" comes between 4=7 and 5=6, and this
contains some very powerful symbolism on the transition between the Outer
and Inner "Mysteries."Â The three Adept grades comprise the Inner
Order (Rosae Rubeae et Aureae Crucis), and are normally only open to those
who pass rigorous examinations and are chosen on other qualifications.
From the members of the Inner Order are chosen the Chiefs of the Ordo Stella
Matutina who are responsible for the governance and administrative work of
the Order. The final three grades (which refer to the "Supernal" sephiroth)
comprise the Third, or Hidden Order of Masters which represent the hidden
link to the egregore or "group spirit" of the Ordo Stella Matutina.
The key to success in the study of the Hermetic arts is obtained through
dedicated study and practice of the curriculum. No secret unpublished
documents or claims to lineage will ever be an acceptable substitute for
adopting an attitude of persistence and perseverance in The Great Work.
The Ordo Stella Matutina can only give you the keys to the doorway of spiritual
awakening. The rest is up to you |
