onsdag 16 maj 2012

Temporal vs. the Primordial Tradition



PEREGRIN WILDOAK wrote a quite interesting statement today:
Though I am likely to invoke the wrath of a few anti-Christian nutters out there, it is quite clear that the sources for modern western magic developed within the Christian milieu. The background and backbone of many modern traditions, Rosicrucianism was started by heterodox Christians and is replete with Christian imagery and mysteries. This is a different thing to saying modern western magic is Christian.
I wonder, does Mr. Wildoak believe that it was Christians who invented Magic (Theurgy) and Alchemy? And that it later developed into a non-Christian or pagan tradition? At least that is how I read that sentence. And even if he actually doesn’t mean that, chances are high that others might read his words just as I did. So I have to set the record straight in this matter for the benefit of the gentle reader.

Actually the reverse is true to what Mr. Wildoak is stating; the Christian tradition emerged from the pagan. Only a Trinitarian Christian, such as Mr. Wildoak, can believe otherwise or that it fell from the sky, in a literal sense. True initiates know that both alchemy and magic stems from the Chaldean and Egyptian pagan traditions, later distilled through the Greek and subsequently Hellenistic pagan traditions into the Hermetic, Neo-Platonic and Gnostic schools of late antiquity and early medieval era.

A Wahabi saving the soul
of a Sufi heretic
In time the monotheistic religions absorbed parts of these streams, which later emerged as the Hebrew Qabalah, Esoteric or Gnostic Christianity, and the Islamic Sufi traditions. Thus the esoteric undercurrents of these three monotheistic religions developed more “pagan” traits compared to their exoteric cousins. Some orthodox Jews considers the Qabalah to be a pagan heresy. Wahabi fundamentalists decapitates Sufis whom they regard to be pagan heretics, etc.

Christianity originally emerged as a mainly Gnostic and Esoteric tradition, or mystery religion, being under a heavy influence of the Alexandrian schools of thought that was current during the first Century AD, thus having many similarities with the contemporary Neo-Platonic, as well as proto-Qabalistic groups of the Middle East. With time more exoteric forms of devotion and theology emerged in the Christian community, and after the Church council of Nicaea in AD 325 the original Esoteric Christian current finally was suppressed and forced to go underground where it has stayed since then.

Compared to the Jewish faith, the Christian sects originally nurtured many ideas that were leaning towards paganism, such as the use of iconography, the concept of hypostases (three distinct divine personages, plus the “mother of God”), the belief in a redeeming man-god, etc. Thus in the Christian tradition you will find many pagan concepts. This is why it was so easily appropriated by the Hermetic Adepts, who used its imagery to veil their basically pagan magical and alchemical traditions.

Giordano Bruno

It is true that Rosicrucianism was founded by Christians. And yes, they were church-goers (which for all practical concerns were mandatory). And although some of them were pious and devout as seen by the Church, most were only acting as nominally exoteric Christians. In their small esoteric circles they professed a faith that had nothing in common with the one taught by the Church. That they were “heterodox” as Mr. Wildoak asserts is an understatement. I dare to suggest that they were much more than this; I see them as inherently antinomian who would have been considered to be heretical by the Church if their conversations were overheard by the clerics. Some of them were burned at the stake for their beliefs when being to outspoken, such as Giordano Bruno. Many others were imprisoned, such as Tommaso Campanella. Even our own hero John Dee was incarcerated because of his occult practices.

The Rosicrucian faith were certainly not “Trinitarian Christian” as that term is normally defined, even if they did believe in the hypostases (remember that the concept of Father, Son and the Holy Ghost originally was a Gnostic concept, however not as we know it today). But their theology or theosophy cannot be compared to the officially approved teachings of the Church. The Rosicrucians rather belonged to the undercurrent of the Esoteric Christian tradition, and Gnostic even, that had survived since AD 325 and now was gaining new momentum.

Thus, contrary to what Mr. Wildoak wants you to believe, the Rosicrucian Order of Alpha et Omega® is not “anti-Christian” at all. On the contrary, it encourages an Esoteric Christian magical pursuit for its Christian oriented members. To be an Esoteric Christian implies studying the Christian symbolism also in the context of its pagan and Hermetic roots. An Esoteric Christian doesn’t believe Christianity to be the only and true religion, nor does he consider himself to be chosen by God in virtue of his Christian faith. On the contrary, he believes the Christian religion, its symbolism and mythology, to be the latest version of the mysteries of the dying god. An Esoteric Christian can invoke the god-form of Osiris as easily as he invokes the name of Jesus.

Thus true Rosicrucianism has nothing to do with concepts as expressed on the web page of the (once schismatic and now in full amity with the S.R.I.A.) Order of the Rose and Cross back in 2007:
We believe that the Anglo-Saxon and associated Indo-European cultures are the spiritual and literal descendants of these “lost ten tribes of Israel,” representing God’s chosen people as mentioned in the Old Testament.

We believe in the inevitability of the end of the world and in the Second Coming of Christ. We believe that the coming “end times events” are part of a cleansing process that is needed before Christ’s kingdom can be firmly established on earth. During this time, Satan and his allies will attempt to destroy God’s chosen people using any means available. The result will be a violent and bloody millennial struggle, in which Christians shall battle Satan and the forces of evil. Many will perish, and some will be forced to wear the Mark of the Beast merely to participate in business and commerce. After the final battle is ended, however, Christ’s kingdom shall be established on earth, and Christians be recognized as the one and true Israel.
A true Rosicrucian would never interpret the teachings of the New Testament in this literal and exoteric fashion. As his Gnostic ancestors the Rosicrucian interprets the Book of Revelation as an analogy, as a metaphor for spiritual and primarily internal processes.

Contrary to what Mr. Wildoak believes, Rosicrucianism isn’t primarily a Christian denomination; it definitely isn’t a Trinitarian Christian tradition. It is a Hermetic tradition steeped in Christian symbolism. It presents the alchemical tradition using Christian mythology, as well as Greek. In short it uses the current cultural context to explain its ancient teachings. So what we see here is a ancient or Primordial Tradition being clothed or cloaked in a modern tradition.

The Rosicrucians 


Using the definition of the word “tradition” by René Guénon and Frithjof Schuon of the Traditionalist School – i.e. the concept of the Primordial Tradition – we may understand this difference in a clearer light. What Mr. Wildoak is addressing here is the cultural or temporal tradition (in this case the Rosicrucian), which is in contradistinction with the Primordial Tradition (that is the Chaldean-Hermetic). While we may argue what Guénon and Schuon actually meant with “Primordial” I easily may see that the idea of a tradition practiced by the ancients fits this concept nicely. Take away all the temporal and cultural coats from any tradition (the peeling of an onion) and you will see the true and underlying (i.e. primordial) tradition emerging at the core.

A temporal or culturally coloured tradition, such as the Rosicrucian, cannot be considered to be a “source” or “backbone” for the modern magical tradition as we see it today. The word “source” for me implies the primordial tradition. And for me “primordial” doesn’t refer to a numinous or spiritual plane as is commonly understood in the modern traditionalist school. I rather see it as a pre-ancient historical era when the proto-tradition emerged transforming itself from the purely animistic state of Shamanism into the more sophisticated pagan Alchemical and Magical Tradition of the Chaldeans, and which later became exported westward to Egypt where it developed into the Hermetic Tradition and also eastward to the Orient where it developed into the Tantric and Daoist Traditions.

For each development and cultural adaptation the Tradition gradually lost its primordial qualities and introduced temporal and local varieties which diluted its original form. This continued further with the emergence of the Alexandrian schools, which later in blending with the Hebrew merkabah tradition developed into medieval Qabalah. During the renaissance the Qabalah was further blended with Hermeticism within the context of the Christian cultural sphere, diluting the Primordial Tradition further, which eventually produced the Rosicrucian Tradition.

Today we see the Golden Dawn system as a modern magical tradition, being a direct lineal descendent of the Primordial magical and alchemical Tradition of the Chaldeans. Although it is a temporal tradition, steeped in our Occidental and modernist paradigm – including its art forms and sciences – it still has traces left from the Primordial Tradition. But it is a maze or labyrinth to find one’s way to that True Source. You have to have the keys to unlock the Golden Dawn System of Magic and to unleash its powers according to the original intents of the Primordial Tradition. To be able to receive these keys you have to have access to the key-holders and gate-keepers of the Primordial Tradition, which we know by the “decknamen” the Third Order.

The Third Order is not Christian, though it did create the Christian-oriented Rosicrucian Tradition to use Christian symbols to veil the Traditional magical and alchemical teachings; its initiates were the ones who introduced Christian symbolism and metaphors into the alchemical tradition in the first place. Verily, the Third Order is truly pagan as it has for its mission to preserve the original and Primordial Tradition. It does that by veiling its teachings in the current cultural and religious paradigms. Thus the source of the modern western magical and alchemical system is not Christian – it core is Pagan.

Contrary to what Mr. Wildoak and his reconstructionist friends asserts and tries to convince you, my gentle reader, to believe this Pagan and Primordial Tradition has never ceased to exist. It is still here amongst us, working behind the scenes to guide all of the temporal traditions that it has created so that these may retain their relative state of authenticity and thus not deviate to far from Tradition. This is the reason why the Third Order stepped in once more to save the Golden Dawn tradition from reconstrutionist tampering and even more so from the clutches of Trinitarian Christian domination, such as in the example quoted above which has a smack of Religious Fundamentalism.

 Addendum (2014-03-13)
 

Since writing this blog yours truly is no longer affiliated with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Outer Order of the Rosicrucian Order of Alpha Omega® (H.O.G.D./A+O®). However, my general view on this subject stays firmly unchanged, as expressed in the above written text, and what I have authored previously on the Gyllene Gryningen blog still represents my overall opinion. Any practices referred to in reference to the H.O.G.D./A+O® also apply to the Order that I am currently affiliated with, namely the Hermetiska Orden av Den Gryende Morgonrodnaden (“Hermetic Order of the Nascent Aurora”) or H∴O∴G∴M+R.

S∴R∴

8 kommentarer:

  1. A truly illuminating article.

    SvaraRadera
  2. Care Frater,

    Excellent post and I can only back up your words.

    I'm from a christian background, this is, I was educated as a regular christian, but I don't practice the religion as such; neither I'm anti-christian or the like.

    Christians didn't "invent" the Rosicrucian Tradition; one thing is that some of them attended church at that time, and another is to pretend to say that they were the founders of the Tradition.

    The Rosicrucian Tradition is not based on religion; it studies the universal laws that govern the Universe and life; it's something much much bigger than follow commandments and a set of rules.

    SvaraRadera
  3. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. It masterfully establishes the genuine and Primordial Lineage.

    Detractors from within the SRIA influenced Reconstructionist/Post Modernist camp are effectively grasping at the VEIL and attempting to raise it to Primordial Status.

    Their mistake only offers present and future aspirants the opportunity to eat the MENU rather than enjoying the true meal... for they are quite lost in the labyrinth of their own false map mapping.

    Without the KEYS the TRUE Golden Dawn and Alpha Omega will forever remain a CLOSED book.

    To attempt to assert a Trinitarian Christian Third Order above this, is quite abominable. Nobody but Trinitarians would ever be allowed access to this "Third Order" and this Religiosity is contrary to the very spirit of all Esoteric Streams, not just the Rosicrucian.

    Advancement in the mysteries beyond 7=4 would then require CONVERSION to Trinitarian Christianity!!!

    [Not that they have thought that far since at best they have no Mysteries beyond 5=6!]

    SvaraRadera
  4. Peregrin Wildoak, as a response to my blogpost, wrote today:

    "The way ancient and pre-modern folk understood the world is very different to the way we understand it."

    He also wrote:

    "We cannot easily escape our culture and the paradigm with live in, no matter how much we try."

    To down play on the Traditionalist concept of original Egyptian Mysteries, refering to it as a "overlaying the mythic Egypt atop the historical Egypt", he cited his own buddy Caroline Tully, what he refers to as the "Pagan scholar", and her book 'Ten Years of Triumph of the Moon', in which she critizies the authencity of McGregor Mathers' Rites of Isis in Paris, which she refers to as a "reconstruction of the Egyptian Mysteries". She writes:

    "Undoubtedly inspired by Herodotus’ application of the Greek term ‘mysteries’ to Egyptian religion (Histories. 2.171), Diodorus’ erroneous claim of an Egyptian origin for the Greek Mysteries of Eleusis when in fact it was the other way around (Lib. 1.29.2,4; Martin 1987: 78), Apuleius’ Metamorphoses (11.21–6), and Plutarch’s mention of Isis and Osiris initiations and mystic rites (De Iside. 2, 25, 28), the main problem with the Mathers’ attempt at creating this initiatory system was that there were no Egyptian Mysteries to begin with.

    "While there certainly were Graeco-Roman mysteries of the Hellenised Isis, the idea that there were ancient Egyptian ‘mysteries’ originated with Greeks like Herodotus misunderstanding the Egyptian cult of Osiris at Abydos and interpreting it as ‘mysteric’ because it was carried out by specially consecrated priesthood, unlike the part-time priests of Greece (Burkert 1987: 39–40; Lefkowitz 1997: 93). While access to the inner recesses of the Egyptian temple was limited to the priesthood, festivals were open to the public, not restricted to groups of initiates (Morenz 1973: 89–90)."

    Mr. Wildoak's punch line is that the G.D. actually don't use any Egyptian Gods. He says:

    "Really there are only modern interpretations and adaptations of Graceo-Coptic Gods. And some of those adaptations were based on Mathers’ personal assumptions and mindset of what Egypt was."

    (To be continued).

    SvaraRadera
  5. (Continued.)

    First of all, it is true that we are all prisoners of the cultural paradigm in which we are living. This also equally applies to academics, scientists and scholars. Somehow there is this myth floating around that a scientist and scholar, in virtue of his academic education and merits, is exempt from this paradigm. This is utterly false.

    Today we live in a post-modernist paradigm in which all "truths" are thrown out with the bath water and everything is relativized. We also live in the paradigm in which we belive that we today know more than humanity ever has, especially the "superstitious" ancients, in virtue of our modern scientific methods.

    I personally trust the paradigm of the ancient Greeks, such as the pioneering historians Herodotus, Diodorus and Plutarch, before the likes of Tully, Hutton, et al. The old Greek scholars surely lived much more closer to the ancient Egyptians that we post-modernist occidentals do.

    It is also very obvious for all that the God-Forms, as they are deptictied in the Z-documents, are a modern magical adaptation. But that doesn't mean that there still aren't traces left from original ancient concepts. As I said in my blog post, in the God-Forms of the Golden Dawn we see a temporal tradition. But behind this cultural coating there is a essense which breaths the Primordial Tradition into the outer temporal shells. The Z-document surely enough is based on the Egyptian Book of the Dead. The fact is that this documents, and its teachings on the Egyptian God-Forms, originated from the Third Order; it wasn't MacGregors' own invention.

    Secondly. I bet that Caroline Tully hasn't seen any copies of the Rites of Isis, as written by MacGregor Mathers. In fact very few have who are living today. So how can she even say anything of its varacity? Non. She simply assumes that it all was a reconstruction in MacGregor Mathers' mind. A pet theory of hers.

    Mind you, the Isiac mysteries are alive and well in Europe. Considering the level of MacGregor Mathers' initiations, I doubt that he didn't have any access to these as well.

    Mr. Wildoak also repeated that old "truth" regarding Pico Della Mirandola and the Platonic Academy of Florens, to show that we cannot look upon the mysteries without our christian googles:

    "Look at the origins of the Hermetic Qabalah, with Mirandola and others wanting to use it to prove the existence of the Trinity and supremacy of Christianity. Naughty boys."

    What if Mirandola simply tried to make the "jewish" Qabalalah recognized by the Church and thus veiled its old mysteries in a Christian setting, in much the similar way as the Hermetic School veiled its alchemical tradition using Christian symbols and analogies? I peronally am hesitant to accept that the only reason why Mirandola embraced the Qabalah was to convert and prozelyze jews. I just don't buy it.

    (To be continued.)

    SvaraRadera
  6. (Continued.)

    Regarding the Greek vs. the Egyptian Mysteries, there is some merit to what Tully is describing. The problem is that it is only a half truth; or a half lie.

    Hellenistic culture represents a mix of both Greek and Egyptian civilization, as shown in its philosopy and theology, and also concerning its mysteries.

    Concerning the Egyptian origins of the Eleusinian Mysteries, it seems at there is no such consensus amongst scholars as Mr. Wildoak would like it to be. Let me quote from a source:

    "In the early part of this century, Foucart theorized, on the basis of statements by classical authors (e.g., Herodotus Bk. 2) as well as the discovery at some Mycenaean sites of Egyptian figurines and small artifacts, that the cult of Demeter in Greece originally derived, in whole or in part, from Egypt. Further support for this hypothesis comes from certain remarkable parallels between the myth of Isis (especially in the version presented by Plutarch in his Isis and Osiris, chs. 15 and 16) and that of Demeter (as recounted in the "Hymn to Demeter,"). Among the details of these parallels are episodes in both stories involving infant princes who almost gain immortality--but not quite--at the hands of the respective goddesses.

    "On the basis of these correspondences, Foucart and his followers concluded that the Mysteries at Eleusis originally must have come from Egypt (Foucart 2-23; Magnien 44-46). Yet the fact that the sanctuary ruins in Eleusis evidently go back centuries earlier than the Hymn itself, and that excavations have unearthed no Egyptian artifacts there from that period, militates against this hypothesis (Mylonas 15, 276). On the other hand, since we know that Greek colonists and mercenaries had settled in Lower Egypt by the seventh century BCE (Leclant 245), it is reasonable to surmise that these Greek and Egyptian fertility goddesses had already begun to penetrate each other's cults and mingle in the minds of worshippers, perhaps by way of Cretan influences. There is still no consensus about this and it remains a topic of lively debate." (http://www.uwec.edu/philrel/faculty/beach/publications/eleusis.html)

    (To be continued.)

    SvaraRadera
  7. (Continued.)

    My personal opinion regarding this cross-cultural mixing, based upon the traditional history, is the following: The mysteries of Egypt were overly patriarchal and centered around Osiris. Isis was a important character in this story, but still in the role of a faithful wife and restorer of his life so that he might be ressurected to fulfil his destiny.

    The mysteries of Greece were overly matriarchial and based on the earlier shamanic mother goddess cults. Both were agricultural, centering on the Solar cycles of death and ressurection. During the Hellenistic period these two mysteries met and cross-pollonized. The Eleusinian Mysteries may have taken up some influences from the Egyptian Isis now, if not earlier. On the other hand the Isiac mysteries grew in prominance in Egypt because of the influences of the Eleusinian Mysteries.

    Thus, it is fruitless to look upon this as a one way transmission; it is more fruitful to see it as a reciprocal influence, typical of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

    Granted, the mystery plays of the pre-hellenistic Egypt were public, while the Eleusinian Mysteries in Greece were secret. Still the Egpytian plays did conveyed a mystery to the spectators. Remember that Egypt was a theocracy and involved the entire population in its state sanctioned cults. Still not all was open do the public.

    The concept of the Egyptian religion amongst the priests was different compared to the views held by the common Egyptians. There surely was a secret lore that was only reserved to the priestly chaste and the royalty. Thus there was a esoteric tradition in Egypt.

    Egypt was very exotic and regarded as mysterious, and magical, amongst the surrounding ancient peoples. The Babylonian Talmud, as an example, says the following:"Ten measures of sorcery descended to the world; Egypt took nine and the rest of the world took one."

    Many of the greatest Greek philosophers travelled to Egypt and brought with them a new wisdom, such as Thales, Pythagoras and Plato. Greek philosophy as we know it wouldn't had been the same without the Egyptian influence. Even the New Testament states that "...Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds." (Act 7:22)

    So there is absolutely no basis for the concept that there were no esoteric and secret initiatory mysteries around in Egypt prior to the Hellenistic era.

    See also:

    http://www.philipcoppens.com/egyptgreece.html

    http://www.maat.sofiatopia.org/hermes1.htm

    SvaraRadera
  8. Although I’m not considering myself to be something like „guild war activist”, but the term used by Mr. Wildoak: „anti-Christian nutters” really „invokes the wrath” for me personally. Why? By this very simple fact that I consider myself to be both Christian and Rosicrucian at the same time, but don’t see that ancient Mysteries would emerge from Christianity. Then why would then, from those two premises, deduction would be that I am „anti- Christian”???
    Thank you G.H. Fra. S:.R:. for your another excellent post. As always, you are on your best!
    Statement that modern western magic is (exclusively) Christian really makes me laugh. If so I would be the most happy to see something like „Catechism of Magic for Modern Christians” with bishops approval. (of course I’m not referring to The Grimoire of Pope Honorius III). If Mr. Wildoak wanted to see the most illuminating experience of modern relation between Christianity and magic, he would certainly go to the one of the Holy Masses for deliverance, celebrated by viceprezident of International Association of Exorcists- Fr. R. Pereira (R.I.P.) and ask him or one of the most „harismatic” Mass attendants what they think about modern western magic!!!
    As a former seminarian from Catholic Theological seminary I’m lucky enough to be in close contacts with several Catholic priests. I can witness most personally, that speaking with some of them about Rosicrucian tradition they know about this topic next to nothing, and from this point further, is better not to speak about secret development of magic within Christian cultural sphere, if you want to maintain friendly conversation
    Of course, I’m speaking only about so called exoteric Christianity, which, exceedingly evidently, has completely lost its tracks to its vey own mystical orgins for centuries, not even speaking about magical pagan mystery traditions, which needed to fight severe battles just to „make both ends meet” against totalitaristic Church monopole!
    Of course, Rosicrucian tradition is true hermeticism with many Christian connotations, but theese connotations are not foundation- stone per se. Theese are only symbols which allows us, within our cultural sphere, to penetrate the deeper reality- much more deeper than Church allows us to do. And in theese depths we will find true Wisdom which contains also deep love not only for those who call themselves Christians, but also towards them who seeks the same Wisdom using „our” symbols...
    Many of Europeans who are tired from exoteric Christianity seeks wisdom in Eastern teachings and are wellcomed with open arms, then why should WE make segregational politics?
    DUC IN ALTUM and you shall find that ALL is ONE and ONE is ALL

    SvaraRadera