A∴A∴
The A∴A∴ (/ˌeɪˈeɪ/ ay-AY) is a magical organization described in 1907 by occultist Aleister Crowley. Its members are dedicated to the advancement of humanity by the perfection of the individual on every plane through a graded series of universal initiations. Its initiations are syncretic, unifying the essence of Theravada Buddhism with Vedantic yoga and ceremonial magic. The A∴A∴ applies what it describes as mystical and magical methods of spiritual attainment under the structure of the Qabalistic Tree of Life and aims to research, practice, and teach "scientific illuminism". A∴A∴ is often held to stand for Argenteum Astrum, which is Latin for Silver Star.
Rituals
The Argenteum Astrum (A∴A∴), or "Silver Star," is an esoteric magical order founded by Aleister Crowley in 1907. It is rooted in Thelemic philosophy and ceremonial magic, focusing on the spiritual development of its members. The rituals of the A∴A∴ are primarily structured to guide practitioners through its graded system of initiation and spiritual enlightenment. Many of these rituals and practices are private and closely guarded, but some elements are publicly known through Crowley's writings and related texts.
Key Rituals and Practices of the A∴A∴
Liber Resh vel Helios:
This is a daily solar adoration ritual involving the acknowledgment of the sun at dawn, noon, sunset, and midnight. It aligns the practitioner with the solar currents and helps cultivate awareness of cosmic cycles.
Star Ruby:
A Thelemic version of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP). It clears the practitioner's space of unwanted influences and prepares the magical environment for further work.
Star Sapphire:
A ritual designed to work with elemental forces and the energies of the macrocosm. It's considered a counterpart to the Star Ruby and is highly symbolic.
Liber Samekh:
Often used for achieving the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel (K&C of HGA). This ritual, adapted from ancient Graeco-Egyptian practices, is one of the cornerstone workings of the A∴A∴. Rituals of Initiation:
Each grade of the A∴A∴ system (from Neophyte to Ipsissimus) involves specific rituals and practices tailored to the spiritual and magical development of the initiate. These are often outlined in Crowley's "The Equinox" series.
Meditation and Yoga Practices:
A∴A∴ practitioners engage in practices drawn from both Eastern and Western traditions, including pranayama, dharana (concentration), and other yogic techniques. These are detailed in Crowley's "Eight Lectures on Yoga" and "Book 4."
Study and Application of Sacred Texts:
Members are encouraged to study key Thelemic texts such as Liber AL vel Legis (The Book of the Law), Liber ABA (Book 4), and various other works to deepen their understanding of Thelema and the Great Work.
The Graded Path and the Great Work
The A∴A∴ system is structured as a graded path, with each grade representing a stage of spiritual evolution. The ultimate goal is achieving union with the divine, often called the accomplishment of the Great Work. The journey involves self-discipline, regular magical and mystical practice, and guidance from one's superior in the order.
Caveats and Ethics
While many A∴A∴ rituals and teachings are publicly available, others remain private and tailored to each practitioner's path. Individuals interested in these practices should approach them with respect, dedication, and a clear understanding of Thelema's ethical principles: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will."
History
The A∴A∴ claims to have been present in all societies and epochs, although not necessarily under that name.
The A∴A∴ comprises two orders, known as the inner and outer college. The outer college in its modern form was formulated in 1907 by Aleister Crowley and George Cecil Jones, claiming authority from Aiwass (the Author of The Book of the Law) and other Secret Chiefs of the planetary spiritual order after the schism in and subsequent collapse of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn at the turn of the Twentieth century. The principal holy book of the A∴A∴ is the book Crowley called AL and Liber Legis, technically called Liber AL vel Legis sub figura CCXX as delivered by 93=418 to DCLXVI, whose scriptural title is The Book of the Law, by which name the Book is most commonly known and referred to. There are several other holy books venerated in A∴A∴, which comprise the so-called Class A and AB material.
In 1919, the O.T.O. considered itself to be a "close ally" of the A∴A∴, both organizations have accepted the authority of The Book of the Law, although the O.T.O., being a temporal and fraternal society, in no way participates in the A∴A∴'s strictly hierarchic and spiritual initiatory program, nor does O.T.O. represent A∴A∴. or transmit its functions or authority.
The classic account of A∴A∴ is Karl Von Eckharthausen's The Cloud Upon the Sanctuary, re-issued by the A∴A∴ as Liber XXXIII.
After Crowley
Following Crowley's death in 1947, his student Karl Germer took over running the outer college of the order, but since Germer's death, the situation has been less clear. Various lineages of the A∴A∴ survive today and claim to have descended from Crowley.
One such lineage descends from Crowley's student, actress Jane Wolfe (known as Soror Estai). Soror Estai's one student, Phyllis Seckler (Soror Meral), founded the College of Thelema in 1973 and (with James A. Eshelman and Anna-Kria King) founded the Temple of Thelema in 1987. She designated Eshelman as her successor in the Jane Wolfe branch of A∴A∴ and as chancellor of College of Thelema. Later, she affirmed David Shoemaker's authority to "admit, supervise, and train" A∴A∴ initiates.
Numerous lineages connect the students of Marcelo Ramos Motta, including J. Daniel Gunther. A separate lineage traces back to Crowley via Israel Regardie and his student Gerald Suster. Additional lineages can be seen through Grady McMurtry and Charles Stansfeld Jones.
Sources
| Ordo Templi Orientis | |
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| Outline of spirituality ● List of occult terms ● List of occultists ● Outline of spirituality |
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- More information is available at [ Wikipedia:A∴A∴ ]
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