This document comprises the suggested working curriculum for First Hall initiates of the Ogdoadic Tradition. It provides a working curriculum that is intended to help initiates gain proficiency and discipline in specific exercises and techniques.
As an initiate, it is your responsibility to set your own pace, and to master the exercises as dictated by your intuitive determination and common sense. Therefore, the guidelines in this manual suggest a reasonable, but not mandatory, approach to this work.
As foundation practices, they also provide basic training for magical development, and serve as a foundation on which to build future skills and experience in the art magic.
The Robe and The Ring directly describes the preliminary theory and practice for building the Magical Personality and, includes practical instruction for using and maintaining the magical diary, or journal. The diary, or journal, is an intrinsic tool that is to become the magician’s life-long companion from the onset. This section also forms a bridge between the passive and active forms of magical training (i.e., meditative and ceremonial).
The Calyx, Setting of the Wards of Power, and the Rousing of the Citadels (Clavis Rei Prima, 1st Formula), are the initiate’s foundation rituals for the First Hall and beyond. During this period, we advise that you develop a ritual program and integrate the work of the Robe and Ring whenever possible.
Additionally, follow the exercises in the order presented, moving to the next exercise, only when you have gained a reasonable degree of proficiency with the proceeding one. We suggest that you perform them once or twice a day in 5-to-10-minute intervals until you can maintain success with each technique for 10 minutes or more. The best way to measure your progress is by using a string of malas (or beads) to count “breaks” in your concentration: simply advancing a bead for each break provides an easy method to track of your progress.
The theoretical material, as in the grade system, and Vol. 1 of The Magical Philosophy (TMP), should be explored at some depth so as to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the system as a whole. Additional materials are suggested and to be explored at the individuals liking.
Please note – practices listed are additive – that is, in addition to, and not instead of previously listed exercises.
Module 1
- Establish your ritual space (TMP v1, pp 285-286)
- Bomos
- Lamp
- Chair
- Read NOTES ON THE PERSONAL TEMENOS
- Begin daily Solar Adorations (TMP v1, pp286 – 288)
- Begin weekly Chalice Exercise (Ogdoadic Journal, v.1, n.1)
Module 2
- Begin methodical reading of TMP v1 (book I, pp x1 – 146)
- Robe (TMP v1, pg. 291)
- Ring (TMP v1 pg. 291-292)
- Careful review of Magical Personality (TMP v1, chap IV)
- Three Basic Postures & Rhythmic Breathing (TMP v3, pp 3-5)
- Begin daily practice of The Tower of Light – regular method (Psychic Self-Defense, Chap 2)
- Begin keeping magical journal (TMP v1, pg. 293)
Module 3
- Begin methodical reading of TMP v1 (book II, pp 151 – 281)
- Begin keeping notebook of Qabalistic correspondences
- Begin developing the Magical Voice (TMP v1, pp 295 – 296)
- Read through and begin daily practice of The Calyx – Hebrew form (TMP v3, pp 7 – 10)
- Create (do not consecrate) your Mystical Tessera
- Suggested further reading:
- Planetary Magick pp 15 – 123 (planetary correspondences)
- Practical Guide to Creative Visualization
Module 4
- Begin methodical reading of TMP v2 (book III)
- Read through and begin work on the Hebrew form of The Setting of the Wards of Power (TMP v3, pp 11- 16)
- Make a practice of regularly drawing out the Tree of Life – see TMP v1 – Book II, chap VII. For drawing instructions, see TMP v1 pg. 298
- Begin Sephira/Path meditative contemplation (TMP v1, pp 298 – 300)
- Suggested further reading:
- Any reputable works on mythology (to supplement correspondence study)
- Magical States of Consciousness
- Practical Guide to Psychic Self Defense
- Practical Guide to the Magick of the Tarot
- Entrance to the Magical Qabalah
Module 5
- Begin methodical reading of TMP v2 (book IV, no more than 1 chapter a day)
- Continue regular practices from Modules 1 – 4
- Suggested further reading:
- The works of C.G. Jung, paying particular attention to Psychology and Alchemy, Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche, Mysterium Coniunxionis, and Alchemical Studies
- Practical Guide to the Development of Psychic Powers
- Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam
- The Living Flame of Love and its Commentary, Canticle of the Soul, and On a Dark Night – by St. John of the Cross
Module 6
- Begin to familiarize yourself with the Greek Alphabet (TMP v3, pg. 144)
- Study Paper XVI (TMP v3, pp 87 – 100)
- Begin using the Greek form of the Calyx (TMP v3, pg. 7) and the Greek form of the Setting of the Wards (TMP v3, pp 17 – 20)
- Read through and begin regular practice of The Rousing of the Citadels / 1st Formula of the Clavis Rei Primae (TMP v3, pp 27 – 33) using the Sub Rosa Nigra Words of Power on pg. 29
- Follow the plan of practice for the Rousing as outlined on pp 29-33
- Review the Positions Potent of the Centers of Activity in TMP v2, pp 383 – 384)
Module 7
- Read Paper IX (TMP v3, pp 43 – 47) – commit to memory the Divine Names and the modes of tracing the pentagram and the heptagram for the Invocation and Banishing of elemental, planetary, and zodiacal forces.
- Read and put into practice Paper VII – the 2nd Formula of the Clavis Rei Primae (TMP v3, pp 35 – 37)
Module 8
- Read Paper XVII and its Addendum (TMP v3, pp 101 – 115)
- Begin to implement the use of incense
- Read and put into practice Paper VIII, The Orante Formula (TMP v3 pp 39 – 42)
- Add weekly Wine Blessing to your practice (TMP v1, pp 305 – 306)
Module 9
- Read Paper XVIII, TMP v3, pp 117 – 125
- Read Paper X, TMP v3, pp 51 – 55 – you may now make use of the material (Identifying with God-forces) as outlined in this particular paper
- Read through our private paper on “Consecrating your personal Temenos” (separate file, by request)
Module 10
- Read Paper XIX, TMP v3 pp 127 – 139
- Select a series of Yetziratic names – of the Planetary Sephiroth, for example, or the Zodiacal Paths of the Tree – and work out images for them. Draw and paint these images if you can.
- Consecrate your personal working space as your private Temenos using the procedure studied in Module 9. This consecration may be repeated from time to time and should certainly be repeated just prior to your First Hall Self-Initiation.
Module 11
- Read Paper XX, TMP v3 pp 141 – 153
- Practice constructing Sigils for Atziluthic, Briatic, and Yetziratic names.
- Begin careful study of the First Hall Initiation, the Rite of Induction (Aurum Solis Initiation Ceremonies, chaps 1 – 5) – the following may be spread out over the remaining First Hall Modules:
- Write out in your own handwriting the First Hall Oath (pp 62 – 63)
- Review other item requirements – acquire as needed
Module 12
- Read Paper XII and Paper XIII (TMP v3, pp 61 – 73)
- Begin at least practicing sections 1,2, and 5 of The Going Forth of the Star and the Chariot thereof – practice full Helionic Projection if desired
- Suggested further reading:
- Practical Guide to Astral Projection
Module 13
- Read Paper XIV (TMP v3, pp 75 – 77) and begin to make use of The Watcher as applicable
- Pathworking: 32nd Path (MSC)
PREPARING FOR YOUR SELF-INITIATION
Establish and follow a regular program of practices
Preparing for your First Hall initiation involves opening yourself to an inner awareness and the movement of psychic energies. This is a matter of practice, not of study. The exercises outlined in this program will facilitate this practice.
We recommend that you institute a regular approach to your practices. For example, at least several times a week you should be doing the following:
- Put on your robe and ring and enter your ritual space.
- Make a dedication of intent.
- Do the foundational practices, sitting in God-form posture & establishing rhythmic breath.
- Perform the Calyx.
- Perform the Tower of Light.
- Perform the chalice exercise
- Finish with the Calyx.
- Write in your magical journal.
Generally, Initiations in the Ogdoadic Tradition are not performed during the dark period, from December 21 to March 21, and you may wish to follow this convention in your own work.
You should make sure you are prepared well before the date of your initiation with the following:
- A magical robe (many like to substitute a white linen Alb for the “Tau robe” – they are easier to find, of higher quality, and often less expensive).
- A black cord (approximately ½” in thickness), long enough to encircle your waist and hang several feet. Cords sold in Catholic supply shops work very well.
- A magical name
You will use the magical name you select until your Third Hall Initiation. Unlike in some other traditions, this is not an aspiration name. Rather, it is any name, preferably fairly short, with which you resonate. It should not be in English. Meditate, and the right name will come to you.