Enterer of the Threshold: Probationer

Book for the Student and Probationer: The Enterer of the Threshold presents the Oaths and Tasks of the Golden Dawn in the Outer, along with the symbolic temple floor-plans from Probationer to Dominus Liminis. The book provides the keys by which a Probationer may prepare for initiation to the grade of Neophyte.

Please note that the system of grades presented in this book is drawn from the archival work of the Hermetic Order of the Star and Snake.

In ceremonial, the drawing of a circle is the key to all. It must be a true magical vortex—raising about the sphere of the mind an absolute barrier to all extraneous impressions—thus enabling perfect spontaneity.

Ordo Astri Books: Probationer: The Enterer of the ThresholdAt the very beginning there is the intellectual matter of books, study and thought, which is the work of the Student. This work continues through all grades. Next, the circle of the place must be constructed by taking the Great Work from theory into practice.

Before any invocation can take place, before any Gods may appear, the circle of the place must be drawn. The circumambulations about the circle begin with seated asana and pranayama, the circulation of the breath. All ceremonial circumambulation is an outward projection of the circulation of the breath in yoga, and is the arising of light in darkness. The Probationer must practice and understand the following tenfold formula over the course of one year, for it is the means to the initiation of the Enterer of the Threshold.

0. Intellectual Thought and Study.
1. The Fraternal Name.
2. The Oath and Task.
3. The Holy Obligation.
4. The Powers of the Sphinx.
5. The Keeping of the Record!
6. The Mudra of Horus the Enterer and Silence.
7. Vibration of Words of Power.
8. The Ritual of the Gates of Babalon.
9. Asana and Pranayama.
10. The Sword and Serpent.

From Probationer to Neophyte

The Probationer must enter the pyramid of Malkuth from ‘outside’ to truly become a Neophyte. The Probationer must define the circle of the place. Squaring the circle implies bringing to form or manifestation all that we are and can ever be.

The pyramid of Malkuth must first be constructed through the effort of the Probationer, then realised through contact made with the inner plane counterpart of the Order. The Probationer degree concerns the circle of all possibilities—for it has no number or sephira. There is, further, a mystery of the Ain Soph Aur, the veils of negativity that precede Kether. The thread of the Ain Soph is the means of translation between the planes; it is the means of the verb, the word that goes forth. This is not something that only concerns the Probationer that is awaiting full admission to the Order, for the squaring of the circle applies to every grade and every sephira of the Tree of Life.

The link between the Probationer and Neophyte is the Vision of Adonai or the Holy Guardian Angel, which is the magical power of Malkuth. This is affirmed, whether symbolically or actually, by the ritual of Initiation performed and realised not once but many times until perfect mastery is obtained. Only then is the Neophyte prepared to ascend the paths of the Serpent of Wisdom from Malkuth.


Notes

The Enterer of the Threshold: View book on author’s website.

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