The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn is a mysterious group that has fascinated and bewildered outsiders for decades. Founded in the late 19th century, the Golden Dawn was a secret society that focused on the study and practice of the occult, including alchemy, tarot, and ceremonial magic.

Despite its secretive nature, the Golden Dawn has had a significant influence on the development of modern occultism and has counted some of the most influential figures of the 20th century among its members. Famous Golden Dawn alumni include the legendary occultist Aleister Crowley, the poet W.B. Yeats, and the scientist Israel Regardie.

But what was the Golden Dawn, and what did its members believe in? At its core, the Golden Dawn was a system of spiritual development that sought to help its members understand and connect with the divine through various practices and rituals. Members of the Golden Dawn believed in the power of the arcane and the ability to tap into hidden forces through the use of symbolism and ritual.

One of the central tenets of the Golden Dawn was the idea of the "great work," which referred to the process of spiritual enlightenment and self-improvement. To achieve this goal, members of the Golden Dawn engaged in a variety of practices, including meditation, astral projection, and the study of ancient texts.