|
FIRE & ICE: MAGICAL TEACHINGS OF GERMANY'S GREATEST SECRET OCCULT ORDER |
|
Chapter 3: Organization of the Brotherhood of Saturn
Eritis sicut Deus scientes bonum et malum
The FS had at one time or another several lodges working simultaneously, encompassing dozens of members who were trained and initiated through a graded hierarchy of thirty-three degrees. This required a fairly sophisticated and complex organizational structure and magical curriculum. The FS has a specific philosophy as to what constitutes initiation. This is articulated through their grade system, which generally allots special work and functions to each of the thirty-three degrees. The lodges are largely administrative structures designed to support this initiatory path as best they can.
Magically, the first step in initiation in the FS system is the blending of the chela into the "Chain of Brotherhood" by ritually bonding him into the order's stream of psychic power. The initiate takes advantage of this reservoir of energy for his work, while providing some measure of it to the collective work of the whole Brotherhood as well.
In point of magical fact it is the Demiurge Saturnus that is the true initiator of all brothers and sisters in the order. This process of initiation—of being brought into gradually higher sacred states—is also called "Saturn-Yoga." This is described as a form of rajayoga (= intellectual path to union). By this path the initiate is led through the starry spheres toward a mental unity. In the final level of this process the brother becomes a king-like lord at the summit of knowledge. He attains what is called "Saturn-Gnosis."
The actual number of paths to this gnosis, to the Guardian of the Threshold, are very few. Those who reach this goal are marked by their "serious, taciturn, and deeply philosophical" natures. It is only these who can truly understand what "Do what Thou wilt" and "compassionless love" mean. [1]
After a certain point a Saturnian brother must recognize that he can no longer worship the personal god commonly imaged in Christian churches. The need to do so will be an indication of his lack of preparation for higher knowledge. The Demiurge sternly tests those on the path toward it. Before crossing the Threshold one will often have to suffer in a state of preparation. But once this Threshold is crossed the initiate is—through Gnostic experience—protected from the former perception of suffering. The initiate is protected and given exalted knowledge by Saturn, and he becomes a master of the "higher and lower light" and is taught to be "beyond good and evil."
It is only after the initiate is free of the old, superceded religious notions that he is ready for the priestly grades (i.e., 12° and above). After this point the initiate realizes that there is no personal god and that the Christian religion is meaningless. God is conceived of as the Absolutum, or "Zero-point Energy." [2] The path of the Saturnian brother will be a gradual increase in power, as he becomes the master of first the "lower light" and then the "higher light," and able to command daemon and angel alike. He then becomes a creator and demiurge in his own right " . . . for thou art Thine own God . . . " [3]
It would be a mistake to think that just anybody could undergo the FS initiatory path. The brothers of the FS consider themselves to be the elect of the higher octave of the Saturnian sphere. This higher octave is the Bearer of Light, who is the Great Angel and Guide to higher spheres and deeper knowledge. [4]
Technically, and at its most basic level, the training system of the FS consists of three major phases: (I) training of the imagination, visualization, creation of willed images; (II) contemplation, i.e. emotional experience of the willed images; and (III) meditation, in which the images are dispensed with in lieu of direct spiritual experience. [5]
A systematic approach to initiatory training based on FS principles and learning of techniques has been published under the editorship of Karl Spiesberger (Frater Eratus), [6] although the runic technique had already been expounded by Gregorius within the order.
The Thirty-Three Degrees and Their Work
According to the Rule of the Order dated 1963, the FS is a lodge which works in accordance with a system of knowledge contained in degrees structurally identical to that of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Basically there are two kinds of degrees within this 33° system: honorary ones which are bestowed for certain functions, and ones that must be earned through work and the acquisition of certain knowledge. In the Outer Court Grades (0°—11°) no lifelong commitments are made. Once one enters the Rosicrucian Grades (R+C Grades, 12 °—20°), lasting commitments are made to the order and to the Saturnian current. The High Degrees are 21°—29° and are referred to as Degrees of High Honors. The degrees 30°—33° are the High Honorary Degrees. The degrees from 29°—33° can be held only by one living person. In other words, there can only be one holder of each of these last five degrees living at any one time.
The form of address used for persons below the 4 ° is generally "brother" or "sister," while after the 4 ° "frater" or "sorella" is used. Those who have attained the 12° are called master or maestra.
An overview of all thirty-three degrees of the FS is provided below, but beyond this it is important to realize the nature of the qualifications, duties, and work of each of these grades. For the most part the descriptions of the grades are taken from various documents from the time of the Grand Mastery of Gregorius. [7]
0° Neophyte Brother or Sister — This degree is used to designate all brothers and sisters entering the FS.
1° Scholasticus Voluntatis — Student of the Will: The first degree is a service grade. It is bestowed upon those who show themselves reliable and disciplined, and who follow the basic instructions given to them.
2° Scholasticus Verbi — Student of the Word: This degree is one of the intellect. It is a preparation for the 8° and is given to those brothers and sisters who are articulate and have put their knowledge in the service of the lodge.
3° Schoiasticus Vitae — Student of Life: A grade bestowed upon those who have demonstrated immunity to the suggestions of mysticism or spiritualism. They are down-to-earth, with a sense of beauty and harmony; they must be motivated to become expressive personalities and to master life in all its forms.
4° Frater/Sorella — This is symbolic of entry into the temple of the lodge, which happens after one has shown oneself to be loyal and reliable. This can only be conferred after a minimum of three years' membership in the FS.
5° Servus Juris — Servant of the Law: A degree given to those with special interests and professional qualifications in matters dealing with legal matters. They advise the FS in legal affairs both internal and external.
6° Servus Templi — Servant of the Temple: He or she is called upon to serve in sacred operations and to assist the officiating brother or sister in rituals. This is the Doorkeeper of the Lodge.
7° Servus Ritus — Servant of the Ritual: This degree is intended above all for those who will serve as the Second Warden in the lodge ritual.
8° Gradus Mercurii — This degree must be earned by work. The initiate must have been a member of the FS for at least three years. The conditions for the conferring of this degree are: 1) mastery of ritual, symbolism, and esoteric teachings of the apprentice grades, 2) knowledge of theosophical doctrines (karma, reincarnation, the seven principles, and the planes of existence), 3) mastery of basic astrology, 4) basics of symbolism, and 5) a written work on the elementary concepts of the R+C.
9° Servus Pentaculi — Servant of the Pentacle: This is a Lunar degree principally reserved for sisters who have proven themselves especially trustworthy.
Servus Tabernaculi — Servant of the Tabernacle: Those of this degree are called upon for purely ceremonial preparations, e.g. lighting candles, incense, parchment, etc. He or she is under the direction of the Master of Ceremonies. Works together especially with those of the 6°.
Servus Mysterii — Servant of the Mystery: A degree of trust. The holder aids the Lodge Secretary and archivist. Works on special liaison for the lodge.
Gradus Solis — Requires life-long loyalty to the lodge. Must have been a member of the FS for a minimum of six years. Criteria of knowledge are: priesthood of the FS, lodge ritual and symbolism. The recipient must write an essay on a special topic within the area of the 12° and two essays from areas covered in degrees 1°—12°. This is the first degree of Saturnian Priesthood.
Servus Selectus Imaginationes — Elected Servant of the Imagination: This is especially reserved for the First Warden. He or she can move into higher grades with the approval of the Master of the Chair. Knowledge which must be demonstrated includes mirror magic and training of visualization. Also, the candidate must write at least one essay.
14° Servus Selectus Magicus — Elected Servant of Magic: Only given to one brother in the lodge who shows a special knowledge of the disciplines of practical magic. He can be called upon to lead magical exercises. He receives his instructions from the officiating Master. His special areas of knowledge include: astral magic, evocatory magic, banishing magic, imagospuric magic, and the magic of incenses. He must also write at least one essay.
15° Servus Selectus Elementorum — Elected Servant of the Elements: Like the 14°, this degree requires that the holder have a special knowledge of practical magic, especially that having to do with the elements and elemental entities. The criteria of knowledge include: the magic of quasi-entities and elementals, and the interpretation of The Magic Flute and Parzival. The recipient must write one essay.
16° Sacerdos Aiones — Priest of the Aeon: This degree requires esoteric, magical, and cosmological knowledge in the Uranian sense of the New Age. He must be able to fructify the lodge with Uranian impulses. He works closely with the GM. The knowledge criteria include: the doctrines of the odic force and of the chakras. He must write at least one essay.
Sacerdos Maximus — Grand High Priest: This degree is held by only one initiate in the lodge. He must have excellent knowledge of religious science and be a capable mystic, able to articulate his experience in every respect. The knowledge criteria for this grade include: the Kabbalah, and name magic. He must also write one essay from these areas of knowledge.
Magus Pentalphae — Cultivates knowledge of the O.T.O. system. Must have attained the 12°. Generally restricted to males. All present holders of the 18° are consulted before it is bestowed on someone. Areas of knowledge are: erotic magic and erotic mysticism. Further conditions are the completion of a written work in the field of the 18°, and two essays in the areas of grades 10°—18°.
Magus Sigilli Solomonis — Magus of the Seal of Solomon: This is a purely mystical grade for which the initiate must already possess the 12°. Disciplines include: Kabbalah, numerology, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy, Anthroposophy, Eastern and Western mysticism, Aryan/Eastern/Christian symbolism, heraldry, rune lore, Freemasonry, ritual, and comparative religion. Proof must be provided that the standard works of the given disciplines have been mastered. At least six articles or essays in these fields must be completed.
20° Magus Heptagrammatos — To attain this grade one must also already have the 12°. This is a purely esoteric grade. The disciplines for study are primarily rune magic and mysticism, but also Atlantean "wisdom," cosmogony, cosmology, and ancient and modern art in connection with magic.
21° Magister Selectus Sapien tiae — Elected Master of Wisdom: This degree is given to those who have proven that they have attained a high level of knowledge in some special area of occult study. This proof is usually in the form of practical results or published works. The knowledge criterion for this degree is usually number magic, and the condition is at least one essay.
22° Magister Perfectum Potestatum — Perfected Master of the Powers: General criteria are the same as with the 21°. However, here the special field of knowledge is usually amuletic magic and the magical use of precious stones. Again, one essay is required.
23° Magister Magnificus Pneumaticos — Perfected Master of the Spirit: Again the general criteria are the same as the previous two grades. Here the area of specialization is the practice of breath magic and mantra practice. Again, one essay is required.
Princeps Arcani — Prince of the Secret: This is technically also a "Magisterial" grade, and therefore has general criteria corresponding to it. The special areas of study are: the history, doctrines, structures, and rituals of occult lodges and orders. Further conditions include the ability to name the key works relevant to the special area of study, and at least one written essay.
Magister Gnosticus — Master of Gnosis: To have this grade, the initiate must have attained the 12°, and have at least one R+C grade. Areas of study include: Gnosticism, pre-Socratic philosophy, Egyptology, Greek and Roman philosophy, alchemy, occult medicine, high ritual magic, and cosmic and planetary magic.
Magister Aquarii — The initiate must have the 12°, as well as the 18°, or the 19°—20°, and the disciplines of the 18°— 25°. Additionally, he or she must be the master of Uranian knowledge concerning the New Age. Initiates are only named to this grade by the GM, under the advisement of initiates above the 26°. The main area of knowledge concentrated on here is esoteric astrology. Again one essay is required.
Grand Commander — A holder of this degree of High Honor belongs to the circle of close and trusted allies of the GM. Any initiate named to this grade must have at least the 12°, an R+C grade, and at least one High Degree. Also, the initiate must have at least ten years' membership in the Brotherhood. This degree is especially reserved for state-level masters. They are appointed by the GM, with the advice of the other holders of High Honor degrees. Areas of knowledge especially cultivated in this degree are: physiognomy, graphology, and all methods of reading a person's character. Other conditions include one example of original character analysis according to some esoteric school, and two essays from areas studied in the 1°—27°.
28° Grand Chancellor — The holder of this degree is one of the GM's most trusted advisors. He must have at least attained the 12°, one R+C grade, and one High Degree, with at least ten years of membership. The holder must have a high level of mastery of ritual magic. This degree can only be held by one person, and is appointed by the GM. Areas of knowledge cultivated here are cosmic and planetary magic and mental magic. One essay on an area of study particular to the 28° is required along with three essays on subjects drawn from fields covered during the 10°—28°.
29° Grand or General Inspector—This is a lifetime appointment made by the GM alone. The General Inspector is the chief assistant to the GM, and assumes his duties in the absence of the GM. He can consult with any member at any time on any subject. He acts as an arbiter in disputes and has free access to all local lodges, seeing that the laws of the lodge are observed in spirit and letter. Again, ten years of membership are required to hold this degree, and only one person can hold it at a time. Areas of special knowledge are old religions, and Oriental and Western religious systems. He must produce one essay from each of these three areas of study. Magister Maximus Cados—Nothing concerning his activities is generally known. Knowledge of this degree is internal to the FS. The conditions are: strict confirmation in the law of the lodge and in the spirit of the Demiurge. The holder must be well informed in all practical and theoretical aspects of magic. The grade is only held by one person, who must have the 12°, one R+C grade, a High Degree, and twelve years of membership in the FS. Perhaps blood-brotherhood will be sworn with the GM. He is exclusively appointed by the GM. The areas of knowledge with which he must be familiar include: universal wisdom, occult history, and great esotericists of history. Other conditions include: three large written works from three areas of study and three works from the grade work 1°—30°.
31° Magister Templarius — Conditions of this grade are the same as those for any above the 30°. The holder of the 31° must be prepared to defend the lodge and subordinate his own interests in favor of those of the lodge. Areas of knowledge in which he specializes are: history of the Templar Order, ritual of the old Temple and secret cults, and magical sects of ancient and modern times. Other conditions: three major works from the three main areas of study, as well as three from the areas covered from the 1° to the 31°.
32° Princeps Illustris Tabemaculi — Grand Prince of the Tabernacle. General conditions are the same as all those beyond the 30°. Areas of special knowledge include: the doctrine of divinity, the Grail, esoteric art. Conditions are: one work from the special areas of the 32° and four works from the areas of study particular to the previous grades.
33° Gradus Ordinis Templi Orientis Saturni — Nominated by the members of the High Degrees. The holder of the GOTOS grade must have knowledge of sacramental magic, and must produce nine written works from the full span of subject areas covered in the magical curriculum of the FS— at least one of which must be on sacramental magic. The Grand Master must also be able to answer thirty-three secret questions.
Because the areas in which the brothers and sisters of the FS sometimes wanted to conduct magical experiments would, on occasion, constitute a legal offense, or even an offense against the general lodge rules, or simply be distasteful from the standpoint of bourgeois morality, various secret and unofficial "study circles" were set up. These cells were completely private unto the individual initiates engaged in them and had nothing officially to do with the FS proper. The writings relative to them were the private diaries of the members of the group, copies of which could be sent around in confidential correspondence. Supposedly this not only lent the legal element of "deniability" to the lodge, but it also magically diverted any responsibility from the lodge to the individuals involved. This last point has special reference to the general occult doctrine of karma. At one time or another, general sex magical practices (especially those involving multiple sex partners or partners of the same sex), ceremonies involving illegal drugs (which the FS especially likes to use in its incense), animal sacrifice, and even evocatory magic or spiritualistic operations were treated in such "study circles." [8]
At various times in the history of the FS its official relationship to practical magic in general and to the distinctions between "black" and "white" magic have been very ambiguous. In this book we have been concentrating on what the documentary record shows rather than on official statements meant more or less for public consumption.
|