Dear Companions and Friends,
The theme of the next two issues of The Ogdoadic Journal will be “Praxis of the Ogdoadic Tradition.” As such, these will be presentations of practical ritual magic and ceremonial theory evolving from the Hermetic Regenerative Tradition. The foundations of this tradition are the writings and work of Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips, acclaimed authors and past Grand Masters of the Aurum Solis. The Ordo Astrum Sophiae (OAS) is a chartered and contacted order, established in succession from the pre-2002 Aurum Solis. OAS continues to maintain strict adherence to the traditional Aurum Solis system.
Due to the vast scope of this subject, these forthcoming Journals will treat separately of the Outer and Inner Mysteries. The next issue will commence with the Outer (or Lesser) Mysteries, which can be defined as the Work of the Outer Order and of the Temenos, in which the rites of the First and Second Halls are conducted. The subsequent issue of the Journal will focus on the Inner (or Greater) Mysteries: the rites of Telesterion and the Third Hall workings pertinent to Adepti of the Ogdoadic Tradition.
As a point of clarification, these next Journals will not directly discuss the initiatory rituals of the Order. Rather, the mysteries under consideration comprise those rites, formulae, and symbols – either foundational or advanced – which should play a prominent role in the personal magical program of the Ogdoadic student. Naturally, the issue discussing the work of the Inner Order will be more general in scope than the first issue; in some ways this will be a continuation of issue number 3’s focus on the Holy Guardian Angel, with an emphasis on magical workings relevant to the Adept.
Possible topics include:
- Foundational Ogdoadic practices: The Calyx, The Setting of the Wards of Power, Clavis Rei Primae, The Tower of Light, etc.
- The Temenos, its implements, furnishings, and regalia: Bomos, Sword, Banner, Tessera, etc.
- Ritual formulae of the House of Sacrifice: evocation, talismanic consecration, etc.
- Grimoires and spirit-work within the Ogdoadic Tradition
- The Constellation of the Worshipped: assumption of godforms, devotional methods, etc.
- The Great Work and the initiation cycle
- Magical tides, times, and electional astrology
- For the Journal 6 (the Inner Mysteries): the Spear and the Grail, Rising on the Planes, etc.
Obviously this is only a sampling of possibilities. The editorial team gladly welcomes items outside of these suggestions, so long as they are germane to the theme of Ogdoadic Praxis. In addition to English articles with proper citations, submissions may also comprise artwork, poetry, or relevant book reviews.
The deadline for submissions for Journal no. 5 is Imbolc (February 1st) 2012. Submissions should be sent to master@adocentyn.net and astrum.sophia@gmail.com.
In the Light of the Glorious Star,
The Editors,
The Ogdoadic Journal of the Western Mysteries
Ordo Astrum Sophiae