The Book of Coelius

I had the chance to obtain this book as soon as it was released, and since I read the introduction I had expectations on the material.  The author is a well-known fellow Magician and Alchemist, Christopher Bradford.

This book it is about Alchemy, the Royal Art, the development of the self; and as it is stated on the material, it refers to practices of an Alchemical Order called Ordo Octopi Nigri Pulveri, from which the brother Bradford is member.

The book starts by describing the particular process of this Order; and quickly moves in the details of the Rites to be performed for each step of the Alchemical process.

Being Alchemy a subject of study strongly based on symbolism, this book surpasses the expectations because it presents practical methods, step by step on how to perform the Rites from the ground, for the development and transformation of the self.

The book is practical from cover to cover; no blinds; no unnecessary theory, just the one needed to understand the work that is being presented. This is a book to be used to work with it; this is not a book for the shelf, or for the armchair.

Being an aspiring Alchemist myself and being exposed to other methods, I found the practices on this book highly compatible with my field of study and development, which are the Rosicrucian and Hermetic Traditions.

I encourage those interested in pursuing the Great Work to acquire this book; it will set you apart from being just a conjurer or just a magician who work for mundane goals. Invest in yourself and work in your own development, your own body, your own mind and soul.

Peace Profound, in LVX

H Frater VL

The Ritual Magic Manual

When I joined the HOGD/AO, I received my study materials and among them, I received the part  of this book that corresponds to the magical work of the Neophyte.

It was easy for me to learn and apply this knowledge; I decided to master the rituals and move on to the next grade. When I was enabled to get the new material for my Junioris again, I received the part corresponding to that grade, and that's when I realized that this book it is something I had to own.

When I began my search, I was discouraged for two reasons: 1. it was out of print; and 2. it was highly expensive. As time went by, I kept track of how the prices were changing from seller to seller, until I was able to finally buy it, and I did it.

I was busy enough with my grade work at that time, and the temptation to learn and do the other rites was overwhelming; what else!, I had the whole book for me! but I still kept the pace. With some time available, I started to learn some other rites I needed for practical purposes and I began to perform them.

I have to be very honest here: this is a great book and it worth the money I paid for it and I don't regret it at any moment, and instead I'm glad I obtained it.

But, what makes this book so special? it is the fact that it contains detailed instructions on how to perform the rituals; this is a Grimoire for working magicians and this is not a book for the shelf. It contains all the rituals for every grade of the outer Order, from Neophyte to Portal: Elemental, Planetary, Zodiacal and Sephirotic rituals with precise instructions on god forms; incense; hierarchy of spirits and the Golden Dawn symbolism corresponding to each rite.

The Enochian integration into the Golden Dawn is also remarkable and many "Enochian specialists" out there who claim to be "purists and Dee-like specimens" dare to put poor critics and arguments against the fabulous integration that this book presents. If I have to mention a book that deserves such level of respect, is the work of Michael Stenwick with his Mystical Heptarchy book; which I have also the fortune of own.

My magical work is fully around this book; of course I have other practices, since I belong to 3 Orders and I have connection to other people; but in terms of Golden Dawn magic, my whole work is devoted to the study of this great Grimoire.

Also, I believe in one thing: If the magician has the talent, it can achieve anything with the teachings contained in this book. Some people hasn't even worked this book and they dare say things that go against the prestige of this material.

If I have shaken the bottle of nails with this article...I don't care...I love this book; I'm a Golden Dawn magician, I have the talent, and the power.

Peace profound, in Life, Light and Love.

H Frater VL

Why did I join the HOGD/AO

When I was searching for an Order to join, I have read about that group that existed in 1888 in England and I barely remember the name.

One afternoon, I was at Barnes and Noble and I found the black Regardie's book: "The Golden Dawn". I took it, got a table and started to read, but one afternoon was not enough.

I got back home and started to search "The Golden Dawn" and it was dissapointing to me, that there were many groups called "The Golden Dawn" and I said to myself: "what is the real one?"; but I started to go one by one and I even was about to fall in the Credit Card fraud of the Zink's EOGD; then, I went to McZ and the website was so obscure that just by looking at it made me ran away.

I even bought the "Self Initiation" green book and to be honest, the theory is awesome, I must credit that; but then after reading a lot, I said: "where's the magic?" and also made think "how am I going to Initiate myself if I don't have any power vested on me?" and I kept searching.

One good day, I found the HOGD/AO and the very moment I found the website I knew it was the one I was searching and I didn't even hesitate in joining.

The rites of the neophyte came to me and they were natural; I learned right away and immediately started to see changes. By that time, I had no idea on what was going on on the blogosphere; I didn't know that Zink and some others were waging war against my new Order.

On my way, I found some known names on the web and occult circles...Leitch, Farrell, RO, etc etc and credit to whom credit deserves, RO helped me a lot and I became his student in one of his classes. I knew he disliked what the GD means but I didn't understand why; I just kept doing my class and kept going my way in the Order. At some point, I liked Leitch but somehow I knew I didn't need to spend my money on him; Farrell, I distrust him since the beginning.

As I was progressing in the HOGD/AO, I experienced many good changes in my life with the rituals, spiritually, psychicly and materially. Many rewards, and power...yes, I said power. The fraternal union of my fellow Fratres and Sorores made me feel at home.

I have met many good people in my Order, my tutor; my fellow members of the Temple; and all of those who i just know online by now, but I hope in the future, meet them. Also, I do my duty as officer in the Temple, and we do voluntary work with love to our fellow candidates who come to be Initiated by us; and they know it, they feel how we treat them, with respect and love.

I'm proud of my HOGD/AO, I see the honesty in our brothers and sisters and in the Institution itself. Our order is not a business, the Order doesn't even sell things and we receive our material for free; it's part of our regular study curriculum. Everybody knows that.

The ones who are milking the community are the same who oppose to us, they sell lies and cheap journalism.

We stand strong and independent and no one has the right to take that freedom out of us.

My dear Fratres and Sorores of the HOGD/AO, I love you all, with sincere love and much respect, to each one of you.

Peace profound, in LVX

H Frater VL.