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Golden Dawn Glossary

The GD Glossary and artwork is copyrighted © 1997 by The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Glossary entries provided by Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha Cicero.

Our thanks to Mary K. Greer for giving us permission to add glossary entries from her original work on the "Golden Dawn Vocabulary." All of Ms. Greer's entries will be followed by the initials [M.K.G.]. 

(Note: FR = Flying Roll; PFC = Paul Foster Case; SA = Sapere Aude [W. Wynn Westcott], IR = Israel Regardie, FF = Florence Farr. SSDD = Sapientia Sapienti Dono Data [Florence Farr]) Page Updated December 6, 2000.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Abba: Hebrew word meaning "father." The Partzuf that is attributed to Chokmah and the letter Yod of Tetragrammaton. (See Partzufim.)

Abiegnus: The mystic Cavern in the sacred Mountain of Initiation (Zanoni?).  The Vault of C.R.C. of the Second Order also represents this Cavern.  Mountain of God in the centre of the Unvierse.  Below and around it are darkness and silence, and it is crowned with the Light ineffable.  At its base is the Wall of Enclosure and Secrecy, whose sole Gateway, invisible to the profane, is formed of the Two Pillars of Hermes.  The ascent of the Mountain is by the Spiral path of the Serpent of Wisdom. 7:56.  The word abiegnus means Abi-Agnus, Lamb of the Father.  It is by metathesis Abi-Genos, born of the Father. Bia-Genos, Strength of our Race, and the Four Words make the sentence, Mountain of the Lamb of the Father, and the Strength of our Race. IAO. YEHESHUAH. 7:21. [M.K.G.]

Abyss: a chasm or gulf which separates the three Supernal Sephiroth from the rest of the spheres on the Tree of Life. Considered a division between the noumenal and the phenomenal.

Achamoth: ‘The Gnostics said that the Achamoth (probably a corruption of Chokmutha) attempted to comprehend the Pleroma, and could not understand it, and from the grief of her were formed the demons and evil spirits. FR#X. [M.K.G.]

Adam Kadmon: the "heavenly man" or body of God. The divine prototype of humanity which is circumscribed upon the Tree of Life. The crown of Kether is above his head and Malkuth is at his feet.

The first ideal form of Man—behind the Kether form and, the prototype of the Tiphereth form—representing the Prince in the Court Cards (Vau of the Tetragrammaton).  FR#X.  The Divine Man latent in himself . . . whom God hath made in His Own Image. <Mathers, 1887 & 1983 #87> p. ix. [M.K.G.]

Adept: an initiate who has reached a certain high level of attainment.

Adeptus Minor: the "lesser Adept." The first grade of the Golden Dawn's Inner Order. The Adept Grades comprise the Third Degree.

Adonai: Hebrew word for "lord," intoned in the south in the LBRP, and with the pentagram of Earth in the SIRP.

Adonai ha-Aretz: Hebrew phrase for "lord of earth." Divine name associated with Malkuth.

Adonai Melekh: Hebrew phrase for "lord and king." Associated with Malkuth.

Adoration of the Lord of the Universe: Holy art Thou, Lord of the Universe./ Holy art Thou, whom Nature hath not formed./Holy art Thou, The Vast and Might One./Lord of the Light and of the Darkness. 6:9. [M.K.G.]

Aemeth: From Sigillum Dei Æmeth, the Seal of Truth, used by John Dee and Edward Kelley, and placed under their crystal for protection when scrying. “The word Aemeth [spelled AMTh] is compounded of the 1st letter of the Alphabet and the last letter, and of a middle one, as though we affirm that Truth is to be found by the reconciliation of the extremes through the knowledge of the means. Forget not that Aleph is the Spiritual and Etherial [Fool], and Tau is the Universe, and Mem is the Sacrificial Man, placed between them so as to affirm the Reconciliation of the Natural to the Spiritual through self-sacrifice.” Mathers.  These letters also stand for Air, Water and Earth, and when combined with Shin, Fire, “there is an affirmation of the judgement set and the Book of Life opened.” quoted in Golden Dawn Enochian Magic, p. 2-3.  “And lastly that when Shin is added, there is an affirmation of the judgement set and the Book of Life opened which is in YHVH and that the Keys answering unto these 4 letters are: Aleph is the Spirit of the Aethyr. Tau is the Great One of the Night of Time. Shin is the Spirit of the Primal Fire. "As it would affirm firstly, the Aetherial and Divine Spirit brooding over the mighty Waters in the Silence of the Abyss of the Night of the Great One, before Creation, and before Time. And lastly, the Judgement of the Universe through Fire, when the End of the Ages shall be. Therefore it is that the numbering of the Angels followeth this order of: Shin is Fire. Tau is Earth. Mem is Water. Aleph is Air. "The above is the correct order and not the order of the attribution of the Elements to Tetragrammaton."[M.K.G.]

Agla: Hebrew notariqon for the phrase Atah Gebur Le-Olahm Adonai or "Thou art Great forever, my Lord." Intoned in the north in the LBRP.

The divine name which is vibrated in the North when doing the banishing ritual of the pentagram. A divine name which stands for Iieth Gadol Leolam Adonai (Adonai will be great to eternity). (AGLA...'is an abbreviation for the words, Ah-tah Gee-boor Lih-oh-lahm Ah-doh-nye.  It means "Thou art great forever, my lord," and is from a Hebrew  prayer.'). “It hieroglyphically encloses all the mysteries of the Kabbalah. The letter Aleph expresses unity and represents the dogma of Hermes: ‘That which is above is as that which is below,’ by its two arms, one of which points to earth and the other to heaven. The letter Ghimel expresses numerically the triad and hieroglyphically child-birth, fecundity. The letter Lamed is the expression of the perfect cycle. It represents the circulation of the perpetual movement and the relation of the radius to the circumference. The letter Aleph repeated is the expression of the synthesis. Thus, the name AGLA signifies unity, which by the triad accomplishes the cycle of numbers to return to unity; the fruitful principle of Nature which is one with unity; the primal truth which ferilizes science and directs it back to unity; syllepsis, analysis, science, and synthesis; the three Divine Persons, who are one God; the secret of the magnum opus, that is, the fixation of the Astral Light by a supreme projection of will-power, which the adepts represented by a serpent transfixed by a dart, and forming therewith the letter Aleph; then the three operation--to dissolve, to evaporate, and to condense, corresponding tot the three indispensable substances--salt, sulphur, and mercury, all expressed by the letter Ghimel; then the twelve keys of Basilius Valentinus expressed by Lamed; finally, the work accomplished comfortably to its principle, and reproducing the principle itself. Such is the origin of that Kabbalistic tradition which comprises all magic in a word, and all power in a single name. to know how to read and pronounce this word, that is, to understand the mysteries of and translate into practice these absolute branches of knowledge, is to have the key of prodigies, the science of Solomon, and the light of Abraham. ... To pronounce the word AGLA Kabbalistically, is therefore to undergo all the trials of initiation and fulfil all its works.” Levi/Waite, The Mysteries of Magic, p. 101-102. [M.K.G.]

Aima: Hebrew word meaning "mother." In Qabalah it is “the bright, fertile mother,” a title of Binah. The Partzuf that is attributed the second letter Heh of Tetragrammaton (See Partzufim.)

Aims of the First Order: To extend the range of your interior perceptions, and to intensify your consciousness of identity with that One Power that governs the whole universe. Its object, and the purpose of all its practices, is to liberate you from the deceptive influence of the illusion that you are in any way separated from THAT. PFC. [M.K.G.]

Aims [Goal] of the Second Order:  1) Spiritual Development; 2) extension of the powers of perception (to perceive entities, events and forces upon the super-sensuous planes); 3) learning the modes of Divination (to develop intuition) and 4) becoming familiar with the vibratory mode of pronouncing Divine Names (to thus procure the influence of Divine Powers).  To these may be added the practical study of the particular influences of colour and thus we are called "Lords of the Path of the Chameleon."  FR # XIX  To change the powers of physical sensuous life into the refined spiritual faculties of Adeptship, in truth as well as in name.  FR#XV  See also ‘Soul Transmutation.’ [M.K.G.]

Ain: Hebrew word meaning "nothing." The outermost of the Three Negative Veils.

Ain Soph: Hebrew phrase meaning "limitless." The middle veil of the Three Negative Veils.

The Infinite, Limitless.  Literally “No End”.  The hidden God who emanates forth the sefirotic tree. [M.K.G.]

Ain Soph Aur: Hebrew phrase meaning "the limitless light." The innermost of the Three Negative Veils, from which the Sephirah of Kether was formed.

Aiq Beker: an important method used in Literal Qabalah, sometimes called the "Qabalah of Nine Chambers." A chart used to convert Hebrew letters to their numerical equivalents. The numbers arrived at in this fashion are often used to make sigils in talismanic magic. The name Aiq Beker comes from reading the Hebrew letters in the first two chambers: Aleph, Yod, Qoph, and Beth, Kaph, Resh. (See Literal Qabalah.)

Air: one of the four magical elements. Air is said to be a combination of the qualities of heat and moisture. Air is considered active, masculine, intellectual, ethereal, abstract and communicative. (See Elements.)

Air Dagger: one of the Elemental weapons or implements of the Adept. Used to invoke or banish the element of Air.

Akasa (or Akasha): derived from a Sanskrit word meaning "to shine." The Tattva associated with the element of spirit, depicted as a black egg. (See Tattva.)

Akashic Record: the idea that all of the experiences and memories of every living being are contained in the substance of the ether. "Stored-up cosmic memory. A level of time-consciousness within the astral plane which contains all the past events, thoughts, images, and activities of humanity from the beginning of time. This “chronicle of the world” can be accessed by the mystic and the magician. Advanced magicians develop the ability to recover details of past events by "reading the Akashic Record.

Alchemy: a process of transformation, discipline, and purification. There are two types of alchemy which often overlap. Practical, laboratory, or outer alchemy is concerned with transforming a base material into a higher and more purified substance, such as the turning of lead into gold or the extraction of a medicinal substance from a plant in order to create a healing elixir. Spiritual, theoretical, or inner alchemy is concerned with the transformation of the human soul from a state of baseness to one of spiritual enlightenment. Alchemical texts are often full of allegory and mythological symbolism.

"The Higher Alchymy then is almost identical with Religion, as distinct from theology. The function of Religion and the Great Work of the Alchymist is Spiritualization. The separation of the subtle from the gross; the redemption of spirit, while still seated in matter, from the taint inevitable to the lowest planes of manifestation." –S.A. (Westcott) in The Science of Alchymy. [M.K.G.]

Altar diagrams:  The 3=8 Diagram represents the establishment of life, i.e., created life, with the dragon coiled beneath Malkuth in the Kingdom of the Shells.  The 4=7 Diagram represents the fall and the consequent rise of the dragon.  FR#X  [M.K.G.]

Altar (Double-Cube): In center of Hall.   Emblem of visible Nature or the Material Universe, concealing within herself the mysteries of all dimensions, while revealing her surface to the exterior senses.  It is a double cube, because, as the Emerald Tablet has said The things that are below are a reflection of the things that are above.  The world of men and women created to unhappiness is a reflection fo the World of Divine Beings created to Happiness.  The Altar is black because, unlike Divine Beings who unfold it, the Element of Light the Fires of Created Beings arise from Darkness and Obscurity. 6:18. [M.K.G.]

Amen: a notariqon or acronym for the Hebrew phrase Adonai Melekh Na'amon, meaning "Lord, faithful King." Its implied meaning is "so be it," or "so mote it be."

Amulet: A magical object worn for protection.

Anaphaxeton: One of three Greek divine names that surround the Triangle of Art. “Great God of all the Heavenly Hosts.” A high holy angel of God, Anaphaxeton was also a name for deity used by Aaron. 

Angel: An entity within the divine hierarchy. A pure and high spirit of unmixed good in office and operation. Angels are anthropomorphic symbols of what we consider to be good or holy. Angels and archangels are considered specific aspects of God, each with a particular purpose and jurisdiction. The names of Qabalistic angels usually end in the suffixes "el" or "yah," which are divine names of God, indicating that the angels themselves are "of God." The word angel is derived from the Greek word angelos meaning "messenger."

‘A being who executes commands and not one who originates, creates, and acts ‘de novo.’ FR #V  “All the Shining Ones (whom we call Angels) are microcosms of the Macrocosm Yetzirah, even as Man is the microcosm of the Macrocosm of Assiah.  All Archangelic forms are microcosms of the Macrocosm of Briah, and the Gods of the Sephiroth are consequently the Microcosms of the Macrocosm of Atziluth.” 3:42. [M.K.G.]

Anima: an archetypal "soul image" which is the embodiment of the reflective, feminine nature of man's subconscious.

Anima Mundi: "the Soul of the World."

Animal Soul:  See also Nephesch and Malkuth. ‘The spiritual powers will flourish only as you starve the animal soul, and the animal soul is largely dependent on the state and treatment of  the animal body.  The animal man is to be cared for and protected, kept in health and strength, but not petted.’  FR#II [M.K.G.]

Animus: an archetypal "soul image" which is the embodiment of the creative, masculine nature of woman's subconscious.

Ankh: Egyptian symbol of Eternal Life.

Apas: derived from a Sanskrit word meaning "water." The Tattva associated with the element of water, depicted as silver crescent. (See Tattva.)

Aral: a ruling spirit traditionally associated with fire, though in modern times associated with air.

Ararita: a notariqon or acronym used in Hexagram rituals. The word is formed from the first letters of the sentence: Achad Rosh Achdotho Rosh Ichudo Temurahzo Achad, which means, "One is His beginning, One is His individuality, His permutation is One." It affirms that the ultimate divinity is unitary in nature.

Archangel: a powerful angel who governs large groups or hosts of lesser angels. (See Angel.) According to some, archangels have free will, whereas angels do not.

Archetype: often referred to in Jungian psychology to mean an idea, mode of thought, or god-form that has manifested from the collective unconscious of humanity.

Aretz: Hebrew word for "earth."

Hebrew word for “the element of Earth.” [Aleph (Fool), Resh (the Sun), Tzaddi (Aquarius = Man)] The totality of the manifestation of the Life-Power on this plane, having its source in Pure Spirit, its intermediate stage in the Sun, and its ultimate manifestation in Man. Found in Adonai Ha Aretz = “Lord of the Earth.” PFC-letter. [M.K.G.]

Arik Anpin: Hebrew for "long faced." Also known as the "Vast Countenance" and Macroprosopus. The Partzuf attributed to Kether. (See Partzufim.)

Artificial Elemental: a simple entity or thought-form that is ritually created by the magician to fulfill a specific purpose.

Asceticism: “One thing is greatly insisted upon, and that is that we should not retire from the world, for we can succeed in perfecting ourselves in what is required of us without isolation. FR#XXI  ‘Extreme ascetic habits may lead only to a contemplation of your own Heroism in being abstinent.  To be truly ascetic is indeed to submit to discipline and to curb unruly emotion, thought and actions. But, who is a slave to his animal soul, will practice vice even in a Forest; while he who restrains himself among the crowds of a city, and passes through a busy life—unpolluted, shows more resistance and suffers a severer discipline, and shall obtain a greater reward.  FR#II [M.K.G.]

Ash (or Ish): Hebrew name for "fire."

Ashkenazic: a Hebrew dialect used in Germany, Poland, and Russia.

Ash Mezareph: Hebrew phrase meaning "purifying fire." The name of an alchemical- Qabalistic text contained within the Kabala Denudata, one of the first important translations of the Zohar. (See Zohar.)

Assiah: The fourth of four Qabalistic worlds or stages of manifestation. Assiah is the dense world of action and matter. It is attributed to Malkuth and the element of earth. (See Four Worlds of the Qabalah.)

Assumption of Godforms: a magical technique wherein the Adept identifies him or herself with a particular deity by "assuming its form." The archetypal image of the deity is created on the astral by focused visualization, vibration of the deity's name, the tracing of its sigil, etc. The magician then steps into this astral image and wears it like a garment or mask, continuing to strengthen the image with focused concentration. This is performed in order to create a vehicle for that particular aspect of the Divine that the magician is working with. (See Godforms.)

Astral: from the Greek word astrum or "star." That which belongs to the incorporeal level of being that is beyond the material or physical. 

Astral Light: An omnipresent and all-permeating fluid or medium of extremely subtle matter, this Light is diffused throughout all space, interpenetrating and pervading every visible form and object.

Astral Plane: an intermediate and invisible level of reality between the physical plane and higher, more divine realms. It is the common boundary between the individual and noumenal reality. A non-physical level of existence which is the basis of the physical plane. The astral plane has several "layers" of density and vibrational rate. The upper astral lies close to the angelic realms, while the lower astral is the world of dreams and phantasms. The astral plane contains many non-physical entities.

Sometimes characterized as a new and different ‘country’ or ‘another world’.  The Perception of the Astral Plane seems to be peculiarly liable to delusions, arising probably from defects in the sensorium or physical brain.  These errors can be corrected by symbol [See Errors in Visioning.]  FR#XXV.  This plane may be described as a hall panelled with mirrors, where one is confronted with bewildering reflexes. Manifesting therein are numerous and varying entities. <Mathers, 1887 & 1983 #87> p. xii.   The plane most adjacent to us but beyond material things.  Filled with confusions and uncertainties.  FR#XIX.  See also Astral Sphere.  Also called Astral World. [M.K.G.]

Astral Projection (or Astral Traveling): the practice of "traveling" out of the physical body in the astral planes. It is the transference of consciousness from the physical to the astral body, in a way that the practitioner perceives and moves about on the astral plane in the "body of light," while the physical body remains inert. By using astral projection, the magician enters this world and interacts with angels, elementals, and other beings. Astral Projection in the Golden Dawn tradition can be described as a form of self-hypnosis which uses symbols as doorways in order to cause changes in consciousness. From these higher levels of consciousness, the magician often tries to see the underlying causes of things.

Also called Travelling in the Spirit Vision.  “Meaningful, extremely vivid, and completely coherent day-dreams in which the dreamer retains all his normal powers of choice, will-power and judgment. . . .  The process used is best described as auto-hypnosis by means of a symbol.—it may be physically present, painted on a card, or ... formulated in the imagination only—and persists in this until no other factor is consciously present in his thinking.  He then, in his mind’s eye, deliberately transforms the symbol into a vast door (or sometimes a curtain, ornamented with the symbol), will the door to swing open, passes though it in imagination, and allows the day-dream to commence.  It is perhaps worth saying that most experimenters with this technique have found that the dream experienced bears a real relationship to the symbol used. . . .<King, 1987 #2>  p. 65. ‘The Adept emits from his Ego a perceptible ray of his identity, and by cultured and instructed Will, sends it to travel to the place desired, focusses it there, see there—directly and not by reflection—perceives its bodily home, and re-enters it. The process may be caused to start also by a Symbol, or by Will alone; but anyway the Divine names should be used and relied upon.  Scenes and things instead of being like a picture, have the third dimension, solidity, they stand out first like bas relief then you see as from a Balloon, by a bird’s eye view.  You feel free to go to the place, to descend upon it, to step out upon the scene, and to be an actor there. This old Proverb enshrines a great truth: Believe thyself there and thou art there.’ (Usually there is no sense of reversal of objects as in simple Descrying.) FR#XI  When projecting the astral you will have to supply it with much vitality drawn mostly from the Nephesch. 5:99.  [M.K.G.]

Astral Sphere:  An extended range of phenomena from which we can invoke symbols and forms.  Also called Astral Plane or Astral World.  [M.K.G.]  

Astral Temple: A place of ritual working that is created on the astral plane through intense visualization and meditation. A physical temple is only a material reflection of the true, invisible temple.

Astral Traveling: (See Astral Projection.)

Astrology: an ancient science that examines the action of celestial bodies upon all living beings, non-living objects, and earthly conditions, as well as their reactions to such influences. Whereas modern astronomy is considered an objective science of stellar distances, masses, and speeds, astrology is considered a subjective and intuitive science which not only deals with the astronomical delineation of horoscopes, but is also looked upon as a philosophy which helps explain the spiritual essence of life. The roots of astrology can be traced to ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia.

Atah: (or Atoh) Hebrew word meaning "Thou art." Used in the Qabalistic Cross.

Athanor: A furnace used in alchemy.

Atziluth: the first of four Qabalistic worlds or stages of manifestation. Atziluth is the divine world of archetypes. It is attributed to Kether and the element of fire. (See Four Worlds of the Qabalah.)

Augoeides: Greek word meaning "higher genius." Usually refers to the HGA or Higher Self. It is the mediator between the individual and God. The word augoeides is derived from the Greek word augos or "morning light." (See Higher Self; HGA.)

Aura: a shell or layer of astral substance which surrounds and permeates the physical body. Also called the Sphere of Sensation. (See Subtle Body)

Akashic envelope that closely surrounds us. Contains the nine higher Sephiroth above Malkuth. ‘When we close the eyes of the body and sense upon the material world, we first apprehend by interior vision the essences of our own and contiguous natures—a source of error in clairvoyance.’ FR#XI.  [M.K.G.]

Auriel: (see Uriel)

Azoth: a word formed from the first and final letters of the Greek, Latin, and Hebrew alphabets thus: Alpha and Omega, A and Z, Aleph and Tau. It symbolizes the beginning and the end, or rather, the essence. Azoth is considered the Universal Medicine in alchemy.

‘A word formed from the initials and the final letters of the Latin, Greek and Hebrew Alphabets [AzΩ tav]. . . . It generally signifies Beginning and End, the Astral Light wherein are the elements and the philosophic mercury extracted from Sol; or it may mean Essence.’ (A.O. manuscript in the hand of Brodie-Innes, c. 1910.) [M.K.G.]

B

Bahir: the Hebrew Book of "Brilliance." One of the oldest Qabalistic texts. It deals with meditative techniques.

“Book of Light or Brilliance,” annon. c.1175, appeared in Provence.  [M.K.G.]

Banishing: a ritual designed to get rid of unwanted spiritual energies. Banishings are usually a prelude to more complex rituals.

‘Banish the influence of anyone else who made or handled a symbol of implement before you use it yourself.’ FR#XI [M.K.G.]

Barakhah:  Blessing or Grace. [M.K.G.]

Barbarous Names: words and names of deities that are frequently used in medieval grimoires. These names often originated as deity names from ancient civilizations, which have been corrupted through scribal error. The word barbarous comes from the Greek word barbaros meaning "non-Greek, foreign." Many of the so-called barbarous names originated as Greek versions of more ancient Hebrew, Egyptian, and Babylonian names. Modern magicians believe that through centuries of ritual use, these names have taken on a magical potency of their own, regardless of their origins. A good example of the use of barbarous names can be found in the Bornless Ritual of the Golden Dawn.

Ben Adam: The Son of Man.  The synthesis of the Ruach of the Universe. [M.K.G.]

Beni Elohim:  Hebrew for “Sons of the Gods” or “Children of the Gods.” The group of angels assigned to Hod.

Beth:  Apply to Mercury if your find Deception of Lying or intellectual untruth when traveling in the Spirit Vision.  Formulate the Hebrew letter Beth in Whiteness. [M.K.G.]

Binah: Hebrew word for "understanding," referring to the third Sephirah on the Tree of Life.

Bind: To bind, restrict, or secure the obedience of a spirit through the authority of Divine names and the threat of punishment. A symbol may be used to seal the binding, and the spirit may be confined to a specific area or object.

Bitom: Enochian name for the spirit of fire, taken from the Tablet of Union.

Black Magic: Magic performed with a negative intent or purpose. Negative or harmful magic, the end result of which has nothing to do with the Great Work or spiritual growth. Corrupt magic that is performed for evil purposes or involves malicious actions or entities. Satanism and neo-nazi occultism are forms of occultism that regularly employ black magic for selfish or evil goals. According to Regardie, black magic is to be scrupulously avoided by the true Theurgist. According to C. G. Harrison in The Transcendental Universe, the black magician’s hand “is against every man, and every man’s hand is against him. While the black magician seeks to strengthen his own powers to dominate others, the ‘white’ occultist on the other hand aims to develop his individuality to serve others, while leaving them free. No genuine esoteric teacher in this age will ever exert the slightest authority over the free will of the pupil. In contrast to black magic, ‘white’ magic is characterised by strict fidelity to the truth, respect for all men’s freedom, and a striving for the perfection of the world . . .”

Boaz: the left-hand or black pillar of King Solomon's Temple. The feminine Pillar of Severity on the Tree of Life. Together the Pillars of Boaz and Jachin symbolize the polarized forces of night and day, strength and mercy, active and passive. Boaz is represented by the black pillar in the Hall of the Neophytes. (See Jachin; Pillar of Severity.)

Body of Light: the astral body, or etheric double. (See Subtle Body.) Often used to describe a ritually constructed vehicle for astral traveling.

Book of the Dead: Literal title, “The Chapters of Coming-Forth-by-Day.” An ancient Egyptian collection of funerary texts compiled during the sixteenth century b.c.e., consisting of spells and magic formulæ placed in tombs to protect and aid the deceased in the afterlife. The collection included the Coffin Texts (2000 b.c.e), the Pyramid Texts (2400 b.c.e), and other writings. German Egyptologist Karl Lepsius published the first compilation of texts in 1842 and gave the collection its present name. 

Bornless Invocation: A potent ritual of Theurgy used by the Adepts of the Golden Dawn. (See Regardie, The Golden Dawn, pages 442–446.) The earliest record of the invocation is in a work entitled Fragment of a Græco-Egyptian Work upon Magic, by Charles Wycliffe Goodwin, M. A., published in 1852 for the Cambridge Antiquarian Society. Budge also printed it in his book on Egyptian Magic. Also refer to Betz, PGM V. 96–172, the “Stele of Jeu the hieroglyphist in his letter,” The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation, 103.

Bornless Ones of Time: Refers to those “Corruscations of the Divine Light” which are above Kether of Atziluth.  Thence came forth the Gods, the Voice, the Aeons, and the Name.  6:85 [M.K.G.]

Briah: The third of four Qabalistic worlds consisting of Chokmah and Binah. Briah is the World of Creation and the realm of archangels. It is attributed to the element of water. (See Four Worlds of the Qabalah.)

C

Cabala: (See Qabalah.)

Cancellaria: a female Cancellarius.

Cancellarius: Latin word meaning "chancellor," or "high official." Keeper of records. One of the Three Chief Officers in the Neophyte Hall.

Candidate: a prospective initiate.

Cardinal Points: East, South, West, North.

Ceremony of Consecration: To impregnate one’s work with ‘charge’ of vital astral force.  After which the figure should remain sacred to his touch alone. [M.K.G.] (See Consecrate)

Chaldæan: A Greek synonym for “Babylonian.” Similar to the name of the Assyrian Kaldu, which was part of Babylonia. In the Book of Daniel, the word is used to indicate a class of wise men. The word Chaldæan eventually came to mean an elite group of prophets, seers, astrologers, and alchemists.

Chaldean Oracles: Fragments from an oracular text brought to Rome by Julianus the magician in the second century c.e. These fragments, reputed to have been written by Zoroaster, are said to contain sacred doctrines and philosophies of the ancient Babylonian priests, which have come down to us through Greek translations. Paraphrased in Neoplatonic literature and philosophy, the Oracles form an important part of the literature of the Western Esoteric Tradition.

Chassan: Hebrew angel associated with the element of air.

Chashmalim: Hebrew for “the Shining Ones” or “the Brilliant Ones.” The group of angels assigned to Chesed.

Chasmodai: The Spirit of Luna.

Chassidim (or Hassidim): A Jewish mystic sect founded in eastern Europe in the eighteenth century.

Chayot: “Lightning flash” vision described by Ezekiel, symbol of a highly ecstatic state among Merkabah mystics. [M.K.G.]

Chayoth ha-Qadesh: Hebrew for “Holy Living Creatures.” The group of angels assigned to Kether.

Cherubim (or Kerubim): Hebrew for “the Strong Ones.” The group of angels assigned to Yesod.

Chesed: Hebrew word for "mercy," referring to the fourth Sephirah on the Tree of Life. Also called Gedulah which means "greatness, magnificence."

Site of the various occupations under Jupiter in the Microcosm. FR#XXI. “Loving kindness,” the fourth sefirah.  Mercy.  Compassion. Generosity.  Linked with the patriarch Abraham.  [M.K.G.]

Site of the various occupations under Jupiter in the Microcosm. FR#XXI. “Loving kindness,” the fourth sefirah.  Mercy.  Compassion. Generosity.  Linked with the patriarch Abraham. [M.K.G.]

Chiah: in Qabalah, the part of the soul located in Chokmah. It is described as the life force, divine will, and source of action.

Essential Will which is the creative impulse of the Yechidah (Kether), through which the latter obtains its self-realisation. Alloted to Chokmah.  The genius which stands in the presence of the Holy One=the Yechidah=the Divine Self, which stands, as it were, before the Synthetical God of all things.  See Neschamah.  FR#X  [M.K.G.]

Chokmah: Hebrew word for "wisdom," referring to the second Sephirah on the Tree of Life.

Christ Within:  Higher Self as link with the Truth of Life. FR#XXI [M.K.G.]

Christian Rosenkreutz: (Christian of the Rosy Cross) The allegorical founder of the Brotherhood of the Rose Cross. Sometimes referred to as C. R. C. (See Rosicrucian.)

Born in 1879 and dying in 1484 a life of 106 years was apparently the term of his physical manifestation.  FR#105 for more. [M.K.G.]

Circumambulate: to walk around in a circle, especially as part of a ritual.

Circumambulation, Reverse: = the Fading Light. 6:19. [M.K.G.]

Clairaudience: The power of hearing sounds which the world cannot hear.  It is often a definite sound sent for a definite purpose.  FR#XIX [M.K.G.]

Clairvoyance: The ability to be aware of events or facts by psychic means, usually received as visual images. From the French clairvoyant, “clear-sighted.” The ability of a seer, diviner, or skryer to see persons and events which are distant in time or place, using methods other than the normal mundane senses. (Sometimes refered to as ESP or extra-sensory perception.) Clairvoyance may or may not include the use of objects such as crystals, magic mirrors, or magical symbols as aids for enhancing one’s abilities of perception. (See Skrying.)

Clavicula Solomonis: The “Key of Solomon,” also called the Greater Key of Solomon the King. An important grimoire of planetary magic dating from the fifteenth or sixteenth century. The focus of the Greater Key is on the invocation of higher spiritual beings such as planetary archangels and angels. It also includes instruction on how to create and consecrate planetary talismans.

Comananu: the name of an Enochian governor.

Cone of Reception: Energy force built up by the Operator of a magical work, partly from his own Nephesch and partly from the surrounding atmosphere.  In the operation of the ‘Ring and Disc’, the Disc is its base, while the truncated summit thereof is at the point of suspension of the Ring where the thread thereof passeth betwen the thumb and finger of the Operator.  A second cone is then mentally formulated, taking the form of an inverted cone rising from the point of suspension of the Ring, so that there will be built up in the astral light a form somewhat resembling an hourglass.  The upper inverted cone receives the impressions which the hands translates into action in the lower cone as the expression of these ideas.  An uninitiated person would almost certainly open a conical receptacular funnel into the ‘sphere of sensation’ [of him or her] thus preparing a ready path unto obsession, or self-deception.  If care is not taken the cone of reception will attract any passing intelligence or Force.’  Ritual Beth. [M.K.G.]

Confessio Fraternitatis R.C. Ad Erudotos Europa:  A supplement to the Fama claiming the reader whould find ‘incorporated in our Confession thirty-seven reasons of our purpose and intention, the which according to they pleasure thou mayest seek out and compare together, considering within thyself if they be sufficient to allure thee’. FR#XVI. [M.K.G.]

Consecrate: to make sacred. A ritual dedication of a person or object to a specific purpose. In the Golden Dawn, the officer known as the Dadouchos consecrates with a Censer of incense.

Coptic: A Hellenized form of late Egyptian language. The Coptic alphabet is similar to the Greek alphabet but with the addition of seven letters derived from Demotic. Unlike Greek, Coptic has no distinction between upper and lower case letters. 

Cord: Three-fold cord bound about the waist = three-fold bondage of Mortality.  The Soul bound into earthly or material inclination.  6:18. Also used to bind astral entities during a ritual. [M.K.G.]

Cosmos: From the Greek word kosmos or “good order.” It describes the universe as an ordered system, as opposed to chaos.

Cross, Red:  [placed above White Triangle on Neophyte Altar]:  = an Image of Him who was unfolded in the Light. 6:18. [M.K.G.]

Crown:  Kether.  “Only with his head touching his Crown, his Kether, can a man have perfect Knowledge of the things of his Assiah.” FR#XXI. [M.K.G.]

Cylindrical Receptical of Force:  Envisioned when using the Tripod to extend from the top of the table to the floor to create a physical basis of strength. Ritual Beth. [M.K.G.]

D

Daath: Hebrew word for "knowledge." The so-called "Invisible Sephirah" on the Tree of Life, Daath is not really a Sephirah, but rather a conjunction of the energies of Chokmah and Binah. It can be likened to a passageway across the Abyss.

The Threshold of one’s Divine Consciousness.  Site of the Prophets (as Inspired Priests) and Magicians. FR#XXI [M.K.G.]

Dadouche: a female Dadouchos.

Dadouchos: Greek word meaning "torch bearer." An officer in the Neophyte Hall who performs consecrations.

0=0 Ritual: Stationed at the South, symbolized heat and dryness.  Duty is to attend to the censer and the incense, and assist in the purification and consecration by Fire of the Hall, of the Members, and of the Candidate. 6:5. [M.K.G.]

Daimon (or Daemon): Greek for “spirit.” Any spirit, whether divine, good, or natural. Used to describe all manner of nature spirits and divine entities. In ancient theurgy, it is often used to describe one’s Higher Self. An intermediary, guardian spirit that acts as a counselor between human beings and God. The philosopher Socrates was said to have been guided by his daemon. According to Plato, the daemon was the nous or divine mind in every human.  In later times, the word demon was created from the original word and used to indicate evil spirits.

Daleth:  Apply to Venus if you find you are enticed to pleasure when traveling in the Spirit Vison.  Formulate the Hebrew letter Daleth in Whiteness. [M.K.G.]

Dark Night of the Soul: a phrase used to describe the depression, isolation, and alienation which is experienced by mystics and magicians just before attaining spiritual transcendence and enlightenment. The sixteenth century Spanish mystic St. John of the Cross used this term to describe the extreme desolation which epitomized the eighth stage of his ten stages of spiritual ascent.

Decanate: a ten degree division of the Zodiac. In the standard Zodiacal wheel, there are a total of 36 decanates.

Deity: a God or Goddess. A spiritual being embodying one or several aspects of divine essence.

Demon: A corrupt form of the word daemon. Unlike daemon (or daimon), which is mainly used to indicate a divine entity, the word demon is often used to imply only an evil spirit. An evil spirit or unbalanced force. (See Qlippoth.)

Deosil: in a clockwise or sunwise direction. The usual direction of movement in a ceremony. (See Widdershins.)

Descrying:  (See also Scrying.) In this Simple Spirit Vision or ‘clairvoyance’ note that you see objects reversed, as to right and left, for which suitable allowance must be made.  You project, in this process, part of your own nerve and spirit force upon the symbol, and by this you attract and attach to it more akashic force from the environment, hence the results obtained. FR#XI [M.K.G.]

Devekuth:  The state of cleaving to God. “Communion” usually with the Divine Realm. [M.K.G.]

Divination: based on the Latin word divinatio which means "the faculty of foreseeing." The word comes from the Latin term for "divine power" or "of the gods." Divination is the art of uncovering the divine meaning behind chance events. In the Golden Dawn it is used as a tool for psychic well-being and spiritual growth. There are various methods of divination, including cartomancy (reading tarot cards) and geomancy (earth divination).

Requires ‘a concentration of mind and of the vital and astral forces of the operator upon the subject matter.’  ‘Furnish the physical with symbols of protection and power, and the astral form with the astral counterpart of their insignia and implements.’ FR#XXVIII. "A divination shall be as a sacred work of the Divine Magic of Light, and not to be performed to pander unto thy curiosity regarding the secrets of another." 3:5. "Unto the Letter Vau belong Divination in all its branches; and the art of making the Link between the subject of the work and the process of divination." 6:32 "The more rigidly correct and in harmony with the scheme of the Universe is any form of Divination, so much the more is it likely to yield a correct and reliable answer to the enquirer. For then and then only is there a firm link, and bond of union, established between it and the Occult forces of Nature." 4:8. [M.K.G.]

Divine Name: a name associated with a deity or an aspect of God that is vibrated or intoned during ritual.

Divine Self: our true, pure, transcendent self which contains a spark of divinity.

Dogmatic Qabalah: that segment of the Qabalah which deals with the study of ancient Qabalistic texts such as the written Torah or Pentateuch, the Zohar, the Bahir, and the Sephir Yetzirah. (See Qabalah.)

E

Earth: one of the four magical elements. Earth is said to be a combination of the qualities of cold and dryness. It is considered passive, feminine, solid, physical, stable, slow-moving, and grounded. (See Elements.)

Earth Pentacle: one of the Elemental weapons or implements of the Adept. Used to invoke or banish the element of earth.

Edomite Kings:  The forces of restriction.  They are not altogether evil, but are partly connected with Evil. FR#X. [M.K.G.]

Ego: that portion of the psyche which is conscious, most directly governs thought and behavior, and is most concerned with outer reality. Also called the conscious self.

Egregore: from a Greek word meaning "watcher." A thought-form created by will and visualization. A group egregore is the distinctive energy of a specific group of magicians who are working together, creating and building the same thought-form or energy-form.

Eheieh: Hebrew word meaning "I am." Divine name associated with Kether. A name intoned in the west in the LBRP, and also used with the active spirit pentagrams in the SIRP.

Eidolon: An image of an ideal. From the Greek word eidos, “form, idea.” An image that is either created in the material world or formulated on the astral, designed to represent the character of a god or other spiritual entity.

El (or Al): Hebrew word meaning "god." Divine name associated with Chesed.

Element: in magic there are four basic elements (fire, water, air, and earth) which are regarded as realms, kingdoms, or divisions of nature. They are the basic modes of existence and action, and the building blocks of everything in the universe. A fifth element, spirit, is said to bind together and govern the lesser four. In the Mystic Repast of the Neophyte Ceremony, the rose, fire, chalice of wine, and bread and salt are symbols of the elements.

Elemental: a spirit belonging to the nature of the elements, having hierarchies similar to those of angels and archangels. An elemental spirit is composed entirely of one element.

Elemental Grades:  Next four rituals after the Neophyte, taken from the cipher manuscripts and attributed to, respectively, Earth, the Moon and Air, Mercury and water and Venus and Fire.  The ceremonies in question were designed to equilibriate in the mind of the candidate the factors symbolised by the Four Elements; one modern authority has referred to them as being’ a sort of ceremonial psychoanalysis combined with a crash-course in occult theory.’ <#88> p. 98. [M.K.G.]

Elemental Spirits: (See Elemental) The Elemental Spirits and other of their kind are an organisation not quite so complete as man.  In spiritual consciousness more keen, and yet in some ways his spiritual superior though organically his inferior.  They are the formers of the primal Man, that is the Elementary Man, and they have other and greater offices, for in them are many worlds and ranks and spheres.  They are as the younger man (i.e. child) and towards them also is Man responsible, and he hath wrought them much injustice. [M.K.G.]

Elemental Tablets: four charts stemming from the Enochian skryings of John Dee and Edward Kelly. They contain several rows of letters and are assigned to the four elements of fire, water, air, and earth. The names of numerous angels, archangels, and spiritual entities are derived from the letters on these charts. The Elemental Tablets play an important role in the Outer Order ceremonies of the Golden Dawn and are used in the higher magical workings of the Second Order. The four tablets are said to be bound together and ruled by the Tablet of Union. (See Enochian; Tablet of Union.)

Elemental Weapons: the four personal implements of an Adept, used in ceremonial magic and associated with the elements. The include the Fire Wand, the Water Cup, the Air Dagger, and the Earth Pentacle.

Also called Four Magical Implements. Wand, Cup, Sword, Pentacle.  When all four are present they preserve ‘a certain Balance and Harmony in the sphere of your aura.’  Hold any one of them (with concentrated idea) when trying to form an estimate of the strength of the corresponding force in any detail of your work or to secure physical or astral power and intensity of that character or to preserve your own natural equilibrium.’ FR#XXVIII  ‘It is of advantage to practice clairvoyance with the aid of the presence before you of the four Magical Implements, and even to hold the one suitable to the investigation.’ FR#XI. [M.K.G.]

Eleusinian Mysteries: The Eleusinian Mysteries were the most famous and secretive of the ancient mystery religions. The rites at Eleusis (near Athens) originated in the story of the goddess Demeter and her search for her daughter Persephone. The Eleusinian Mysteries began with the journey of the mystai or initiates in a ceremonial procession from Athens to Eleusis to the Telesterion, or Hall of Initiation. The exact nature of the rites performed there remains unknown. 

Eleusis: (See Eleusinian Mysteries.)

Elexarpeh: name of an Enochian governor.

Elixir of Life: Derived from the Philosopher’s Stone of the alchemists. The universal medicine. It is said to confer immortality and restore youth.

Elohim: Hebrew word meaning "god(s)," which is associated with the fire pentagram in the SIRP.

Found in two texts: 1) Exodus XXXII:1 when Moses had gone to seek God, the Israelites said to Aaron: ‘Make us Elohim which shall go before us.’ or let us make Gods to help us, to form our ideals.  2) Genesis I:26 ‘And the Elohim said let us make man . . . in our image and after our likeness.’  The men cried let us make gods—The Gods said let us make men.  We are here seeking gods, or divine ideals;—and we are making men; for men make themselves and they make their own gods.  Let us then make Man—make the Divine Man out of the Human Man.  Let us create the Hermetic ideal man from the material sensual man.  FR#XV [M.K.G.]

Elohim Gibor: Hebrew phrase meaning "Almighty God." Divine name associated with Geburah.

Elohim Tzabaoth: Hebrew phrase meaning "God of Armies." Divine name associated with Hod.

Emerald Tablet, The: One of the oldest of all alchemical texts, dating from the second to third centuries b.c.e. The Tabula Smaragdina or Emerald Tablet is said to have been written by Hermes Trismegistus. Source of the often quoted phrase “As above, so below.” (See Hermes Trismegistus.)

Enoch (or Henoch): “He who walked with God.” Hebrew prophet said to be the seventh master of the world after Adam. (See Enochian.)

Enochian: a genuine language and a system of magic that was discovered by Dr. John Dee (1527-1608) who was a magician, philosopher, astrologer, and advisor to Queen Elizabeth, and his assistant Edward Kelly. The Enochian system was received through the crystal skryings of Kelly, under Dee's supervision. The system was described as the "language of the angels" or the "language of Enoch," and came to be called the Enochian or Angelic language. Enochian magic is a complex system of elemental and spiritual hierarchies, which was further developed by the Golden Dawn. 

Enochian Alphabet:  Consists of 21 letters used in the Enochian Language. ‘Of the nature of sigils and can therefore be better employed for magical purposes than our ordinary Roman characters. . . . One or more of these letters being placed on the particular square employed in a vision, instead of the Roman letter will aid the skyring power by compelling the force of concentration on to the one square in question and no other.’  FR#XXXI [M.K.G.]

Enochian Keys or Calls: Nineteen invocations received by Dee and Kelley, designed to be used with various parts of the squares received.  Thus the third, seventh, eighth and ninth Keys are used in conneciton with the Tablet of Air (Eastern Quadrangle); the third used in the invocation of Air itself and the other three Keys with, respectively, Water of Air, Earth of Air, and Fire of Air.  <#2> p. 262. [M.K.G.]

Enochian Squares:  (Enochian Tablets) Five are of much greater importance than the remainder.  They are: 1) the ‘Great Eastern Quadrangle of Air’, 2) the ‘Great Western Quadrangle of Water’ 3) the ‘Great Northern Quadrangle of Earth’, 4) the ‘Great Southern Quadrangle of Fire,’ and 5) the ‘Tablet of Union,’ sometimes referred to as the ‘Quadrangle of Spirit’.  1-4 are divided into 156 squares, 5 is divided into 20 squares from which are derived certain Divine and Angelic names.  Each Tablet is also sub-divided into four other Tablets attributed to the Elements (Earth of Fire, etc.)  <#2> p. 262-263. [M.K.G.]

Equilibrium:  Study well that Great Arcanum, the proper equilibrium of mercy and severity, for either unbalanced is not good; unbalanced severity is cruelty and oppression; unbalanced mercy is but weakness and would permit evil to exist unchecked, thus making itself as it were the accomplice of that evil.  6:19. [M.K.G.]  

Erelim: Hebrew for “thrones.” The group of angels assigned to Binah.

Esoteric: Occult or secret. Inner. (See Exoteric.)

Esotericism: Occult science. Sacred or Inner science.

Eth: a word used by the Golden Dawn to indicate essence or spirit, the fifth element.

Ether: a western term for akasa or spirit.

Etz ha-Chayim: Hebrew for "Tree of Life." (See Tree of Life.)

Eucharist of the Four Elements:  A rite at the end of the Neophyte ritual —all present one by one, inhale the perfume of a rose, to represent Air, warm their hands over a lamp, thus partaking of ‘Elemental Fire,’ eat bread and salt, symbolising Earth, and finally, drink wine—elemental water.  <#88> p. 98. [M.K.G.] (See Mystic Repast.)

Evocation: a ritual designed to manifest or "evoke" a spiritual entity from the invisible realms into the magician's field of awareness or visible appearance (whether physically or on the astral). Sometimes called "summoning spirits."

Evoke: From the Latin evocare, “to call.” To call forth a spiritual force or entity. According to some traditions, this means calling forth a force from outside of the psyche. (See Invoke.)

Exarp: Enochian name for the spirit of air, taken from the Tablet of Union.

Exoteric: Public, outward, outer.

Exotericism: The outward form of religious doctrine, as opposed to esotericism.

F

Fall, The:  Cut away the higher from the lower sephiroth in Daath.  Was our descent into this life from that Upper and Higher Soul.  Our object is to get into contact with that Higher Soul again, which is only to be done through the Neschamah.  FR#X. [M.K.G.]

Fire: one of the four magical elements. Fire is said to be a combination of the qualities of heat and dryness. It is considered active, masculine, spontaneous, quick, initiating, vitalizing, and energetic. (See Element.)

Fire Wand: one of the Elemental Weapons or implements of the Adept. Used to invoke or banish the element of fire.

Flashing Colours:  ‘Tablets [Tattvas] and Telesmas are described as being made in Flashing Colours, when in one tablet, a certain colour and its direct complementary are shown in opposition and shine by contrast.  In such tablets do the elemental forces manifest most readily . . . They attract and reflect the rays of light from the akashic plane enveloping them.’ FR#XI [M.K.G.]

Flying Rolls: a term used for Second Order side lectures.

Forces:  Influences beyond the material world (usually from the Astral).  The only way to avoid being controlled by such forces is to preserve what we call the positive attitude, which is the extreme contrast to what is called mediumship.  FR#XIX [M.K.G.]

Formula of the Magic of Light: the practical magic of the Golden Dawn as classified under the five letters of the Pentagrammaton–YHShVH. Evocations and invocations fall under the category of the Hebrew letter Yod and the element of Fire. Consecrations of Talismans and the production of natural phenomena are classified under the second letter Heh and the element of water. All works of spiritual development, and transformations are attributed to the letter Shin and the element of spirit. All works of divination are assigned to the letter Vav and the element of air. All works of alchemy are classified under the final letter Heh and the element of earth. (See Pentagrammaton.)

Four-fold Breath: a method of rhythmic breathing used prior to mediation and ritual. (Breath in to the count of four; hold the breath to the count of four; exhale to the count of four; keep the lungs empty to the count of four.)

Four Worlds of the Qabalah: a four-fold division of the Tree of Life which separates the Tree into four levels of manifestation. The highest level is the most abstract and ethereal, while the lowest level is the most dense. The Four Worlds include Atziluth, Briah, Yetzirah, and Assiah.

Fylfot Cross: Used during the Zelator 1=10 initiation. Also known as the Hermetic Cross, the Swastika, the Hammer of Thor and the Talisman of the Armes. It is formed of seventeen squares taken from a square of twenty-five squares, and refers to the Sun, the Zodiac and the four Elements. [M.K.G.]

G

Gabriel: Hebrew for “Strength of God.” Hebrew archangel of elemental Water, invoked in the LBRP and the SIRP. Also the name of the archangel of Yesod and the Moon. 

Galgal: Hebrew word meaning "whirling." The plural form is galgalim, referring to the Sephiroth as they exist within the human aura or sphere of sensation. The galgalim are the western equivalent of the eastern chakras.

Gate of the East:  The Place of the Guardian of the Dawning Sun. Throne of the Hierophant in the Neophyte Ritual. 6:19. [M.K.G.]

Gate of the North: Place of the Guardian of the Cauldron and the Well of Water—of Cold and Moisture.  Seat of the Stolistes in the Neophyte Ritual. 6:19. [M.K.G.]

Gate of the South:  Place of the Guardian of the Lake of Fire and the Burning Bush.  Seat of the Dadouchos in the Neophyte Ritual. 6:19. [M.K.G.]

Geburah (or Gevurah): Hebrew word for "power." Often referred to as "severity," Geburah is the fifth Sephirah on the Tree of Life. The phrase ve-Geburah, meaning "and the power" is used in the Qabalistic Cross.

Site of the various occupations under Mars. FR#XXI [M.K.G.]

“Strength”, the fifth sefirah.  Also called Din (Severity), and Pacad (Fear).  Called “the raging inferno of the Lord.”[M.K.G.]

Gedulah: Hebrew word for "greatness, magnificence." A title of Chesed. The phrase ve-Gedulah, meaning "and the glory" is used in the Qabalistic Cross.

Gematria: part of the Literal Qabalah, gematria is a form of Hebrew numerology that uses the numerical values of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Names or words are converted into numbers in order to find hind meanings. Words which have the same numerical value are thought to have an important and significant relationship.

Numerology.  Every Hebrew letter has a numerological value, and by adding the sum of letters in words the esotericist can weave and interrelate concepts and terms. [M.K.G.]

Genius: from the Latin word gignere meaning "to beget." A guardian spirit. The term Lower Genius refers to the Higher Self, and the Higher Genius refers to the Divine Self.

Gilgulim: Incarnations.  Cycle of rebirth.  Transmigration of souls. [M.K.G.]

Gimel:  Apply to the Moon if you have trouble with Wavering of the Mind when traveling in the Spirit Vision.  Formulate the Hebrew letter Gimel in Whiteness. [M.K.G.]

Gnomes: elemental spirits of earth.

Gnosticism: A word derived from the Greek gnostikos, meaning one who has acquired gnosis or “knowledge”—(literally, “one who knows.”) Any of several Gnostic sects which flourished in the Mediteranean world during the time of Christ particularly during the second and third centuries c.e. and for many centuries after. The two major branches of Gnosticism were Sethian or Jewish Gnosticism, and Valentinian or Christian Gnosticism. Gnostics believed in a fundamental dualism between the spiritual world of the highest transcendent God and the material world of the evil creator god or demiurge. The transcendent god was believed to intercede in the material world by offering his followers a means by which they could attain gnosis—by providing a redeemer or savior such as Christ or Sophia. Gnostics also shared an emphasis on the redeeming power of esoteric spiritual knowledge that is acquired directly through divine revelation.

Gnothi Seauton: Greek for “Know Thyself.” Maxim inscribed above the door to the temple of Apollo at Delphi. It implies knowledge of one’s relationship with the divine cosmos.

Gods (or Deities): Powerful immortal beings of high rank in the spiritual hierarchies. They command lesser spirits and have been worshiped by humans for centuries. The various celestial and terrestrial gods are often seen as specific portions or expressions of the transcendent God.

Godform: An archetypal image of a god or goddess that is constructed by visualization on the astral plane. (See Assumption of Godforms.)

In the rituals, the Astral shells of the Gods are brought in and vivified by the officer who corresponds with their energy, i.e.: Hierophant=Osiris.  Imperator=Nephthys. Praemonstrator=Isis. Cancellarius=Thoth. [M.K.G.]

Godhead: the universal and divine essence which is the source of all.

Goetia: derived from a word that means "howling or "sorcery" Part of the grimoire known as The Lesser Key of Solomon, with instructions for the evocation of spirits.

Grade 5=6: The principle symbolism chiefly centres around the discovery and opening of the Vault of Christian Rosycross.  [M.K.G.]

Grade 6=5: Based on the 120 years of silence following the death of Christian Rosycross.  It is a degree of death and solemnity—referring to the precedent stage of obscuration, during which silent study and meditation may be considered as the typical condition.  [M.K.G.]

Grade 7=4: Based on the life of Christian Rosycross, Adeptus Exemptus refers to the higher and more exalted rank and attainments of him who founded the Rosicrucian Order, as a new formulation of that Occult philosophy or Wisdom Religion. [M.K.G.]

Graphiel: Hebrew for “the Mighty of God.” The Intelligence of Mars.

Great Work: a term borrowed from alchemy's magnum opus. Refers to the path of human spiritual evolution, growth, and illumination, which is the goal of ceremonial magic.

Grimoire: a magical text or "grammar." Any medieval book containing magical procedures or spells for summoning spirits.

Grip (or Token): Marks grade in Order.  Neophyte = seeking for guidance in darkness; see 6:17. [M.K.G.]

G'uph: the lowest part of the soul, centered in Malkuth. A low level of subconscious intelligence which is closely tied to the physical body.

H

"H":  The symbol of life, because the character H is one mode of representing the ancient Greek aspirate; Breathing and Breath, are the evidence of life. 6:4. [M.K.G.]

Halakhah:  Literally, “the Way,” the legal parameters of Judaism. [M.K.G.]  

Hagiel: The Intelligence of Venus.

Haniel: Hebrew for “the Grace of God.” The Archangel of Netzach. 

Har-Par-Krat:  Egyptian God of Silence.  6:17.  Also Harpocrates, Child of Horus. Image of the child Horus with one finger over lips to indicate silence. [M.K.G.]

Hcoma: Enochian name for the spirit of water, taken from the Tablet of Union.

Hegemon: Greek word meaning "guide." A main officer in the Neophyte Hall, who guides the candidate around the temple.

In Neophyte Ritual:  Stationed between the two pillars of Hermes and Solomon facing the cubical altar of the Universe.  Duties:  Presides over the symbolic gateway of Occult Science.  Reconciles between light and darkness.  Follows Kerux in circumambulations.  Superintends the preparation of the Candidate.  Leads him through the path of darkness into light.  Assists in his reception. Aids other officers in the execution of their duties. Wears white robe symbolizing purity. Ensign of office: The mitre-headed sceptre symbolizing Religion, to guide and regulate life. Office symbolizes those higher aspirations of the soul, which should guide its actions.  6:6.  The Throne of the Hegemon . . . is the Place of Balanced Power between the Ultimate Light and the Ultimate Darkness. 6:19.  “He is a projection of the intuitive consciousness.” <Moore, 1954 #56> p. 185. [M.K.G.]

Hegemone: a female Hegemon.

Heh, First:  Unto the First Heh belong the consecration and charging of Telesmata, and the production of Natural Phenomena, as storms, earthquakes, etc. 6:32. Equated with element of Water and Cups. [M.K.G.] (See Formula of the Magic of Light)

"Hekas, Hekas, este Bebeloi": a magical phrase originally uttered at the Eleusinian Mysteries which means "far, far away be the profane." In the Golden Dawn, this phrase is used to indicate that a ritual is about to begin.

Hekhalot:  “Palaces,” or Halls of God’s palace.  A central motif of early visionary mysticism during the Talmudic era centered around the ascent of the mystic through a series of palaces to a final Throne room, where the divine Glory and Its retinue are situated.  (See Merkavah.) [M.K.G.]

Hermes Trismegistus, or "Hermes the Thrice-Great": The Greek God Hermes and the Egyptian God Thoth merged into one figure who was said to be the first and greatest magician. Hermes Trismegistus was reputed to be an ancient Egyptian priest and magician who was credited with writing forty-two books collectively known as the Hermetic literature. These books, including the Emerald Tablet and the Divine Pymander, describe the creation of the universe, the soul of humanity, and the way to achieve spiritual rebirth.

Hermetic: of, or relating to, Hermes Trismegistus or the works ascribed to him. Having to do with the occult sciences, especially alchemy, astrology, and magic that are derived from western sources (Egyptian, Judeo-Christian, and Graeco-Roman).

Hexagram: a geometric figure which has six points, formed from two interlocking triangles. The two triangles correspond to opposing forces of fire and water. The Hexagram shows these rival energies balanced and in harmony with each other. Also called the "Star of David" and the "Star of the Macrocosm." It is also a symbol of the perfected human being, and signifies the Hermetic principle of "as above, so below." In the Golden Dawn, Hexagram rituals are used to invoke or banish planetary forces.

Two interlocking triangles overlapping in opposition. Consists of two forms Fire and Water;— i.e. the ideal Fire and the ideal Water; the Spirit and the Water of Creation,—the spiritual Ether and the Ethereal Fire (the Fire of the Holy Spirit).  FR#X.