THE ROYAL PATH

• I. FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES
• The Six Stages of The Great Work
• II. THE YEARLY CALENDAR STRUCTURE
• The Sacred Calendar
• III. THE GRADE STRUCTURE
• The Five Levels of Reality/Magic
• DEGREE 0: Neophyte
• DEGREE I: THE OUTER ORDER (FIRST ORDER)
• Grade 1=10: ZELATOR (Earth)
• Grade 2=9: THEORICUS (Air)
• Grade 3=8: PRACTICUS (Water)
• Grade 4=7: PHILOSOPHUS (Fire)
• INTERMEDIATE: THE PORTAL GRADE
• DEGREE II: THE INNER ORDER (SECOND ORDER)
• Grade 5=6: ADEPTUS MINOR (Lesser Adept)
• Grade 6=5: ADEPTUS MAJOR (Greater Adept)
• Grade 7=4: ADEPTUS EXEMPTUS (Exempt Adept)
• THE ABYSS (DA'ATH)
• DEGREE III: THE SECRET ORDER (THIRD ORDER)
• Grade 8=3: MAGISTER TEMPLI (Master of the Temple)
• Grade 9=2: MAGUS
• Grade 10=1: IPSISSIMUS
• STAGE V: AUREDO (Beyond the Grades)
• IV. THE SPIRALING YEARLY STRUCTURE
• V. THE DAILY PRACTICE STRUCTURE
• Weekly Observances
• SUNDAY: THE SABBATH
• Monthly Observances
• Seasonal Festivals
• VI. THE FOUR PATHS WALKED SIMULTANEOUSLY
• VII. THE 22 PATHS OF THE TAROT
• THE THREE HORIZONTAL PATHS: MAJOR INITIATIONS
• VIII. THE THREE WEDDINGS
• IX. THE THREE DARK NIGHTS
• Summary Table: Three Weddings, Three Dark Nights, Three Major Initiations
• THE CANONICAL TEXTS OF THE ROYAL ART
• X. INTEGRATING THE QLIPHOTH
• XI. THE SOLOMONIC CURRICULUM
• XV. LABORATORY ALCHEMY CURRICULUM
• XVI. EDUCATION CURRICULUM: THE SEVEN LIBERAL ARTS
• XVII. THE 12 ZODIAC SIGNS EXPLORATION
• XVIII. BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
• Wizard's Curriculum: Year One

I. FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES

The Spiraling Curriculum: Jacob's Ladder spiraling upward through the seasons/elements, each rung higher but cycling through the same colors

Core Concept: The initiate progresses linearly through grades (Neophyte → Adept → Master) while simultaneously spiraling through the four alchemical stages annually with the seasons.

This means:

• A first-year Neophyte experiences Nigredo (Winter), Albedo (Spring), Citrinitas (Summer), Rubedo (Autumn)
• A third-year Adept experiences the SAME seasonal cycle but at a deeper octave

The Six Stages of The Great Work

0. NEOPHYTE (Pre-Initiation)

• Season: None (can begin any time)
• Duration: Variable (until ready) Can be lifetimes and years….
• State: The Wanderer, The Seeker, The Fool

I. NIGREDO (The Blackening)

• Season: Winter (Dec 21 – Mar 20)
• Element: Earth
• Body: Lead Body (Saturnian)
• Sephirah Focus: Malkuth → Yesod
• Dark Night: Dark Night of the Mind
• Wedding: White Wedding (Baptism)

II. ALBEDO (The Whitening)

• Season: Spring (Mar 21 – Jun 20)
• Element: Air
• Body: Silver/Lunar Body
• Sephirah Focus: Hod → Netzach → Tiphareth
• Dark Night: Dark Night of the Soul
• Wedding: Yellow Wedding (Transfiguration)

III. CITRINITAS (The Yellowing)

• Season: Summer (Jun 21 – Sep 20)
• Element: Water
• Body: Mercurial/Angelic Body
• Sephirah Focus: Geburah → Chesed
• Dark Night: Dark Night of the Spirit
• Wedding: Red Wedding (Passion & Crucifixion)

IV. RUBEDO (The Reddening)

• Season: Autumn (Sep 21 – Dec 20)
• Element: Fire
• Body: Solar/Golden Body
• Sephirah Focus: Binah → Chokmah
• Dark Night: None (Light triumphs)
• Wedding: Golden Wedding (Resurrection)

V. AUREDO (The Goldening)

• Season: Transcends seasons (lived in eternal now)
• Element: Quintessence (Pure Spirit)
• Body: Glorified Body, Solar Body
• Sephirah Focus: Kether → Ain Soph Aur
• Dark Night: None (Only Light remains)
• Wedding: Son & Father, Earth & Heaven….

II. THE YEARLY CALENDAR STRUCTURE

Mapping ACIM Workbook to the Year

Total ACIM Lessons: 365 (one per day)

Alignment with Alchemical Seasons:

NIGREDO (Winter): Lessons 1–90 (Dec 21 – Mar 20 = ~90 days)

• Early lessons: "Nothing I see means anything," "I have given everything I see all the meaning it has," "My thoughts do not mean anything"
• Theme: Dissolution of false perception, breaking down illusion, facing darkness

ALBEDO (Spring): Lessons 91–181 (Mar 21 – Jun 20 = ~91 days)

• Middle lessons transition to: "Miracles are seen in light," "Let me remember I am one with God"
• Theme: Purification, light emerging, separation of true from false

CITRINITAS (Summer): Lessons 182–273 (Jun 21 – Sep 20 = ~92 days)

• Advanced lessons: "I will there be light," "Let me not forget myself is nothing, but my Self is all"
• Theme: Solar illumination, divine identity recognized, wisdom

RUBEDO (Autumn): Lessons 274–365 (Sep 21 – Dec 20 = ~91 days)

• Final lessons: "Today belongs to Love," "Father, we are as You created us," completion themes
• Theme: Union, completion, harvest, return to Source

The Sacred Calendar

WINTER (NIGREDO): Dec 21 – Mar 20

• Key Festivals: Yule, Christmas, Epiphany, Imbolc, Lent/Easter
• Alchemical Operations: Calcination, Putrefaction, Dissolution
• Tarot Paths: Begin walking Paths 32-29 (Malkuth → Yesod)
• Magic Focus: LBRP, LIRP, Middle Pillar, Elemental work (Earth emphasis)
• ACIM: Lessons 1-90 (dismantling illusion)
• Templar/Masonic Work: Building foundation, laying first stones

SPRING (ALBEDO): Mar 21 – Jun 20

• Key Festivals: Ostara, Beltane, Pentecost, Ascension
• Alchemical Operations: Separation, Conjunction, Fermentation
• Tarot Paths: Paths 28-24 (Yesod → Tiphareth via Hod/Netzach)
• Magic Focus: LBRH, Planetary work begins (Moon, Mercury, Venus)
• ACIM: Lessons 91-181 (light emerging, purification)
• Templar/Masonic Work: Questing, seeking the Grail

SUMMER (CITRINITAS): Jun 21 – Sep 20

• Key Festivals: Litha, Lammas, Transfiguration
• Alchemical Operations: Distillation, Sublimation
• Tarot Paths: Paths 23-19 (Tiphareth → Geburah/Chesed)
• Magic Focus: Planetary work intensifies (Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn), Zodiacal work begins, Shem HaMephorash (72 Angels + 72 Demons)
• ACIM: Lessons 182-273 (solar consciousness, wisdom)
• Rosicrucian Work: Alchemical Wedding preparation, Vault mysteries

AUTUMN (RUBEDO): Sep 21 – Dec 20

• Key Festivals: Mabon, Michaelmas, Samhain, Christ the King
• Alchemical Operations: Coagulation, Multiplication, Projection
• Tarot Paths: Paths 18-13 (Chesed → Binah/Chokmah), Path 12 (Chokmah → Kether)
• Magic Focus: Fixed Stars, Divine Magic, completion of Zodiacal work
• ACIM: Lessons 274-365 (union, completion, harvest)
• Rosicrucian Work: Red Wedding, Resurrection mysteries, Stone completion

AUREDO: Beyond the Wheel (Days Out of Time, peak moments)

• Key Festivals: Book of Revelation themes (New Jerusalem, Final Judgment, Translation)
• Alchemical Operations: Exaltation, Translation
• Tarot Paths: Path 11 (Kether → Ain), completed ascent
• Magic Focus: Theurgy, union with Source, Ipsissimus work
• ACIM: Beyond the Workbook (living as Christ)

III. THE GRADE STRUCTURE

How Grades Map to Stages

Important: Grades are LINEAR (you advance once). Stages are CYCLIC (you revisit annually). There are cycles within cycles, stages within stages.

Someone can be an Adept in Grade experiencing a Nigredo cycle within their current Citrinitas phase

The Five Levels of Reality/Magic

This framework complements the alchemical stages and grade progression:

1. Physical - Physical body rituals, tangible operations
2. Etheric - Elemental forces, energy work, Qi
3. Astral - Planetary magic, emotional/astral body, HGA work
4. Mental - Zodiacal/Fixed Stars, mental body, archetypal realm
5. Spiritual - Source/Empyrean, causal body, union with God

Mapping to Alchemical Stages:

• Nigredo works primarily at Physical + Etheric levels
• Albedo works at Etheric + Astral levels
• Citrinitas works at Astral + Mental levels
• Rubedo works at Mental + Spiritual levels
• Auredo transcends all levels (pure Spirit)

DEGREE 0: Neophyte

Grade: Probationer (0=0)

• Duration: Variable (3 months to 1 year typical)
• Entry Requirement: Sincere desire to walk the Path
• Alchemical Stage: Pre-Nigredo (seeking the Prima Materia)
• Sephirah: Not yet on Tree
• Tarot: The Fool (0)
• Fourfold Path Position: Page (seeking to become Knight)

Curriculum:

• Introduction to basic concepts (Tree of Life, Elements, Tarot, ACIM)
• Daily practice establishment (morning quiet time, ACIM reading, evening review)
• Physical preparation (temple space, tools, altar)
• Study: What is the Royal Art? What is the Path? Basic symbolism
• Decide magical name/motto
• Initiation Ritual: Self-dedication or received from mentor

Recommended Reading:

• A Course in Miracles (Text, introduction)
• The Kybalion
• Initiation Into Hermetics by Franz Bardon (intro chapters)
• The Tree of Life by Israel Regardie (overview)

DEGREE I: THE OUTER ORDER (FIRST ORDER)

Purpose: Purification of the Four Elements Alchemical Stage: NIGREDO Body Developed: Lead Body Ordo: The Order of the Hidden Crown (Outer)

Grade 1=10: ZELATOR (Earth)

• Sephirah: Malkuth
• Element: Earth
• Planet: Saturn (Lead)
• Season Emphasis: Winter Nigredo (but experienced in all seasons)
• Tarot Paths: 32-31 (Tau, Shin)
• Archangel: Uriel (Earth), Sandalphon (Malkuth)
• Duration: Minimum 3 months, ideally experienced through 1 full winter season
• Fourfold Path: Page → Knight (training)

Core Practices:

• LBRP daily
• Middle Pillar
• Earth element communion (gardening, grounding, nature work)
• ACIM Workbook (if in Winter: lessons 1-30)
• Sabbath observance (Sundays)
• Physical body care (diet, exercise, sleep)
• Study: Trivium begins (Grammar focus)

Magical Curriculum:

• LBRP mastery
• Invoking Pentagram of Earth
• Working with Gnomes (Earth elementals)
• Geomancy basics (divination system)
• Study: Malkuth, Kingdom, manifestation

Templar Training:

• Vow of Poverty: Simplicity, minimalism, detachment from material possessions
• Humility training: Service, obedience, ego reduction
• Physical training: Body as temple (see Physical Practices below)
• Study: History of Templars, Rule of the Order, monastic vows

Masonic Symbolism:

• Entered Apprentice degree: Rough ashlar (unrefined stone)
• Learning the craft, basic tools, foundation laying
• Building Solomon's Temple as allegory for inner temple
• Virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity

Physical Practices (choose one or more):

• Yoga: Hatha yoga for grounding, asana practice for embodiment
• Martial Arts: Tai Chi, Aikido, or traditional martial art as moving meditation and discipline
• Strength Training: Weightlifting for physical foundation, building the temple of the body
• Walking/Hiking: Communion with Earth element, pilgrimage practice
• Gardening: Direct work with earth, growing food, tending plants

Laboratory Alchemy:

• Calcination experiments
• Working with salts, earths, minerals
• Plant alchemy (extracting essences from earth-grown plants)
• Alchemy Level: Physical (working with tangible matter)

Advancement Requirement:

• Demonstrate stable daily practice
• Pass examination on Earth element, Malkuth, basic Qabalah
• Evidence of grounding and physical discipline

Recommended Reading:

• Sefer Yetzirah (begin study)
• The Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune (Malkuth chapter)
• Initiation Into Hermetics by Franz Bardon (Step 1)
• The Tree of Life by Israel Regardie (LBRP, Malkuth)

Grade 2=9: THEORICUS (Air)

• Sephirah: Yesod
• Element: Air
• Planet: Moon
• Season Emphasis: Spring (but experienced in all seasons)
• Tarot Paths: 31-30-29 (Shin, Resh, Qoph)
• Archangel: Raphael (Air), Gabriel (Yesod)
• Duration: Minimum 3 months, ideally 1 full spring
• Fourfold Path: Knight (in training)

Core Practices:

• LBRP + Invoking Air Pentagram daily
• Middle Pillar
• Breathwork (pranayama, air element mastery)
• ACIM Workbook (if in Spring: lessons 91-120)
• Study: Trivium (Logic focus)
• Mental clarity practices (meditation, concentration)

Magical Curriculum:

• Invoking Pentagram of Air mastery
• Working with Sylphs (Air elementals)
• Astrology basics: Learning to read your natal chart, understanding houses, signs, planets
• Scrying: Crystal ball, black mirror, or water bowl techniques; developing psychic vision
• Study: Yesod, Foundation, astral realm, dreams, lunar consciousness

Templar Training:

• Mental discipline: Focused study, concentration exercises
• Study of scriptures: Bible (Psalms especially), gospels
• Learning theology and philosophy

Masonic Symbolism:

• Fellow Craft degree: The middle chamber, winding staircase
• Liberal arts emphasis, intellectual development
• Seven liberal arts (Trivium especially)
• Study: Geometry, architecture, the five senses

Physical Practices:

• Yoga: Pranayama (breathwork), vinyasa flow for air element
• Running: Cardiovascular endurance, breath awareness, meditative running
• Martial Arts: Wing Chun, Aikido (breath and movement integration)
• Swimming: Beginning to connect breath with water (preparation for next grade)

Laboratory Alchemy:

• Separation operations
• Distillation (air element in flask)
• Working with incense, smoke, vapors
• Alchemy Level: Etheric (working with subtle forces, vapors, energies)

Advancement Requirement:

• Mental clarity demonstrated
• Dream journal established (minimum 3 months)
• Pass examination on Air, Yesod, astrology basics
• Demonstrate scrying ability

Recommended Reading:

• The Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune (Yesod chapter)
• Initiation Into Hermetics by Franz Bardon (Step 2)
• Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice by Demetra George (Vol. 1, basics)
• Gospel of Thomas (Gnostic scripture)

Grade 3=8: PRACTICUS (Water)

• Sephirah: Hod
• Element: Water
• Planet: Mercury
• Season Emphasis: Summer
• Tarot Paths: 30-29-28 (Resh, Qoph, Tzaddi)
• Archangel: Gabriel (Water), Michael (Hod)
• Duration: Minimum 3 months
• Fourfold Path: Knight

Core Practices:

• LBRP + Air + Water Pentagrams daily
• Middle Pillar
• Emotional clearing work
• ACIM Workbook (continuing progression)
• Study: Trivium completed (Rhetoric begins)

Magical Curriculum:

• Invoking Pentagram of Water mastery
• Working with Undines (Water elementals)
• Scrying advanced: Water bowls, mirrors, developing clear vision
• I Ching: Learning to cast and interpret the 64 hexagrams as divination system
• Geomancy advanced
• Study: Hod, Splendor, Mercurial intelligence, Divine Feminine mysteries

Templar Training:

• Vow of Chastity: Transmutation of sexual energy, continence or sacred sexuality
• Emotional purification: Confession, repentance, emotional honesty
• Learning sacred architecture: Geometry, building temples

Masonic Symbolism:

• Master Mason preparation: Beginning to understand death and resurrection
• Hiram Abiff legend introduced
• Understanding the heart as seat of transformation
• Virtues: Wisdom, Strength, Beauty (introduced)

Physical Practices:

• Swimming: Full immersion in water element, meditative swimming, breath control
• Yoga: Yin yoga, restorative practices for emotional release
• Martial Arts: Flowing styles (Tai Chi, Bagua) emphasizing fluidity
• Dance: Expressive movement for emotional catharsis

Laboratory Alchemy:

• Dissolution (water operations)
• Creating tinctures, elixirs
• Lunar alchemy (working with water under moon)
• Alchemy Level: Etheric + Astral (emotional/lunar body work)

Recommended Reading:

• The Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune (Hod chapter)
• Initiation Into Hermetics by Franz Bardon (Step 3)
• The I Ching or Book of Changes (Wilhelm/Baynes translation)
• Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan (chart reading fundamentals)

Grade 4=7: PHILOSOPHUS (Fire)

• Sephirah: Netzach
• Element: Fire
• Planet: Venus
• Season Emphasis: Summer-Autumn
• Tarot Paths: 28-27 (Tzaddi, Peh)
• Archangel: Michael (Fire), Haniel (Netzach)
• Duration: Minimum 3 months, ideally 1 full summer
• Fourfold Path: Knight → preparing for Apprentice Wizard

Core Practices:

• All four Elemental Pentagrams mastered
• Middle Pillar
• Fire practices (inner heat, kundalini preparation, passion cultivation)
• ACIM Workbook (if in Summer: lessons 182-210)
• Study: Quadrivium begins (Arithmetic)

Magical Curriculum:

• Invoking Pentagram of Fire mastery
• Working with Salamanders (Fire elementals)
• Fire scrying (flame gazing, pyromancy)
• Introduction to practical laboratory alchemy
• Study: Netzach, Victory, Venus, Beauty, Art, Love, passion

Templar Training:

• Vow of Obedience: To God, to HGA, to the Work (not to human authority)
• Warrior training: Holy war is INNER war, fighting ego and shadow
• Protecting the Sangreal: Understanding Christ bloodline as spiritual lineage (not genetic)
• Cultivating righteous fire, holy passion

Masonic Symbolism:

• Master Mason degree (preparation): Hiram Abiff's death and raising
• Death and resurrection as central mystery
• The murdered master builder, the lost word
• Understanding transformation through symbolic death
• Rough Ashlar → Polished Ashlar (Prima Materia → Stone)

Rosicrucian Introduction:

• Rose-Cross symbolism introduced: Rose of passion on cross of matter
• Introduction to Christian Rosenkreutz legend
• Understanding the mystical rose

Physical Practices:

• Martial Arts: Intensive training in a chosen art (Karate, Kung Fu, Krav Maga for fire)
• Yoga: Power yoga, Ashtanga, Kundalini yoga for fire element
• Strength Training: High-intensity training, building power and will
• Running: Sprint work, intense cardio, cultivating inner fire
• Sun practices: Sun gazing (safely), solar exercises, outdoor training

Laboratory Alchemy:

• Calcination with fire
• Creating philosophical sulfur (fixed principle)
• Metallic operations (beginning transmutation work)
• Alchemy Level: Astral (working with desire, passion, transmutation)

Advancement Requirement:

• All four elements balanced and integrated
• Demonstrate alchemical understanding (theory + practice)
• Pass comprehensive First Order examination
• Evidence of will, passion, directed purpose
• Physical discipline established in chosen practice

Recommended Reading:

• The Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune (Netzach chapter)
• Initiation Into Hermetics by Franz Bardon (Step 4)
• Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Agrippa (Book I - Natural Magic)
• Real Alchemy by Robert Allen Bartlett (practical spagyrics)

INTERMEDIATE: THE PORTAL GRADE

Grade: Portal (∴=∴)

• Element: Quintessence (Spirit/Aethyr)
• Duration: Minimum 40 days
• Alchemical Stage: Transition from Nigredo → Albedo
• Sephirah: Paroketh (Veil), approaching Tiphareth
• Tarot Paths: 27-26-25 (Peh, Ayin, Samekh)
• Fourfold Path: Knight → Apprentice Wizard (transformation point)

This is the FIRST GREAT VEIL

Purpose:

• Integrate all four elements into Spirit
• Prepare for HGA contact
• Transition from elemental to planetary consciousness
• First Wedding: White Wedding (Baptism by Water/Spirit)

Core Practices:

• Rose Cross Ritual daily
• All Pentagram rituals mastered
• 40-day intensive retreat (if possible) or focused practice period
• ACIM Workbook at advanced stage
• Study: Quadrivium (Geometry)
• Fasting, silence, withdrawal from world

Magical Curriculum:

• Spirit Pentagram mastery
• Rose Cross Ritual (daily practice established)
• Analysis of the Keyword (LVX - Light)
• Preliminary HGA invocations
• Study: The Veil, the Threshold, Da'ath (Knowledge), quintessence

Templar Training:

• The Vigil: Night before knighting, all-night prayer and meditation
• Knighting ceremony (self-administered or received)
• Receiving the sword, the vows, the white mantle
• Becoming a Knight: Defending the faith, protecting the innocent

Masonic Symbolism:

• Passing the Veil: Entering the inner temple, the Holy of Holies
• Mark Master, Royal Arch (York Rite symbolism)
• Recovery of the Lost Word (preparation for HGA contact)
• Understanding the Ark of the Covenant

Rosicrucian Introduction:

• Introduction to the Vault of C.R.C. (seven-sided vault)
• Understanding Christian Rosenkreutz as archetypal adept
• Rose-Cross as synthesis of all elements plus spirit

Laboratory Alchemy:

• Conjunction (first union of opposites)
• Fermentation beginning
• Creating Philosopher's Mercury (volatile principle)
• Alchemy Level: Etheric + Astral (integrating all elements into spirit)

Initiation:

• The Dweller on the Threshold confronted
• First Major Initiation: Path 27 - The Tower (shattering of false structures)
• White Wedding (Baptism) ritual: Baptism by water and spirit, donning white robe
• Crossing the Veil of Paroketh
• Vision Quest or 40-day intensive retreat (if possible)

Advancement Requirement:

• Successful crossing of the threshold
• Vision or direct experience of astral realm
• Evidence of inner integration of all four elements
• Oath taken as Grail Knight and Apprentice Wizard

Recommended Reading:

• The Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune (Tiphareth chapter, in preparation)
• Initiation Into Hermetics by Franz Bardon (Steps 5-6)
• The Cloud of Unknowing (medieval mystical text)
• The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz (introduction)

DEGREE II: THE INNER ORDER (SECOND ORDER)

Purpose: Union with Higher Self, Planetary Mastery Alchemical Stages: ALBEDO → CITRINITAS Body Developed: Silver → Mercurial → approaching Solar Ordo: R.R. et A.C. (Rosae Rubeae et Aureae Crucis)

Grade 5=6: ADEPTUS MINOR (Lesser Adept)

• Sephirah: Tiphareth
• Planets: All 7 Classical (focus: Sun)
• Tarot Paths: 26-25-24 (Ayin, Samekh, Nun)
• Archangel: Michael (Tiphareth), Raphael (Solar intelligence)
• Duration: Minimum 1 year (typically 2-3 years)
• Fourfold Path: Apprentice Wizard

This is the SOLAR GRADE - the Heart of the Tree

Core Practices:

• LBRP + LBRH daily
• Middle Pillar Extended (Full Tree)
• Rose Cross Ritual
• ACIM Workbook completion + review cycles
• Study: Quadrivium (Music)
• Planetary Hour observations

Magical Curriculum:

• PRIMARY WORK: Abramelin Operation (or equivalent HGA working)
• 6-18 month intensive
• Daily invocations
• Purification regime
• Culminates in Knowledge & Conversation of HGA
• Lesser Hexagram Rituals (all 7 planets)
• Greater Hexagram Rituals (planetary)
• Orphic Hymns to the Planets: Chanting/singing the seven planetary hymns as invocations
• Hymn to Selene (Moon)
• Hymn to Hermes (Mercury)
• Hymn to Aphrodite (Venus)
• Hymn to Helios (Sun)
• Hymn to Ares (Mars)
• Hymn to Zeus (Jupiter)
• Hymn to Kronos (Saturn)
• Planetary invocations (systematically: Moon → Mercury → Venus → Sun → Mars → Jupiter → Saturn)
• Study: Tiphareth, Beauty, Christ Consciousness, Solar Mysteries

Templar Training:

• Guardian of the Temple: Tiphareth = the inner temple
• Seeking the Grail: The quest is for HGA/Higher Self
• Battle with the Dragon: Inner demons, shadow work
• Holy Jihad: Inner struggle toward Truth

Masonic Symbolism:

• Master Mason (full realization): Hiram Abiff raised from the grave
• Understanding the Ark: Covenant, presence of God in temple
• The Shekinah: Divine presence in the Holy of Holies = Tiphareth
• Rebuilding the Temple: After destruction, restoration

Rosicrucian Work:

• Entered the Vault, beheld C.R.C.'s tomb
• Understanding the seven-sided vault as the seven planets
• Rose-Cross as the perfected human (Christ consciousness)

Physical Practices:

• Yoga: Advanced practice, working toward samadhi, solar pranayama
• Martial Arts: Mastery level in chosen art, teaching others
• Any chosen discipline: Should be at proficient level by this grade

Laboratory Alchemy:

• Creating Philosophical Sulfur (fixed principle)
• Distillation mastery
• Working with metals (planetary correspondences)
• Goal: Create the White Stone (Albedo completion)
• Alchemy Level: Astral (working with HGA, astral body perfection)

Key Experience:

• Knowledge & Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel
• Vision of Higher Self
• Union with Solar Consciousness
• Second Wedding: Yellow Wedding (Transfiguration)

Tarot Work:

• Paths 26, 25, 24 (Ayin-Devil, Samekh-Temperance, Nun-Death)
• Deep work with Death/Rebirth mysteries

Advancement Requirement:

• HGA contact (Knowledge & Conversation achieved)
• All 7 planetary invocations completed
• All 7 Orphic Hymns mastered
• White Stone created (or equivalent inner alchemy)
• Solar consciousness stabilized
• Oath taken as Journeyman Wizard

Recommended Reading:

• The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage (complete)
• The Confessions of Aleister Crowley (HGA experience accounts)
• Liber Samekh (Crowley's HGA ritual)
• Meditations on the Tarot (Anonymous, advanced Christian Hermeticism)
• The Orphic Hymns (Athanassakis translation)

Grade 6=5: ADEPTUS MAJOR (Greater Adept)

• Sephirah: Geburah
• Zodiac Focus: Cardinal Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)
• Tarot Paths: 24-23-22 (Nun, Mem, Lamed)
• Archangel: Kamael (Geburah), Samael (Mars)
• Duration: Minimum 1 year (typically 2-4 years)
• Fourfold Path: Journeyman Wizard → approaching Master

MARTIAL GRADE - Severity, Discipline, Judgment

Core Practices:

• All previous rituals maintained
• Supreme Pentagram Rituals (Zodiacal)
• ACIM: Living it
• Study: Quadrivium (Astronomy)
• Zodiacal timing mastery

Magical Curriculum:

• PRIMARY WORK: 72 Angels & 72 Demons (Shem HaMephorash + Goetia)
• Systematic invocation of all 72 Shemhamphorash angels
• Systematic evocation/integration of all 72 Goetic spirits
• Shadow integration work (confronting inner demons)
• Light integration work (embodying angelic virtues)
• Supreme Pentagram Rituals (all 12 zodiac signs)
• Greater Hexagram Rituals (zodiacal)
• Orphic Hymns to the Zodiac: Chanting the twelve zodiacal hymns
• 36 Decans work (each decan invoked)
• Study: Geburah, Strength, Mars, Holy Severity, Divine Judgment

Templar Training:

• Warrior Monk: Martial and spiritual discipline united
• Dragon Slayer: Confronting and integrating the shadow/demons
• Understanding spiritual warfare as interior work

Masonic Symbolism:

• Scottish Rite advanced degrees (symbolic understanding)
• Knights Templar degree (York Rite)
• Red Cross, Knight of Malta symbolism

Rosicrucian Work:

• Adept of Rose-Cross, fully understanding the Vault
• Study: Fama Fraternitatis, Confessio Fraternitatis, Chemical Wedding
• Rose-Cross Ritual mastery
• Creating and consecrating the Rosy Cross lamen

Physical Practices:

• Martial Arts: Intense training, potentially teaching, combat-ready
• Strength Training: Peak physical condition, warrior body
• Yoga: Power yoga, advanced asana, building heat and will

Laboratory Alchemy:

• Multiplication of the Stone
• Advanced metallic transmutations
• Creating Red Tincture (Rubedo approaching)
• Alchemy Level: Mental (working with zodiac/archetypes, mental body)

Tarot Work:

• Paths 24, 23, 22 (Nun-Death, Mem-Hanged Man, Lamed-Justice)
• Work with sacrifice, surrender, judgment

Key Experiences:

• Crossing the Abyss (preparation)
• Shadow fully integrated
• Angelic consciousness embodied
• Understanding divine wrath and mercy

Advancement Requirement:

• All 72 Angels & 72 Demons evoked/invoked and integrated
• Zodiacal mastery (all 12 signs worked)
• All 12 Orphic Zodiacal Hymns mastered
• Shadow work culminated (descent into the underworld and return)
• Red Tincture created (or inner equivalent)

Recommended Reading:

• The Goetia (complete, with practical experience)
• 777 and Other Qabalistic Writings by Aleister Crowley
• Psychological Commentary on Kundalini Yoga by C.G. Jung
• The Red Book by C.G. Jung (shadow integration)
• Rosicrucian Manifestos (all three)

Grade 7=4: ADEPTUS EXEMPTUS (Exempt Adept)

• Sephirah: Chesed
• Zodiac Focus: Fixed + Mutable Signs + Fixed Stars
• Tarot Paths: 22-21-20 (Lamed, Kaph, Yod)
• Archangel: Tzadkiel (Chesed), Jupiter
• Duration: Minimum 1 year (typically 3-5 years)
• Fourfold Path: Master Wizard (approaching Disciple)

JUPITER GRADE - Mercy, Expansion, Wisdom

Core Practices:

• All rituals mastered and performed adeptly
• Fixed Star magic
• ACIM: ….
• Study: Seven Liberal Arts completed + Hebrew mastery
• Solomonic magic advanced

Magical Curriculum:

• Fixed Star invocations (15 Behenian Stars + 4 Royal Stars)
• Orphic Hymns to the Stars and Cosmos: Advanced cosmic hymns
• Enochian magic (if drawn to it)
• Creating own magical system/synthesis
• Study: Chesed, Mercy, Loving-kindness, Divine Abundance

Templar Training:

• Grandmaster consciousness: Leading others on the path
• Teaching and initiating junior knights
• Embodying the threefold vow perfectly

Masonic Symbolism:

• York Rite completion (symbolic understanding)
• Knights Templar, Knights of Malta fully integrated
• Preparing to become a Master of the Lodge

Rosicrucian Work:

• Rose-Cross Adept, ready for Red Wedding
• Chemical Wedding preparation: Understanding the seven days
• The Bride & Bridegroom: Inner masculine and feminine preparing to unite
• Study: Advanced Rosicrucian alchemy texts (Atalanta Fugiens, etc.)

Physical Practices:

• Physical practice becomes effortless, spontaneous
• May continue chosen discipline or transcend need for formal practice
• Body as perfected vessel

Laboratory Alchemy:

• Projection (transmuting base metals)
• Creating the Elixir of Life
• Goal: Complete the Red Stone (Rubedo)
• Alchemy Level: Mental + Spiritual (approaching union with Source)

Tarot Work:

• Paths 22, 21, 20 (Lamed-Justice, Kaph-Wheel of Fortune, Yod-Hermit)
• Wisdom, cycles, solitude

Key Preparation:

• Approaching the Abyss (Da'ath)
• Preparation for crossing
• Understanding annihilation
• Third Wedding preparation: Red Wedding (Resurrection)

Advancement Requirement:

• Fixed Stars worked (all major stars invoked)
• Red Stone completed (inner or outer)
• Own magical system articulated and documented
• Ready to cross the Abyss
• Ready for Third Wedding (Resurrection mystery)

Recommended Reading:

• The Cosmic Doctrine by Dion Fortune
• Enochian Vision Magick by Lon Milo DuQuette (if working Enochian)
• Advanced texts may no longer be needed; direct gnosis primary
• Writing your own text/grimoire at this stage

THE ABYSS (DA'ATH)

Between Second and Third Orders. This is the SECOND GREAT VEIL

What is the Abyss:

• The gulf between human and divine
• Annihilation of the personal self
• Death of the Adept
• Encounter with Choronzon (demon of dispersion)
• Total ego death

Crossing:

• No grade assigned to this
• It is an ordeal, not a stage
• Can take years or moments
• Marked by profound inner crisis
• Dismemberment of identity
• The Red Wedding occurs after this
• Resurrection on the other side

After crossing:

• No longer human in the old sense
• Reborn as something new
• Master/Magister status

DEGREE III: THE SECRET ORDER (THIRD ORDER)

Purpose: Divine Union, Return to Source Alchemical Stage: RUBEDO → AUREDO Body Developed: Solar → Glorified Ordo: The Hidden Order

Grade 8=3: MAGISTER TEMPLI (Master of the Temple)

• Sephirah: Binah
• Beyond Planets: Primum Mobile
• Tarot Paths: 19-18 (Teth, Cheth)
• Archangel: Tzaphkiel (Binah), Saturn (transcended)
• Duration: Rest of life
• Fourfold Path: Disciple → Master

GREAT MOTHER GRADE - Understanding, Form, Limitation Transcended

Core Practices:

• Practice is now effortless, spontaneous. Entire life is constant ritual.
• Living embodiment of the Work
• Teaching others
• ACIM: Embodying Christ

Work:

• The divine darkness
• Womb of creation
• Primum Mobile consciousness
• Study: Binah, Understanding, the Great Sea
• All magical operations transcended (can be performed but not needed)
• Creating new initiates
• Establishing temples/schools

Templar/Masonic/Rosicrucian:

• Grandmaster of Temple, establishing new lodges
• Red Wedding completed: Hieros Gamos, Sacred Marriage
• The Vault fully opened, ever-burning lamp of consciousness
• R.R. et A.C.: Rosae Rubeae et Aureae Crucis embodied
• Teaching and transmitting to new adepts

Tarot Work:

• Paths 19, 18 (Teth-Strength, Cheth-Chariot)
• Final descent into form before ascent

Laboratory Alchemy:

• The Work is complete
• Now multiplying and distributing the Stone
• Teaching others the Art
• Alchemy Level: Spiritual (pure spirit, beyond levels)

Recommended Reading:

• Books transcended; direct transmission from Source
• May write own scriptures for students

Grade 9=2: MAGUS

• Sephirah: Chokmah
• Beyond Form: Empyrean
• Tarot Path: 12 (Beth)
• Archangel: Raziel (Chokmah)
• Fourfold Path: Master → approaching Prince

WORD GRADE - Wisdom, the Logos

Work:

• Speaking new reality into being
• The living Word (Logos)
• Creating new magical currents
• Incarnating divine wisdom

Recommended Reading:

• None; the Magus writes the book

Tarot Work:

• Path 12 (Beth-Magician)
• The Word made flesh

Grade 10=1: IPSISSIMUS

• Sephirah: Kether
• Element: Pure Spirit
• Tarot Path: 11 (Aleph)
• Fourfold Path: King

CROWN

Work:

• Union with God
• Individual dissolved into Universal
• Cannot be described

Recommended Reading:

• Silence

Tarot Work:

• Path 11 (Aleph-Fool)
• Return to zero, completion of circle

STAGE V: AUREDO (Beyond the Grades)

TRANSLATION - beyond the Tree entirely

Book of Revelation themes:

• New Jerusalem descending
• Marriage of the Lamb
• All things made new
• The Real World
• Final Judgment (choosing God/Truth completely)
• Apocalypse (unveiling complete)
• Translation (return to Kingdom of Heaven)

IV. THE SPIRALING YEARLY STRUCTURE

How a Student Experiences the Path Year by Year

Example: A student enters as Neophyte (Probationer) in January

YEAR 1:

• Winter (Jan-Mar): Probationer → becomes Zelator (1=10) at Spring Equinox
• Spring (Mar-Jun): Zelator experiencing first Albedo, ACIM lessons 91-181
• Summer (Jun-Sep): Zelator experiencing first Citrinitas, ACIM lessons 182-273
• Autumn (Sep-Dec): Zelator experiencing first Rubedo, ACIM lessons 274-365

YEAR 2:

• Winter (Jan-Mar): Still Zelator, now SECOND Nigredo (deeper), ACIM Workbook review or second cycle
• Advances to Theoricus (2=9) when ready (could be Spring)
• Spring-Autumn: Theoricus experiencing seasons at new depth

YEAR 3:

• Winter: Theoricus or Practicus experiencing THIRD Nigredo
• And so on...

The point: You spiral through the seasons annually while progressing through grades linearly.

V. THE DAILY PRACTICE STRUCTURE

Morning Practice (Universal for All Grades)

Upon Waking:

1. Quiet Time with God (5-15 minutes)
• Silence, receptivity, listening
• "Not my will but Thine be done"
2. ACIM Workbook Lesson (15-30 minutes)
• Read and contemplate the day's lesson
• Apply throughout the day
3. Qabalistic Cross + LBRP (10 minutes)
• Cleanse sphere of sensation
• Establish sacred space
4. Middle Pillar (10-15 minutes)
• Circulate light through Tree
• Energize the day

Additional practices based on grade:

• Zelator+: Elemental invocations
• Portal+: Rose Cross Ritual
• Adeptus Minor+: LBRH
• Adeptus Major+: Zodiacal workings

Throughout the Day

1. ACIM Lesson Practice
• Remember the lesson hourly
• Apply to situations
2. Mindfulness of Breath and present moment - Return to breath regularly
3. Surrender & Listening to Holy Spirit: "There is no will but God's"

Evening Practice (Universal)

1. Evening Review (10-15 minutes)
• Review the day
• Note successes and challenges
• Forgiveness practice for any errors
2. ACIM Evening Quiet Time (5-10 minutes)
• Close eyes, commune with God
• Gratitude
3. Journal Entry (5-15 minutes)
• Magical diary
• Dreams, synchronicities, insights
• moon phase, astrological notes
• rituals/creations and results, etc…

Weekly Observances

SUNDAY: THE SABBATH

• No worldly work
• Fasting (from food, screens, or other chosen fast)
• Silence (periods of silence or full day)
• Study (deep reading, contemplation)
• Creative Work (art, music, writing for the Opus)
• Extended ritual (2-3 hour temple work if desired)
• Review of week

Monthly Observances

NEW MOON:

• Set intentions for lunar month
• Cleansing rituals
• New beginnings

FULL MOON:

• Peak power rituals
• Manifestation work
• Review intentions

Seasonal Festivals

Follow the Royal Art Calendar festivals

• Major festivals include initiatory rituals
• Cross-quarter days are threshold times
• Solstices/Equinoxes mark stage transitions

VI. THE FOUR PATHS WALKED SIMULTANEOUSLY

Page/Knight, Apprentice/Wizard, Disciple/Master, Prince/King

These aren't separate paths—they're four LENSES on the ONE path.

Each grade includes:

1. Chivalric training (Templar curriculum: vows, virtues, quest, battle)
2. Magical training (Ritual, ceremony, invocation)
3. Mystical training (ACIM, prayer, meditation, union)
4. Royal training (Self-sovereignty, kingship, restoration)

VII. THE 22 PATHS OF THE TAROT

Paths are worked BETWEEN sephiroth as you ascend

The paths are numbered 32 (lowest) to 11 (highest)

NIGREDO PATHS (First Order)

Zelator (1=10):

• Path 32 (Tau/ת) - The World: Yesod → Malkuth

◦ Experience: Manifesting divine will in the physical, completing the soul's descent

◦ Work: Grounding in the body, accepting incarnation

• Path 31 (Shin/ש) - Judgement: Hod → Malkuth

◦ Experience: Rising through purification, answering the call to higher being

◦ Work: Awakening, resurrection from spiritual sleep

Theoricus (2=9):

• Path 30 (Resh/ר) - The Sun: Hod → Yesod

◦ Experience: Embracing inner light, manifesting clarity in the psyche

◦ Work: Solar illumination of the unconscious

• Path 29 (Qoph/ק) - The Moon: Netzach → Malkuth

◦ Experience: Navigating fears, facing projections, night-journey through illusion

◦ Work: Deep psychic/dream work, shadow confrontation

Practicus (3=8):

• Path 28 (Tzaddi/צ) - The Star: Netzach → Yesod

◦ Experience: Finding hope after trials, divine inspiration channeled into soul

◦ Work: Restoration of faith, reconnection to guidance

Philosophus (4=7):

• Path 27 (Peh/פ) - The Tower: Netzach → Hod (FIRST MAJOR INITIATION)

◦ Experience: Shattering false structures, awakening through chaos

◦ Work: Allowing everything to collapse so truth can emerge

Portal:

• Path 26 (Ayin/ע) - The Devil: Tiphareth → Hod

◦ Experience: Confronting attachments, breaking free from illusion's chains

◦ Work: Shadow integration, seeing through bondage

• Path 25 (Samekh/ס) - Temperance/Art: Tiphareth → Yesod

◦ Experience: Alchemical blending, angelic mediation, equilibrium

◦ Work: Harmonizing the psyche, preparing for ascent

ALBEDO PATHS (Second Order - Early)

Adeptus Minor (5=6):

• Path 24 (Nun/נ) - Death: Tiphareth → Netzach

◦ Experience: Embracing endings, shedding identity, symbolic death

◦ Work: Letting the old self die completely

• Path 23 (Mem/מ) - The Hanged Man: Geburah → Hod

◦ Experience: Surrender, seeing from inverted perspective, relinquishing ego-control

◦ Work: Suspension, sacrifice, gaining wisdom through letting go

• Path 22 (Lamed/ל) - Justice: Geburah → Tiphareth

◦ Experience: Aligning actions with cosmic law, finding harmony through accountability

◦ Work: Karmic balancing, truth-telling, rectification

CITRINITAS PATHS (Second Order - Advanced)

Adeptus Major (6=5):

• Path 21 (Kaph/כ) - Wheel of Fortune: Chesed → Netzach

◦ Experience: Learning to ride destiny without being trapped

◦ Work: Understanding cycles, accepting fate, surrendering to divine timing

• Path 20 (Yod/י) - The Hermit: Chesed → Tiphareth

◦ Experience: Withdrawing to find truth, illuminating soul with divine compassion

◦ Work: Solitude, inner guidance, lamp in darkness

• Path 19 (Teth/ט) - Strength: Chesed → Geburah (SECOND MAJOR INITIATION)

◦ Experience: Taming the beast through love, heart-centered power

◦ Work: Harmonizing mercy and severity, courage without violence

• Path 18 (Cheth/ח) - The Chariot: Binah → Geburah

◦ Experience: Mastering the self through discipline, steering through battles

◦ Work: Willpower, direction, spiritual warriorship

Adeptus Exemptus (7=4):

• Path 17 (Zayin/ז) - The Lovers: Binah → Tiphareth

◦ Experience: Choosing between paths, harmonizing duality to align with heart's truth

◦ Work: Sacred choice, union of opposites

• Path 16 (Vav/ו) - The Hierophant: Chokmah → Chesed

◦ Experience: Receiving the Law, integration of spiritual inheritance

◦ Work: Tradition, initiation, transmission

• Path 15 (Heh/ה) - The Emperor: Chokmah → Tiphareth

◦ Experience: Becoming aligned with higher authority, establishing dominion over self

◦ Work: Structure, order, sacred masculine sovereignty

RUBEDO PATHS (Third Order)

Magister Templi (8=3):

• Path 14 (Daleth/ד) - The Empress: Chokmah → Binah (THIRD MAJOR INITIATION)

◦ Experience: Union of force and form, generative archetypes

◦ Work: Sacred Marriage, birthing worlds

• Path 13 (Gimel/ג) - The High Priestess: Kether → Tiphareth

◦ Experience: Crossing the Abyss in miniature, inner temple vision

◦ Work: Unveiling inner wisdom, direct soul-memory

Magus (9=2):

• Path 12 (Beth/ב) - The Magician: Kether → Binah

◦ Experience: Channeling divine intention into structured form

◦ Work: Word, will, Logos, transmission

Ipsissimus (10=1):

• Path 11 (Aleph/א) - The Fool: Kether → Chokmah

◦ Experience: Stepping into the abyss with trust, pure potential

◦ Work: Return to zero, completion of circle, breath of YHVH

All 22 paths completed by end of Rubedo

Auredo has no paths—it is beyond the Tree

THE THREE HORIZONTAL PATHS: MAJOR INITIATIONS

Three horizontal paths across the Tree mark the three great threshold crossings. These are NOT ordinary pathworkings—they are INITIATORY RUPTURES

1. THE FIRST MAJOR INITIATION

Path 27 (Peh/ף) - The Tower

• Connection: Netzach (Victory) → Hod (Splendor)
• When: Philosophus (4=7) transitioning to Portal
• Alchemical Phase: End of Nigredo, threshold of Albedo
• Experience: Complete collapse of the false personality structure
• Symbolism: Lightning-struck tower, sudden demolition, liberation through destruction
• Element: Mars (force, rupture)
• Initiation: Everything you thought you were SHATTERS
• Result: The ego-structure crumbles; you see it was built on sand

This is the "Rending of the Veil" moment—the first taste of ego death

2. THE SECOND MAJOR INITIATION

Path 19 (Teth/ט) - Strength

• Connection: Chesed (Mercy) → Geburah (Severity)
• When: Adeptus Major (6=5) approaching Adeptus Exemptus (7=4)
• Alchemical Phase: Deep Citrinitas, approaching the Abyss
• Experience: Taming the inner beast through love, not force; uniting mercy and severity
• Symbolism: Woman gently closing the lion's mouth, serpent coiled in strength
• Element: Leo (solar power, heart-centered courage)
• Initiation: Mastering the balance of compassion and power
• Result: The heart opens; shadow fully integrates; you become both tender and terrible

This prepares you to cross the Abyss

3. THE THIRD MAJOR INITIATION

Path 14 (Daleth/ד) - The Empress

• Connection: Chokmah (Wisdom) → Binah (Understanding)
• When: Magus (9=2) or beyond
• Alchemical Phase: Rubedo completion, approaching Auredo
• Experience: Sacred Marriage of the Supernal Father and Mother
• Symbolism: The womb of creation, fertile abundance, birth of the divine child
• Element: Venus (love, beauty, generation)
• Initiation: Witnessing/participating in the union that births worlds
• Result: You understand how form arises from the formless; you become a creator

This is the final integration above the Abyss

VIII. THE THREE WEDDINGS

1. WHITE WEDDING (Baptism)

When: Portal Grade (transition Nigredo → Albedo) Season: Spring Equinox (ideally) Alchemical: Conjunction, first union Symbolism: Water baptism, purification, rebirth Body: Lead → Silver transition Ritual: Baptism by water and spirit, White robe donning Result: Purified vessel, ready for planetary work

2. YELLOW WEDDING (Transfiguration)

When: Adeptus Minor (5=6) - at Tiphareth Season: Summer (Citrinitas), ideally on Transfiguration (Aug 6) or near Summer Solstice Alchemical: Fermentation, yellowing Symbolism: Transfiguration on Mount, solar body beginning Body: Silver → Mercurial Ritual: Climbing the mountain, beholding the Light Body, Yellow robe Result: Solar consciousness, HGA union, Mercury body activated

Can occur in two phases:

• Albedo culmination: End of Adeptus Minor (preparation)
• Citrinitas beginning: Adeptus Major (full transfiguration)

3. RED WEDDING (Resurrection)

When: Crossing the Abyss / Entering Magister Templi (8=3) Season: Autumn Equinox (Rubedo) or Samhain (death/rebirth threshold) Alchemical: Rubedo completion, Stone made Symbolism: Resurrection, Hieros Gamos (Sacred Marriage), Phoenix rising Body: Mercurial → Solar (Golden) Ritual: Descent into tomb, three days in darkness, resurrection, Red robe Result: Solar/Golden body, Stone completed, King/Queen united, Immortal

This is the ULTIMATE WEDDING—union of all opposites:

• King + Queen
• Sol + Luna
• Sulfur + Mercury
• Christ + Sophia
• Self + God

IX. THE THREE DARK NIGHTS

1. DARK NIGHT OF THE MIND (Nigredo)

When: Zelator through Philosophus What dies: False thoughts, mental constructs, intellectual pride, false ego, Symptom: Confusion, not knowing, mental fog ACIM Lessons: 1-90 ("Nothing I see means anything," breaking down perception) Crisis: Epistemological - "I don't know what anything is for" Resolution: Surrender of the intellect, "I need do nothing"

2. DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL (Albedo)

When: Portal through Adeptus Minor What dies: Emotional attachments, personal loves/hates, egoic desires Symptom: Emptiness, loss of meaning, emotional flatness ACIM Theme: "I am not a body, I am free" Crisis: Psychological - losing sense of personal self Resolution: Union with HGA, finding true Self beyond personality

3. DARK NIGHT OF THE SPIRIT (Citrinitas)

When: Adeptus Major through Adeptus Exemptus, culminating at the Abyss What dies: The entire sense of being a separate entity Symptom: Total annihilation, "I am nothing" ACIM Theme: Complete ego dissolution Crisis: Ontological - death of the separate self Resolution: Crossing the Abyss, resurrection as Magister, "I and the Father are One"

After the Third Dark Night, there is only Light

Summary Table: Three Weddings, Three Dark Nights, Three Major Initiations

THE CANONICAL TEXTS OF THE ROYAL ART

This section outlines the foundational scriptures and core books of the tradition.

Essential Scripture

A Course in Miracles

• Text
• Workbook for Students
• Manual for Teachers
• Supplementary ACIM texts:
• Psychotherapy: Purpose, Process and Practice
• The Song of Prayer
• The Gifts of God
• Special Messages

Foundational Qabalistic & Alchemical Texts

• Sefer Yetzirah
• The Bible (Old and New Testaments)
• Old Testament: All, espcially Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah
• New Testament: The Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), Book of Revelation
• Gnostic Gospels:
• The Gospel of Thomas
• The Gospel of Philip
• The Gospel of Truth
• The Thunder, Perfect Mind
• Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Cornelius Agrippa
• The Emerald Tablet

Political Theology & Traditionalism

• Revolt Against the Modern World by Julius Evola
• Men Among the Ruins by Julius Evola

Arthurian & Grail Texts

• Perceval, the Story of the Grail by Chrétien de Troyes
• Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach
• Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Malory
• Arthurian Magic by John Matthews and Caitlín Matthews

Core Hermetic & Magical Texts

• The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall
• Tree of Wisdom - John Michael Greer
• The Golden Dawn by Israel Regardie
• Complete Magician’s Tables - Stephen Skinner
• The Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley
• The Chicken Qabalah by Lon Milo DuQuette

Alchemy Texts

• The Mystery of the Cathedrals by Fulcanelli
• Dwellings of the Philosophers by Fulcanelli
• The Forge and the Crucible by Mircea Eliade

Astrology Texts

• Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice (2 volumes) by Demetra George
• Hellenistic Astrology: The Study of Fate and Fortune by Chris Brennan
• The Picatrix

Rosicrucian Texts

• Fama Fraternitatis (First Rosicrucian Manifesto)
• Confessio Fraternitatis (Second Manifesto)
• The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz
• The Secret Symbols of the Rosicrucians (16th-17th century)
• Atalanta Fugiens by Michael Maier

Solomonic & Grimoire Texts

• The Key of Solomon (medieval grimoire)
• The Lesser Key of Solomon (Lemegeton)
• The Heptameron by Peter de Abano (planetary magic)
• The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage
• The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses

Mystical & Philosophical Texts

• The Cloud of Unknowing
• The Interior Castle by Teresa of Avila
• Dark Night of the Soul by John of the Cross
• Meditations on the Tarot by Valentin Tomberg
• The Way of Mastery (channeled by Jayem/John Marc Hammer)
• The Way of the Heart
• The Way of Transformation
• The Way of Knowing

Mythic & Literary Texts

• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Divine Comedy by Dante

Hebrew Language

• The Alef-Beit by Yitzchak Ginsburgh
• Hebrew grammar and lexicon texts

Advanced & Specialized

• The Zohar
• The Bahir
• Sefer Ha-Bahir and other Kabbalistic primary sources
• The Corpus Hermeticum
• The Nag Hammadi Library
• The Pistis Sophia
• Orphic fragments and Orphic Hymns

X. INTEGRATING THE QLIPHOTH

When: Primarily in Adeptus Major (6=5) during the 72 Demons work

What are the Qliphoth: The shadow side of the Tree, “shells" or "husks", Imbalanced/corrupt sephiroth, Your personal shadow materialized

The 10 Qliphoth (reverse sephiroth):

How to Work with Them:

1. Study the qliphoth theoretically first (Adeptus Minor)
2. Encounter them during Goetia work (Adeptus Major)
• Each demon contacted reveals a qliphothic aspect. Face your shadow directly
3. Integrate through alchemical transformation
• The poison becomes medicine
• Lead becomes gold
• Shadow becomes light
4. Transcend by crossing the Abyss (Adeptus Exemptus → Magister)

The Tunnels of Set (22 paths between qliphoth):

• Advanced shadow work
• Only for Adeptus Major/Exemptus
• Dangerous without proper grounding
• Can be explored via pathworking/visionary work
• Complementary to the 22 Tarot paths (light side)
• These are not "evil" but unbalanced forces that must be understood and integrated

XI. THE SOLOMONIC CURRICULUM

Integrated throughout, emphasis in Albedo/Citrinitas

Foundation (Nigredo/Albedo)

• Study: The Key of Solomon, Lemegeton, Heptameron
• Creating magical tools (sword, wand, cup, pentacle, ring, lamen)
• Learning divine names and hierarchies
• Planetary seals and sigils
• Psalms and prayers
• Consecration rituals

Intermediate (Albedo)

• Goetia preparation: Circle, triangle, binding methods
• Angelic conjuration (Shemhamphorash angels)
• Talismanic magic (creating planetary talismans)
• Timing (planetary hours, days, lunar mansion)
• Working with familiars/spirits

Advanced (Citrinitas)

• The 72 Demons (Goetia proper)
• Systematic evocation
• Each demon teaches specific knowledge/power
• Integration of demonic forces (not banishment)
• The 72 Angels (Shemhamphorash)
• Systematic invocation
• Each angel bestows grace/virtue

After Solomonic work is mastered

• Enochian system (if drawn to it)
• Creating own system

XV. LABORATORY ALCHEMY CURRICULUM

Integrated throughout all grades

SPAGYRICS (Plant Alchemy) - Nigredo through Portal

Zelator (1=10):

• Basic tincture creation (maceration, fermentation, distillation)
• Calcination of plant body
• Creating simple plant essences
• One plant per month (12 plants in year)
• Cohobation (reuniting spirit, soul, body)

Theoricus (2=9):

• Advanced extraction techniques
• Creating elixirs
• Working with planetary plants
• Harvesting at correct planetary hours
• Learning botanical correspondences

Practicus (3=8):

• Plant stones (crystallized essences)
• Complex formulas
• Combining multiple plants

Philosophus (4=7):

• Perfecting spagyric art
• Creating powerful medicines
• Understanding the three principles in plants (Salt, Sulfur, Mercury)
• Creating planetary tinctures (7 plants for 7 planets)

Portal:

• Mastery demonstration
• Teaching others basics
• Creating plant stone
• Advanced extraction techniques

MINERAL ALCHEMY - Albedo

Adeptus Minor (5=6):

• Working with salts, minerals
• Mineral tinctures
• Beginning metallic work (Lead, Tin, Iron, Copper, Silver, Gold)
• Extracting Philosophical Mercury (from cinnabar or antimony)
• Understanding volatilization and fixation
• Creating Philosophical Sulfur (fixed principle)
• Distillation mastery
• Working with metals (planetary correspondences)
• Goal: Create the White Stone (Albedo completion)

THE GREAT WORK - Citrinitas through Rubedo

Adeptus Major (6=5):

• Creating Philosophical Sulfur
• Working toward White Stone
• Can begin transmuting metals to silver
• Multiplication of the Stone
• Advanced metallic transmutations
• Creating Red Tincture (Rubedo approaching)

Adeptus Exemptus (7=4):

• Red Stone achieved (Philosopher's Stone proper)
• Can transmute base metals to gold
• Multiplication of the Stone (increasing potency)
• Projection operations (transmutation)
• Creating the Universal Medicine/Elixir of Life

Magister Templi (8=3):

• Perfecting the Stone
• Creating Elixir of Immortality
• Understanding that outer alchemy reflects inner
• Teaching the Art to worthy students

The laboratory work mirrors the inner work at every stage:

• Calcination = burning away impurities
• Dissolution = emotional release
• Separation = discernment
• Conjunction = uniting opposites
• Fermentation = new life from death
• Distillation = purification
• Coagulation = crystallization into Stone

XVI. EDUCATION CURRICULUM: THE SEVEN LIBERAL ARTS

Integrated throughout, completing by Adeptus Exemptus

TRIVIUM (Language Arts) - Nigredo

1. GRAMMAR (Zelator):

• English grammar mastery
• Beginning Hebrew alphabet and pronunciation
• Basic Latin phrases (ritual use)
• Understanding structure of language

2. LOGIC (Theoricus):

• Formal logic
• Logical fallacies
• Argument construction
• Critical thinking
• Symbolic logic

3. RHETORIC (Practicus-Philosophus):

• Persuasive speaking
• Writing clearly
• Structuring arguments
• Public speaking (for teaching)

QUADRIVIUM (Mathematical Arts) - Albedo/Citrinitas

4. ARITHMETIC (Philosophus-Portal):

• Number theory
• Sacred numerology
• Pythagorean mathematics
• Gematria (Hebrew numerology)
• The Tetractys (1+2+3+4=10)
• Understanding 10 as completion

5. GEOMETRY (Adeptus Minor):

• Euclidean geometry
• Sacred geometry (Vesica Piscis, Flower of Life, Metatron's Cube)
• Platonic solids
• Golden ratio
• Geometric construction of Tree of Life
• Temple architecture

6. MUSIC (Adeptus Minor-Major):

• Music theory
• Harmony
• The Music of the Spheres (planetary harmonics)
• Scales and modes
• Chanting, toning
• Hermetic understanding of sound/vibration

7. ASTRONOMY (Adeptus Major-Exemptus):

• Observational astronomy
• Celestial mechanics
• Precession of equinoxes
• Fixed stars
• Planetary movements
• Conjunction and aspect calculation
• Astrology (integrated with astronomy)

HEBREW LANGUAGE - All Grades

Zelator: Alphabet (22 letters), pronunciation, basic words Theoricus: Letter meanings, correspondences, Tarot connections Practicus: Basic grammar, sentence structure Philosophus: Reading simple texts, Psalms Portal: Gematria, Notarikon, Temurah (letter permutations) Adeptus Minor: Reading Sefer Yetzirah, advanced Gematria Adeptus Major: Reading Zohar excerpts Adeptus Exemptus: Fluency in sacred Hebrew, writing prayers/invocations Magister: Teaching Hebrew to students

XVII. THE 12 ZODIAC SIGNS EXPLORATION

Integrated into Adeptus Major curriculum. Each sign gets one month of deep exploration:

For each zodiac sign (3 decans = 36 total):

1. Study the sign's mythology, symbolism, rulership
2. Invoke the zodiacal archangel
3. Work with the 3 decans (each decan = 10 days focus)
4. Invoke the 6 Shem angels ruling the decans
5. Evoke the 6 Goetic spirits ruling the decans
6. Meditate on the corresponding Tarot cards (Minor Arcana)
7. Live the virtues and lessons of the sign

This takes 12 months minimum, covering all 12 signs, 36 decans, 72 angels, 72 demons

The Adeptus Major spends 1-2 years completing this work

XVIII. BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER

Sample Year in the Life of an Adeptus Minor

Winter (Nigredo revisited at Adeptus level):

• Daily: LBRP, LBRH, Middle Pillar Extended, ACIM Workbook
• Weekly: Sunday Sabbath (fasting, silence, deep study)
• Monthly: New/Full Moon rituals, planetary invocations (working through all 7)
• Seasonal: Yule ritual, Imbolc vigil, Lent shadow work
• Laboratory: Distilling planetary tinctures
• Study: Sefer Yetzirah, Rosicrucian texts
• Abramelin Operation: Daily HGA invocations (if in 6-month intensive)
• Grade Work: Approaching HGA contact

Spring (Albedo at Solar level):

• Practices continue
• HGA Contact achieved (peak experience)
• White Stone created in lab
• Easter resurrection mysteries
• Pentecost fire

Summer (Citrinitas foreshadowed):

• Yellow Wedding preparation
• Advanced planetary work
• Beginning zodiacal studies
• Litha solar celebration
• Transfiguration meditation

Autumn (Rubedo glimpsed):

• Gratitude, harvest
• Integration of year's work
• Preparation for next Nigredo deepening
• Samhain ancestor work

And the spiral continues...

Wizard's Curriculum: Year One

Structure:

• Start: Winter Solstice (Dec 21)
• Duration: One full year through four elements
• Grade Progression: Probationer → Zelator → Theoricus → Practicus → Philosophus

Quarter 1: EARTH (Nigredo) - Dec 21 to Mar 20

• Grade: Zelator (1=10)
• Daily: QC + LBRP
• Focus: Physical purification, grounding
• Alchemy: Basic plant work (juices, tinctures)
• Physical: Fasting, juicing, yoga
• Study: Malkuth, Sandalphon, Earth elementals (Gnomes)
• Platonic Solid: Cube

Quarter 2: AIR - Mar 21 to Jun 20

• Grade: Theoricus (2=9)
• Daily: QC + LBRP + Middle Pillar
• Focus: Mental clarity, breathwork
• Alchemy: Air correspondences, beginning scrying
• Practice: Nadi Shodhana, conscious breathing
• Study: Yesod, Raphael, Air elementals (Sylphs)
• Platonic Solid: Octahedron

Quarter 3: WATER - Jun 21 to Sep 20

• Grade: Practicus (3=8)
• Daily: QC + LBRP + Middle Pillar + Circulating Light
• Focus: Emotional purification, fluidity
• Alchemy: Laboratory work (distillation, crystallization)
• Practice: Inner Smile, emotional healing
• Study: Hod, Gabriel, Water elementals (Undines)
• Platonic Solid: Icosahedron

Quarter 4: FIRE - Sep 21 to Dec 20

• Grade: Philosophus (4=7)
• Daily: QC + LBRP + LBRH + Middle Pillar + Circulating Light
• Focus: Transformation, passion, will
• Alchemy: Fermentation work
• Practice: Dynamic yoga, sun meditation
• Study: Netzach, Michael, Fire elementals (Salamanders)
• Platonic Solid: Tetrahedron

Culmination: Portal Grade (winter again, but at higher octave)