Table of Contents

Introduction

There are times when a new and potent idea comes into being because the time and the milieu are right for its manifestation, spreading like a raging fire over dry grass; there are also times when a timeless and eternally valid idea resurrects itself in the midst of aimless and decadent times. Such an idea, a Spirit, will find itself at irreversible odds with the prevailing attitudes of the age and will only be understood and acknowledged by a select few.

Yet the Spirit endures, however rarefied and isolated - firm, centered, and unmoveable, Axis Mundi. It will embody an unchangeable Truth that never dies, but only sleeps, like Arthur of the Britons, in a mysterious location, until one day, when the time is at hand, comes a reawakening. The few, the Chosen who carry forth its torch in the modern world are indeed a rare breed, charged with a sacred and secret Task; one that demands an unwavering clarity of purpose, a steadfastness of will, a realization that it must never be a mere mock game of half-hearted spirituality.

In keeping with such a rationale, the Guild of the Grail comes forth at the dawn of a new Millennium to bear witness to just such a timeless and eternally valid Spirit; it is an idea whose time is at hand. Its Chosen Task is to represent an Ideal, to live by a Standard, to reawaken a Royal Path of spiritual attainment amid a world of confusion, ignorance, pseudo-spirituality, and decline masquerading as progress. To set an example - this is indeed a tall order. Perhaps no one who joins in our Work will be successful in the accomplishment of this Task, as there are surely no promises or guarantees for even the best of us.

As with all contingent institutions of Man - even those with a Higher calling and an orientation of Ascent - there will come to pass an inevitable decline, fall, and submergence into the unseen realm wherein resides the ghosts of all the temporal manifestations that the spiritual quest has brought forth through the ages. Yet even though this must be our inevitable fate, through a single-minded and determined striving for the Highest - right here, right now, while this moment in time is at hand – an eternal gesture, an inscription, an authentic testament can be brought into Being. Yes, even immortality may await the one who consciously reaches out for it beyond the confines of the limited horizons imposed by man upon himself.

This then, no more and no less, is the appointed Work at hand of the Guild of the Grail. This is not the first nor will it be the last initiatic Order of its kind – indeed, it is spawned of a number of spiritual forefathers and mentors whose great legacies it must always strive to emulate and uphold. But it has something encountered less and less in today's world, something that gives it a validity and justification above all else: a unique vision , an honorable purpose, and a refusal to compromise its standards.

The information presented on this website represents the most essential philosophy and interests of the G:.G:.. I have made every effort to present our Ideal as clearly as possible, and to recommend only the best sources of information, instruction, and knowledge so that our foundation is true. In this way the further growth of our Knowledge, which will be gained as the Work continues and the Order grows, will sprout forth from fertile soil.

This Order is and shall remain true to the purity of the principles upon which it was founded – in this it must not err lest all is lost, becoming yet another failed experiment in an age of defeat. To those who would partake of our Work, I say: we must strive to face ourselves, to awaken ourselves, and to re-construct ourselves in such a way that we may carry out the Task and the Tradition. This is the first and final command of the Self ahead of itself. And we shall know the Secret of the Phoenix as we rise from our own ashes. Ascent!

Et In Arcadia Ego,

Sir Faustus,
Founder and Guild Master
January 17, 2002

"Today is your victory over yourself of yesterday...
Tomorrow is your victory over lesser men."

The Guild of the Grail (G:.G:.) was founded on the North Solstice (June 21), 2001 ce. Its avowed intent is to be a worthy vehicle for holding aloft the banner of Tradition and the current of true Initiation. As such, it shall serve as a solar and initiatic Order of Knighthood based upon the observance of the Traditional knightly virtues. These are Honor, Faithfulness, and Chivalry - showing Honor towards those worthy of it; Faithfulness to one's Quest and to Tradition; and the observance of Chivalric behavior in one's daily life. The adherence to these virtues shall be the guideposts which steer the Guildsman on his initiatic journey, which is the Quest for the Grail. As a means to assist in the accomplishment of such, a system of symbolism and veiled allegory akin to that of Freemasonry shall be taught within the Guild. This Quest shall be the primary focus of each Guildsman's Initiation. It is the unceasing Ascent of the Self towards ever-higher levels of attainment - both inwardly and outwardly.

In addition to the upholding of knightly virtues and the observance of a system of symbolism, the chief avenue of pursuing the Grail Quest shall be to rediscover, rekindle, and live in accordance with Traditional principles in some form - to make a Kultural Ascent. The Guild of the Grail adheres to the ancient stream of Tradition as delineated in the writings of its latter-day representatives such as Guenon, Spengler, Schwaller de Lubicz and particularly Evola as its guiding beacon and weltanschauung. To quote Baron Julius Evola:

For us, "Tradition" is the victorious and creative presence in the world of that which is ‘not of this world,' i.e. of the Spirit, understood as a power that is mightier than any merely human or material one.

Realizing that we live in an era and in a society completely blind to such ideals, we stand firmly opposed to modern-day "progressive" ideals and institutions that promote agendas such as multiculturalism, political correctness, consumerism, liberalism, egalitarianism and a host of other decadent manifestations of this ilk. The influence of these and other related "ideals", both in society at large and in the minds of individuals, has reduced the modern world to a cultural wasteland, a corpse devoid of a spirit, with a moral compass that points nowhere. Those who seek to observe and uphold the Tradition truly exist as men among ruins. As is proper, we endorse and seek to assist those who strive to further the cause of ideologies such as tribalism, hierarchy, monarchism, aristocracy, nationalism and elitism in its many guises. These are manifestations, or more precisely remnants, of the Spirit of Tradition in the midst of modern mediocrity.

While not a political organization, the Guild of the Grail aligns itself with cultural ideals and doctrines that are ancient, immutable, and transcendent; we are therefore guided by the light of Higher Truth amidst the darkness and decay of the present Kali Yuga, and seek to again presence the Spirit of Tradition in the world. Groups and individuals working for similar goals are our spiritual allies. Evola again:

There is a superior unity of all those who despite all, fight in different parts of the world the same battle, lead the same revolt, and are bearers of the same intangible Tradition. These forces appear to be scattered and isolated in the world, and yet are inexorably connected by a common essence that is meant to preserve the absolute ideal of the Imperium and to work for its return.

One who wishes to join in the Work of the G:.G:. must first agree in principle with this basic world-view. He must have eyes to see the corruption and decay that surrounds him, and a realization that something better can and must be created here and now through individual effort. With the pillars of the Almighty and the Tradition supporting us, we must save ourselves. He who aspires to Knighthood must be ever-aware that he is not what he can or should be, that self-overcoming is a sacred duty within the Guild. The Self must be shaped, ordered, and presenced with an unshakeable axis – it must become nothing less than a vehicle of right thought and right action. Just as a society uninformed and unsteered by higher principles is a decadent one, so too is the individual. Those without the powers of self-observation to recognize that their present level of being is unacceptable or who lack the motivation and energy required to make the Ascent are urged to seek admission elsewhere. To quote Friedrich Nietzsche:

I teach you the Overman. Man is something that shall be overcome. What have you done to overcome him?

This is a question one must constantly step back and ask oneself as he seeks the Grail, that Stone of Perfection that is always just beyond his grasp, yet the pursuit of which he must never abandon if he is true to the Quest. For this, Knowledge and Being of a superior Order must form the inner foundation of each Initiate of the Guild. A higher standard in all facets of life should be vigilantly observed - personally, aesthetically, initiatically. The decaying corpse of modern life is best observed at a detached distance. There can only be upward striving in our Work, a will to power, an Ascent. This is best accomplished through the study and practice of an established methodology of self-transformation ("Magic" in the strictest sense). In accordance with this, Work on oneself through a Traditional initiatic method is a necessary Rite of Passage in the G:.G:.

As an Order of Initiation our ultimate aim is to recover that which has been lost by modern man, to manifest a Traditionalist orientation in the lives of our Initiates and beyond. May the ancient Axis Mundi again hold the center! The motto of the G:.G:. is "Et In Arcadia Ego" (And I Am In Arcadia). This Latin formula refers to a return to the ideals of a lost Golden Age and to the creation of a spiritual place of refuge amidst the soullessness of this era in which we live. Through struggle and right action, may all who enter here find such a place within.

"This insignifigant stone is indeed of trifling value,
It is despised by fools, the more cherished by the wise."

- Arnold of Villanova

Part II - Ethos and Standard of Conduct

Initiates of the Guild of the Grail seek to uphold a standard of dignity and uprightness that for the most part has been discarded in the modern world, a standard that reflects the values of a bygone era. How is one who seeks to observe the Tradition to conduct himself in this day and age? Is it even still possible, and if so can it be done while living in the very midst of the empire of anti-Tradition? And to what end? It would be no exaggeration of the truth to say that we live in perhaps the most inhospitable time and cultural environment possible for such an endeavor. For better or worse we were born into this period of world history - a period that no longer recognizes or respects concepts such as nobility, chivalry, hierarchy, knowledge for knowledge's sake, higher artistic principles, respect for ancestal traditions, a sense of the sacred, self-overcoming, and many, many other ideals that in past eras and individuals made for Higher Culture and Higher Man.

The ideals of today are comfort, expediency, surface knowledge, disregard for one's ancestral heritage and traditions, catering to the lowest standards of taste and intelligence, apotheosis of the pathetic, hording of material objects and possessions, disrespect for all that is inherently higher and better - in other words a complete inversion of true values and ideals, the raising of the victory flag of ignorance and the banner of degeneracy. As H.P. Lovecraft observed:

It is not a true civilization, and has nothing in it to satisfy a mature and fully developed human mind. It is attuned to the mentality of the galley-slave and the moron, and crushes relentlessly with disapproval, ridicule, and economic annihilation any sign of actually independent thought and civilised feeling which chances to rise above its sodden level. It is a treadmill, squirrel-trap culture - drugged and frenzied with the hashish of industrial servitude and material luxury. It is wholly a material body-culture, and its symbol is the tiled bathroom and steam radiator rather than the Doric portico and the temple of philosophy. Its denizens do not live or know how to live.

Anyone who has joined in the Work of the Guild of the Grail is already painfully aware of this predicament, and there is only the question how to go forward honorably and upright, as an Order and as Initiates, in this miasma. What is to be accomplished, how can it be accomplished, and what shall we serve by accomplishing such? Evola:

The possibilities still available in the last times concern only a minority and may be distinguished as follows. Besides the great "currents" of the world there are still individuals who are rooted in terra firma. Generally speaking, they are unknown people who shun the spotlight of modern popularity and culture. They live on spiritual heights; they do not belong to this world...by virtue of these people, Tradition is present despite all; the flame burns invisibly and something still connects the world to the superworld...There are an increasing number of individuals who experience a confused yet real need for liberation, though they do not know in the name of what. To orient these people...to lead them to see the truth and sharpen their will to join the ranks of the first type of people is what can still be done...this is the only justification for tangible action that can be carried out by men of Tradition living in the modern world, in a milieu with which they have no connection. In order for the abovementioned guiding action to be successful it is necessary to have "watchers" at hand who will bear witness to the values of Tradition in ever more uncompromising and firm ways, as the antitraditional forces grow in strength.

Simply put - actions, not words! As you make the Ascent, step back often and ask yourself if you are being guided by the dictates of an awareness of Tradition, which necessitates heeding the voice of your better Self, of the Self ahead of the self - try to recognize and serve this inner voice and beckon. Adhere to this as a matter of personal Honor. Observe the charge to Constant Vigilance that we are reminded of on our Lesser Seal. Do not surrender yourself to their standards of conduct, to their observance of the easy and insignifigant, to their thoughtless cult of the mediocre, to their onward march over the edge of a cliff. You must recognize yourself as marked by a different Order of Being.

Stop watching their degenerate television shows. Stop reading their magazines and newspapers. Stop listening to their propaganda on the radio and on billboards. Stop taking part in the rat race to work yourself to death and then spend yourself to death in order to obtain the material possessions that they tell you you can't possibly live without if you are to be happy and successful. Stop equating success with material quantity and profane reputation. Stop all of the things that are supposed to be making you happier and more fulfilled but aren't. Stop the charade of madness that has trivialized your life. If you are in fact at all attuned to the stream of true Initiation, you already Understand the dead end that such concerns and the accompanying lifestyle leads to - like opening up an enticingly wrapped gift box to find nothing inside. Fellow Guildsmen, observe a superior standard of behavior and perspective!

Begin to read books containing great ideas and knowledge, and more importantly begin to heed their wisdom. Begin to expose yourself to higher works of art and culture in fine arts, music, film, and the like - align yourself, saturate and surround yourself with that which is superior. Begin to observe and learn about the proud cultural legacy of your ancestors. Begin to simplify your life by divesting yourself of unneeded hindrances, be they material things, misguided commitments, damaging personal relationships, chemical dependencies, or anything else that is dragging you downward, away from the Ascent. Begin to conduct yourself in everyday life with an air of dignity and uprightness, regardless of the pettiness that surrounds you - evoke the aristocratic into your sphere by your bearing and manner. Begin to Work on yourself, to sculpt the Ideal Man that you envision - intellectually, morally, physically, initiatically. If your knowledge base is insufficient, study diligently. If your relationships with those important to you are not as they should be, start work on correcting them. If you are unhealthy and out-of-shape physically, observe a proper regimen of diet and exercise, no excuses. Actions, not words!

If you would become a Man of the Ages rather than a man of the age, start in small steps, slowly and methodically, to do what must be done to transform yourself. But start. Begin the Great Work - let self-discipline become your way of life, take up the tools of the Guild, point your compass toward the peak of Montsalvat and do not look back, for we are Guardians of the Grail and the Tradition. Begin the Ascent today, not tomorrow - the hourglass runs quickly.

"I tell you that as long as I can conceive something better than myself I cannot be easy unless I am striving to bring it into existence or clearing the way for it. That is the law of my life. That is the working within me of Life's incessant aspiration to higher organization, wider, deeper, intenser self-consciousness, and clearer self-understanding."

- George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman

Part III - Initiation
Structure, Degree System and the Six Portals

The initiatic system of the Guild of the Grail involves the passing through of six theoretical "Portals". Entering into each successive Portal represents a relative level of Ascent by the Guildsman on his Grail Quest. Each Portal corresponds to a particular Degree of attainment and therefore each has its own particular type of initiatic Work to be accomplished. Perhaps a word about "degrees" in relation to Initiation before proceeding further is in order. It should be understood that in all true Orders of Initiation, Degrees are considered as relative constructs for evaluating one's level of being by virtue of the example set by one's display of Knowledge, Work, and Understanding. Hence they cannot, nor are they meant to be understood as limiting, absolute delineations of one's Being.

To a great extent an individual is what they are formed into, usually irreversibly, on the spindle of an unseen potter's wheel of form and fate. In a majority of instances, there can be no doubt that a person thinks and acts in accordance with the dictates of innate dispositions, tendencies, habits, and immediate environmental influences; indeed, most individuals live out their destinies guided by the will of these invisible, seemingly indomitable masters. It's as if such persons do not actually live life - rather, life (as a current) lives through them. This is the lot of most of the human race, and for the most part they accept and have no qualms with such a fate. This is the humanity to which Initiated Man often refers to as the profane, those who have not entered into the Temple.

But apart from this can always be found the few, indeed the very few, whom for reasons that may at first seem unobtrusive and incidental, are made aware of the presence of a spectre, of an unseen influence that announces, however subtly or directly, the existence and possiblity of a new and higher level of attainment that heralds a different Order of Being. One senses an ever-present Self ahead of the self which beckons to be embraced, waiting to be realized according to one's aspiration and ability to make the Ascent toward its realm. And this is the realm in which those so chosen are destined to always seek to find and inhabit. Known by many names - the Chosen, the Elect, the Initiated, and countless others - these rare individuals hold the key to the mystery and secret of authentic Initiation, which is nothing less than the successful transmission of a certain spiritual influence upon the seeker which is then utilized to make the Ascent. Let this always be kept in mind when working in an initiatic context with the Degree hypothesis, be it in this Order or elsewhere - this central truth applies to all. As Julius Evola observed:

The way of Initiation is one that establishes substantial differences among human beings and reaffirms the principle of suum cuique (to each his own) against the egalitarian and uniform view of knowledge: according to this principle, one's knowledge, truth, and freedom are proportional to what one is.

The Guild posits that the first five of its established Degrees are attainable during earthly life - the Sixth Portal leads beyond the threshold of death. The successful completion of one Portal constitutes both the right and responsibility to pass through to the next in keeping with the Guild's focus on the unceasing Quest and the Ascent. With the exception of the Sixth Portal, the Bestowal of each Degree must be accompanied by a ritual Oath-taking ceremony, preferably conducted by a Knight or Master of the Guild, or alone if this is not possible. Also, each Degree is designated by a square and compass symbol, each containing a different motif and configuration to represent the characteristics of that particular Degree.

Structure

The structure of the Guild and its of Degree/Portal system is as follows:

Outer Guild

Guildsman I* - First Portal
Esquire II* - Second Portal

Inner Guild

Knight III* - Third Portal
Knight Magister IV* - Fourth Portal
Knight Magus V* - Fifth Portal

Ultra Guild (posthumous)

Knight Bellator VI* - Sixth Portal

Any IV* - VI* Knight holds the honorary Title of "Master of the Guild". The outer head of the G:.G:. is known as the Guild Master. He wears the insignia that designates him as such, and wields the power of final authority in all Guild-related matters. He is responsible for maintaining the dignity and Initiation-conducive environment of the Guild in all its aspects. He must furthermore set an example for other Initiates in his personal bearing and conduct, as well as in his demonstrative commitment to the Ascent.

The criteria for Bestowing degrees is as follows: any member of the Knighthood may Bestow the I* and II*; Knighthood and higher Degrees may only be Bestowed by the Guild Master. A new Guild Master shall be passed on the Office and Title from the previous G.M.; if this is not possible (i.e., such as in the event of the unexpected death of the current G.M.), then the highest ranking Knight shall take the helm; if this is not feasible (i.e., if that Knight will not accept the Office and Title), then a III*+ Knight chosen by the majority of the Knighthood and willing to accept the responsibility shall become the new Guild Master.

Certain individuals who have aided and contributed to the cause of the G:.G:. and its Work, but have chosen not to formally join the Order, shall be granted the Title of Honorary Guildsman. An Honorary Guildsman is entitled to partake in all Guild-related activities with the exception of participating in G:.G:. rites and ceremonies. This Title may only be granted by the Guild Master.

Degree/Portal Work

Guildsman I*/First Portal: One who agrees with the principles and aims of the G:.G:. as described in the Prospectus and wishes to take the Oath of the Guild becomes a Guildsman I*. By stepping into the First Portal one takes up the Craft of Foundation. The primary Work here is to read and study the Level-1 books and the pertinent Level-2 books from the Reading List and to begin assimilating this knowledge in preparation for its utilization in the process of Ascent; indeed, in doing so this process will have already begun. The Guildsman will choose a motto/title for himself by which he shall henceforth be known in the Guild, a nom de guerre which should reflect his inner nature and aspirations. After having satisfactorily completed this Work and upon affirming his newly accumulated Knowledge, the Guildsman is ready to become an Esquire. The symbolic tincture (color) for this Degree is Argent colour (white). The symbol for this Degree is a compass and square with both points of the compass behind the square, in the center of which is an upward-pointing sword, which symbolizes that the Work at hand of the Guildsman is of a terrestrial, foundation-oriented nature and that he has chosen to take up the sword of Tradition in the modern world and to hold it aloft in furtherance of his beginning the Ascent toward the Castle of the Grail.

Esquire II*/Second Portal: Entering into the Second Portal involves the actual utilization of the foundational knowledge internalized in the First. The Esquire takes up the Craft of Application. He must prove his worthiness to become a Knight by producing measurable results which demonstrate his Ascent. This means the taking up of the practice of a Traditional system of Initiation, or one that contains valid remnants of a Tradition (examples: Freemasonry, Alchemy [in its various forms], the Fourth Way, Hermetic magic [this can consist of practices ranging from ancient times up to the late 19th/early 20th century], Rune magic [systems per 20th century initiatic reconstructions: Elder, Armanen)], or another Tradition-oriented discipline). The Esquire need not attain mastery of the system he chooses to Work in, but must be able to utilize it to some extent as a tool of the Ascent and be conversant in its idiom, lore, and techniques. He must also provide a written account of the main tenets of this Work. Once this is accomplished he has proven his ability and is ready to join the ranks of the Knighthood. The symbolic tincture (color) for this Degree is Argent metal (silver). The symbol for this Degree is a compass and square with one point of the compass in front of the square, one point behind, in the center of which is a crossed chisel and hammer, which symbolizes that the Work at hand of the Esquire consists of both terrestrial and celestial/spiritual aspects, and that he is in the process of re-forming the Self and building his Inner Temple with the tools of applied initiatic practice and Self-discipline.

Knight III*/Third Portal: The Third portal constitutes the conferring of Knighthood upon the Esquire, whereby he now enters into the Inner Circle of the Guild. He has earned the right to claim the title of Knight, with all that this implies in an initiatic context, and has obtained his rightful place in the proud legacy of all true Orders of Initiation through his hard-won efforts. He takes up the Craft of Demonstration ; that is, he now has the relevant theoretical Knowledge as well as the Self-Knowledge gained through applied magical Work to walk a path of Higher Being, and is expected to conduct himself accordingly. He thus demonstrates to himself and others that he is indeed a Knight of the Guild of the Grail. As befitting Chivalric Tradition, the Knight will be expected to create his own Coat-of-Arms, which will be added to the Guild's archives. He must as well acquire his own sword, which will be the outer symbol of of his new-found state of Being and upon which he will swear the Oath of Knighthood. As well, a Knight is obliged to add to the Knowledge base of the Guild through personal research and written presentations of the fruits of his labor. From henceforth he is worthy of the title of "Sir", which will preceed his nom de guerre within the Guild. As a representative of the G:.G:. in this decaying modern world, a Knight must be a true example of Man in Ascent; his title calls for nothing less. If he comes to the point where he feels a calling to break ground beyond this level and found his own initiatic forum, a Knight has opened the Fourth Portal . The symbolic tincture (color) for this Degree is Gules (red). The symbol for this Degree is a compass and square with both points of the compass in front of the square, in the center of which is a Templar cross, which symbolizes that the Work of the Knight is now one of the primacy of the Spirit over matter, of the majestic over the mundane, and that he is now part of a legacy of the Tradition whose pedigree includes perhaps the most noble exemplars of the Ideal of Knighthood in history - the famed Knights Templar.

Knight Magister IV*/Fourth Portal: This Degree is synonymous with the initiatic phenomenon often known as "Crossing the Abyss" in other Orders. Upon entering into the Fourth Portal the Knight steps into a new level of being and responsibility from which there is no turning back. He takes up the Craft of Expansion, which entitles and obligates him to form his own initiatic Order based upon a personal vision of manifesting the Tradition in the modern world. The Knight Magister has the task of bringing such a vision into actual fruition in the world through the means he deems most proper. He Understands the full scope of the Guild's Work and how it serves the greater goal of presencing the Spirit of Tradition and all that this implies in an esoteric and initiatic context. Beyond this, the Knight Magister Understands that he must be and indeed is this presence, a knowledge of which can only be grasped through gnosis, not explained through words or concepts. If he then realizes or discovers a new initiatic phenomenon, a specific teaching, a Word - access to the Fifth Portal is gained. The symbolic tincture (color) for this Degree is Azure (blue). The symbol of this Degree is a compass and square with the points of the compass touching the top of the square, in the center of which is an eagle with a pyramid upon its breast, which symbolizes that the Work of the Knight Magister is at a point where he is but tentatively operating upon the terrestrial/material sphere, instead Working his Craft in the Spirit, ever-oriented toward the Ascent, represented by the eagle and the pyramid.

Knight Magus V*/Fifth Portal: This is the highest Degree recognized by the Guild during a Knight's earthly life. Having attained Mastery in the previous Portal, the Fifth Portal Bestows the high honor of being the Revealer of a specific new teaching; indeed, this is where the Craft of Revelation is taken up. The Knight Magus, after having founded his own Order of Tradition, and in light of his now-perfected Understanding, brings forth a new initiatic concept that will be crystalized in the form of one word - a Word. This will encapsulate a whole vision of Initiation hitherto unknown, or else one that has lain dormant which the Knight Magus uncovers and then calls back into Being - a neo-resurrection of the Tradition. As such, this Degree is in actuality a highly concentrated, laser-like version of the IV*. Whatever the case may be, he must fully Understand and Expound this Word in furtherance of the Grail Quest, the Work of Guild of the Grail and all true Orders of Initiation, and the Spirit of Tradition. His Work will become a beacon for other Initiates and Knights. Of course, he will continue to expand his own Being in accordance with his Word and along as of yet unknown pathways - even into the Sixth Portal. The symbolic tincture (color) for this Degree is Or (gold). The symbol of this Degree is a compass and square with the points of the compass above and not touching the top of the square, in the center of which is the sigil of the Black Sun with the number 33 at its center, which symbolizes that the Work of the Knight Magus is totally an endeavor of the Spirit, and will not be properly Understood except by others who operate in this realm and according to initiatic principles, being as it is an endeavor illuminated by the light of the Solar Order of the Inner Empire, an endeavor that reaches into the domain of an ultimate Secret which must always remain unheard and unheeded by profane ears.

Knight Bellator VI*/Sixth Portal: Entering into the Sixth Portal takes the Knight into an existence beyond the physical body, into the abode of the Great Mystery herself - Runa; herein is revealed the Ultimate Craft - the Craft of Immortality. Of course, nothing can be said about the nature of this Portal by one who has not crossed over into its sanctuary. Therefore no fanciful pseudo-spiritual musings need taint any attempted description of this final Ascent. Any Knight who has lived his life acccording to Chivalric principles, who has not abandoned his Quest for the Grail, who has remained upstanding to the end - he becomes a Knight Bellator at the moment his physical shell expires. This is of the same Tradition of high Honor that in the past Bestowed upon the fallen warrior his rightful place in Valhalla, Elysium, Avalon, etc., upon the completion of his earthly struggle. This Degree as well delineates the pedigree of those faithful seekers who have never surrendered a higher goal to a lower standard, whose eyes have unflinchingly gazed towards vistas beyond the known horizon. Perhaps Oswald Spengler summed it up best:

We are born into this time and must bravely follow the path to the destined end. There is no other way. Our duty is to hold on to the last position, without hope, without rescue, like that Roman soldier whose bones were found in front of a door in Pompeii, who, during the eruption of Vesuvius, died at his post because they forgot to relieve him. That is greatness. That is what it means to be a thoroughbred. The honorable end is the one thing that can not be taken from a man.

The symbolic tincture (color) for this Degree is Sable (black). The symbol for this Degree is a compass and square with the compass inverted above the square, its points going upward, with the letter "R"(for Runa) in the center of the arms of the compass, which symbolizes that the Knight Bellator has separated from the terrestrial world and that his Work now opens out its parameters towards the Great Mystery beyond the confines of the physical body in which his spark of the Spirit has been housed - the Final Ascent and the attainment of the Grail itself.

"These truths must penetrate the soul: there is no place to go, nothing to ask for, nothing to hope for, nothing to fear. The world is free: goals and reasons, 'evolution', fate or providence - all that is fog, an invention by beings who did not yet know how to walk on their own and needed crutches and supports. Now you will be left to yourself. You must perceive yourself as a center of strength and know the action that is no longer dictated by this or that object, but for the sake of itself."

- Julius Evola

Part IV - What is a Guild?
On the Importance of Craft and Secrecy in the G:.G:.

The Random House Dictionary of the English Language defines a guild as follows:

1. an organization of persons with related interests, goals, etc., especially one for mutual aid or protection.

2. any of various medieval associations, as of merchants and artisans, organized to maintain standards and to protect the interests of its members, and that sometimes constituted a local governing body.

The Guild of the Grail is in a sense a modern remanifestation of this medieval Tradition, in terms of both its commitment to excellence in the Craft(s) of Initiation and the practical enactment of the Tradition, as well as in the endeavor to preserve the well-being of its Initiates and the protection of the exclusivity of its inner teachings and methods of Work.

Being as the G:.G:. is modeled on these medieval predecessors, an overview of their practices and structure is helpful to add to a further understanding of our Work. Craft guilds were one of the most important institutions of society in the middle ages - the products of their labor served to maintain and advance the material necessities of civilization. Masons, carpenters, metalsmiths, bankers, clothiers, weavers - all these and others formed themselves into exclusive groups to protect the well-being and wage earning of members, guard trade secrets from other competing guilds, maintain standards of excellence in workmanship, and intervene in disputes between members.

The guilds were elitist in that they protected their own livelihoods by restricting membership and zealously guarding their secrets; they were charitable in that they gave financial support to members that were old or ill, as well as to the widows and orphans of those who had died. On holy days they might even arrange entertainment for the townspeople with religious "mystery plays" in the marketplace.

For the most part members were divided up into three classes. Apprentices could spend between two and seven years without pay learning their craft. After they had learned some skills, they became Journeymen or Fellowcrafts, and were paid wages for their work. In time , when they had saved enough money and, in many guilds, passed a final test, Journeymen/Fellowcrafts set up business as Masters. Masters were considered fully qualified by their respective guilds, held in high regard, and coveted for their skills.

What does all of this have to do with the present-day manifestation of the Guild of the Grail? In the first place we find, in the threefold membership structure of the guilds, the blueprint and rationale of the degree systems in many if not most post-Renaissance Western Initiatic Schools, that of Freemasonry being the most obvious example. Secondly, there is the example set by being devoted to one's chosen Craft, a devotion that is adhered to even when there is no immediate reward or benefit in sight - Work for Work's sake, Knowledge for Knowledge's sake. Third, one sees the importance of Brotherhood, of helping other Initiates and travellers on the same path, and of watching out for one another's interests amidst the inhospitable and unethical society at large. Finally, the importance of secrecy and the guarding of sacred knowledge is illustrated in the model of the guild - the charge not to cast pearls of knowledge and enlightenment before swine, before those who would only profane and misuse, indeed cheapen, such secrets. As Rene Guenon pointed out:

What may be called the tendency to "popularization"...in other words, the pretension to put everything "within the reach of all", to which attention has already been drawn as being a consequence of "democratic" conceptions, amounts in the end to a desire to bring all knowledge down to the level of the lowest intelligences.

Craft and Secrecy - the observance of these are the prerogative and the duty of legitimate Orders of Initiation. True Craft is the loving devotion to one's Work at hand, adhering to standards of excellence laid down by predecessor artisans and Intiates, be it in diligently reading and studying texts, faithfully and vigilantly performing a rite or ritual, writing an essay or manuscript, painting a picture, creating a piece of music, or a host of other creative endeavors - a devotion that carries an initiatic agenda at its core. The dedicated practice of Craft in its many initiatic forms is both a requirement and a sacred task within the G:.G:. The modern era of mass-production, artistic short-cuts, and cheap technological expediency has by-and-large forgotten and disregarded true Craftsmanship, making it into a lost art, a domain of the elite and esoteric, a mysterious endeavor only undertaken by a select few. Guenon again:

It need hardly be said that the "mechanical" activities of the moderns, which constitute industry properly so-called and are only a product of the profane deviation, can afford no possibility of an initiatic kind, and further that they cannot be anything but obstacles to the development of all spirituality; indeed they cannot be regarded as authentic crafts, if the word is to retain the force of its traditional meaning...If the craft is as it were a part of the man himself and a manifestation or expansion of his own nature, it is easy to see how it can serve as a basis for an initiation...initiatic knowledge is born of the craft, the craft in its turn will become the field of application of the knowledge, from which it will no longer be possible to separate it...there is thus no difficulty in seeing how far true craft is from modern industry, so much that the two are as it were opposites, and how far it is unhappily true that in the "reign of quantity" the craft is, as the partisans of "progress" so readily declare, a "thing of the past".

In the acknowledgements section of his book Born In Blood: The Lost Secrets of Freemasonry, the late author John J. Robinson explains the dedication of his book to a certain "Master Craftsman". Here he perfectly delineates the hidden and elitist character of Craft in this day and age in a way that could hardly be better expressed. He writes:

J.R. Wallin is not a "Master Craftsman" in the symbolic Masonic sense but is literally a master worker in iron and steel. During working hours his forge turns out decorative iron gates and brackets and furniture, but in his spare time it gives way to his fascination with the medieval period by producing items such as a mace, a dagger, or a jousting helmet...I chose to dedicate this book to him because I think we should all encourage rare breeds, and there can't be many people left on this earth who spend winter evenings interlocking thousands of handmade loops to create a coat of chain mail.

"Men are so inclined to content themselves with what is commonplace; the spirit and senses so easily grow dead. It is only because they are not used to a taste of what is excellent that the generality of people take delight in silly and insipid things, provided they are new."

- Goethe

Part V - What is a solar order?
On the Initiatic Orientation of the G:.G:.

The Prospectus of the G:.G:. characterizes the Guild as a solar Order of Knighthood. It is also defined as initiatic, which means that it is a magical Order as well. As such, we who would follow the Solar Path of Initiation must Understand the distinctive characteristics of this path, ones which are all-too-often misunderstood and misrepresented. We must state clearly what it is and what it is not, lest we get lost in the mire of half-baked "occultnik" definitions.

What is called the Solar Path is also called the dry or magical path, as opposed to the Lunar Path, which is referred to as the humid or mystical path. These two approaches differ in many ways, a complete discussion of which is beyond the scope of this short essay. However, it is safe to state that, essentially, the former is concerned with self-overcoming, and hence with gaining power over one's lesser self through an active encounter with initiatic phenomena, while the latter pursues a course of self-abandonment , which amounts to the giving up of oneself to a higher power, perceived as being outside of oneself, through passive devotion. The Solar Path is the way of the magician or initiate, while the Lunar Path is the way of the mystic or believer.

Julius Evola explained the two paths in the following way:

In the "lunar path", or the path of Isis, what matters is to turn oneself into an obedient instrument of higher entities. In the magic, "solar" path, or path of Ammon, the most important action is to retain one's being vis a vis these entities; this, however, is not possible other than by overcoming them. One must wrestle away from them the "quantity" of fate which they carry, in order to take upon oneself their weight and responsibility.

With such a definition, things can get a bit confusing when encountering the "occult" terminology of the present day. The Solar Path here sounds almost identical to the more sophisticated definitions of the current of the Left-Hand Path as practiced by some Orders today - a path that is usually associated with the dark side, with predominately lunar aspects, and with black magic. In spite of this, could they be one and the same current? There would seem to be no one definitive answer to this, and both a "yes" and a "no" are valid responses depending upon whether we are referring to initiatic principles or aesthetic preferences.

If the Left-Hand Path can be said to embrace the following: the supremacy of the Spirit over matter; the overcoming of one's baser (natural) instincts; the pursuit of the Higher Self; the recognition of the supremacy of regal spirituality and Traditions; and a rejection of sacerdotal (priest-oriented) hierarchies and institutions - then the G:.G:. could be characterized as an Order of the Left-Hand Path.

However, the aesthetic and symbolic orientation of the G:.G:. does not fit the usual conception that most "occultists" have of the Left-Hand Path. We do not identify with pseudo-initiatic fetishes for all things perceived as dark and satanic, which ultimately amounts to an underlying lunar spiritual tendency. If anything, ours is an aesthetic of light and strength, and we tend to identify with symbols of a regal and classical nature. A Traditional aesthetic sensibility, as well as the recognition of Traditional symbolism and meanings concerning initiatic subjects, are a mainstay of our Order. This is not to say that we do not recognize that there indeed exists what some would term a "darker" manifestation of the Solar Tradition - the current of the Black Sun or Midnight Sun. But again, a discussion of this is beyond the scope of this introductory essay.

Hence it finally comes down to definitions, or more specifically to self-definitions. The G:.G:. does not define or perceive itself as an Order of the Left-Hand Path. We identify with the Traditional solar and lunar symbolism of Magic and Initiation as embodied in Hermetic thought, as opposed to the more modern classifications of left-hand path and right-hand path, of white-light and dark-light, as defined in today's esoteric circles.

With this being established, one can now ask - what exactly does the magical Work of the G:.G:. entail, and what are its goals at this time? In relation to the individual Initiate, a quote by Ercole Quadrelli of the UR Group perhaps sums it up most succinctly:

By now you should understand what the main task of our Art is: detach yourself from the humid substance that you are made of, and be regenerated in the solar strength. Be transformed into a "being who is", or into a breathing center, freed from the bonds of sublunar natures. You must wear out the thirst, the fever, and the endless and dark yearning for existence. This is the condition for going beyond the law of men.

This is, of course, a constant Work; it is never fully accomplished while in the physical body. Actual practical Work in this area will become a demanding point of focus in the Second Degree of G:.G:. Initiation and beyond. One must Understand the commitment that this Art requires, as we are reminded in an alchemical adage: "Ars totum requirit hominem" (The Art requires the whole man). It is definitely not a path for the unsure or half-hearted - rather akin to becoming a Jedi Knight! To put it simply: the Great Work demands your life.

This shall be the Work of individual Initiates within the G:.G:.; as a group, as an initiatic Order, our present task in the purely magical arena is to carry on and further explore the Work begun by the Traditionalist-oriented UR Group. This Order, which existed in Italy during the latter half of the 1920's, bears the distinction of being one of the very few magical Orders to exist in this century that, apart from purely individual esoteric work, were devoted to a re-establishment of Tradition and a return of the Imperium in the modern world. Among its members were such notables as Julius Evola, Arturo Reghini, Ercole Quadrelli, Gustave Meyrink, and others.

The Work of this Order is only now becoming known in the English-speaking esoteric community, thanks to the excellent labors of Guido Stucco and Michael Moynihan. And it is making its impact felt - as some have already observed, nothing like it has been available before in the British or American esoteric scene. It represents the inauguration of a pure Solar and Hermetic path of Initiation, and its approach and rationale is quite at variance with the widely-practiced Golden Dawn-derived, kabbalistic-oriented brand of Hermetic magic known today. A sleeping giant has awakened from its slumber, and the Guild of the Grail shall assist in its first stirrings.

"The Initiate is a being who has learned how to take control of the totality of the cravings and deficiencies which urge him internally. He has learned how to resist them, and has the power to say NO, and how to break their law and how to develop a new life without them."

- Julius Evola

Part VI - The Vessel of Perfection
On the Grail and its Symbolism in the G:.G:.

The central symbol and initiatic point of focus in our Order is that of the Grail, that mysterious object of the Spirit that has dwelt at the center of the Western Mystery Tradition for nearly a millenium. It indeed constitutes a mystery that has no conclusive explanation or single definition – in fact, to attempt to reduce the Grail to a single phenomenon is to lack Understanding of its initiatic character. However, some discussion of its historical and literary sources is in order so that its greater importance and mysterium might then be grasped.

The most well-known aspect of the Grail legend is that which derives from a Christian stream of influence – the Grail as the cup which was used by Christ and his disciples at the Last Supper, which was in turn used by Joseph of Arimathea as a vessel in which to catch Christ's blood as it flowed from a spear wound he received while being crucified. Legend then has it that Joseph took the Grail with him and settled in England, thereby planting the "seed" that would become a central component in the British Mystery Tradition – the legend of Camelot, of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

This central vehicle of the legend is intimately entwined with the other, often lesser-known aspects of the Grail's historico-literary source(s): the Celtic stream and the Arabic or Orientalist stream. The Celtic stream derives from pagan Traditions which concern sacred cauldrons and vessels of plenty out of which one obtains riches and various other worldly desires – out of this Tradition comes the more earthly and terrestrial interpretations of the Grail and its powers. The Arabic/Orientalist stream, as exemplified in Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival, is the primary source of the more spiritual and celestial interpretations. In Wolfram the Grail is a "stone of light", which corresponds to a legend of the Grail as an emerald stone from the crown of Lucifer which fell from heaven when the rebel angels were cast out, a sacred object which grants perfection and immortality to the one who is worthy to grasp it. It is as well described as having a healing virtue of both a physical and metaphysical dimension.

Historically speaking, some most interesting events were occurring in Western culture concurrent with the arising of such versions of the Grail story. The Knights Templar, upon whose example almost all subsequent Western intiatic societies are based, were at the time heavily interacting with their Islamic adversaries during the Crusades. Europe at the time was in the midst of what has come to be known as the Dark Ages, in which Christianity in its most debased and repressive form ruled Europe with an iron hand, effectively stamping out all knowledge of the ancient wisdom Traditions. The Knights Templar, in their exoteric role as the guardians and standard-bearers of Christianity waging war against the Muslim East, slowly began, in many instances, to befriend and exchange knowledge with their "enemies". At this time the Muslim world was the major repository of much of the wisdom of the ancient world – astrology, astronomy, mathematics, geometry, and alchemy were all preserved in the Islamic cultural world. Particularly through their interaction with the infamous esoteric Muslim sect known as the Assassins, the Templar's role slowly and subtly, but surely, transformed itself – they became the Western guardians of the ancient wisdom, standard-bearers of the hidden initiatic stream of Tradition during this crucial transitional period of Western history.

In Parzifal, Wolfram refers to the Templars as "Guardians of the Grail"; what is meant by this curious association? The Grail indeed symbolizes, in many aspects, a hidden knowledge and power that is granted only to those whose purity of aspiration is intact, a gift of the Spirit forever unbestowed upon the profane. In the actual annals of history, then, specifically in this Dark Age that was upon the face of Europe, the Knights Templar acted as the literal vessel of preserving such a Tradition of Knowledge, without which it would have never taken hold in the underground initiatic current of Middle-Age Europe; hence the Tradition would have been effectively extinguished in the Western world. In this, both symbolically and literally, lies the importance of the Templar legacy to the Guild of the Grail and to the whole current of Western Orders of Initiation. In addition to this, besides being the flamekeepers of the ancient wisdom Tradition as such, the Templars seemed to have guarded a specific knowledge concerning the true origins of Christianity and its founder; however, this aspect is beyond the scope of this essay. Much speculative information concerning this mystery has been widely disseminated in recent years.

Moving away from the historical aspects of the Grail to the more purely symbolic and initiatic considerations, we again turn to the Works of Julius Evola in order that the legend might be examined in light of a Traditionalist interpretation. H.T. Hansen, in his foreward to Evola's The Mystery of the Grail, writes:

Above all, Evola wanted to make three things clear:

1. The Grail was not a Christian but a Hyperborean mystery.
2. The Grail legend deals with an initiatory mystery.
3. The Grail is a symbolic expression of hope and of the will of specific ruling classes in the Middle Ages (namely, the Ghibellines), who wanted to reorganize and reunite the entire Western world as it was at that time into a Holy Empire, that is, one based on a transcendental, spiritual basis.

That is, in this context the Grail represents the return of the absolute ideal of a European Imperium, a restoration of a sacred regality and central spiritual axis that would heal the barren and "wounded" Western civilization. Though this was never to take place in actual historical terms, Evola describes the institution of Chivalry, particularly the warrior-oriented sort observed by the Knights Templar, as a manifestation of this spiritual Ideal:

Templar chivalry was characteristically an order in which fighting and especially "holy war" were regarded as a path of asceticism and liberation. Externally, it embraced Christianity, but in its highest mystery, which was restricted to an inner circle, it went beyond the Christian religion, rejecting the worship of Christ and the main limitations of a devotional type. This chivalry also tended to shift the principle of supreme spiritual authority to a center other than Rome, a center more properly designated with the nobler and more universal term "Temple" rather than "Church."

And herein lies the philosophical sanctum of the G:.G:.'s approach to latter-day knighthood, to being "Grail Knights in the Age of the Wolf" – we must embrace struggle, both with our own lesser selves and with the modern world, as a means of liberation and Ascent. The Grail Quest we are on will not bring us rest, material luxury, or an easy life; it will bring trials, tribulations, and discomforts, and times when we will ask ourselves if it is all worth it in the end. We do not, and indeed cannot recognize any higher earthly authority or institution in this modern age – we are at odds with an entire era and weltanschauung, spiritual warriors fighting against an irreversible tide. Yet the rewards of our private "holy war" for spiritual liberation and keeping the flame of Tradition burning are of a singular sort which only a very few will ever experience. We are living at a time and in a moment in which such a supremely rewarding experience can be realized as never before in history. Evola:

...even those who have received the ‘sword' must wait for the right time to wield it...The right moment will be that in which, even before the most extreme existential situations, a desperate defense instinct rising from the deepest recesses will eventually regalvanize and give strength to myths and ideas connected to the legacy of better times. I believe that before this happens, a possible Templarism may play only an inner defensive role, in relation to the task of protecting the symbolic, yet not merely symbolic, ‘solar stronghold'. This will clarify the ultimate meaning of a serious and committed study of the witnesses and of the motifs of the Templar saga and of higher Ghibellinism. To understand and to live by these motifs means to enter into a dimension of suprahistorical realities and, in this way, to gradually reach the certainty that the invisible and inviolable center, the king who must awake, and the avenging and restorating hero are not mere fancies of a dead and romantic past, but rather the truth of those who, today, alone may be legitimately said to be alive.

This is our Grail, our Ascent, our Vessel of Perfection - whom does the Grail serve? Et in Arcadia Ego.

"Are you in earnest? Then seize this very minute; what you can do or think, you can begin it."

- Goethe

Part VII - Ascent
The Imperative of the G:.G:.

It has been a Tradition in many Orders of Initiation to observe and direct their initiatic endeavors by way of focusing on a vision of attainment that is symbolically represented by one Word. This Word must have validity in relation to each individual’s Initiation as well as to the Initiation of the Order as a trans-personal entity. It must address the how and why of Initiation by revealing a reason, an inspiration, a direction – a goal. It will thus inaugurate a new Current of Initiation in the world.

The strength or weakness of one initiatic Word as compared to another, its ultimate power and effectiveness, or lack thereof, is difficult to measure and evaluate; perhaps only the one who first uttered the Word is qualified to make such a judgment.

The Guild of the Grail recognizes such a Word, one that encapsulates its Work and its Goal, one that illuminates its path – Ascent. Ascent – a rising, an upward movement from a lower to a higher state, an orientation towards spiritual heights. In order to Understand this Word it is of course necessary for one to Work with it as an initiatic "compass"; however, an explanation of its origins in the Works of three 20th Century Initiates can shed some light on its scope and rationale.

The first source of Ascent as a Word lies in the Work of the great 20th Century philosopher, metaphysician, and champion of Tradition – Julius Evola. Without the foundation of his Work to build upon, the Guild of the Grail would not have come into Being. Evola’s was an uncompromising stance and vision that gave no quarter to modern ideas and institutions which have banished Tradition from the world of men. He constantly spoke of remaining upright, of standing amid ruins, and of ascending – the only honorable courses of action left for the few Men of Tradition who remain upon the earth, who in essence act as guardians of the sacred in this Dark Age. The fact that Evola was a mountain climber, who saw in the act of climbing and ascending toward the peak of a mountain an outer enactment of an inner ascent toward the realm of the gods, leaves us with an example of one who truly Understood and attained the heights, who made the Ascent.

A second source is to be found in the Work of a little-known, now-deceased philosopher/magus – Ronald K. Barrett. All of the known and recorded aspects of his Work lie in the archives of the Temple of Set, which for a time was the initiatic Order in which he operated. He revealed and expounded a Word – Xem. I shall not go into great lengths here in attempting to explain Xem; rather, through a few short quotes, I shall let Barrett speak for himself:

Xem is not the word for ancient Egypt, but rather the state of Higher Man – the realm of higher beings. It later became the word for Egypt – "Khem" – denoting a place, but this occurred during the decay of Egypt. The temples and shrines of Egypt/Xem were but replicas of Working-facilities for Xem – the state of Beings.

The Elect must raise their own states of Being to new levels constantly, and just as constantly maintain the highest level of Being attained…the process will only work for those Elect who Work. Xem and the levels of being are ever unknown until attained.

Xem is an abstraction which the Elect shall attempt to manifest and then transform...the true being who has reached full potential. He has accomplished the Great Work, and has become a new kind of Being. He is the one who has evolved from man the animal to Magician to Royal Man to Divine Man.

Xem is that which is Recognized, Realized, and Understood by the Elect Being perceiving Higher Being. Xem is the Self ahead of itself.

From these quotes a great deal can be gained; it suffices to reveal that Ascent is a re-emergence and a continuation of the initiatic current that flowed through Xem.

The third source lies in a single piece of Work by Michael Moynihan, a multi-talented writer, musician, and Man of Tradition whom the G:.G:. highly respects. It is a prose poem in honor of the Work of Julius Evola, bearing the title of the Word – Ascent. I quote it here in full:

The path to liberation is the Self. All true gods know this. No other route exists; the only question remains in the mapping of the road and its shape, its breadth, the measure of the distance it shall unfurl into infinity.

The single question presupposes the answer to a previous inquiry: will the Self be little more than an impenetrable Gordian Knot, an eternal trap for the pettiest motivations which course through it; or shall its trajectory illuminate – as Nietzsche might say – an arrow, a straight line, a goal? For even the best among us, the path through these woods is obscure, overgrown, riddled with stinging nettles, littered with deadfall.

A paradox is inherent here, as it must be – such is natural order. The Self is all, alpha and omega, and for those who allow themselves to be cast about by temporal events as a rudderless craft on the tumultuous oceans, there will be no substantive difference in their own ignoble beginning, middle, or end. But there are the few – the doomed ones perhaps – whose awareness of Self is likewise an awareness of steel: malleable amidst the correct circumstances and temperatures. Nietzsche again: ‘In times of peace, the warlike man attacks himself.’ The Self must be mined from the depths of the universe, baptised in flames, liquefied to molten form, cooled by deliberation, hammered and disciplined into shards and later precise pieces to be examined under blacklight and assembled into a machine of perfection: a tool of willpower and action.

Setting sail aeons ago from Thule, Avalon, Shambala, one reaches the shore without having arrived. The last engagements are the most unyielding – terrifying precipices before the final ascent to the heights of Asgard, Montsalvat, paradesha, or other Olympian realms yet uncharted and unnamed. Thus the mountain is conquered, the abyss traversed, the grand entrance to a world of gods gained.

Destiny lies within. This is the beauty and higher purpose, the greatest and gravest gift.

Verily, the path to liberation is the Self.

From this pedigree emerges the present manifestation of Ascent as the Word of the G:.G:., its challenge, its imperative. It is a challenge and a charge to always seek the superior, to stand tall for the Tradition in a world that has fallen down, and to become more than one presently is; not the person, as Ouspensky might say, as we find him to be; but the person as he may become - better, stronger, wiser: Higher Man. Such a concept, of course, is not new - it is as old as man’s spiritual quest, not something "discovered" by the G:.G:.; it has only been reawakened, given a name, and put forth for initiatic utilization in our time. It is an idea whose time has come because its time has always been – it is ever-present and eternally valid. Dare the Ascent!

"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. And also the only real tragedy in life is being used by personally minded men for purposes you recognize to be base."

- George Bernard Shaw

I -- General Knowledge
II -- Tradition and Traditionalists
III -- Gnosticism
IV -- The Hermetic Art
V -- The Grail Tradition
VI -- Secret Societies and Orders of Knighthood
VII -- The Left-Hand Path
VIII -- The Aryan Mythos
IX -- Self-Overcoming

The Level-1 titles are as follows (see further down the list for descriptions of each title) --

The following five titles form the G:.G:.'s Foundation of Knowledge and are absolutely essential:

*Revolt Against the Modern World by Julius Evola
*The Mystery of the Grail by Julius Evola
*Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Micheal Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln
*Arktos by Joscelyn Godwin
*Introduction to Magic by Julius Evola and the UR Group

The remaining Level-1 books are:

Category I:
*The Passion of the Western Mind by Richard Tarnas
*A History of Knowledge by Charles Van Doren
*A History of Pagan Europe by Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick

Category II:
*The Reign of Quantity and the Signs of the Times by Rene Guenon
*The Crisis of the Modern World by Rene Guenon
*The Decline of the West by Oswald Spengler
*Man and Tecnics by Oswald Spengler
*Imperium by Ulick Varange(Francis Parker Yockey)

Category III:
*Gnosis by Kurt Rudolph

Category IV:
*The Hermetic Tradition by Julius Evola
*Al-Kemi by Andre VandenBroeck
*The Elixir and the Stone by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh
*Serpent in the Sky by John Anthony West
*Hermetic Magic by Stephen E. Flowers
*Sacred Geometry by Robert Lawlor

Category V:
*The Grail Legend by Emma Jung and Marie-Louise von Franz
*The Holy Grail by Malcolm Godwin
*Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach

Category VI:
*The Templar Revelation by Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince
*The Templars and the Assassins by James Wasserman
*The Occult Conspiracy by Michael Howard
*Secret Societies by Arkon Daraul
*The Rosicrucian Enlightenment by Frances A. Yates
*Chivalry by Maurice Keen

Category VII:
*Lords of the Left-Hand Path by Stephen E. Flowers
*Lucifer Rising by Gavin Baddeley

Category VIII:
*The New View Over Atlantis by John Michell
*At the Center of the World by John Michell
*The Occult Roots of Nazism by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke
*Black Sun by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke
*The Poetic Edda translated by Lee M. Hollander
*The Secret of the Runes by Guido von List
*The Secret King by Stephen E. Flowers and Michael Moynihan

Category IX:
*The Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution by P.D. Ouspensky
*A New Model of the Universe by P.D. Ouspensky
*Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
*The Wisdom of Life and Counsels and Maxims by Arthur Schopenhauer
*Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche
*Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche
*Demian by Hermann Hesse
*The Stature of Man by Colin Wilson

Category I: General Knowledge

Category II: Tradition and Traditionalists

Category III: Gnosticism

Category IV: The Hermetic Art

Category V: The Grail Tradition

Category VI: Secret Societies and Orders of Knighthood

Since the passing of the Golden Age of mankind - long ago and far away - it has been the trans-historical Work and Task of various Orders of Initiation to keep the flame of a sacred body of esoteric Knowledge and Tradition burning down through the ages - so that those ready and worthy may be brought into its light, and so that such Knowledge and those who possess it are protected and hidden from profane elements that would misuse or attempt to stamp it (or them) out. This is the ultimate purpose of any legitimate Order, Society, Guild, or other organized body which would claim to bestow an initiatic influence on those who would enter into its sanctuary. With Knighthood, there is the added element of a martial approach, whether inner or outer, or both, to such a Task, often accompanied by a strict ethos and pledge to duty and honor. The various groups discussed in the books presented here have carried the Torch of Tradition, to varying degrees of success, across the ages. The Guild of the Grail, whether or not successful in its particular mission, attempts to carry on this Tradition.

VI-A: Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln. Dell Publishing Co., New York, NY; 1983. (L-1): A work of great historical importance and one whose revelations are highly important to the G:.G:.'s agenda. The story of the tiny French village of Rennes-le-Chateau, the Knights Templar, and the untold story of the origins of Christianity and the bloodline of Jesus Christ is fairly well-known by now, in esoteric circles at least. This is the first book to have brought this mystery into the light of day, and it remains the primary documentation of the main aspects of this whole complex and important subject. In essence, it represents, via the activities and goals of the Knights Templar , Priory of Sion (a secret society which, despite its name, would seem to have a most Eurocentric agenda), and others, an underground organizational current that worked, like Ghibellinism, to establish a unified European Imperium and a regal monarchy of the Merovingian bloodline over and above the authority of the Catholic Church - though it was through the medium of the church that many of the hidden activities of these groups took place. This book is not the final word, nor does it give one a complete picture of the overall, Traditional importance of its subject; however, all roads lead from here.

VI-B: The Messianic Legacy by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln. Henry Holt and Company, New York; 1986. (L-2): The sequel to #VI-A, which attempts to follow the paths of some of the unresolved questions that that book left open for speculation, and to further explain them by introducing certain "facts" into the story that the authors uncovered during subsequent research; to a degree it is successful in this, yet it again leaves behind more mysteries in its wake. There are some highly interesting discussions of the forces behind the formation of historical Christianity, the Third Reich, the modern-day Priory of Sion, and "Messiahship". Though not rated as L-1, anyone reading #VI-A will surely want to follow up and read this to further clarify some of the issues raised in the former volume.

VI-C: The Templar Revelation: Secret Guardians of the True Identity of Christ by Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince. Touchstone, Simon & Schuster, New York, NY; 1997. (L-1): Whether or not one is convinced of one of the main theories in this book - that Christ was in fact a priest of the Egyptian cult of Isis - it provides some essential "filling in of the gaps" concerning the Templar/Priory of Sion phenomena that is not covered in #VI-A. The authors are given over to speculations that might seem a bit far-fetched at times, but given the thoroughness with which they explore the "Underground Stream" and ponder its deeper implications, such occasional shortcomings can be forgiven. A truly hard-to-put-down book, and an essential one at that - not quite hard-line Traditionalism, but it has its moments.

VI-D: Web of Gold: The Secret History of a Sacred Treasure by Guy Patton and Robin Mackness. Sidgwick & Jackson, London, UK; 2000. (L-2): From the inside cover: "What links the Roman sack of Jerusalem in AD70, the arrest of a British businessman in the 1980's near Lyon, the sudden wealth of a priest in Rennes-le-Chateau in the 1800's, Hitler's SS, and the body of an Italian banker found hanging under Blackfriar's Bridge?…An epic tale straddling the centuries and encompassing alchemy, forgery, genocide, faith and fervour, this thrilling history will convince you of the awesome power of a world of secrets." Some highly relevant information here, and if you can resist reading this after a blurb like that, be my guest!

VI-E: The Occult Conspiracy: Secret Societies - Their Influence and Power in World History by Michael Howard. Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont; 1989. (L-1): For an intelligent, concise, yet fairly comprehensive overview of this subject, this is THE book. Covers the Ancient Mysteries, the Knights Templar, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, Nazi occultism, and other aspects of this phenomenon, as well as important historical figures. For those unfamiliar with occult history in general, I can't recommend this book highly enough; for those already well-versed in such matters, it serves as an excellent "refresher" course.

VI-F: Secret Societies by Arkon Daraul. The Octagon Press, London; 1983. (L-1): This is the now-classic reference work on the subject, and still one of the best. I recommend reading it along with #VI-F - it serves as a perfect companion volume, covering certain aspects, groups, and the like not discussed in the former book. Included are short chapters everything from the Sufis to the Holy Vehm, and everything in between - making for essential reading for the Guildsman.

VI-G: Secret Societies: From the Ancient and Arcane to the Modern and Clandestine by David V. Barrett. Blanford Books, London, UK; 1999. (L-2): To complete one's knowledge of the subject after reading the previous two titles, this book provides an excellent follow-up, giving the reader some additional insights and angles on this most fascinating of subjects. A very entertaining and informative volume, and highly recommended.

VI-H: The Templars and the Assassins: The Militia of Heaven by James Wasserman. Inner Traditions International, Rochester, Vermont; 2001. (L-1): Of the many books that have come out over the past years on the subject of the Knights Templar, most tend to be either (1- too dry and academic, while completely ignoring or downplaying any esoteric elements; or (2- highly or totally speculative, ignoring certain historical facts and making many fantastic claims concerning the esoteric side. This book strikes one of the best balances that one is likely to find, going into the history of both the Muslim Assassins and the Templars, and delving into how their increasingly friendly interface most likely occurred, and how one influenced the other. There is also a very intelligent discussion of just how the Templars became the keepers of a secret knowledge, and how this sowed the seeds of the entire post-Middle Age occult underground and nearly all subsequent Western esoteric movements. A most welcome and essential addition to the Guildsman's library.

VI-I: The Warriors and the Bankers: A History of the Knights Templar from 1307 to the Present by Alan Butler and Stephen Dafoe. Templar Books, Belleville, Ontario, Canada; 1998. (L-2): A short book - only 100 pages - that nonetheless provides a unique insight into the whole Templar phenomenon, particularly concerning aspects of their survival and continued influence today, in both esoteric as well as more worldly spheres. The authors run their own publishing company, and interested readers may wish to visit their website for more relevant titles on the subject of the Templars and related topics of interest - www.templarbooks.com.

VI-J: The Templar Tradition in the Age of Aquarius by Gaetan Delaforge. Threshold Books, Putney, Vermont; 1987. (L-2): Despite a rather universalist orientation, this is something of a unique book in that it delineates the mission of a new Templar movement in the modern era, and relates how this new Templar Order does in fact already exist as a spiritual phenomenon, composed of those seekers and servants who work toward aims that the author understands as representing "Templarism" in today's world. The Guild of the Grail certainly recognizes such a current at Work in the world, a current in which it actively partakes - yet one must Understand the Eurocentic nature of this current and how it serves the greater cause of the return of the Imperium, something that this book totally misses. However, there is some good food for thought to be found here.

VI-K: The Temple and the Lodge by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh. Arcade Publishing, New York; 1989. (L-2): This dynamic duo of authors again present alternative history at its best, dispelling once and for all any doubt that there indeed exists compelling evidence that elements of the Knights Templar did indeed survive the "destruction" of the Order, that they resurfaced shortly thereafter in Scotland, and that their legacy survived, and continues to do so today, through the Masonic lodge and its rituals. Compelling reading.

VI-L: Born in Blood: The Lost Secrets of Freemasonry by John J. Robinson. M. Evans & Company, New York; 1989. (L-2): Yet more compelling evidence of the survival of the Knights Templar via Freemasonry, and brings to light the identity of the "Great Society" behind the English Peasant's Revolt of 1381. A real page-turner, solidly researched and documented.

VI-M: The Hiram Key: Pharaohs, Freemasons, and the Discovery of the Secret Scrolls of Jesus by Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas. Element Books, Shaftesbury, Dorset, UK; 1997. (L-2): A well-written and researched piece of historical detective work that connects the secret agenda of the Knights Templar, and hence the subsequent emergence of Freemasonry and its secret rituals, with the discovery by the Templars of certain esoteric writings and rituals of a secret Gnostic sect of which Jesus himself was an initiate. For the most part pretty convincing, yet some speculations are presented that somewhat overshoot the evidence at hand. If one finds this book to their taste, you may also want to read the author's follow-up title The Second Messiah: Templars, the Turin Shroud, and the Great Secret of Freemasonry, which offers further speculation on the Templar's true agenda.

VI-N: The Head of God: The Lost Treasure of the Templars by Keith Laidler. Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London; 1998. (L-2): Of all the Templar-related books that concern the esoteric aspects of the Order, in particular the nature of the "Baphomet" enigma, this is perhaps one of the most interesting and well-researched. Whether or not one can accept the author's conclusion that the Baphomet was the embalmed head of Jesus Christ, the importance of the "disembodied head" phenomena and its link with the Knights Templar is exhaustively documented, and there are a few other surprises contained in this book as well - but you'll have to read it for yourselves!

VI-O: Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry by Albert Pike. L.H. Jenkins, Inc., Richmond, Virginia; 1950. (L-2): Among the vast array of Masonic literature, this book remains the most comprehensive and in-depth study of the deeper aspects and symbolism of Freemasonry. At over a thousand pages in length, one will find a cornucopia of Traditional Hermetic lore and Understanding. Pike, a highly influential force in American Freemasonry during the 19th-century, was well-versed in Indo-European Traditions - in reading through these pages, one gets the definite impression that he was anything but a representative of the present-day universalist and egalitarian brand of Masonry. A unique Work that should be a standard reference work in the library of any serious Hermeticist.

VI-P: The Rosicrucian Enlightenment by Frances A. Yates. Routledge, London & New York; 1972. (L-1): The late and preeminent scholar of Renaissance and Elizabethan-era esotericism presents us with a fascinating account of the flowering of a new Hermetic golden age in European thought during the 17th-century, and how this led, or Traditionally-speaking how this degenerated, into the modern "scientific" revolution, with a particular emphasis on the phenomenon of Rosicrucianism. As has often been pointed out, the first scientists of the modern age were also the last magicians of a previous era. This thorough study shows how and why, and gives the reader a glimpse of the "twilight's last gleaming" of a brief age of a Traditional reawakening. Excellent and essential information.

VI-Q: Chivalry by Maurice Keen. Yale University Press, New Haven & London; 1984. (L-1): Covering the entire arena of Knighthood, chivalry, nobility, heraldry, and related subjects, this is the most comprehensive and useful single-volume information source that I have found. For the Guildsman who aspires to Knighthood, the subject matter covered in this book is vital and essential. Read this and begin to Understand the current(s) behind the ethos of a time long ago, and why it is one so foreign to our era.

VI-R: The Monks of War: The Military Religious Orders by Desmond Seward. Penguin Books, London; 1972. (L-2): A survey of the various religious Orders of Knighthood and their importance and influence upon the course of European history, including the Templars, the Teutonic Knights, and the Hospitallers (later the Knights of Malta). Written from a strictly academic perspective, it is nonetheless a highly readable and entertaining book, as well as one of the few sources that so thoroughly covers this subject matter.

VI-S: Knights by Andrea Hopkins. Chartwell Books, Edison, New Jersey; 2001. (L-2): An attractive coffee-table book, very well-written and informative insofar as giving one an overview of the origins, lifestyles, and historical legacy of the institutions of chivalry. While not so comprehensive or insightful as #VI-Q, this makes good introductory reading.

VI-T: Heraldry: An Introduction to a Noble Tradition by Michel Pastoreau. Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York; 1997. (L-2): Every Knight worth his sword and armor must know something of the Art of heraldry. This short introduction to the subject is easy-to-understand and informative, complete with a glossary of relevant terminology. For the Guildsman who would deepen his knowledge of this noble Art, I recommend Heraldry: Sources, Symbols, and Meanings by Ottfried Neubecker, a far more comprehensive treatment.

Category VII: The Left-Hand Path

What modern-era esotericists refer to as the "left-hand path" possesses many of the same attributes as the ancient Solar Tradition, particularly in its Understanding that it is the ultimate aim of the initiate to "become a god", not to outwardly worship one. The everyday "waking" self of the individual must ascend to the point that it joins forces, collaborates, and finally merges its feeble constitution into the overpowering presence of its own highest possibilities, while avoiding the temptation to submerge oneself into some sort of supposed "godhead". This being the case, the difference between the two, for the most part, often comes down to a matter of aesthetics - many modern-day practitioners of the left-hand path are plugged into the current of "Satanism" in its various forms, and are thus not rooted in a Traditionalist orientation towards Initiation. Such being said, the Guild of the Grail defines itself as an Order of the Solar Tradition, following the magical or dry path of Initiation as opposed to the humid or mystical path; yet we must recognize the similarities of our path with that of left-hand path seekers, and hence respect their Work and Ideal.

VII-A: Lords of the Left-Hand Path: A History of Spiritual Dissent by Stephen E. Flowers. Runa-Raven Press, Smithville, Texas; 1997. (L-1): Quite simply THE most comprehensive and penetrating survey of the phenomenon of the left-hand path, from its early historical manifestations (which are thus synonymous with Solar Traditions) down through the ages and up to its modern manifestation(s) as "Satanism". The author does not write from the perspective of a detached observer or reporter; indeed, he fully Understands the underlying Work at hand - to make the individual into an unwavering axis of power and Ascent, a god-in-the-making. Truly a unique and one-of-a-kind Work, with information one will not find elsewhere - absolutely essential.

VII-B: Lucifer Rising by Gavin Baddeley. Plexus Publishing, London; 1999. (L-1): Essentially a survey of modern-day Satanism, this book is a gem in that provides multiple interviews with various figures from the left-hand path underground, which allows the reader to judge for himself the legitimacy and authenticity - or lack thereof - of the organizations and personalities discussed. It is interesting to read how many of them perceive themselves, their pedigree(s), and their various goals, as opposed to how they are evaluated by outsiders. Like #VII-A, there is a lot of information here that is not to be found elsewhere, making this an essential text as well.

VII-C: The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey. Avon Books, New York, NY; 1969. (L-2): The foundational text of modern Satanism, completely geared towards a materialistic and non-Traditionalist approach to magical practice. Though LaVey himself and many others associated with the early Church of Satan (such as Michael Aquino and the Temple of Set) evolved their views and methodologies far beyond the approach of this volume, it is nonetheless a milestone work in the annals of modern occultism of a "darker" orientation.

VII-D: The Devil's Notebook by Anton Szandor LaVey. Feral House, Portland, Oregon; 1992. (L-2): The writings of a more wise and reflective LaVey, written from a much more matured outlook in his later years. However, this is not to say that he had "watered-down" his views to any extent - if anything, many of his ideas and observations became even more biting and sarcastic than in previous writings and pronouncements. Though not a Traditionalist by any stretch of the imagination, LaVey's unique insights and criticisms of modern society and its discontents are most valid and would be of interest to any think-tanks of Tradition.

VII-E: Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground by Michael Moynihan and Didrik Soderlind. Feral House, Venice, California; 1998. (L-2): An engrossing and eye-opening account of how a sleeping giant has awakened in the musical subculture of certain circles of European and American youth - a violent and reactionary current that remanifests a coarse and primitive side of the European/Faustian psyche. An equal reaction to both the continued influence of Christianity and the debased cosmopolitanism of modern society in general, a furious pagan spirit has emerged, one that will not be easily tamed. The ever-widening globalist agenda of modern society has brought many plagues upon itself, of which this is yet another example.

VII-F: Might is Right by Ragnar Redbeard. Fourteen Words Press, St. Maries, Idaho; 1996. (L-3): The infamous manifesto of the law of the jungle and survival of the fittest, which will effectively unlearn and undermine all perceptions that cater to egalitarian and democratic sympathies. This book is indeed a dangerous one in the hands of those who are ethically irresponsible and ignorant - it can easily be the blueprint for the most debased forms of cruelty. For the upright man of Tradition and upholder of chivalric virtues, it is a liberating revelation, poetically articulating what is already intuitively known. Read, indulge, and be cautious in how one applies such revelations in practice.

VII-G: Mephistopheles: The Devil in the Modern World by Jeffrey Burton Russell. Cornell University Press, Ithaca & London; 1986. (L-2): An academic exploration of the influence and legacy of the figure of Satan/Lucifer in post-Renaissance European culture, containing some useful insights concerning the Faust tradition, the "satanic" aspects of the Romantic movement, and discussions of the darker implications of the ideas of Darwin, Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, and Hitler. This book would be a good follow-up volume to #VII-B.

VII-H: A Razor for a Goat: Problems in the History of Witchcraft and Diabolism by Elliot Rose. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Canada; 1989. (L-2): From the back cover: "With an amazing knowledge of his subject, the author here discusses witchcraft and diabolism in a way that arouses admiration for his exact and critical aptitude. The central theme is the historical origins of some forms of witchcraft. The question whether these should be regarded as survivals of the ancient pagan cults, or whether they should be supposed to be linked to Christendom as heresy, is given extensive treatment."

VII-J: A Subtler Magick: The Writings and Philosophy of H.P. Lovecraft by S.T. Joshi. Wildside Press, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey; 1996. (L-2): I wasn't exactly sure which category to include Lovecraft under, so this one seemed as good as any! Almost everyone will be familiar with his unrivalled horror stories and the Cthulhu Mythos he created; yet not everyone is aware that Lovecraft was a harsh critic of modernism, democracy, and egalitarianism. This excellent study of Lovecraft's philosophy shows the keen and penetrating mind behind the fictional work - though by no means a practitioner of the left-hand path nor a Traditionalist (he was a staunch rationalist and materialist), his love of antiquity, aristocratic ideals, and the old world order make Lovecraft a subject of more than passing interest.

VII-K: H.P. Lovecraft: The Decline of the West by S.T. Joshi. Wildside Press, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey; 1990. (L-2): A companion volume to #VII-J, this book further illuminates the intellectual aspects of Lovecraft's thought - of particular interest because it traces the major thinkers who most influenced his world-view. Lovecraft's debt to Spengler becomes apparent; from the back cover: "The one common thread that unites Lovecraft's philosophy and his fiction is the notion of the 'decline of the West' - the belief that Western civilization is in a state of inevitable and irreversible decline, so that we can only expect an eventual collapse and a return to barbarism."

VII-L: The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers. Ace Books, New York, NY; 1977. (L-3): This rather obscure volume was a source of influence on Lovecraft in creating his Cthulhu Mythos; beyond that, it is one whose reputation has grown, particularly in left-hand path circles, as being a particularly dangerous text for the unwary initiate in that it subtly infuses the reader with an insidious, hidden "message" that can lead to everything from simple disorientation to outright madness. For years I didn't quite "get" how this was so, but repeated readings have led me to Understand how such a danger could possibly occur, once the "message" and its mechanism are identified. However, I think I still have a loose grasp on my sanity… "Woe! woe to you who are crowned with the crown of the King in Yellow!"

Category VIII: The Aryan Mythos

The great Hyperborean Tradition and its legacy is one of vital importance to the Guild of the Grail. This is one of the most singular and powerful manifestations of the Solar Tradition, hence one of the most feared and despised by the modern world. The particular virtue(s) of this branch of the Tradition is that it represents perhaps the last "solar stronghold" of the great Indo-Eupopean cultural and initiatic current that is becoming increasingly threatened and eclipsed in this Age of the Wolf. But it has survived past attempts at its destruction, always resurrecting itself in various outer forms as well as in hidden pedigrees - and it shall do so again. The books recommended here represent an attempt to give some tangible shape to this wide-ranging Tradition - how it has manifested throughout the ages, and how and why it is of such vital importance in the revival of an Indo-European Imperium of the Spirit. The 20th-century association of this current with the emergence of the Third Reich in Germany has made it a particularly dangerous topic to show any degree or vestige of sympathy toward, even a hint of which will bring immediate scorn, ridicule and condemnation by the modern globalist/multicultural establishment. But the volkgeist still lives and works in mysterious ways, despite the fervent opposition of its enemies - as these volumes will serve to illuminate.

VIII-A: Arktos: The Polar Myth in Science, Symbolism, and Nazi Survival by Joscelyn Godwin. Phanes Press, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 1993. (L-1): A highly important foundational book for gaining an Understanding of the G:.G:.'s Axis Mundi -oriented philosophical foundation. For a deeper Knowledge of the Hyperborean Tradition, the Golden Age, the Indo-Aryans, and the relation of these to the polar regions of the earth, this is a unique and one-of-a-kind Work. Explores the esoteric aspects of polar symbolism and their relation to "Nazi occultism", the Hollow Earth, and hidden spiritual kingdoms such as Thule, Agartha, and Shambhala - plus discussions of Guenon, Evola, the "spiritual pole" and much more. Godwin is an impeccable writer on esoteric and Traditional subjects, with the rare gift of making highly complex and obscure subject matter accessible to the layman - though to really grasp the importance of this topic is far beyond the grasp of most laymen! Unique, highly recommended, and essential.

VIII-B: The New View Over Atlantis by John Michell. Harper & Row Publishers, San Francisco; 1986. (L-1): The definitive book on the subject of megaliths, ley lines, "earth" mysteries, and ancient systems of measurement - all of which Michell brilliantly argues are remnants of an ancient elemental science from the Hyperborean civilization Plato referred to as Atlantis. Includes fascinating revelations concerning Greek, Roman, Hebrew, and Egyptian cosmological Knowledge, after which one will have no doubt as to the question of who originated Traditional civilizations, and why. Michell is an excellent author who is well-grounded in a Traditionalist world-view, hence any and all of his works come highly recommended.

VIII-C: At the Center of the World: Polar Symbolism Discovered in Celtic, Norse and Other Ritualized Landscapes by John Michell. Thames & Hudson LTD, London; 1994. (L-1): A truly important and illuminating book - like #VIII-A, it further explains the deep signifigance of the whole Axis Mundi phenomenon and its tantamount importance in relation to Traditional and tribal cultures, in particular the Indo-European ones. Read this and you will Understand the deep-level connection in ancient times between home, hearth, kingship, standards of measurement, and one's native landscape. Modern "culture" neither has nor understands any aspect of such a world-view and its implicit order - hence it is of necessity rootless, uncentered, bastardized, and adrift. One of the best book I have read in quite some time, and absolutely essential to further Understand the Work of the G:.G:..

VIII-D: Landscape and Memory by Simon Schama. Vintage Books, New York, NY; 1995. (L-2): For a further elucidation of some of the principles and revelations presented in #VIII-C, this provides excellent supplementary reading and is literally brimming over with information of pertinent signifigance to the Work of the G:.G:.. I was highly tempted to rate this as Level-1, but I think it will be better Understood after absorbing the information in the other L-1 books in this category. From the back cover: "When we look at a landscape, do we see nature or culture? That question lies at the heart of this extravagantly learned and lavishly illustrated book by one of our most eminent historians. For Simon Schama believes that every landscape - forest, river, or mountain - is a work of the mind, a repository of the memories and obsessions of the people who gaze upon it." One might even Understand #V-M a bit better after reading this book!

VIII-E: Myth and Religion of the North: The Religion of Ancient Scandinavia by E.O.G. Turville-Petre. Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut; 1975. (L-2): Simply THE best and most thorough overview of the myth cycles and cultural characteristics of the Teutonic tribes. This book has been out of print for quite some time and can be difficult to track down, but it is well worth the trouble for those interested in this subject. A deeper Understanding of one of the last truly heroic cultures in history is to be gained in these pages.

VIII-F: A History of the Vikings by Gwyn Jones. Oxford University Press, Oxford & New York; 1984. (L-2): For an actual historical account of the culture characterized in #VIII-E, this standard reference work remains the best and most comprehensive. It will leave one with a bit of nostalgia and sadness to think that such a heroic age had to pass from the earth, and to think that fewer and fewer people who are descended from this culture and race are even aware of the proud legacy of their ancestors - yet another "blessing" of the all-consuming influence of modern "civilization".

VIII-G: The Poetic Edda translated by Lee M. Hollander. University of Texas Press, Austin; 1988. (L-1): The primary literary legacy of the Northern peoples, which delineates their major myths and cultural characteristics in the form of ancient poetic verses. Contains the "Havamal" (Sayings of the High One), which is the primary source for gaining insight into the deeper levels of the Odinic Mysteries, including the sacred Runes, as well as the ethical concerns of the Nordic culture. For those who would delve further into the mysteries of the North, this is bedrock.

VIII-H: The Secret of the Runes by Guido von List, edited, introduced, and translated by Stephen E. Flowers. Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont; 1988. (L-1): This is the primary Work that brought about the Armanic revival and a resurgence of interest in the spiritual and initiatic aspect of the Runes in Europe during the early part of the 20th Century. The excellent introduction by Flowers gives a good overview of von List's life and Work, and puts it all into the context of the times in which he lived. For those who would Work with the Runes, these are a plethora of both excellent and terrible books on this subject out on the market - the wise and serious seeker should make this his first choice.

VIII-I: Runelore: A Handbook of Esoteric Runology by Edred Thorsson. Samuel Weiser, Inc., York Beach, Maine; 1988. (L-2): After reading von List, the seeker of the Runes should absorb this volume. It is an exhaustive study of the historical and cultural aspects of the Runes, with an orientation toward their cosmological and initiatic signifigance. For those who then wish to actually begin magical Work with the Runes, the absolute best book to begin with is Thorsson's Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic, the Work with which the author almost single-handedly inaugurated the present-day "Runic Revival".

VIII-J: Practical Magic in the Northern Tradition by Nigel Pennick. The Aquarian Press, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, England; 1989. (L-2): An encyclopedic volume that covers almost every aspect of Northern esoteric practices - to include the Runes, dates, festivals, plants and herbs, protective amulets, ritual tools and more. For those who would seriously study and Work with this Tradition, this is a required textbook.

VIII-K: Atlantis: The Antediluvian World by Ignatius Donnely. Dover Publications, New York, NY; 1976. (L-2): This is THE classic book on the subject, and still one of the most reliable. If one is to speak with any authority on the subject of Atlantis and the various facets of the evidence concerning its existence, some knowledge of the contents of this book are a necessity. Long assumed to have been thoroughly discredited by mainstream scientific "knowledge", this book is again being studied by serious researchers who continue to probe the Atlantis mystery, and hence the Hyperborean roots of civilization.

VIII-M: Atlantis of the North by Jurgen Spanuth. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, NY; 1980. (L-2): This is a lesser-known yet controversial volume among the many books in print in which an author claims to have "solved" the Atlantis mystery. However, this one deserves a second look. By studying the original accounts of the Atlantis narrative in Plato's writings, Spanuth presents an utterly convincing case for locating the seat of the Atlantean empire in the area of the northern European island of Heligoland - thus, it would seem, effectively proving at least one aspect of a Hyperborean connection with the Atlantis mystery. Read and decide for yourself.

VIII-N: The Occult Roots of Nazism: Secret Aryan Cults and Their Influence on Nazi Ideology by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke. New York University Press, Washington Square, New York; 1992. (L-1): Of the many books written in the past couple of decades on the subject of "Nazi occultism", this one, along with #VIII-O, are the only ones whose materials are backed up by actual historical facts and records. Goodrick-Clarke objectively presents accounts of the many pan-Germanic and Ariosophic groups and individuals that flourished in Western Europe during the early 20th-century, from von List to Wiligut, and proceeds to reveal how and to what extent these elements influenced the foundation of the German National Socialist Worker's Party. To get a sound foothold on this complex subject, the information in this book is absolutely essential.

VIII-O: The Secret King: Karl Maria Wiligut - Himmler's Lord of the Runes translated by Stephen E. Flowers, edited by Michael Moynihan. Dominion/Runa-Raven; 2001. (L-1): A landmark publication in that for the first time, the Works of Wiligut, the only individual actually known to be a practicing esotericist who indeed had a verifiable degree of influence on the leadership of Nazi Germany, are now translated and in print for all to see. Here is the heart of "Nazi occultism" revealed in all its cryptic splendor, finally giving one a glimpse into the "real" world of a fascinating and all-too-often misunderstood and sensationalized subject. The excellent introduction by Flowers alone makes this book worth reading, not to speak of the "meat" of the text - this is indeed essential Knowledge for the Guildsman.

VIII-P: Black Sun: Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism, and the Politics of Identity by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke. New York University Press, New York & London; 2002. (L-1): An exhaustive survey of post-WWII manifestations of fascist (read Traditionalist/Eurocentric) esotericism, to include the various individuals, groups, movements and philosophies which constitute them. Goodrick-Clarke has done an excellent job of arranging, selecting, and presenting the vast array of information that this book brings forth, and there is so much relevant Knowledge between its covers that even a quick overview would take several pages; it suffices to say that the subject(s) explored in this volume represent to some degree a resurgence of a Traditional sensibility among an ever-increasing segment of present-day Indo-Europeans, and in order to fully Understand the very broad and diverse ways in which this is taking place, this book is required reading.

VIII-Q: Unholy Alliance: A History of Nazi Involvement with the Occult by Peter Levenda. Avon Books, New York, NY; 1995. (L-2): Out of all of the more sensationalistic treatments of this topic, this is one of the better ones. Covers everything from von List, von Liebenfels, Thule Society, Ahnenerbe, Rahn, the Grail, the SS, and even looks into the survival of a hidden Nazi refuge in South America that supposedly operates today. If one can separate the speculation from the facts, all the better - in any case, this makes for one of the most entertaining page-turners of recent years that you're likely to come across.

VIII-R: Metapolitics: The Roots of the Nazi Mind by Peter Viereck. Capricorn Books, New York, NY; 1965. (L-2): An engrossing and authoritative account of the underlying "obsession" of Germanic culture, particularly in its trans-personal manifestation as the volkgeist (spirit of the folk), and how this took on an intense and focused, yet ultimately self-destructive, embodiment during the Third Reich. In order to Understand the deepest and most essential factors behind the Nazi phenomenon, German history, and the emergence of the volkgeist ideal in its culture, this book is indipensable.

VIII-S: For Freedom Destined: Mysteries of Man's Evolution in the Mythology of Wagner's Ring Operas and Parsifal by Franz E. Winkler. Waldorf Press, Garden City, New York; 1974. (L-2): By far the best interpretation of the initiatic signifigance of the Works of Richard Wagner. Wagner's role as a prophet and icon of Nordic culture cannot be overemphasized, and this book shows the extent to which he Understood his mission as such. The discussion of the inner meaning of Parzival's quest is of particular importance for the G:.G:.. Long out-of-print and rather scarce, it is well worth the investment if one can find it.

VIII-T: Himmler's Black Order: A History of the SS, 1923-45 by Robin Lumsden. Sutton Publishing, Gloucestershire, England, UK; 1997. (L-2): A fairly comprehensive and beautifully-illustrated account of Himmler's SS, detailing the origins, development, and organization of both the Waffen-SS and the Allgemeine-SS. Himmler conceived of the SS as a latter-day Order of Knighthood which would spearhead the revival of a glorious Germanic Imperium - this was not to be, however, except for a short period. Today's legitimate Orders of Knighthood must be ever-aware of the nature of the battle-standard they carry forth into the modern world, and Work toward noble goals.

VIII-U: The SS Family: Procedure for Conducting Family Celebrations by Ulric of England/Charles Barger. Ulric Publishing, Epsom, Surrey, England; 1998. (L-2): An English translation of a book written by SS-Obergruppenfuhrer Fritz Weitzel and given to SS members, outlining the yearly Germanic pagan festivals and how to properly observe them as family-oriented celebrations. Includes correspondence between Weitzel and Himmler, as well as other fascinating and obscure information. From the foreward: "Our European family unit has been gradually eroded throughout the twentieth century, as a result, the history of our own families is being lost…above all else, our instinct is to be part of a family, proud of our race and the country of our ancestors; such instincts are hard to satisfy in the last years of the twentieth century, but they remain with us."

VIII-V: Heinrich Himmler's Camelot: The Wewelsburg Ideological Center of the SS 1934-1945 by Stephen Cook and Stuart Russell. Kressman-Backmeyer Publishing, LLC; 1999. (L-2): THE authoritative account of the role of Wewelsburg castle in the activities of the SS, with a complete history of the castle before its purchase by Himmler. This is a beautiful book, containing many rare and previously unpublished photographs of the Wewelsburg, Himmler, and others associated with this saga. Lots of relevant information on Wiligut, the "Walhalla" chamber, the Black Sun motif, and many other topics of interest, topped off with the added pleasure of a non-biased presentation of the material by the authors. This is a rather expensive book, but well worth the $60+ pricetag for the serious student of Himmler and the Wewelsburg "mysteries". Highly recommended.

VIII-W: The Swastika: Constructing the Symbol by Malcolm Quinn. Routledge, London & New York; 1994. (L-2): As far as I know the only book exclusively devoted to an analysis of the symbol and symbolism of the swastika, containing some highly relevant information on the various ways in which it has been used throughout history. Despite the modernist viewpoint of the author, there is also some interesting social commentary to be found in these pages. A very unique reference volume, recommended for those specifically interested in this subject.

VIII-X: Hitler's Priestess: Savitri Devi, the Hindu-Aryan Myth, and Neo-Nazism by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke. New York University Press, London & New York; 1998. (L-2): Savitri Devi was a pivotal figure in the emergence of post-WWII political and esoteric movements that carried on the ideological current of Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich. She brought to the movement a religious and devotional dimension, particularly in her belief that Hitler was an avatar sent to purify the earth and society during the Kali Yuga. Her ideology was a mixture of Aryan supremacism, Hinduism, eugenics, and ecological doctrines that appealed to many of the more intellectual and spiritually-oriented elements of latter-day National Socialist adherents. A fascinating portrait of a unique individual and subculture, highly recommended.

VIII-Y: The Lightning and the Sun by Savitri Devi. National Vanguard Books, Hillsboro, West Virginia; 2000. (L-2): This is an abridged version of Devi's major philosophical Work, of interest to Traditionalists in that she recognized and delineated a doctrine of the cycles of history and the eventual corruption and dissipation of cultures from degenerate elements both within and without. She illustrates this thesis by examining three historical figures and how they shaped, for better or worse, the historical milieu in which they lived: Akhnaton, Genghis Khan, and Adolf Hitler. Considered in "respectable" circles to be a book only for neo-Nazi's and other "fanatics", perhaps one should read it for oneself and make their own judgment concerning the validity of Devi's ideas. Edited and introduced by Dr. William L. Pierce of the National Alliance.

VIII-Z: The Jung Cult: Origins of a Charismatic Movement by Richard Noll. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey; 1994. (L-2): A real eye-opening and unique survey of Jung and some of the sources of his philosophical influences. From the inside cover: "Noll carefully reconstructs the intellectual currents of fin-de-siecle Germany that influenced Jung. In conjunction with his scientific training in medicine, Jung was equally drawn to other ideas and teachings of his time: the vitalist school in biology associated with 'Naturphilosophie', the evolutionary biology and monistic religion of Haeckel, racial speculations on Aryan origins and character, Nietzsche's theory of the 'new nobility', neopagan sun worshipers, and the speculations of philologists and archaeologists on prehistoric cultures and matriarchal religions." Now, does that have your attention?

VIII-AA: The Aryan Christ: The Secret Life of Carl Jung by Richard Noll. Random House, Inc., New York; 1997. (L-2): The sequel to #VIII-Z, further exploring the relationship Jung had with the volkisch currents and movements of his time. More strictly a biography than its predecessor volume, it will present the "hidden" Jung as you have never known him. So informative and enlightening that you can almost overlook the author's obvious liberal/modernist handicap in evaluating his subject matter.

VIII-BB: The Secret Doctrine: The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy by H.P. Blavatsky. 2 Volumes-The Aryan Theosophical Press, Point Loma, California; 1917. (L-2): The famous and massive "bible" of the Theosophical movement hardly needs any introduction. Here is the primary source of ideological influence on many of the volkisch -oriented esoteric movements that flourished during the late-19th and early-20th centuries, wherein was formulated, to a large extent, the present-day Aryan "mythos". Even if much of its contents are highly questionably and more than a little speculative, it remains a unique and invaluable source-Work, unparalled in its sweeping scope and assumptions.

Category IX: Self-Overcoming

To become more than one presently is, to complete the work that nature has left unfinished, to realize the Great Work and ascend to a level of god-like perception and awareness - this is the ultimate goal of all who would walk the Solar Path of Initiation. To undertake such a task requires much of the one who would undertake it - indeed, the total dedication of one's life, in its multitude of facets, to this highest and most difficult of pursuits is the "sacrifice" demanded by the "Self ahead of itself". The serene and mindless acceptance of the uncompleted self, with all its accompanying pleasure and pain, is the state of blissful ignorance of the vast majority of the human race. The very few who ever come to realize the actual state and nature of the "self" are both blessed and cursed - one must forever leave behind any illusions of comfortable self-acceptance and a "normal" life; on the other hand, the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon the seeker awaits the one who faithfully and daily overcomes the self of yesterday and keeps his vision focused on that "one star in sight" of which Crowley spoke. Initiates of the G:.G:. must recognize and aspire to this Task - the books listed here may help guide one through this ever-uncharted territory.

IX-A: Introduction to Magic: Rituals and Practical Techniques for the Magus by Julius Evola and the UR Group, translated by Guido Stucco, edited by Michael Moynihan. Inner Traditions International, Rochester, Vermont; 2001. (L-1): Another of the G:.G:.'s five foundational texts, and an absolute necessity for all concerned with the Work of self-overcoming. This book could actually be included under Category IV, as it deals largely with Hermetic-oriented materials, but it seems more in place here, as it is nothing less than THE premiere source of techniques and essays geared toward a total identification and unification with the "Self ahead of itself". The magical Work undertaken by the UR Group is a current that the G:.G:. is dedicated to continue and explore - as any perceptive reader will deduce, this is no small Task. The Work contained in these pages is easily the Work of a lifetime (and beyond); from Joscelyn Godwin's review on the back cover: "The essays of the UR Group constitute the most complete and the highest magical teaching ever set before the public…The ultimate goal is the identification of the individual with the Absolute. This is a powerful and disturbing book, and a classic. One can be certain that it will still have readers centuries from now." A powerful gateway into a higher realm.

IX-B: The Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution by P.D. Ouspensky. Vintage Books, New York, NY; 1981. (L-1): One of the most penetrating and unique explorations of the inner constitution of man ever penned - an unveiling of his inner weaknesses as well as a herald of his higher possibilities. Ouspensky writes: "…all psychological systems and doctrines, those that exist or existed openly and those that were hidden or disguised, can be divided into two chief categories. First: systems which study man as they find him, or such as they suppose or imagine him to be. Modern "scientific" psychology, or what is known under that name, belongs to this category. Second: systems which study man not from the point of view of what he is, but from the point of view of what he may become; that is, from the point of view of his possible evolution." Ouspensky was a disciple and the chief exponent of the ideas of the Russian mage G.I. Gurdjieff, and this book in essence outlines the main initiatic aspects of his teachings. An absolutely singular and essential Work for the inner Ascent.

IX-C: A New Model of the Universe: Principles of the Psychological Method and its Application to Problems of Science, Religion, and Art by P.D. Ouspensky. Vintage Books, New York, NY; 1971. (L-1): This book is a gold mine of esoteric lore analyzed from an inner, initiatic viewpoint. Ouspensky effectively argues that arguments, "discussions", academic analyses, and emotional approaches to esoteric and initiatic phenomena are illusory and finally meaningless; only the presence of the "Initiated" dimension in the one who ventures into such realms of Knowledge - which he refers to as the "Psychological Method" - will render it valid and meaningful. Topics include the fourth dimension, superman, Christianity, Tarot, yoga, dreams, sexuality, and many others - fascinating, enlightening, and essential for a higher Understanding of the G:.G:.'s approach to the attainment of "real" Knowledge.

IX-D: The Cult of the Superman by Eric Bentley. Peter Smith, Gloucester, Massachusetts; 1969. (L-2): A study of what the author terms "Heroic Vitalism" and the various individuals whom he recognizes as having formulated and/or embodied this ideal. In-depth chapters on Carlyle and Nietzsche, with additional information on Wagner, Shaw, Spengler, Lawrence, and others. Through the course of these pages one gets a better idea of the blessing and the burden carried by those who would walk a higher and nobler path in the modern age.

IX-E: The Sun at Night by Roger Williamson. The Vann Press, Minneapolis, Minnesota; 1989. (L-2): A short novel about a frustrated spiritual seeker in modern Britain and his encounter with and initiation into a fictional initiatic Order. Useful in that it gives a fairly accurate presentation of the methods and perils to be encountered by those who seek initiation in the modern era, and why those who would go beyond the "law of man" must be careful to do so with a full awareness of all that this implies.

IX-F: The Magus by John Fowles. Dell Publishing, New York, NY; 1978. (L-2): A masterful piece of modern literature that revolves around the "initiation" of a sensual, self-centerted British schoolteacher who seeks to take refuge from his past by living in Greece, only to become involved in a complex initiatic "game" orchestrated and played upon him by a modern-day magus. Somewhat like a much more complex and richly subtle version of #IX-E (the author of that book had obviously read this one), reading this novel becomes an initiation in and of itself - one will better Understand that in the course of human interaction things are never quite as they seem, and that there are always deeper agendas behind apparent ones. Unique, fascinating, and highly recommended.

IX-G: Demian: The Story of Emil Sinclair's Youth by Hermann Hesse. Harper & Row Publishers, New York, NY; 1989. (L-1): I consider this to be probably the ultimate fictional Work of initiatic importance ever written. The story of the encounter between Emil Sinclair and Max Demian contains so many subtle gems of Wisdom and Understanding that I won't even begin to elaborate on them; it suffices to say that once the deeper-level meaning(s) of this novel are Understood by the initiate, usually after repeated readings, that much that was hitherto seen through a glass darkly will become bathed in clarity and solar splendor. Any and all writings by Hesse are highly recommended, as I consider him to be the most profound writer of higher-level fiction in our time - fiction that carries a subtle, unannounced, yet powerful initiatic agenda at its core.

IX-H: The Storm of Steel: From the Diary of a German Storm-Troop Officer on the Western Front by Ernst Junger. Howard Fertig, Inc., New York, NY; 1996. (L-2): One of the most clear, honest, and gut-wrenching first-hand accounts of the grim realities of warfare ever penned. Junger is a little-appreciated writer outside of Europe, yet he is one of the pivotal figures of Traditional importance in our time - he set an example, lived by a standard, and remained true to the higher ideals of another era throughout the course of his long life. As the ever-declining world of the 20th Century played out its spectacle in the valley below, Junger remained atop the mountain. This singular Work describes the initiatic character of war as seen through his eyes - from the text: "And so, strange as it may sound, I learned from this four years' schooling in force and in all the fantastic extravagance of material warfare that life has no depth of meaning except when it is pledged for an ideal, and that there are ideals in comparison with which the life of an individual and even of a people has no weight. And though the aim for which I fought as an individual, as an atom in the whole body of the army, was not to be achieved, though material force cast us, apparently, to the earth, yet we learned once and for all to stand for a cause and if necessary fall as befitted men. Hardened as scarcely another generation ever was in fire and flame, we could go into life as though from the anvil; into friendship, love, politics, professions, into all that destiny had in store. It is not every generation that is so favored."

IX-I: Sun and Steel by Yukio Mishima. Kodansha International, Tokyo & New York; 1980. (L-2): Mishima was a gifted Japanese novelist who ended up devoting the last years his life to a resurrection of the Samurai Ideal; in 1970 he committed ritual suicide in public after seizing control of a military building in protest of the loss of Tradition in modern Japan. This unique Work documents his difficult and often strange path of self-overcoming through an initiation of bodily discipline and transformation - Mishima was a rather sickly and introverted child, and much of his adult life was spent in transforming himself into a warrior mold, spiritually, mentally and physically. From the book: "The steel (of weight training) taught me the correspondence between the spirit and the body: thus feeble emotions, it seemed to me, corresponded to flaccid muscles, sentimentality to a sagging stomach, and overimpressionability to an oversensitive, white skin. Bulging muscles, a taut stomach, and a tough skin, I reasoned, would correspond respectively to an intrepid fighting spirit, the power of dispassionate intellectual judgment, and a robust disposition." Essential for Understanding the importance of the discipline and development of the body for making the Ascent.

IX-J: Faust: A Tragedy by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, translated by Walter Arndt, edited by Cyrus Hamlin. WW Norton & Co., New York & London; 1976. (L-1): This excellent edition of Goethe's supreme masterpiece includes many additions not found in other editions, such as Goethe's correspondence with other writers of his day on the writing of Faust as it was taking shape, contemporary critical reactions to the tragedy, and much more. For the Guildsman, a thorough Understanding of the deep-seated spirituality of European man, the course of Western culture in the Kali Yuga, and the inner meaning of the Ascent and the Grail Quest for those who dare this path, is impossible without some Knowledge of this book and its message - in essence the story of the peril and price of initiation in the Age of the Wolf, and of the final triumph of the Self ahead of itself: " Whoever strives in ceaseless toil,/Him we may grant redemption."

IX-K: Conversations of Goethe by Johann Peter Eckermann. Da Capo Press, New York; 1998. (L-2): This classic record of a young writer's encounters and conversations with the aging, magisterial Goethe is a glimpse into the greatness of the insights and concerns of another age, and a clear illustration of the inferiority of learning, aesthetics, and character in our time. A natural and effortless preference for the higher, the noble, and the aristocratic radiates from Goethe's every pronouncement, whether speaking of the everday mundane or the eternal cosmic. For those who would elevate and perfect their sensibilities and bearing in the world, this book is a great inspiration.

IX-L: The Wisdom of Life and Counsels and Maxims by Arthur Schopenhauer. Prometheus Books, Amherst, New York; 1995. (L-1): This book is, quite simply, brimming over with the most penetrating and dynamic insights ever observed concerning the primacy of a completely independent and inner-oriented way of living, along with a rigorous charge to resoluteness in this task and an unwavering ethos to accompany such a way of living - in essence the outline of a Solar disposition towards the phenomenon of human life. At times a bit gloomy and pessimistic, as Schopenhauer tends to be, but the rationale(s) offered concerning temperance, self-discipline, solitude, and the foilables of society is a singular fountain of strength and inspiration for those who venture to walk a lonely and difficult path in the modern age - as observance of Tradition requires.

IX-M: Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by Walter Kaufmann. Penguin Books, New York, NY; 1982. (L-1): Nietzsche's seminal Work, presented in the form of a fictional parable, in which he outlines his philosophy of strength, affirmation, and self-overcoming through the emergence of a new kind of human being - the ubermensch (overman): "What is the ape to man? A laughing-stock or a painful embarrassment. And man shall be just that for the overman: a laughing-stock or a painful embarrassment. You have made your way from worm to man, and much in you is still worm. Once you were apes, and even now, man is more ape than any ape." Masterful, profound, and absolutely essential for all who would walk a higher path.

IX-N: Beyond Good and Evil: Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated, with commentary, by Walter Kaufmann. Vintage Books, New York, NY; 1966. (L-1): This is, one might say, Nietzsche's systematic and non-fictional presentation of the philosophical ideals expounded in #IX-M. Full of concepts and insights that are wise beyond the comprehension of most - as in the case of all those who have long bandied about (and continue to do so) Nietzsche's name and ideas, borrowing this and that phrase or quote from his Works to suit their agendas of the moment, all the while having no idea of the underlying unity and final message of his philosophy. Read this thoroughly and without preconceptions, and the true Nietzsche will reveal himself. An essential Work for the Guildsman to comprehend.

IX-O: The Philosopher's Stone by Colin Wilson. Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc., Los Angeles, California; 1989. (L-2): A novel that concerns the awakening of higher levels of perception in the protagonists of the story, and the subsequent consequences, both positive and negative, that result from this - along with a Lovecraftian element added to make it all the more interesting! As far as fictional treatments of the untapped potential of the human psyche is concerned, I know of no equal to this book. Wilson is always an author who makes the faraway and seemingly impenetrable seem within our grasp, and this is no exception. Highly entertaining yet profoundly insightful reading.

IX-P: The Stature of Man by Colin Wilson. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts; 1959. (L-1): Wilson's brilliant critique of modern culture and a rallying-call for those who would become greater men in the midst of societal and individual regression and surrender. From the inside cover: "This is a book for everyone who still believes or wants to believe in the dignity and potential of human beings…Wilson traces the stream of our 'major cultural heresy' - the disappearance of the hero and his replacement by the character who has no faith in either himself or society… 'The Stature of Man' represents the eternal cry of a new generation in active revolt against decadence and despair." Later published under the title of The Age of Defeat, this is a timely and highly relevant book, very singular in many of its insights - essential reading.

IX-Q: Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw. Dodd, Mead & Company, New York, NY; 1935. (L-2): Act III of this brilliant play, known as "Don Juan in Hell", is set in the dream of one of its characters - explores the idea of the "life" force in the universe as being a vehicle for a definite purpose, which is nothing less than the creation of its highest manifestation(s). Life as Don Juan perceives it is the force that seeks to bring about "higher and higher individuals, the ideal individual being, omnipotent, omniscient, infallible, and withal completely, unilludedly self-conscious: in short, a god." One of the 20th Century's greatest literary monuments to self-overcoming and higher ideals.

IX-R: Nos: Book of the Resurrection by Miguel Serrano. Routledge & Kegan Paul, London & Boston; 1984. (L-2): From the back cover: "A hermetic autobiography based on Nietzsche's idea of eternal return rather than on the idea of reincarnation… In telling this integrated, symbolic tale, the author draws on many different traditions: the myths and initiations of the troubadors, the Grail legend, alchemy, Amerindian legends, and the ideas of Jung." A strange yet beautiful Work on the self-overcoming theme - for more on Serrano, see #VIII-P and VIII-X.

IX-S: Meditations on the Peaks: Mountain Climbing as Metaphor for the Spiritual Quest by Julius Evola. Inner Traditions International, Rochester, Vermont; 1998. (L-2): Evola's brilliant and often poetic meditation on the theme of Ascent as it relates to the physical act of mountain climbing - an act of self-transcendence and the conquering of a great obstacle, both inner and outer, which will take one, literally, into the abode of the gods. Read together with #IX-I for an even greater Understanding of the importance of the body in the Work of self-overcoming and the how, in true Hermetic fashion, the outer must mirror the inner if the Great Work is to be accomplished. As with all of Evola's writings, one or several sentences can often speak volumes: " Those who are irresistibly attracted to the mountains have often only experienced in an emotion a greatness that is beyond their understanding. They have not learned to master a new inner state emerging from the deepest recesses of their beings. Thus, they do not know why they seek increasingly wider horizons, freer skies, tougher peaks; or why, from peak to peak, from wall to wall, and from danger to danger, through their experiences they have become inexplicably disillusioned with everything that, in their ordinary lives, appeared to them as lively, important, and exciting." A prime source for a deeper Understanding of the Ascent.

Part IX - Film List

Introduction

It may seem to some that the advent and evolution of cinematic technology would be at odds with the values and core principles of the observance of Tradition. While it is true that this particular technology has been one of the most heavily utilized by the forces of anti-Tradition in its modernist assault, it is nonetheless one whose very nature also allows it to be a most artful and illustrative tool for those who are able to recognize its deeper and initiatic possibilities. Technology itself, in its myriad of forms, is not our problem or our enemy – it is the “worship” of technology in the modern age, along with the mentality of blind dependence and “enforced” comfort that accompanies it, that is our adversary.

With this being said, it is undeniable that there are many films that are inspirational and beautifully resonant with the Traditionalist weltanschauung. The films recommended on this list are ones deemed to offer insights, “clues”, allegories, and aesthetic tableaus that are relevant to the values and Work of the G:.G:. – film as “illustrative ritual”, one might say. The list is divided into two categories – motion pictures and documentaries. Many of the films listed are currently available on the video market; some are out-of-production and can be located through various video search resources in the internet. If there is one that you are especially keen to view and are unable to locate through the abovementioned sources, contact the Guild Master.

Motion Pictures

MP-A: Excalibur – starring Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren; directed by John Boorman (1982). A wonderful re-creation of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, beautifully shot and highly relevant to those who would seek the Grail and embrace the values of chivalry and knighthood.

MP-B: Steppenwolf – starring Max von Sydow; directed by Fred Haines (1974). An effective adaptation of Hermann Hesse’s novel, particularly useful in that it paints a vivid portrait of the isolation and suffering that must be endured by those who would follow higher ideals in the midst of “civilized” society. Pay special attention to the animated sequence entitled “Tractate on the Steppenwolf”.

MP-C: Gladiator – starring Russell Crowe, Richard Harris; directed by Ridley Scott (2000). A spectacular film in the tradition of the 1950-60’s “sword and sandal” epics – for those who would observe a warrior ethos and the ascendancy of the Kshatriya, this film has much to offer.

MP-D: Ben-Hur – starring Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd; directed by William Wyler (1959). Despite it’s rather simplistic Christian overtones, this is one of the great all-time films in my estimation – the story of one man’s triumph over tyranny and adversity sets the stage for a beautiful and compelling tale. All initiates can learn something from the example of Judah Beh-Hur, no matter what their orientation.

MP-E: Apocalypse Now – starring Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, Marlon Brando; directed by Francis Ford Coppola (1979). Another of the great all-time films – set in the midst of the Vietnam conflict, it deals with the timeless manifestations of honor, warriorhood, and the relativity of “good vs. evil”. Marlon Brando (Col. Kurtz) from the film: “We train young men to drop fire on people, but their commanders won’t allow them to write ‘fuck’ on their airplanes because its obscene!”

MP-F: 2001: A Space Odyssey – starring Kier Dullea, Gary Lockwood; directed by Stanley Kubrick (1968). Something like a cosmic rorschach test, this classic film brilliantly speculates on the nature of human intelligence and technology, as well as the “purpose” that may lie behind these. Highly detached and non-egalitarian in its message, yet communicated in such a subtle and symbolic way that most miss it altogether – maybe just as well!

MP-G: Macbeth – starring John Finch, Francesca Annis; directed by Roman Polanski (1971). A violent and realistic adaptation of Shakespeare’s tale, yet it gives one a strange nostalgic feeling for the era in which it is set – if you really yearn to “step back in time”, watch this film.

MP-H: Doctor Faustus – starring Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor; directed by Nevill Coghill (1967). Adapted from Marlowe’s play, this film beautifully presents the legendary Dr. Faustus in all his doomed glory, perfectly portrayed by Burton – the only improvement that could have been made was if it had been Goethe’s version!

MP-I: The Magus – starring Michael Caine, Anthony Quinn, Candice Bergen; directed by Guy Green (1968). An excellent adaptation of #IX from the Reading List, this film was a critical and box office disaster – only stands to reason, as it is of a highly initiatic bent, as is the novel. Whatever your reaction to this film, you will not be unaffected by it. Almost impossible to find on video, but there are occasionally copies available on Ebay auctions.

MP-J: The Wicker Man – starring Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward; directed by Robin Hardy (1973). A good portrayal of those who would follow ancient ways in the modern era, and the inevitable intrusions by the profane upon such an endeavor and lifestyle – but the protagonist (Woodward) in this film gets a bit more than he bargained for with his intrusion!

MP-K: The Devil Rides Out – starring Christopher Lee, Charles Gray; directed by Terence Fisher (1968). One of the best of the Hammer Studio films (which is saying a lot since they are almost all great!), adapted from the Dennis Wheatley novel. Christopher Lee lends his ever-aristocratic presence, yet the satanic “villian” Mocata (Gray) almost steals the show – his character was supposedly inspired by Crowley.

MP-L: The Ten Commandments – starring Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner; directed by Cecil B. DeMille (1957). This film hardly needs an introduction – it suffices to say that the lead portrayals of Moses (Heston) and Ramses II (Brynner) make for two of the most awe-inspiring characters in film history for those who honor Tradition, nobility, and aristocratic principles – perhaps a bit “old-fashioned” and overbearing in its presentation, but therein lies its power and attraction.

MP-M: Lawrence of Arabia – starring Peter O’Toole, Anthony Quinn; directed by David Lean (1962). The story of T.E. Lawrence, the true-life Englishman who fought on the side of the Arabs in their revolt against the Turks during WWI. Sweeping, romantic, and inspiring, this film illustrates the meaning of greatness, heroicism, and perseverance – another all-time great film.

MP-N: Planet of the Apes – starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowell; directed by Franklin J. Schaffner (1968). Forget the sequels or the remake – the original film towers above them all. A profound allegorical statement about society, “history”, and myth-making; notice the triparite, caste-like structure of the simian society! Also has one of the most unforgettable endings in film history.

MP-O: El Topo – starring and directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky (1971). A strange, allegorical, but effective film from this singular actor/director, brimming over with esoteric symbolism. It could best be described as an initiaitic mytho-poetic hallucinogenic symbolic western! Has to be seen, not described.

MP-P: The Holy Mountain – starring and directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky (1973). Another far-out symbolic epic from this director, this one heavily influenced by alchemical, astrological, and Fourth Way concepts. Again, it is futile to attempt to describe it – must be seen to be appreciated. Jodorowsky’s films are something like celluloid alchemical treatises – they do not give up their secrets easily.

MP-Q: Parsifal – starring Armin Jordan, Michael Kutter; directed by Hans-Jurgen Syberberg (1982). German with English subtitles. A beautiful adaptation of Wagner’s opera – a must-see for all modern-day Grail Knights.

MP-R: Wagner – starring Richard Burton, Vanessa Redgrave; directed by Tony Palmer (1983). Made for European television, this nine-hour, star-studded epic vividly re-creates Richard Wagner and his epoch. This was one of Burton’s last roles, perhaps his crowning achievement – long, intense, and beautifully photographed, this is a singular viewing experience.

MP-S: Dracula – starring Jack Palance, Nigel Davenport; directed by Dan Curtis (1974). A made-for-tv movie, this is one of the better adaptations of Stoker’s novel to film. Perhaps more than any other version, this film captures the essence of an out-of-time, out-of-place aristocrat/warrior of noble heritage, doomed to live forever in an increasingly ignoble world.

MP-T: The Resurrected – starring John Terry, Chris Sarandon; directed by Dan O’Bannon (1992). An adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Case of Charles Dexter Ward” to the screen, set in modern times. Entertaining and well-done, of interest to all Lovecraft devotees – captures something of the sense of sense of subtle dread and “ancestral memory” present in the novel.

MP-U: The Vikings – starring Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Ernest Borgnine; directed by Richard Fleischer (1958). Hollywood’s portrayal of what the ol’ pagan Vikings might have been like – probably not very accurate, but highly entertaining and inspiring nonetheless. Makes you want to have a sword in one hand and a horn of mead in the other while you watch it!

MP-V: The Whole Wide World – starring Vincent D’Onofrio, Renee Zellweger; directed by Dan Ireland (1996). A portrayal of Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan and King Kull, who committed suicide at a young age – Howard was the prototypical arch-romantic, a man out-of-time who identified with the heroic ideals of another era. Interesting as an exploration of the quest for the Ideal and how it manifests in the midst of the most commonplace.

MP-W: Fight Club – starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt; directed by David Fincher (1999). A brilliant black comedy that directly confronts consumerism, suppressed masculinity, capitalist “work ethics”, and explores the quest for the Self ahead of itself – all rolled into one film! Entertaining, profound, and timely – one of the most “solar” films to ever come out of Hollywood.

MP-X: The Ninth Gate – starring Johnny Depp, Frank Langella; directed by Roman Polanski (2000). A superior “horror” film that touches upon some highly initiaitic themes – in particular the “Quest” and how one chosen to fulfill it is aided and guided by unseen forces, and the method by which “secrets” are made manifest. Entertaining, atmospheric, and absorbing.

MP-Y: From Hell – starring Johnny Depp, Heather Graham; directed by the Hughes Brothers (2001). A very artistic and “gothic” film about the case of Jack the Ripper – one of the only, perhaps the only, film of which I am aware that deals with the alleged role of Freemasonry in certain historical “conspiracies”. Engrossing and suspenseful.

MP-Z: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – starring Ian McKellan, Christopher Lee, Ian Holm; directed by Peter Jackson (2001). The first installment in this film adaptation of Tolkien’s trilogy – if the remaining two are up to the standards of the first, they will be well worth the wait. Timeless themes of the Quest, honor, bravery, loyalty and higher ideals abound, along with some of the most stunning cinematography of recent years.

Documentaries

D-A: I Tego Arcana Dei: The Dagobert’s Revenge Compilation Video. An excellent video, containing two short films by Tracy Twyman – “The Signs and Signals of Freemasonry” and “Le Serpent Rouge”; The Merovingian Master Plan, a lecture by Tracy Twyman; a 1-hour interview with Ms. Twyman; and uncut footage of a Fox TV special that includes information on Rennes-le-Chateau, Knights Templar, Freemasons, etc. Available from the Dagobert’s Revenge website (www.dagobertsrevenge.com), highly recommended!

D-B: The Secret – hosted by Henry Lincoln. A four-part documentary exploring the various facets of the Templar/Priory of Sion/Rennes-le-Chateau mystery – very informative.

D-C: The Occult History of the Third Reich. A four-tape video set that touches upon nearly every aspect of this subject – Armanism, Wewelsburg, Wiligut, and von List are all discussed, along with many others, accompanied by rare film footage. Unique, comprehensive, and absorbing viewing.

D-D: The Freemasons – hosted by David Nisbet. The first volume of what is called the “Secret World” series (I haven’t seen any of the others), this is a fairly informative video that explores the history and ideals behind Freemasonry, including some discussions on the Templar/Masonic link with John J. Robinson, author of #VI-L from the Reading List. Contains some good scenes of masonic rituals.

D-E: The Power of Myth – hosted by Bill Moyers. A six-part video series of interviews with the late author Joseph Campbell, conducted in the last several years of his life. Wide-ranging discussions about various aspects of world religions and mythologies, as well as how these are ever-applicable to one’s existence. Fascinating, informative, and unique.

D-F: Knights and Armor. An A&E; (Arts and Entertainment) documentary about the exploits of William Marshal, a famous knight of the Middle Ages; also explores various aspects of knighthood, such as armor, weapons, lifestyle, etc., accompanied by some beautiful photography.

D-G: Ancient Warriors: The Knights Templar. A TLC (The Learning Channel) documentary about the Templars, covering the known historical aspects of the organization, with little-to-no discussion of the esoteric aspects. However, it is nonetheless informative.

D-H: In Search of History: The Knights Templar. A History Channel documentary on the Templars, similar in content to the former yet a bit more comprehensive. Recommended.

artifacts associated with the legend. Informative.

D-J: History’s Mysteries: The Holy Grail. Another TLC documentary, and by far the best of the lot. Covers a wide range of topics associated with the Grail , to include the Templars, Cathars, Montsegur, Third Reich, Otto Rahn, etc. Highly recommended.

D-K: The Wisdom of the Dream: Carl Gustav Jung. A 3-tape video series covering the life and work of Jung, including rare footage and interviews. Fascinating and informative.

D-L: Alchemy: The Science of Magic. A History Channel documentary that discusses the basic premises and terms of alchemy, as well as some of the better-known alchemists of history – also contains a brief overview of modern (Jungian) psychoanalytic interpretations. Very basic, but recommmended.

Appendix B - Reconstitution of the Order

The Guild of the Grail is no longer accepting new members. Although attempts were made to manage the guild appropriately as a "Trihedron" of members in the absence of our founder, Sir Faustus, it has become increasingly apparent that this method is not only impractical, but also contradictory. The members selected to maintain the guild in the sudden, indefinite, and total absence of Sir Faustus were all of the first degree. There was not time for anyone to ascend in the grade structure before Sir Faustus made his unfortunate exit. It is therefore difficult at best to maintain a rigorous hierarchy. The situation we are in is essentially describable as the blind leading the blind, although many of us have more or less knowledge of the path.

The guild is hereafter non-initiatic, although we still encourage each of you to pursue your elevation independent of our simple grade structure.

J. Brandenburg
Guildsman Tugend
October 3, 2002