The Argenteum Astrum

The A∴A∴, or Argenteum Astrum, which translates to Silver Star, is a spiritual organisation founded by Aleister Crowley in 1907, with its roots in the esoteric tradition of Western occultism. Crowley, an influential British occultist, writer, and ceremonial magician, established the order after parting ways with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The A∴A∴ was conceived as a vehicle for the individual's spiritual advancement through the study and practice of various mystical and magical systems, with an emphasis on Thelema, Crowley's own spiritual philosophy.

Thelema is a system of spiritual belief and practice founded upon the principle of “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will.” The central tenet of Thelema is the pursuit of one's True Will, an intrinsic calling or purpose that transcends ego and societal constraints. The attainment of this True Will is believed to lead to spiritual liberation and the realisation of one's divine nature.

The A∴A∴ functions as a hierarchical initiatory system, inspired by the structure of the Golden Dawn and the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), another organisation closely associated with Crowley. Members of the A∴A∴ advance through a series of degrees, each reflecting a stage in the aspirant's spiritual development. The curriculum for each grade includes the study of various esoteric subjects, as well as the mastery of magical and mystical practices such as meditation, astral projection, and ritual magic.

The structure of the A∴A∴ is divided into three principal orders: the Order of the Golden Dawn, the Order of the Rosy Cross, and the Order of the Silver Star. These orders correspond to the three main stages of the aspirant's spiritual journey: purification, illumination, and union with the divine.

• Order of the Golden Dawn (Outer Order): This order consists of the Neophyte grade, followed by four elemental grades – Zelator, Practicus, Philosophus, and Dominus Liminis. The primary focus of these grades is the purification and discipline of the aspirant's body, mind, and spirit, as well as the acquisition of foundational knowledge in various esoteric subjects, including Qabalah, Tarot, and astrology.

• Order of the Rosy Cross (Inner Order): The Inner Order comprises the Adeptus Minor, Adeptus Major, and Adeptus Exemptus grades. In these grades, the aspirant undergoes a process of spiritual illumination, delving deeper into the mysteries of the divine, and integrating their newfound wisdom into their daily lives.

• Order of the Silver Star (Third Order): The highest order of the A∴A∴ is reserved for those who have achieved the ultimate spiritual goal of union with their Higher Self or Holy Guardian Angel. This order consists of the Magister Templi, Magus, and Ipsissimus grades, with each grade representing a progressively deeper realisation of one's divine nature and ultimate spiritual liberation.

Despite the hierarchical structure of the A∴A∴, Crowley emphasised the importance of individual spiritual development over blind obedience to authority. Members are encouraged to work independently, using the prescribed curriculum as a guide for their personal journey.

Since its inception, the A∴A∴ has undergone numerous schisms and reorganisations, with various lineages claiming to represent the authentic teachings of Crowley. Despite these divisions, the A∴A∴ continues to be a significant force within the Western esoteric tradition, attracting individuals seeking spiritual growth through the study and practice of Thelema, ceremonial magic, and other mystical disciplines.

Throughout its history, the A∴A∴ has been associated with several influential figures and authors who have contributed significantly to the development and dissemination of its teachings. Although a comprehensive list is beyond the scope of this response, the following individuals represent some of the most prominent and respected members within the A∴A∴ tradition:

• Aleister Crowley (1875-1947): As the founder of the A∴A∴ and the spiritual system of Thelema, Crowley's works form the basis of the order's teachings. He authored numerous books on esoteric subjects, including “The Book of the Law,” “Magick in Theory and Practice,” “The Vision and the Voice,” and “777 and Other Qabalistic Writings.” Crowley's writings continue to serve as primary texts for students of the A∴A∴ and Thelema.

• Charles Stansfeld Jones (1886-1950): Also known as Frater Achad, Jones was a close associate of Crowley and an early member of the A∴A∴. He authored several important works on Thelema and Qabalah, including “The Anatomy of the Body of God,” “Q.B.L. or The Bride's Reception,” and “The Chalice of Ecstasy.” Jones' work, particularly his exploration of the Qabalistic Tree of Life, has had a lasting impact on the A∴A∴ and Thelemic studies.

• Israel Regardie (1907-1985): Although not a formal member of the A∴A∴, Regardie played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating the teachings of both the A∴A∴ and the Golden Dawn. As Crowley's personal secretary for a time, Regardie had direct access to many of the order's teachings. He later published several books on the subject, most notably “The Golden Dawn” and “The Tree of Life.” Regardie's works have become essential reading for students of the Western esoteric tradition.

• Jane Wolfe (1875-1958): Wolfe was a student of Aleister Crowley and a member of the A∴A∴ during the early years of its existence. She played an essential role in maintaining the order's presence in the United States, particularly at the Agape Lodge in California. Wolfe's diaries and correspondence with Crowley provide valuable insights into the inner workings of the A∴A∴ and the development of Thelema during the early 20th century.

• Phyllis Seckler (1917-2004): Also known as Soror Meral, Seckler was a prominent member of the A∴A∴ and a teacher of Thelema. She founded the College of Thelema and the Temple of Thelema in the United States, both of which have played a significant role in the transmission and preservation of A∴A∴ teachings. Seckler authored “The Thoth Tarot, Astrology, & Other Selected Writings,” as well as several essays on Thelemic spirituality.

James A. Eshelman (b. 1955) is another noteworthy figure in the context of the A∴A∴ and Thelemic studies. Eshelman is an influential author, lecturer, and teacher who has made significant contributions to the dissemination and interpretation of Aleister Crowley's teachings.

Eshelman joined the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) in the early 1970s and was initiated into the A∴A∴ in 1979. Over the course of his involvement with these organisations, he has held various leadership positions, including serving as a National Grand Master General of the United States O.T.O. between 1985 and 1996.

One of Eshelman's most significant contributions to Thelema and the A∴A∴ is the founding of the Temple of Thelema in 1987, an organisation focused on providing a structured curriculum for Thelemic initiatory work. In 1993, he also established the College of Thelema, an institution dedicated to the study of Thelema, Qabalah, and other esoteric subjects.

Eshelman is the author of several important books and essays on Thelema and the Western esoteric tradition. His most notable work is “The Mystical & Magical System of the A∴A∴,” a comprehensive guide to the A∴A∴'s teachings, practices, and initiatory structure. This book has been widely regarded as an essential resource for students of the A∴A∴ and Thelema. Other works by Eshelman include “Pearls of Wisdom: Gems from the Journal of the College of Thelema” and “The Practical Guide to Qabalistic Symbolism.”

David Shoemaker (b. 1970) is a respected figure within the Thelemic community, contributing significantly to the study and practice of the A∴A∴ and the wider Western esoteric tradition. A clinical psychologist by profession, Shoemaker is also an author, lecturer, and teacher, focusing on Thelema, the A∴A∴, and the psychological dimensions of magick and mysticism.

Shoemaker's involvement with Thelemic organisations began in the 1990s when he joined the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) and was later initiated into the A∴A∴. As a member of these orders, he has held various leadership roles, including serving as the Deputy National Grand Master General of the United States O.T.O. Additionally, Shoemaker is a co-founder and past Master of the 418 Lodge O.T.O. and a co-founder of the International College of Thelema.

Shoemaker's contributions to Thelemic scholarship and practice extend beyond his organisational work. He is the author of several highly regarded books, such as “Living Thelema: A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley's System of Magick” and “The Winds of Wisdom: A Collection of Commentaries on Liber AL vel Legis.” These works have been instrumental in making the A∴A∴ and Thelemic teachings more accessible to contemporary practitioners.

Moreover, Shoemaker is the host of the popular podcast “Living Thelema,” which provides practical insights and guidance on various aspects of Thelemic practice, including ceremonial magick, meditation, and spiritual development. The podcast has been an invaluable resource for both new and experienced students of Thelema and the A∴A∴.

The following is a list of online resources, social media platforms, podcasts, and other relevant materials related to the A∴A∴, Thelema, and the prominent figures mentioned earlier. These resources offer valuable information, guidance, and insights into the teachings and practices of the Western esoteric tradition.

• A∴A∴ Official Website: The official website of one lineage of the A∴A∴, which provides information about its structure, teachings, and practices.

Link: https://www.outercol.org/

• Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) Official Website: The official website of the O.T.O., an organisation closely related to the A∴A∴ and Thelema.

Link: https://oto.org/

• Temple of Thelema: The official website of the Temple of Thelema, an organisation founded by James A. Eshelman.

Link: https://www.thelema.org/

• The International College of Thelema: The official website of the International College of Thelema, co-founded by David Shoemaker.

Link: https://www.internationalcollegeofthelema.org/

• Aleister Crowley Society: A Facebook group dedicated to the study and discussion of Aleister Crowley's life, works, and teachings.

Link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/aleistercrowley/

• Thelema Study Group: A Facebook group focused on the exploration and discussion of Thelema, the A∴A∴, and related subjects.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thelemastudygroup/

• Living Thelema: David Shoemaker's podcast, which offers practical guidance on various aspects of Thelemic practice.

Link: https://livingthelema.com/

• Thelema Now!: A podcast by the Ordo Templi Orientis, featuring interviews and discussions on Thelema, the A∴A∴, and the Western esoteric tradition.

Link: https://thelemanow.com/

• Speech in the Silence: A podcast dedicated to the exploration of Thelema, Aleister Crowley, and the A∴A∴.

Link: https://speechinthesilence.com/

Please note that while these resources are valuable for learning and engaging with the teachings and practices of the A∴A∴ and Thelema, they may represent different lineages, interpretations, or perspectives. It is important to approach these resources with a discerning mindset and an open attitude to personal exploration and spiritual growth.