Adept
An adept is an individual identified as having attained a specific level of knowledge, skill, or aptitude in doctrines relevant to a particular author or organization.
They stand out from others with their great abilities. All human qualities are developed in them, including intelligence and spirituality. Anyone can become an adept through spiritual development and self-improvement.[1]
Etymology
The word "adept" is derived from Latin adeptus 'one who has attained' (the secret of transmuting metals).[2]
Theosophy
H. P. Blavatsky
Alice Bailey
In Alice Bailey's body of writing she outlines a hierarchy of spiritual evolution and an initiatory path along which an individual may choose to advance. In her works an Adept is defined as a being who has taken five of the seven initiations.[5]
Western esotericism
Those who practice esoteric arts such as theurgy and Kabbalah are familiar with the word 'adept.' In the traditions of esoteric Christianity and ceremonial magic, an adept is one who is skilled or profound, but not a master in these arts.[6][7] Various magical organizations have steps in which an initiate may ascend in their own system. Some call these steps degrees or grades.
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
In the initiatory system of the
The oath of the Adeptus Minor includes a provision to "unite myself with my higher and Divine Genius",[12] a process which is sometimes equated with "Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel." To undertake this process the Adeptus Minor must reconfirm the work of earlier grades (Zelator through Philosophus) with their newfound knowledge before passing to the Adeptus Major degree, as a full-fledged adept.[11]
A∴A∴
Aleister Crowley, who formed the A∴A∴, restructured the Golden Dawn system. This system still holds to three forms of adept.[11]
- Student
- Probationer – The Order of the Golden Dawn–
- Neophyte
- Zelator
- Practicus
- Philosophus
- Dominus Liminis – The order of the RC (Rose Cross) –
- Adeptus Minor
- Adeptus Major
- Adeptus Exemptus
- Babe of the Abyss – The Order of the S. S. (Silver Star) –
- Magister Templi
- Magus
- Ipsissimus
See also
References
- ^ Leadbeater (2012), p. 8.
- ^ "Adept - Define Adept at Dictionary.com". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
- ^ Leadbeater (1978), p. 12.
- ^ Blavatsky (1998), Vol II, pp. 588–590.
- ^ Bailey (1997), p. 215.
- ^ Leitch (2005), p. [page needed].
- ^ Von Worms (1975), p. [page needed].
- ^ Regardie (1984), Vol. 7, p. 52.
- ^ Regardie (1984), Vol. 7, p. 25. The symbol representing spirit over the four elements in the Golden Dawn tradition is the upright pentagram.
- ^ Regardie (1984), Vol. 7, p. 56.
- ^ a b c Eshelman (2000), p. 21.
- ^ Regardie (1984), Vol. 7, p. 42.
Works cited
- ISBN 0-85330-110-7.
- ISBN 0-911500-03-0.
- Eshelman, James A. (2000). The Mystical & Magical System of the A∴A∴. Los Angeles: College of Thelema. ISBN 0-9704496-0-7.
- ISBN 0-8356-0502-7.
- Leadbeater, Charles Webster (2012). Masters and the Path. Rough Draft Printing. ISBN 978-1603865104.
- Leitch, Aaron (2005). Secrets of the Magickal Grimoires: The Classical Texts of Magick Deciphered. Llewellyn Publications. ISBN 978-0738703039.
- ISBN 0-941404-12-9.
- Von Worms, Abraham (1975) [1897]. The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage. Translated by OCLC 868276719.