The Golden Dawn

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn is a magical order that was founded in 1888, practicing a form of theurgy and spiritual development. It was probably the single greatest influence on twentieth century western occultism. Concepts of magic and ritual that became core elements of many other traditions, including Wicca, Thelema and other forms of magical spirituality popular today, are drawn from the Golden Dawn tradition. Today's widespread public interest in tarot likewise derives directly from the Golden Dawn, through decks using Golden Dawn symbolism published by former Golden Dawn members Aleister Crowley and A.E. Waite. The Golden Dawn has also influenced literature through writers W.B. Yeates, A.E. Waite, Algeron Blackwood, and Arthur Machen.