Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
Aliases:	Golden Dawn Order of the Golden Dawn
Continuity:	All continuities
Type:	Secret society
Status:	Defunct

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was a secret society devoted to the study and practice of the occult, metaphysics, and paranormal activities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known as a magical order, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was active in Great Britain and focused its practices on theurgy and spiritual development. Many present-day concepts of ritual and magic that are at the center of contemporary traditions, such as Wicca and Thelema, were inspired by the Golden Dawn, which became one of the largest single influences on 20th century Western occultism.

The three founders, William Robert Woodman, William Wynn Westcott and Samuel Liddell Mathers, were Freemasons. Westcott appears to have been the initial driving force behind the establishment of the Golden Dawn.

See also

• Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn members
• Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn appearances