THE TASKS OF THE NEOPHYTE
                      OF THE THELEMIC ORDER
                       OF THE GOLDEN DAWN

                      By Sir David Cherubim
                     (Frater Superior Chief)
                     Copyright (c) 1990 e.v.

                           Zero Degree
                          (Probationer)

        Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

The principal business of the Neophyte of the  Thelemic Order of
the Golden Dawn is to discover his own True Will, and to begin to
obtain the knowledge and control of the nature and powers of his
own being. He is further to devote himself to the study and
practice of such things as he may deem fit for the cultivation of
his aspirations to the Higher Life of Thelema. However, the
Neophyte should best study and exercise the principles of the Law
of Thelema, as expounded in The Book of the Law.  

The following Magical Rituals are suitable for the Neophyte to
begin to study and perform. Every Neophyte must know and be able
to perform properly numbers 1 and 2 before he can advance to the
next grade of Zelator. He will be tested in numbers 3 and 4
during his Zelator grade before he can advance to the more
exalted grade of Adeptus Minor Without. 

          1. The Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram
          2. The Middle Pillar Ritual 
          3. The Royal Ritual of the Sphinx 
          4. The Royal Ritual of the Middle Pillar 
       
The Neophyte should begin to compose a Magical Diary concerning
his magical activities, aspirations and thoughts. This is of
utmost importance and should not be neglected by any means. The
Diary is the method and means of expressing, discovering and
analyzing various parts of oneself for the essential
comprehension of one's True Will. The Diary of the Magician is
his best asset. The Magical Diary plays an essential part in the
training of the Magician; it is a good means of disciplining his
mind and organizing his thoughts for the cultivation and
realization of his Magical Will. 

The grade of Neophyte has no real correspondence with a Chakkra,
Planet, Alkhemical Metal or Sephira on the Tree of Life. It is
purely a probationary grade. It is a stage of inner trial, when
the candidate's devotion to the Great Work is tested by the
Secret Guardians of the Mysteries.  It is the key to the higher
initiations.

                Love is the law, love under will.