Meeting A Golden Dawn Alchemist

It was the first time I was meeting a *real* alchemist, real as in that was this individual’s primary focus through the G.D. tradition. It was a fantastic opportunity to both meet and get a G.D. perspective as both an alchemist and an adept in the tradition.

The real opportunity was after the presentation in the temple, the group hosting the honored guest for dinner at a popular venue in the city. A chance to sit down and talk, but more importantly listen.

Some time ago an adept-friend gave me some excellent advice regarding these situations, advice that has always worked out. When it comes time for sitting down for dinner, or sitting down regarding any such situation with an honored guest, always sit at the far end of the table, away from the honored guest. If you are meant to sit closer, the host or guest will make sure of it and you don’t risk overstepping your bounds, and if not, by sitting at the far end you will be able to hear all of the conversations at the table.  

The conversation is important, as many will try to impress and talk about what they are going an accomplishing as a way of affirmation and validation, but it is better in such situations to listen. Let the guest talk, let them start talking about the old days, about various experiences, and in doing so one will have the opportunity to live and journey those experiences again with them.

Naturally a few drinks at dinner helps with this.

What did I find most interesting about the conversation was the approach and perspective of the Golden Dawn.

There appeared to be a difference between how magic was viewed from the perspective of a Continental adepts compared to America adepts. For them magic was *real*, while the others apparently tended to view magic from a more psychological viewpoint. Admittedly this was a bit strange to me as my (limited) experience in just one temple always conveyed that magic *was* real and was not made up. I had never considered otherwise.