A∴A∴

The Curriculum · The First Order: G.D.

0°=0□ Probationer

The Probationer robe
Time
At least one year, until the sun next enters the sign under which he was received.
The rite
The Oath of a Probationer, after hearing the Lection, Liber LXI.
Received
The robe, and the First Volume of the Book — The Equinox, Vol. I.

The reading ↓

The work of the grade

His oath: to obtain a scientific knowledge of the nature and powers of my own being. One year, ending when the sun next enters the sign under which he was received. He hears the History Lection, chooses his motto with deep forethought, procures the robe, and receives Liber LXI and the secret holy book Liber LXV, of which he commits a chapter to memory. He begins such practices as he prefers and keeps an exact written record, for the Order judges not his opinions but his work; one month before his year completes he delivers the record to his Neophyte and recites his chapter. The Brothers prove him in many a subtle way, when he knoweth it not. From reception forward he proclaims his connection with the A∴A∴ openly.

The Task of a Probationer

  1. Let any person be received by a Neophyte, the latter being responsible to his Zelator.
  2. The period of Probation shall be at least one year.
  3. The aspirant to the A∴A∴ shall hear the Lection (Liber LXI) and this note of his office; IF HE WILL, shall then procure the robe of a Probationer; shall choose with deep forethought and intense solemnity a motto.
  4. On reception he shall receive the robe, sign the form provided and repeat the oath as appointed, and receive the First Volume of the Book.
  5. He shall commit a chapter of Liber LXV to memory; and furthermore, he shall study the Publications of the A∴A∴ in Class B, and apply himself to such practices of Scientific Illuminism as seemeth him good.
  6. Beside all this, he shall perform any tasks that the A∴A∴ may see fit to lay upon him. Let him be mindful that the word Probationer is no idle term, but that the Brothers will in many a subtle way prove him, when he knoweth it not.
  7. When the sun shall next enter the sign under which he hath been received, his initiation may be granted unto him. He shall keep himself free from all other engagements for one whole week from that date.
  8. He may at any moment withdraw from his association with the A∴A∴ simply notifying the Neophyte who introduced him.
  9. He shall everywhere proclaim openly his connection with the A∴A∴ and speak of It and Its principles (even so little as he understandeth) for that mystery is the enemy of truth. One month before the completion of his year, he shall deliver a copy of the record to the Neophyte introducing, and repeat to him his chosen chapter of Liber LXV.
  10. He shall hold himself chaste, and reverent toward his body, for that the ordeal of initiation is no light one. This is of peculiar importance in the last two months of his Probation.
  11. Thus and not otherwise may he attain the great reward, YEA, MAY HE ATTAIN THE GREAT REWARD!

The Oath of a Probationer

I, , being of sound mind and body, on this day of [An ☉ in ° of ] do hereby resolve: in the Presence of , a Neophyte of the A∴A∴ To prosecute the Great Work: which is, to obtain a scientific knowledge of the nature and powers of my own being.

May the A∴A∴ crown the work, lend me of Its wisdom in the work, enable me to understand the work!

Reverence, duty, sympathy, devotion, assiduity, trust do I bring to the A∴A∴ and in one year from this date may I be admitted to the knowledge and conversation of the A∴A∴!

Witness my hand

Motto

This paper is to be returned to the Chancellor of the A∴A∴ through the Zelator admitting.

Liber CLXXXV, Liber Collegii Sancti, Publication in Class D, printed on loose sheets for the Order about 1909.

Aleister Crowley's Probationer oath card
The Oath of a Probationer: the founder’s own card, signed Aleister Crowley, motto Perdurabo, witnessed by ΟΥ ΜΗ, dated An 0, the sun in 0° of Aries.

The reading

A title with a link can be read free now. A title without one has not been posted here yet.

  1. Liber II The Message of the Master Therion
  2. Liber IV Liber ABA (Book Four), Parts I-IV
  3. Liber VI Liber O vel Manus et Sagittae
  4. Liber IX Liber E vel Exercitiorum
  5. Liber X Liber Porta Lucis
  6. Liber XXV (The Star Ruby)
  7. Liber XXVIII (Septem Regum Sanctorum) named, not published
  8. Liber XXX Liber Librae
  9. Liber XXXIII An Account of A∴A∴
  10. Liber LXI Liber Causae (the Preliminary and History Lection)
  11. Liber LXV Liber Cordis Cincti Serpente
  12. Liber XC Liber Tzaddi vel Hamus Hermeticus
  13. Liber CXI Liber Aleph vel CXI (The Book of Wisdom or Folly)
  14. Liber CL vel De Lege Libellum
  15. Liber CC Liber Resh vel Helios
  16. Liber CCVII (Syllabus)
  17. Liber CCXX Liber AL vel Legis (The Book of the Law)
  18. Liber CCC Khabs am Pekht
  19. Liber CDXVIII (The Vision and the Voice)
  20. Liber DCCCXXXVII The Law of Liberty
  21. Postcards to Probationers