London Group

The London Group is a British initiatory magical organization founded in 1975 by former members of the Fraternity of the Inner Light, the group originally founded by Dion Fortune (1890-1946). Fortune, a member of the Stella Matutina, one of the splinter groups into which the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn had divided, claimed direct contact with the inner planes of wisdom. Mixing Golden Dawn material with her own teaching, she developed a strong organization which has continued until the present. During the last half of the twentieth century, however, changes began to be introduced into the fraternity's program. It became more open and dropped some of the initiatory overlay.

The London Group, based in the city, but by no means limited to it, offers a program designed to be more suitable to the present generation. Innovation is invited, and contemporary psychological insights integrated into the group's material. Prospective members are invited to take two courses, one in basic occult perspectives and the Cabala (or Kabbalah), followed by one introducing the mysteries (i.e., magic) and the use of ritual and symbol. Those who complete these courses may then be invited to take the Threshold course that actually prepares them to join the group as working members.

The group emphasizes practical work and action and has little toleration for mere occult philosophy. It aims at the personal regeneration of each member through high magic. Members are also expected to have an impact upon the larger society as it is believed that regenerated persons will assist in the continued evolution of humanity.

The London Group may be contacted at BM LP7, London WC1N 3XX. There are also offices in the United States and the Netherlands.

Sources:

Barrett, David V. Sects, 'Cults,' and Alternative Religions: A World Survey and Source Book. London: Blandford, 1996.