3909 – Alpha Omega Tracing Board Diagram The Symbolic Figure of Pan

Physical description:

Cream coloured card with black and red ink writing. Holes and ribbon used for hanging. On the back is more handwritten writing.

Museum classification:

Ritual Magic

Size:

24cm x 30cm

Information:

These tracing board diagrams were most likely used as a way to test the knowledge of the members of the order of Alpha et Omega (initially called The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn) and allow them to progress further up into higher levels (grades) in the order. It appears that some, if not all, of the boards were hung in the temple during rituals of the inner order. See the Alpha Omega tag for more tracing board diagrams. 

The front side of the board features a drawing of a winged horned figure of Pan holding a staff in one hand and candle-holder in the other. There is also text above the drawing which reads: "The Symbolic Figure of Pan".

Pan is described as the Greek shepherd-god known as Pan is to be found in the woods and pastures, and his role includes protecting the flocks of goats and sheep and also assisting in the Hunt. He is a musical and mischievous Deity, fond of playing tricks on mortals. From his habit of giving the lonely traveller sudden frights comes the word 'panic'. 

 

This particular board diagram is further explained in a handwritten manuscript (object 3921) as shown below.

 

The reverse side features writing in ink: "8. East. Portal of 5=6. Executed and presented by Y. H. Frater "Fide et Amore" Oct. 4th 1908." There is also a typed label as pictured below.

 

The "5=6" inscription pertains to the structure and grading of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (also known as Alpha et Omega, or the A.O.).

The structure of the Golden Dawn:

First Order
Introduction—Neophyte 0=0
Zelator 1=10
Theoricus 2=9
Practicus 3=8
Philosophus 4=7
Intermediate—Portal Grade

Second Order
Adeptus Minor 5=6
Adeptus Major 6=5
Adeptus Exemptus 7=4

Third Order
Magister Templi 8=3
Magus 9=2
Ipsissimus 10=1

Resource:

Object

Materials:

Card and ink

Copyright ownership:

MWM

These tracing board diagrams were most likely used as a way to test the knowledge of the members of the order of Alpha et Omega (initially called The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn) and allow them to progress further up into higher levels (grades) in the order. It appears that some, if not all, of the boards were hung in the temple during rituals of the inner order. See the Alpha Omega tag for more tracing board diagrams. 

The front side of the board features a drawing of a winged horned figure of Pan holding a staff in one hand and candle-holder in the other. There is also text above the drawing which reads: "The Symbolic Figure of Pan".

Pan is described as the Greek shepherd-god known as Pan is to be found in the woods and pastures, and his role includes protecting the flocks of goats and sheep and also assisting in the Hunt. He is a musical and mischievous Deity, fond of playing tricks on mortals. From his habit of giving the lonely traveller sudden frights comes the word 'panic'. 

 

This particular board diagram is further explained in a handwritten manuscript (object 3921) as shown below.

 

The reverse side features writing in ink: "8. East. Portal of 5=6. Executed and presented by Y. H. Frater "Fide et Amore" Oct. 4th 1908." There is also a typed label as pictured below.

 

The "5=6" inscription pertains to the structure and grading of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (also known as Alpha et Omega, or the A.O.).

The structure of the Golden Dawn:

First Order
Introduction—Neophyte 0=0
Zelator 1=10
Theoricus 2=9
Practicus 3=8
Philosophus 4=7
Intermediate—Portal Grade

Second Order
Adeptus Minor 5=6
Adeptus Major 6=5
Adeptus Exemptus 7=4

Third Order
Magister Templi 8=3
Magus 9=2
Ipsissimus 10=1