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The light of the divine Interview to Jean-Louis de Biasi,

Grand Master of the Aurum Solis*

By Eduardo Puente and Valentina Ramos

Anima Mystica Revista Digital: Which are the basis of the Aurum Solis and to whom is it for? Jean-Louis de Biasi: The Tradition of the Aurum Solis is defined by what is called the Golden Chain (of the Masters). This lineage is rooted in Hermetism which, a tradition associating Theurgic practices with a rational approach to the inner mysteries of the life. The tradition first describes the high origins of the human soul and how it descen-ded into physicality and what that means; and secondly reveals the path by which the soul may again return to the Eternal and Supreme and what that involves. This pre-Christian Tradition born in Alexan-dria (Egypt) in the last centuries before the current era, has given to humanity some of its greatest Scientists and Humanist Philo-sophers. Polytheism, the main religious ex-pression of this time, provided the tradition of tolerance for any spiritual practice and experi-ence. Many are the ways! But organization, self-discipline, and practice lead onward to the Next Step! These progressive manifestations of non-theologic science and humanist spirituality were severely attacked during the rise of the institutionalized monotheistic religions in Eu-rope and the Middle East, leading directly to the Dark Ages. However in the fifteenth cen-tury, the Theurgic Neo-Platonist Ogdoadic tradition tradition) reappeared in Florence Italy. The Renaissance was really a universal rebirth of the human consciousness igniting the beginning of modern civilisation: breaking the religious and monarchist domination of human thought, science and philosophy and leading to the industrial, technological, and

information ages, to democracy and human rights and the abolition of slavery, religious tolerance, universal education and the me-taphysical traditions, etc. From this earlier time the Theurgic/Hermetic Tradition was secretly continued in Europe until its rebirth in 1897. Aurum Solis is a uni-que example of an initiatic and spiritual orga-nization which remained rooted in the original humanist spiritual values developed by the founders. From the beginning, Aurum Solis choose to maintain a clear and unique linea-ge, working hard to improve the visibility of the original Western Tradition, highlighting the unique characteristics of this spiritual path, Aurum Solis is showing the urgency to see life differently. Dogmas are dangerous; chaos is risky, while rediscovering a tolerant and traditional path to the divine is para-mount. This is the Modern Renaissance!

As you can see this Tradition has a clear and recognizable history. Its philosophy can be easily understood. Theurgy is a specific part of the Western Tradition which has a strong identity and specificities. In reading about this tradition, anyone who feels a deep call may

Anima Mystica Revista Digital, Vol. 3, No. 1

Aurum Solis choose to maintain a

clear and unique lineage, working

hard to improve the visibility of the

original Western Tradition,

highlighting the unique

characteristics of this spiritual path

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apply for the preparatory period called the Pronaos. You can find more details about that on our Website. AMRD: What benefits can find a person by joining the Aurum Solis Order? JLDB: There are two levels to your question. There are visible benefits which are the con-sequence of the membership. Others have to be considered at a spiritual level. So regarding your first step as a Pronaos member, you will be able to experiment vari-ous elements of the theurgic tradition with a very complete and gradual system of ritual practices. You will read teachings about the Hermetic/Ogdoadic Tradition, Philosophical studies, and Fundamentals of Theurgy. Besi-des all that the website will allows you to sha-re your thoughts and experiences to other members, Officers, and Grand Officers of the Order. On the spiritual level now, you will be placed in an Order eager to provide you the best training possible to the Western Theurgic Tra-dition. We have two very simple goals to achieve: becoming aware of who we really are, and when the time will come, to be able to cross the threshold of our death in full awa-reness! This is not something the religion can provide. For Religions, you have just to belie-ve. At the contrary the theurgic tradition belie-ves that you can have to learn the techniques and you can be trained. What you need for that is a real and serious initiatic school. This is something rare.

AMRD: What differentiates the Aurum Solis Order from other existing mystic and esoteric orders?

JLDB: Of course the answer could be long but I can say that a traditional an initiatic theurgic such the Ordo Aurum Solis is defined by three principles: 1- An unbroken lineage which is a direct link between each Grand Master and all the Grand masters who preceded him or her. It is by this link that each new Grand Master of the tradition is charged with his office. 2- The power to transmit and connect with the egregore of the Order. The ability to perform initiatic rituals involving the two planes (visible and invisible) becomes capable to really tri-gger an awakening of the consciousness of the Initiate. Then the connection with the egregore secures the individual training. 3- The transmission of the "sacred objects" or more exactly the transmission of consecrated objects," tradition following the teachings clearly mentioned in the writings of Iamblicus, Proclus, Apuleus and Marsilio Fici-no. All these aspects are carefully maintained in the Aurum Solis. AMRD: Which are the similarities between the principles of Aurum Solis and Paganism? JLDB: The Ordo Aurum Solis is Pagan! As I said in my first answer, our tradition was born in Alexandria (Egypt) in the last centuries before the current era. At this time the traditi-on coming from the College of Priests of Her-mopolis was associated to the birth of Herme-tism. It was a time where a perfect tolerance between religions existed. Greek immigrants where living in Alexandria on Egyptian soil. Everyone was able to worship the Gods or Goddesses they wanted. This is still the exact definition of what the Aurum Solis is. However monotheism arrived and persecuted Pagans, Theurgists, Hermetists, and anyone who was loyal to the Immortal Divinities. To discover some the main principles of the Aurum Solis and understand how close they are to Paganism I suggest you to read a won-derful prayer called the Hymn to the Gods by Proclus. I give you the text in Appendix to the

Anima Mystica Revista Digital, Vol. 3, No. 1

you can be pagan, a believer to

divinities, and not a Theurgist.

Theurgy is a specific expression of

Paganism.

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interview. In my forthcoming book (Rediscover the Ma-gick of the Gods and Goddesses, Llewellyn Publications), I am talking in details about pa-ganism and theurgy. You have to keep in mind that a Theurgist is necessarily a Pagan. His tradition is pagan and a large number of the masters of this tradition were persecuted by Monotheists. However you can be pagan, a believer to divinities, and not a Theurgist. Theurgy is a specific expression of Paganism. AMRD: Is there any activities of the Aurum Solis Order for non-members? JLDB: The Ordo Aurum Solis celebrates the birth of Plato by a ritual banquet. There is a specific ritual and anyone can be invited. The Ecclesia Ogdoadica, which is the religious expression of the Aurum Solis, performs vari-ous rituals which are quite all public. Other outer rituals will be made public. Ho-wever and as I said Aurum Solis is an initiatic tradition and a place of psychic training thro-ugh rituals. So it is logical that many things cannot be public.

AMRD: Can you tell us, in few words, what Hermetic and Ogdoadic Traditions mean to you? JLDB: Two things are important: first to com-plete what we are suppose to do in this pre-sent life and second find the best way to live in our modern world. The Hermetic/Ogdoadic Tradition is giving answers to both. This Tradition gives you practical keys to master your own life and af-ter death. But now, it gives you an ideal of tolerance in regard to other beliefs and a way to well ba-lance your life. What amazed me the most is to see that this very old tradition is capable to give us essen-tial keys that are today as relevant as they were two or three thousand years before. This is a tradition in which you can continue to feel the light of the divine and the living presence of the founding masters. The only thing to do if you are interested, as I did myself, is to say: lets try it!

Anima Mystica Revista Digital, Vol. 3, No. 1

Hymn to the Gods

"Hear me, O Gods, you who hold the rudder of sacred wisdom. Lead us mortals back among the immortals as you light in our souls the flame of return. May the ineffable

initiations of your hymns give us the power to escape the dark cave of our lives and pu-

rify ourselves.

Hearken, powerful liberators!

Dispel the surrounding obscurity, and grant me the power to understand the holy books; replace the darkness with a pure and holy light. Thus may I truly know the in-

corruptible God that I am.

May a wicked spirit never keep me, overwhelmed by ills, submerged in the waters of

forgetfulness and far away from the Gods and Goddesses.

May my soul not be fettered in the jails of life where I am left to suffer a terrifying

atonement in the icy cycles of generation. I do not want to wander anymore.

O you, sovereign Gods of radiant wisdom, hear me! Reveal to one who hastens on the Path of Return the holy ecstasies and the initiations held in the depth of your sacred

words!"

Proclus