A cornerstone of British esoteric tradition, blending mystical practices with magical teachings under the guidance of Dion Fortune.
The Society of the Inner Light, founded by Dion Fortune in 1924, stands as a pivotal institution in the landscape of British occultism and Western esoteric traditions. This organization, initially called the Fraternity of the Inner Light, was established as a continuation and expansion of the teachings and practices that Fortune had been exposed to through her involvement in various esoteric groups, including the Golden Dawn lodges and the Theosophical Society, as well as her participation in séances and mystical studies.
Dion Fortune, born Violet Mary Firth, was a significant figure in the British occult community, her works and teachings influencing the realm of magical and esoteric studies extensively. The Society was founded with the intent to provide a structured approach to spiritual and magical training, focusing on the development of consciousness and the realization of Divine Intention through practices such as meditation, ritual, and the study of Qabalah and the Bible.
Throughout its history, the Society of the Inner Light has maintained its dedication to the principles laid out by Fortune, emphasizing the importance of personal regeneration and evolution through individual effort, described as “condensed evolution.” This path involves rigorous training and development, leading participants towards becoming more attuned to the spiritual forces and the Divine Intention underlying existence.
After Fortune’s death in 1946, the leadership of the Society passed to Arthur Chichester, who renamed it the Society of the Inner Light and continued on the foundations she had established. However, the 1960s saw a shift in focus towards Christian mysticism and a departure from some of the Society’s original occult teachings, leading to a period of transition and the departure of several members who went on to form their own groups.
In the 1990s, the Society returned to its roots, focusing once again on Fortune’s original teachings and rituals. Today, it operates as a relatively small but influential group within the British occult scene, continuing to publish previously unpublished writings by Fortune and contributing to the ongoing development of esoteric and magical studies.
