A magical order emerging from the Golden Dawn tradition, focusing on occultism and esoteric knowledge.
Stella Matutina, meaning “Morning Star” in Latin, was an initiatory magical order dedicated to preserving and disseminating the traditional occult teachings of the earlier Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Originating in the early 20th century, this order was a pivotal segment in the fragmentation of the Golden Dawn, forming one of its several daughter organizations. The inception of Stella Matutina is deeply rooted in the schisms within the Golden Dawn, particularly the revolt against Samuel MacGregor Mathers in 1900, leading to the creation of new groups. Those aligned with Mathers formed Alpha et Omega, while a London-based group, initially named the Hermetic Society of the Morgenrothe and later evolving into Stella Matutina under the leadership of Dr. Robert Felkin, pursued a more occult-oriented direction.
Stella Matutina’s establishment was marked by internal governance reforms and an emphasis on esoteric practices. It held the dissemination of esoteric knowledge at its core, with Israel Regardie playing a crucial role by publicizing the order’s teachings, which were instrumental in preserving the legacy of the Golden Dawn tradition. The order’s activities were not confined to Britain; they extended to New Zealand, where Dr. Felkin established the Whare Ra temple, indicating the global reach of its influence. Stella Matutina’s practices were deeply imbued with the quest for spiritual and occult knowledge, including astral work, communications through trance or automatic writing, and a unique focus on achieving unity among the Rosicrucians. These practices were believed to connect its members with higher spiritual entities, guiding the order’s activities and teachings.
However, the order faced challenges, including internal disputes and the impact of its esoteric practices on the mental health of some members, leading to the closure of its London temple in 1919. Despite these setbacks, Stella Matutina continued in various forms until the late 20th century, with the Hermes Temple operating until 1970 and Whare Ra until 1978. The order counted among its members notable figures such as Dion Fortune, Israel Regardie, and W. B. Yeats, highlighting its significant impact on the occult traditions of the 20th century.
image via Ordo Stella Matutina
