Alpha et Omega
Greek letters for beginning and end, signifying totality
An occult order formed from the Golden Dawn schism, active in London and Paris before World War II
The Alpha et Omega was an esoteric society that emerged after a rebellion split the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Founded by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, it operated temples in Britain and the United States until its dissolution during the Second World War.
What it is
The Alpha et Omega was an occult society established by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers. It originated as a loyalist branch of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn following internal conflicts. The group maintained temples in London, Edinburgh, Paris, and several American cities. Its practices remained secret until the early twenty-first century.
Where it comes from
Tensions began in 1900 when Mathers accused co-founder Wynn Westcott of forging communications with the Secret Chiefs. A rebellion led to Mathers' expulsion from the Isis-Urania Temple. Following the Horos scandal, which damaged the Golden Dawn's reputation, Mathers dissolved the original order in 1906. He then founded the Alpha et Omega in Paris, though the name appeared in ritual documents as early as 1905.
How it is done
The order utilized a structured system of grades and initiations. Members progressed through degrees within specific temples. Rituals involved ceremonial magic techniques derived from the Golden Dawn tradition. The society kept its specific rites confidential for decades, distinguishing them from the published materials of other Golden Dawn offshoots.
Tools and materials
Temples possessed specialized ritual furniture and magical instruments. These items were used in ceremonies within dedicated spaces known as vaults. The society maintained a Vault of the Adepti for higher-level workings. Some tools were later found on a beach in England after a cliff collapse.
Alpha et Omega, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
What it is for
The organization focused on spiritual development and esoteric knowledge. Members sought advancement through the ranks of the inner order. The society aimed to preserve the teachings attributed to the Secret Chiefs. It also served as a network for occult practitioners across Europe and America.
Who does it
Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers led the order until his death in 1918. His widow, Moina Mathers, and J. W. Brodie-Innes succeeded him. Later leadership included Isabel Morgan Boyd and Edward John Langford-Garstin in London. Notable members included Dion Fortune and Paul Foster Case, who eventually left to form their own groups.
Peoples and places
The order had a presence in the United Kingdom and the United States. British temples operated in London and Edinburgh. American branches existed in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Elsa Barker acted as an emissary connecting European leadership with American temples.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
Members adhered to the Hermetic principles of the Golden Dawn. They believed in guidance from the Secret Chiefs. The society valued secrecy and hierarchical progression. Conflicts arose over interpretations of Enochian magic and astral travel abilities.
When it is done
The order did not follow a public calendar of festivals. Activities centered on initiation dates and regular temple meetings. New temples were established throughout the early twentieth century. The society ceased operations with the outbreak of World War II in 1939.
Questions people ask about Alpha et Omega
Where does Alpha et Omega come from?
As our sources describe it, Alpha et Omega belongs to United Kingdom and United States, and is tied most closely to london, paris, edinburgh. Communities differ in what they call it and how they keep it.
What kind of thing is Alpha et Omega?
As our sources describe it, Alpha et Omega belongs with the tradition entries in a guide to magic. What it is believed to do depends on who is speaking, and scholars read it differently from those who practise it.
Is Alpha et Omega still practised?
Our sources place Alpha et Omega among the entries that are historical. Documented in the past; no continuous living tradition today.
Which peoples keep Alpha et Omega?
As our sources describe it, Alpha et Omega is kept by Hermeticists. Others now know it too, often in changed forms.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Alpha et Omega", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-07.
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