We would like to share with you an overall view of the proctor system in the Esoteric Order of the Golden Dawn. Proctors are a member, or small group of members, who are personally assigned to an initiate to help them with their Golden Dawn studies. These persons work with the Frater/Soror to develop a bond that not only strengthens the initiate but also strengthens our Order. A proctor might assist you with your correspondences or answer questions. You can go to them for tips on your studies as they have been through all of the elemental grade initiations.

To be a proctor one must have obtained the minimum grade of 4=7. One must first be approved by the Chiefs of the Second Order and work under the direction of the Praemonstrator of the Mother Temple. A proctor is a representative of the Order. Some of the duties of a proctor are to answer the students questions, give them the opportunity of interaction with someone who has the same interest in unity with Divinity, help them with the challenges of the grades, assist them with their studies and in reaching their goals, and especially to instill in them the feeling of "family" and "fraternity" which we all share.

Our Order stresses the importance of helping. The return of Light to the Divine is emphasized here. One of the opportunities we have to return what the Divine has bestowed on us, is to help others who are also in search of that scintillating Light. The path of Darkness that leads to the Light isn't an easy path. Having a person who has already traversed it help you with some of the detours, roadblocks and potholes is something very special.

Some proctors have study sessions at their local Temple or Sanctuary, or even in their own homes, for their students. Others spend hours communicating by phone or by e-mail. The beauty of this system is that you always have someone who will help you personally with your growth in the Order. Even if your personal proctor is unavailable, there are general proctors just a phone call away at the Mother Temple during regularly scheduled hours. All that you have to do is pick up the phone, or send mail or e-mail, and they will be there to provide support and feedback. I believe this is something that makes us not only unique but also keeps us mystical. The concept of fraternity is one as old as time.

Having someone who can help you with your grade material gives you every opportunity to succeed. This way you can grow spiritually, emotionally and knowledge wise through each of the elemental grades of the Golden Dawn. This kind of support and family atmosphere isn't anything you can get out of a book. With only a book to learn from you have no one that you can turn to when you come across a question or a challenge with an element. Many of the published Classical Golden Dawn material is misrepresented by errors or ego-related falsehoods. How would you know if you are working a system correctly if the book that you are following isn't correct or even Classical Golden Dawn?

Our grade material is extremely extensive. The proctors are given full support by the Second Order. The Order conducts classes and seminars so that the proctors can be the best they can be.

All in all, when you are initiated you have the support of someone who has gone through the grades. Someone who has the same kind of daily challenges that you might have - kids, job, health, family troubles, juggling all of these responsibilities along with trying to spiritually evolve. It isn't an easy path but it is the most rewarding thing you can ever embark on... The Great Work and unity with the Divine.

Note: Members who live hundreds or thousands of miles away from a Temple or Sanctuary can still can recieve regular interaction via phone and the Internet. Every member recieves the fullest opportunity for success!