Welcome!

by Kate Warwick-Smith

The Order of the Hermetic Rose is an association of individuals pursuing practices and studies in the Western Mysteries.

The overall aim of the Order is to facilitate a process whereby students, workshop participants and group members pierce the veil of everyday consciousness and let an unfolding of mystical awareness—an experience of the numinous Truth, Love and Power—flow into their lives. Read More →

The Tarot: Divination Tool or Mystery Tradition?

by Kate Warwick-Smith
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If you already have read the article,  What Is the Western Mystery Tradition? you will have realized that there are many traditions and expressions of the Western Mysteries—dare we say that the tarot can take its place as a tradition among them? Or, is it merely divination tool with little depth beyond fortunetelling, and a [...]

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What Is the Western Mystery Tradition?

by Kate Warwick-Smith
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The phrase “Western Mystery Tradition” was created by MacGregor Mathers, one of the founders of the Golden Dawn, in response to the popularity of the Theosophical Society and the teachings of Helene Blavatsky who brought her knowledge of Eastern metaphysics, magical systems, and meditation practices to the West. In coining the term, “Western Mystery Tradition,” [...]

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The Fool: A Tarot Spread

by Kate Warwick-Smith
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Here is a tarot spread for you to use at the beginning of a new project in order to evaluate the forces at work. This layout follows the rough outline of the Fool’s body as shown on the card–poised like a bow and arrow prior to release. A drawn bow holds a lot of tension [...]

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