John Michael Greer

The Litany of the Tree of Life: In the Tradition of The Druidical Order of the Golden Dawn John Michael Greer

The Litany of the Tree of Life is intended for daily use as an alternative to the form of discursive meditation taught in the knowledge lectures of the Order of the Golden Dawn, and specifically for those who are engaged in intensive study of the Cabalistic Tree of Life. It may also be found suitable for practice on a more occasional basis, such as once per week, as a helpful addition to the regular meditations taught by the Order.

A litany such as this falls somewhere in the space between ritual and meditation. Like a meditation, it works primarily with consciousness rather than with the subtle energies directed in magic; like magic, it is in some sense a performance, in which performer and audience are one. Meditative attention on the symbols and concepts is important for the litany to have its proper effect, but so are the vocal and performative dimensions that give magic its power. Regular practice will teach each initiate to find a personally appropriate balance between these themes.