PROJECTS AND WORKING METHODS OF LODGE SOTHIS

As stated in our Manifesto, Lodge Sothis works through specific long-term projects; this means that we make use of different practises that have a common purpose in investigating and progressing the field of the magical arts. Empiricism is a pillar of Dragon Rouge, and with the Lodge we try to be respondent to this characteristic. At the core of all the traditions and systems we work with there are of course the Lodge's members. Members' experiences and researches are the main stimuli for the evolution and the practical experimentation of the very same Lodge, and are the starting point of the aims that we have as a Dragon Rouge Lodge.
Even if our method is inclined towards an operative approach, it obviously lies on a strong theoretical and research basis. We try to work together with the Order to a new approach when it comes to esoteric research. We try to study important subjects not only moving from contemporary occult literature (sometimes fanciful and misleading) but reading and working with original texts and esoteric traditions, rewieved under the light of modern Draconian experimentations.
     We like syncretism, but we are not fond of cultural cauldrons. We recognize that every culture is at the same time unique and part of the universal human wisdom. This can allow one to appreciate the cultural environments in which he dives, catching both its specific sides that its relations to the Whole. The traditions that we identify ourselves with the most are those deriving from the ancient stellar and draconian wisdom of Ancient Egypt, and to its encounter and exchange with the Hellenistic and Semitic cultures (Qabalah and other Greek-Hebrew mystical systems). These are the elements that later influenced in a decisive way the classical Western esotericism and hermeticism: hermetical neoplatonism, natural and ceremonial magic, Christian Qabalah etc, Golden Dawn and Thélema, etc.
     Another pillar of our researches is the great Eastern esoteric culture, from the grimoires of Preislamic Middle East to the Indo-Tibetan Tantras.
     All the above of course does not put boundaries and limits, and does not forbid us to dedicate attention and energies to other systems and traditions that at the proper time could rise to our attention. All the millennia-old mystical research of Man leads to that Alchemy of the Self that opens the doors of perception to the infinite worlds that are our birthright.


CURRENT PROJECTS OF LODGE SOTHIS

The inner circle of the Lodge has prepared 5 main areas of work (plus a non-operative one), based on the main interests of the Order and of the Lodge. Further projects might be developed in the future by the inner circle and propositions of the working members.

1. The Mefitis Project

Access: initiands into the 1.0°
Supervisor: Alessandro
Workings start September 2008

The Mefitis Project, which started last term, will continue as programmed. All newcomers can contact Alessandro for preliminary instructions. The projects deals with the rediscovery of the Draconian tradition through the filter of South-European traditions as the Italic, the Roman and the Greek ones.

2. The Demonology Project

Access: initiands into the 1.0°
Supervisor: Alberto
Workings start October 2008

This project is strictly connected to the Qliphothic one, and it aims at establishing a close contact among the adepts and the intelligences of the dark side. This will take place in different ways, through rituals, meditations, ecstatic workings, dreamworkings etc. We'll deal with the mighty 72 of the Lemegeton, but also with the powers of the Grimorium Verum and other grimories, not last with the entities channelled by Dragon Rouge through the years.

3. The Qliphoth and Typhonian Alkhemy Project

Access: initiands into the 1.0°
Supervisor: Alberto
Workings start October 2008

This project will deal with the systematic exploration of the Qliphotic tunnels and spheres, connected with the principle of alchemical becoming. This project is linked to the demonological one, and members are encouraged to take part in both.

4. The Dark Shamanism Project
(Eurasiatic Magic, Uthark, Folk Magic, Witchcraft, Techniques of Ecstasy)

Access: For preliminary workings, initiands into the 1.0°. Later by selection.
Supervisor: Alessandro
Workings start November 2008

The project focuses on the dark techniques of shamanism, such as those inherited by medieval witchcraft but also those of Siberan and Centra-Asia shamanism. Shamanism will be studied in its darkest forms, as those practised by Buryat and Tungusic "black" shamans but also through the ecstatic techniques that have been transmitted sub specie interioritatis in in the Western systems.

5. The Afro-Caribbean Initiatory Magic Project

Access: initiates into the 1.0°
Supervisor: Alberto
Workings start November 2008

This project is reserved for those who feel a unique attraction towards the darkest forms of Afro-Caribbean magical currents. These systems will be explored in relation to the sinister current of Dragon Rouge. We'll especially deal with the theme of necromancy, but also with astral and witchcraft techniques belonging to Petro Voudou (especially the Cult of Ghedes), to Palo Mayombe and to the Cult of Santa Muerte.

6. Non-Operative Project: Dark Herbalism

Access: initiands into the 1.0°
Supervisor: Åsa (Dragon Rouge Stockholm - Mother Lodge)
Workings start September 2008

This working group will research and develop incenses, ointments, dusts and anything that is possible to realize through botanical alchemy. To participate one has to possess proved skills in this field.