William G. Gray
Encyclopedia
William G. Gray was a British occult
ist, the founder of the magical order the Sangreal Sodality and author of many books. He wrote extensively on the topics of ritual magic, Hermetic Qabalah
, the nature of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life
. His focus was on the mystical unification of humanity with divinity. For Gray, the purpose of developing contact with higher beings is the joint pursuit of good and the avoidance of evil in the world and in oneself. In many of his works he places a high value on the use of magic for personal development towards these ends.
While his extensive writings on Western Esoteric topics are now considered classics in their field, his major contribution to the Western mystery tradition was the development of The Rite of Light, which he officially renamed the Sangreal Sacrament after the foundation of the Sangreal Sodality. This rite is regarded as having given ritual expression to the innermost mysteries of Western esoteric orders in a way that did not limit itself to any given religious orientation.
Prior to his demise William Gray asked author Alan Richardson to write his biography. Later a collaboration between Alan Richardson and Marcus Claridge, resulted in "The Old Sod: The Odd Life & Inner Work of William G. Gray," which was published by Ignotus Press in 2003.
The designation “Sangreal Sodality” speaks of spiritual principles and ideals which prompted the foundation of this brotherhood. The term "Sangreal" is understood in this brotherhood to be “Sang” = “blood” and “Real” = “authentic.” The basic premise being the “True Identity” and “Inner Values” within each single human individual. The term sodality derives from a Latin root referring to a “Comradeship.”
Since the Sangreal concept means bringing out the very best in everyone which their own “Inner Identities” can offer, the “Sangreal Sodality” is open to all those intent on a process
of personal spiritual development, here considered the most ideal path to Self discovery and service to our fellow humankind.
Members of the “Sangreal Sodality” gather in Temples, Lodges or Chapters. These are operated independently of one another. Individuals who agree with, or feel inspired by, the teachings and practices expounded in the basic textbooks of the “Sangreal Sodality,” may set up a Temple, Lodge or Chapter. Such a working circle is deemed an autonomous grouping, which may link with other such groups, or remain independent in accordance with preference. As such, each group is responsible for its personal self-government, financing, and organised being.
The Sangreal Sodality is not a religion, nor does it contra-indicate any valid religion of any denomination whatsoever. The Sangreal Sodality allows a focus for willing individuals to articulate their approach to divinity — without external dictates or interference of hierarchical structures.
Occult
The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus , referring to "knowledge of the hidden". In the medical sense it is used to refer to a structure or process that is hidden, e.g...
ist, the founder of the magical order the Sangreal Sodality and author of many books. He wrote extensively on the topics of ritual magic, Hermetic Qabalah
Hermetic Qabalah
Hermetic Qabalah is a Western esoteric and mystical tradition...
, the nature of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life
Tree of life (Kabbalah)
The Tree of Life, or Etz haChayim in Hebrew, is a mystical symbol used in the Kabbalah of esoteric Judaism to describe the path to God and the manner in which he created the world ex nihilo...
. His focus was on the mystical unification of humanity with divinity. For Gray, the purpose of developing contact with higher beings is the joint pursuit of good and the avoidance of evil in the world and in oneself. In many of his works he places a high value on the use of magic for personal development towards these ends.
While his extensive writings on Western Esoteric topics are now considered classics in their field, his major contribution to the Western mystery tradition was the development of The Rite of Light, which he officially renamed the Sangreal Sacrament after the foundation of the Sangreal Sodality. This rite is regarded as having given ritual expression to the innermost mysteries of Western esoteric orders in a way that did not limit itself to any given religious orientation.
Prior to his demise William Gray asked author Alan Richardson to write his biography. Later a collaboration between Alan Richardson and Marcus Claridge, resulted in "The Old Sod: The Odd Life & Inner Work of William G. Gray," which was published by Ignotus Press in 2003.
Sangreal Sodality
The Sangreal Sodality is an internationally trademarked spiritual brotherhood of the Western Inner Tradition founded by William G. Gray and Jacobus G. Swart, and was officially launched by the said founders on 19 November 1980 on the occasion of the official inauguration of the first Sangreal Sodality Temple named “Domine Dirige Nos” in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the induction of the first initiated member of this brotherhood. Chapters and Temples of the Sangreal Sodality have been established in South Africa, Latin America, North America, Britain and Europe.The designation “Sangreal Sodality” speaks of spiritual principles and ideals which prompted the foundation of this brotherhood. The term "Sangreal" is understood in this brotherhood to be “Sang” = “blood” and “Real” = “authentic.” The basic premise being the “True Identity” and “Inner Values” within each single human individual. The term sodality derives from a Latin root referring to a “Comradeship.”
Since the Sangreal concept means bringing out the very best in everyone which their own “Inner Identities” can offer, the “Sangreal Sodality” is open to all those intent on a process
of personal spiritual development, here considered the most ideal path to Self discovery and service to our fellow humankind.
Members of the “Sangreal Sodality” gather in Temples, Lodges or Chapters. These are operated independently of one another. Individuals who agree with, or feel inspired by, the teachings and practices expounded in the basic textbooks of the “Sangreal Sodality,” may set up a Temple, Lodge or Chapter. Such a working circle is deemed an autonomous grouping, which may link with other such groups, or remain independent in accordance with preference. As such, each group is responsible for its personal self-government, financing, and organised being.
The Sangreal Sodality is not a religion, nor does it contra-indicate any valid religion of any denomination whatsoever. The Sangreal Sodality allows a focus for willing individuals to articulate their approach to divinity — without external dictates or interference of hierarchical structures.