Illuminates of Thanateros 

In the 1970s, a new challenger emerged in the world of magical societies. This challenger was Chaos Magic, a system developed by Peter J. Carroll and Ray Sherwin in London's East End. Unlike traditional magical societies, Chaos Magic aimed to break away from old customs and superstitions, instead focusing on pragmatic, testable, and individual experiences.

The original practitioners of Chaos Magic formed the Illuminates of Thanateros (IOT) in an Austrian castle, with the goal of changing the world. Unlike other magical orders, IOT is highly individualistic and ranks its members based on magical skill and obligations to the order. This meritocratic approach to governance has caused divisions within the group, such as the Ice War, which split the members along political lines.

The members of IOT strive to achieve the Gnostic state, an ecstatic state of altered consciousness that allows them to overcome mental barriers and perform magic of their choosing. One notable ritual is the Invocation of Baphomet, where chaos magicians can summon a manifestation to commune with different consciousness or alter physical reality.

Membership in IOT is open and free to all who wish to join. The members consider themselves socially responsible and often encourage both members and non-members to perform spells and rituals for the betterment of all.

Servants of the light

When we think of magical orders, we often associate them with secrecy and hidden knowledge. However, the Servants of the Light challenge this notion by aiming to share the Western Mystery Tradition with all who are interested in learning. They are devoted followers of Qabalistic practices in Western magic, but believe that these teachings can be integrated with any religious beliefs or personal spiritual practices. 

In order to spread their positive teachings, the Servants do not adhere to a hierarchical structure or set rituals. Instead, they function as a true school where individuals can join and learn at any time. This inclusive approach transforms the way magic is learned, with the Servants emphasizing spiritual balance and unity rather than seeking power over others. 

The Servants draw their authority to teach from a mystical collective called the Alexandre Fraternitatis, a group of ascended master beings who are said to be connected to a higher reality.

 Open Source Order of the Golden Dawn 

Can magic be influenced by culture? The Open Source Order of the Golden Dawn, a branch of the original Golden Dawn, certainly thinks so. Made up mostly of pagans, this group believes that the magical practices of the original Golden Dawn were too tied to the Victorian era and have therefore modernized their magic by incorporating technology. The Open Source Order is inspired by the open-source software movement, which emphasizes the sharing of information for collective improvement. In a similar vein, the Order has moved away from the Christian beliefs of the original Golden Dawn and now incorporates Egyptian and Eastern symbolism, as well as technology, into their practices. For example, the Rite of the Milk of the Stars combines mathematical, spiritual, and magical elements to enhance spells and manipulate energy.

The Temple of Set 

On July 21, 1975, Michael Aquino was contacted by Set, also known as Lucifer or Satan, demanding a restoration of his temple and teachings. Influenced by Thelema, Hermeticism, and paganism, this mythology laid the foundation for the Temple of Set. The goal of the Temple of Set is the self-deification of its members through understanding Set and the black magic he teaches. Unlike traditional magical lodges, the Temple of Set organizes its members into groups called Pylons, which can study esoteric topics like vampirism or dark knighthood in larger groups called Orders. The Temple of Set does not prescribe formal rituals, but instead encourages members to learn and develop their own black magic and spells.

Fraternitas Saturni 

The Fraternitas Saturni, also known as the "Fraternity of Saturn," is a prominent mystical society in Germany. It was established following the Weida Conference, a disastrous event where Aleister Crowley attempted to assert himself as the leader and savior of German magicians and lodges. However, those who rejected Crowley's leadership but were still influenced by Thelema decided to form their own independent magical society.

Today, the Fraternitas Saturni is structured into chapters, and its members progress through a 33-degree system. As initiates rise in rank, they gain knowledge of more intricate magic and rituals that combine Thelemic and astrological traditions, known as Saturn Magic. One notable ritual involves summoning an egregore, which is an astral being that embodies the ideals, emotions, and aspirations of the summoning group. This egregore can manifest in various physical forms. The Fraternity's psychic power is derived from a specific egregore named GOTOS.

Ordre Reaux Croix

Many magical societies can trace their origins back to Freemasonry, with Martinism being one of the most prominent to break away from it. Founded by Martinez de Pasqually in the 18th century, this mystical tradition combined Masonic principles with Gnostic theology. Over the centuries, the Martinist school grew and fractured, even coming into conflict with the Bavarian Illuminati and advising Tsar Nicholas II. Today, its traditions are upheld by various societies, with the Ordre Reaux Croix (ORC) being the most prominent. ORC combines the different schools and customs of Martinism into one order, organizing their philosophies into three separate paths to spiritual enlightenment, symbolized by a candelabra: The first path is the Voie Cardiaque (“Way of the Heart”), focusing on inner meditation and symbolic interpretation. The second path, the Chevaliers Bienfaisantes de la Cite Sainte, is the knightly arm of the order, emphasizing enlightenment through selfless actions and chivalrous heraldry. The last path is Elus Coen, the heirs of Pasqually's original magic, who dedicate themselves to learning spells that summon astral beings and bind demonic influences.

Builders of the Adytum 

The Builders of the Adytum, also known as BOTA, is a magical organization headquartered in California with expanding branches worldwide. Founded by master mason Paul Foster Case, BOTA is committed to uplifting humanity spiritually through the Ageless Wisdom, ancient magical knowledge believed to be divinely written into nature. Their teachings focus on the spiritual significance of Esoteric Tarot, astrology, alchemy, and the Qabalah. The ultimate goal for a BOTA initiate is to elevate their consciousness and unite with the divine. One method involves interpreting magical Tarot cards, visualizing how the cards relate to one's life, and harnessing the symbolic power to overcome spiritual challenges and attain higher wisdom. By practicing these arts with compassion and a sense of justice, BOTA believes individuals can reincarnate with increased magical abilities and access to hidden secrets.