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TOP Degree Structure

The Titanic Order of Prometheus

+ Disce Quasi Semper Victurus, Vive Quasi Cras Moriturus +

The Titanic Order of Prometheus (TOP) is an occult Path available to members of the Assembly of Light Bearers (ALB.) TOP exists to guide dedicated individuals through the progressive milestones necessary to become an individual of such powerful influence that they can alter the trajectory of life itself and ascend to the realm of heroes. We accomplish this through invoking the archetype of the Light Bearer, as described in the Greco-Roman myths surrounding the Titan named Prometheus (which literally translates to “Forethought.”)

These myths are interpreted from the perspective that the Titans represent the raw forces which first individuated out of the primal chaos. Zeus-Jupiter and the rest of the Olympians represent an even further abstraction away from chaos. They overthrew the Titans to become the ruling powers or “Archons” of the Cosmos led by the chief Archon or “Demiurge” Zeus-Jupiter. Human beings are the creation of Prometheus and were endowed with special gifts by him. As an initiate of the TOP you are expected to take control of your direction in life; to seize the forbidden knowledge kept by each of the Archons and thereby render them powerless over you, and finally to take your place as one of the New Titans in the New Luciferian Era.

Degree Structure

This Path is divided up into six levels of progress called Degrees, each with a roman numeral and a name. Each name is a word in Latin, which is the Magickal Language used in TOP [Latin is the language which brought us the word Lucifer, many tales of Prometheus and numerous esoteric texts.] Each of these degrees represent a major milestone toward accomplishing the goal of personal Apotheosis. The mythology of Prometheus is utilized in TOP to explore the heroic journey of the torch bearer, otherwise known as the Light Bearer Archetype. In addition, the progression of degrees forms an esoteric version of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, starting at the level of basic survival and security before moving on to the deeper occult teachings. This progression is not symbolic. Each degree is awarded only to those who have demonstrated competency in both the esoteric arts and in their ability to accomplish more concrete goals in the real world.

Cretus I°

The first degree forms the introduction to the TOP and is open to all ALB Members who are interested. This level of membership comes with no obligations or commitments. There are no dues. The first step must always be done by you, therefore entry into the first degree is through performance of a Self-Initiation Rite. The Cretus I° Dossier containing the knowledge lectures and official practices (including the Self-Initiation Rite) of the degree may be downloaded free of charge in the forthcoming Members only forum to be hosted on the ALB website. A physical copy of the Dossier may be purchased if one is desired.

The word Cretus means both “having sprung forth” and “augmented.” This speaks to the nature of the first degree being an initiation into a focused current. It is a new beginning as well as an additional layer of meaning and power in the life of the initiate. Cretus has a common root with the Latin word for “clay.” This is a reference to the myth of Prometheus creating humanity out of clay. The Cretus I° takes inspiration from Prometheus by crafting a Titanic Hero out of the starting clay of themselves.

The symbolic focus of this degree is the sub-lunary realm, otherwise known as the elemental kingdom. On a practical level, this relates to the task of “building your fortress” as a metaphor for ensuring the continued survival your physical existence. In order to embark upon the higher spiritual planes you first need to ensure at least your basic needs are being met consistently. As an initiate of Cretus I° your mission is to gain intimate knowledge of each Element. You are to then utilize this knowledge to more effectively manifest your Will in the world. Over time this is how one obtains increasing mastery of the Elements.

Mastery is not necessary to advance to the next degree. It is something one continues to develop over a lifetime. However, one must have first established a solid base from which to launch their higher aspirations. This means at least being able to support yourself and take care of any other financial obligations you may have, establishing a regular fitness routine of your choosing and tending to your health, to complete the required reading list and to regularly engage in occult practices.

Fundatus II°

Those who have completed the work of the first degree may apply for advancement to the second. A certain level of commitment to the work is expected at this level, including the introduction of a dues requirement. Unlike in most Esoteric Orders, no dues are required to be sent to Headquarters. Instead you will be expected to contribute financial support to a local TOP group, called Groves and Academies. The amount required will be determined by the needs of the group and agreed upon by majority vote of local members, which could consist of as little as one member. Even if it is just one person with little to no expenses, they will still be required to contribute at least a symbolic amount each month and proper records shall be kept of the local treasury. The local group may grow later and having even a modest war chest built up will come in handy.

Fundatus is a word which means “having been founded” or “to become established.” In addition, it means “having been secured,” which is a reference to Prometheus being bound to the rock or mountain as the consequence of upsetting the Cosmic Order of Zeuz-Jupiter and the other Olympians. This challenge to the status-quo was accomplished through empowering humanity with forbidden knowledge stolen from the Olympians. Challenges to the establishment always come with a backlash from those resisting change. This resistance is something we must be ready for. It only makes us stronger and more determined.

In this degree we explore the planetary realm. This is the very realm of the Demiurge and his Archons. Each of these Olympic gods have their own knowledge which is forbidden to mortals. The discovery and utilization of this forbidden knowledge, referred to as Gnosis is the path to evolve oneself into what Friedrich Nietzsche described as the Übermensch. In the classical language this would be described as a demi-god or in modern terms we might say Super-human. Also sharing this Gnosis with the rest of humanity elevates one to the status of Hero. On a practical level work in the Fundatus II° involves an in-depth study and devoted practice of the esoteric arts and sciences. Much of this work should include manifesting practical goals with very clear ways to judge when success has been obtained.

Members of this degree may also join one of the various Inner Orders available within the ALB Esoteric structure. These Inner Orders can be described as special interest groups and may have their own internal stand-alone structure.

Invictus III°

The third degree of TOP is awarded to those who have attained a level of Mastery over their lives. They have the ability to utilize their environment to their advantage rather than being taken advantage of by it. Members of the third degree are able to rally their resources to achieve tasks that would be impossible for those who are divided against themselves. Having conquered the Elements and stolen the keys of power from each of the Planetary Archons, the personal resources at the command of the Invictus III° are considerable.

Invictus literally translates as Unconquerable. This is used as a reference to the part of the Prometheus myth which describes how the Titan becomes unbound, and thereby gains an unprecedented level of personal freedom and power. This myth is tied up with the story of Hercules and his twelve labours, symbolic of the sun as it travels through the signs of the Zodiac. On the esoteric side of things, a deeper exploration of how cycles and timing effect our occult practice. The practical work of the Invictus III° involves ongoing efforts to establish oneself as an authority in their chosen fields of expertise and positioning themselves strategically to wield ever increasing power in the world.

Accendo IV°

The fourth degree of TOP represents a very advanced level of personal integrity. The major dualities of existence have been overcome and the aspects of the personality have largely been harmonized. It is at this point which the individual can truly say they have become their own god. In no way does this mean that progress has ceased. A god creates and destroys according to their Will. In the coded language of the Occult, it is said that being initiated into the Mysteries of the Seven Planets constitute the first Seven Gates. The Eighth Gate is the sphere of the fixed stars and especially the belt of the Zodiac. The Ninth Gate goes beyond this into a firsthand experience of Divinity. In other words, to have Gnosis of what it means to be a god. To be recognized as an Accendo IV° is to say that one has passed through this 9^th Gate.

The word Accendo translates as “I Am Illuminated/Enflamed” or “to kindle a flame.” It also calls to mind the English words Ascend and Ascension. The individual has become a living embodiment of the Black Flame. This degree is tied to the myth of the centaur Chiron, childhood teacher of Hercules, giving his immortality to Prometheus. This completes the final requirement set upon Prometheus by Zeus-Jupiter in his punishment. Once Chiron gives this gift, Prometheus fully remanifests the goal of Autotheism and has once again become truly liberated from all external authorities.

The work of the Accendo IV° is primarily focused on manifesting representations of their Will in the world at large. This can include works of art, contributions to science and technology, establishment of organizations or businesses, etc… These are artefacts of the individual and form a tangible or at least observable element of their legacy. This is an important aspect of ensuring a continued influence in the world long after the fleshy body stops being an effective vehicle of consciousness. It is appropriate then that this is often referred to as the “corpus” or body of work produced by the person.

Exemplar V°

The fifth degree recognizes the achievements of one who has accomplished much on their journey and is now in a position to pass their hard earned knowledge on to the next generation. It is the responsibility of every Light Bringer to pass that torch on to others who will carry it even further. Exemplar is a title which means “one who deserves to be emulated.” The Exemplar V° seeks to propagate themselves in the form of promulgating their own teachings in the world.

Due to the limitations of the physical body, one often has very little time to do their work from this advanced position of power. If we were to appropriate a concept from Apocalyptic Christianity, this stage corresponds to the Seven Year Reign of the Antichrist. Often work done on this degree will be concurrent with that of the previous degree. It is entirely possible for someone to receive recognition for accomplishing this stage posthumously.

One of the primary goals of TOP is to inaugurate legions of New Titans in the physical and subtle planes. The first part of establishing a powerful legacy in the world is achieved through the work of the Accendo IV°. The second part is to train as many high quality replacements for yourself in the world as possible. The point is to transfer your specialized knowledge to others and let them do with it as they will. It will grow and change along the way and this is desirable. It is evolution. Some aspects of yourself become crystalized and passed down virtually unchanged. Others aspects mutate and find new forms of expression.

There are no existing myths of Prometheus that relate to this degree. It is up to us to write the next chapter in the story in which the New Titans are the Heroes. What new legend will you write with your deeds?

Numen VI°

The sixth and final degree is Numen, meaning deity or disincarnate force. It’s for those who have been highly accomplished in life and now exist as a force in the world unbound by their physical form. Numen VI° is a member who has passed on but is still influential in the world. This ceremony will take the form of a memorial service in the sense that it celebrates the legacy the individual established while alive and marks their transition to a new phase of existence. One does not necessarily have to have achieved all the previous degrees while alive in order to receive this honor.

T.O.P. Degree Structure – Document Version 1.0 – Published January 12, 2017 C.E. by Jeremy Crow