The Grade System of the Golden Dawn
The structure of the order was hierarchical, having three levels: the Outer Order, the Inner Order, and the Third Order. The Outer Order was for beginners, consisting of an introductory grade and four elemental grades. The elemental grades corresponded to earth, air, water, and fire. By association with the elements, they also correspond to the Four Worlds (or levels of existence) of Kabbalah. Additionally, there was a sixth or "Portal" grade, which led to adeptship.
The Grades
Grade 1 Neophyte 0:::0 Probationary Grade
Grade 2 Zelator 1:::10 Earth
Grade 3 Theoricus 2:::9 Air
Grade 4 Practicus 3:::8 Water
Grade 5 Philosophus 4:::7 Fire
Grade 6 Portal Spirit
Beyond the Portal grade lay the Inner Order. It consisted of the adepts. It had no curriculum or initiation ceremonies until 1892, when the first Adeptus Minor ritual was performed.
