A syncretic system whose name is short-hand for the philosophical and temple teachings of Hellenistic Egypt. The central figure is that of Hermes Trismegitus - who is considered an incarnation of the gods Thoth (Tahuti) and Hermes - and the core teachings are his writings "The Emerald Tablet" and "Corpus Hermeticum".
The goal of Hermetic practice is enlightment through spiritual alchemy and theurgical ritual. There are also elements of practical magick and astrology involving the use of planetary talismans and horary charts. Hermetic magickal practices are the foundations for Renaissance European magick (via Agrippa) which went on to influence the Golden Dawn and ceremonial magick as a whole.
Strictly Hermetic groups tend to be occult groups of a ceremonial bent or esoteric orders.
Combining elements of Hermetics, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, and Renaissance European magick, the Golden Dawn system is the foundation for most of what constitutes Western Occultism and "high magick". The Golden Dawn used a grade system similar to a fraternal lodge where the initiate progresses after demonstrating knowledge, ability, and the willingness to undertake various oaths of secrecy.
The Golden Dawn teachings involve an intensive study of the Qabalah, tarot, and an extensive set of ornate rituals involving Christian, Jewish, Hellenistic, and Egyptian myth and symbolism. The goal of this path is spirtual perfection and the attainment of life goals.
There are a plethora of orders and groups still operating under the Golden Dawn name. Unfortunately, most of them also seem to be in constant conflict, if not outright war, such as the Shadows Conflict two years ago, with each other either over existing working occult artifacts, or over lineage and rights to the name and future of the system.
