What is the August Order of Light?

The August Order of Light is an order requiring candidates to hold the rank of Master Mason in the Craft, seeking to illuminate the deeper mysteries of life and explain Craft symbolism through Eastern esotericism, as the August Order of Light records. Drawing upon the ancient mythologies and religious traditions of India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, admission requires candidates to demonstrate a genuine commitment to esoteric study and present a scholarly paper demonstrating their readiness.

The Order was founded on Eastern esoteric material brought from India by Dr. Maurice Vidal Portman and refined through subsequent scholarly work, according to the August Order of Light. Ceremonially, the body practices degree work consisting of two principal degrees separated by the ceremony of the Passing of Garuda, alongside observance ceremonies for the solstices and equinoxes.