An Introduction to the

Esoteric Order of Dagon

 Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
This publication of the Esoteric Order of Dagon may be freely Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wagh’nagl fhtagn.
distributed to the public. Those wishing to learn more about the
Esoteric Order of Dagon may contact: I wish to personally formally introduce you to the reformed
[email protected] Esoteric Order of Dagon, as described in the enclosed booklet
which outlines its history, structure and aims.

As “Randolph Carter” I was the Founder of the modern adaptation

of the Esoteric Order of Dagon and therefore I am in the unique
position to formulate and implement the agenda of the Order as
envisioned by the former Directors who constitute the Yaddith
Lodge, the Supreme Council of the Temple of Dagon. As the new
Grand Master (as described in the enclosed Announcement) I now
possess the Seal and Ring of the Order and am prepared to perform
the duties of my office and implement the new phase.

In March 2007 I visited London, where I met Michael Staley of

the Typhonian O.T.O. , and traveled to York where I met my long
time correspondent and counterpart Peter Smith who has been
instrumental in the creation and evolution of the Order. Both are
former Directors and present members of the Yaddith Lodge, and
our meetings were both personally rewarding and encouraging
about the future of the Esoteric Order of Dagon.

This Order, currently with members in the United States, Europe

and South America, is intended for those who can demonstrate
their sincere interest and efforts in the Lovecraftian mythos as it
connects to esoteric traditions. If you believe that you are a serious
researcher in the Lovecraftian magickal tradition, and believe you
would be interested in associating with others that are mature, sane An Introduction to the Esoteric Order of Dagon
and effective in their esoteric pursuits, please considering applying as revised by Frater Obed Marsh, Grand Master
for membership. Persons seriously interested in applying for
membership after perusal of this Introduction are invited to contact
the Grand R’lyeh Lodge, contact information listed at the end of The name of our Order is derived from the story The Shadow Over
the enclosed booklet. A creative effort is needed for applying for Innsmouth by the New England horror and fantasy writer H.P.
the Neophyte degree and evidence of such should be enclosed with Lovecraft, (1890-1937). Written in November/December, 1931
the application. and published in 1936, it was the only book of HPL’s fiction to be
published and distributed in his lifetime.
I would be glad to answer any questions you may have, and your
inquiry will be answered promptly. Looking forward to hearing Lovecraft’s fiction, first published in the American pulp magazines
from you soon. such as Weird Tales, presents an internally consistent cosmology,
constructed through the literary realizations of the author’s dreams
Love is the law, love under will and intuitive impulses. This cosmology came to be known as the
Ia! Ia! Cthulhu fhtagn! “Cthulhu Mythos”, after its central deity. These stories and novels
contain hidden meanings and magickal formulae unknown even to
“...the Cult still lives...” their creator.
Yrs Fraternally,
Lovecraft suffered from an acute inferiority complex, which
Paul Remi Prevost prevented him from personally crossing the Abyss in his lifetime.
“Obed Marsh”, Grand Master, He remained a withdrawn and lonely writer who retained a
The Esoteric Order of Dagon rational, skeptical view of the universe, despite the glimpses of
places and entities beyond the world of mundane reality, which
his dream experiences allowed him. He never learned the true
origin of the tremendous vistas of cosmic strangeness that haunted
his dreams. He never realized that he was himself the High Priest
‘Ech-Pi-El’, the Prophet of the dawning Aeon of Cthulhu.

Before he died, Lovecraft left behind the “Silver Key to the

Ultimate Gate” in the form of Randolph Carter, his most developed
character who appears in no less than four tales. This character
assumed an independent existence during and after Lovecraft’s
life. For many years Randolph Carter waited in the parallel world
the men and women of this world can sometimes visit in dreams
for someone to discover the clues to the Mythos that Lovecraft had
unconsciously revealed in his stories.
During the socially turbulent 1960’s a young man, with the help (The Festival), Dream Working (The Dream Quest of Unknown
of a certain rare dream elixir made from the Fungi of Yuggoth, fell Kadath), Enochian Magick (The Dunwich Horror), The Yezidi
into a deep sleep and in dream boldly descended the entire “Seven and Qabalah (The Horror at Red Hook), Shamanism (The Call
Hundred Onyx Steps to the gate of Deeper Slumber”. “Randolph of Cthulhu), Skryering in the Aethyr (The Haunter of the Dark),
Carter” was then able to assume a physical existence by inhabiting Alchemy (The Case of Charles Dexter Ward) and many others.
his mind. The name and character of Randolph Carter was Members synthesize all of these various practices after personally
assumed, the Manifesto of the Aeon of Cthulhu issued, the Esoteric verifying or adapting them.
Order of Dagon was revived, and the Temple of Dagon was re-
established. . . .
The E. .O. .D. . utilizes the so-called Cthulhu Mythos of the
The Esoteric Order of Dagon is a modern Lovecraftian magickal horror and fantasy writer H.P. Lovecraft as a magickal method
order and has been in continuous public existence since 1981. of exploring the Cosmic via the Collective Unconscious. The
Many members of the Order have been involved in various esoteric Order claims descent from the Sirius mystery cults traditions of
pursuits for many years, some for over thirty years. The group ancient Egypt, Babylon and Sumerian and influences from the
is elite, with membership limited and the importance is not in South Pacific Polynesian Cults. The fringe Masonic cast it has
the number of members, but the quality, with current members taken is to inform it with the privileged lineages of the Illuminati,
including several published authors, a major occult book publisher, Rosicrucians, Templars, Hermetics, Alchemists, and Gnostics.
and many well-received artists, filmmakers and musicians. Serious .
The Triangle of Dots (. .) used as abbreviating periods signify a
work and dedication is the only means of achievement in mundane secret society connected with ancient mysteries. This usage derives
as well as esoteric pursuits The membership of the organization from the very old Masonic connections of some occult orders and
is composed of successful, creative individuals, well adjusted signifies that an esoteric meaning is involved. The true hidden
and mature, who treat each other with respect. The creative reference is to the Sirius system, of three stars, including our
artistic results of the members of our group is the proof that it has own sun.(1) The ancient Sumerian/Egyptian Mysteries of Oannes
something of value to offer, and the “occult fantasies” of immature (or the Philistine Dagon, Lord of the Deep Ones) and the stellar
and ineffectual persons are usually the first reason for the rejection gnosis of the All Seeing Eye of Sirius, concealed in the Hermetic
of their consideration for membership. Freemasonic Traditions, forms the basis of the 23 Current that
informs the secret society.
The Esoteric Order of Dagon (a fraternity which includes women)
is an association of ardent researchers exploring the connections The symbolism of an amphibian, that is, a creature evoluted to
between the hidden mysteries concealed in H.P. Lovecraft’s weird travel between two worlds, is the motif and formula of the Order.
fiction and discovering the convergence of the esoteric traditions The means of traveling between the conscious world and the
alluded to in various Lovecraft stories. Membership is open to silent, unconscious right brain, is by means of lucid dreaming,
those who can show that they can make a manifest contribution to “The Silver Key”. Demonstrable results in Oneiric Magick require
the occult arts and sciences of the Lovecraftian magickal mythos. lucid dreaming or induced hypnogogic visions. Lovecraft’s
Researchers are not bound or limited to any of the particular creative writings are believed to be the result of his unconscious
traditions described in his writings. These include Thelema (the connection to trans-dimensional sources via dreams. The Great
Necronomicon), Sex Magick (The Thing on the Doorstep), Wicca
 . . . A Brief History of the Order
Work of the E. .O. .D. . is to forge a link with the cosmic entities
(from the Introduction, as written by Frater Tutulu.)(3)
and embody them, resulting in tangible manifestation of creative
self-expression.
“The current incarnation of the Esoteric Order of Dagon
began with the Announcement in 1981 of the imminent reification
Other influences on the new mythos of the group include the author
of the ‘Aeon of Cthulhu Rising’. This Announcement, formulated
Kenneth Grant, the last living disciple of Aleister Crowley, and
by a then-unknown student of the Cthulhu Mythos living in
head of the Typhonian Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) who also
Ashland, Oregon, was published in various Occult journals around
attaches occult significance to the writings of Lovecraft. He has
the world - thus setting in motion a chain of connections between
outlined these main themes in his books, particularly expounded in
widely separated individuals who shared a common vision of the
Outside the Circles of Time.(2)
‘Lovecraftian Gnosis’.
. . .
The E. .O. .D. . is formally affiliated with, yet remains a totally
independent organization from the TOTO, and its aims are in By the mid 1980s, invitations to join the Esoteric Order of
alignment with Thelema. Dagon had been issued (by the pseudonymous ‘Randolph Carter’)
to such individuals already privately working the Mythos, and the
Many people have an incomplete or distorted history of the EOD, structure of the Order had begun to cohere into a network of semi-
mostly due to the difficulty in getting information about it and autonomous Lodges. Each of these Lodges operated under the
popular accounts that have had limited access to original source control of its respective Lodgemaster or Lodgemistress (designated
documents. Another supposedly esoteric group using the same XIII*), all in turn under the central Directorship of Frater Zkauba
name in their attempt to obtain authenticity and authority, is XXIII*. Certificates of Fraternal Affiliation were also drawn up at
revealed to be an obvious bogus imitation upon careful inspection this time with other organisations who recognized the significance
and can be dismissed as fraudulent - imposters, without any of the Aeon of Cthulhu Rising within a wider, Thelemic context
genuine credentials - and a source of misleading disinformation. (including the Ordo Templi Orientis Antiqua). When the time came
for Zkauba to enter into his Greater Magickal Retirement in 1987,
The honored and long-existing EOD Amateur Press Association the office of Director passed to Soror Azenath XXIII*, and a new
can be found at http://www.qusoor.com/EOD/home.html and is phase in the evolution of the Order began.
of course a completely different organization with no connection
or relation to us, being purely a Lovecraftian literary organization With the publication of the booklet ‘An Introduction
bearing the same name. to the Esoteric Order of Dagon’, further details were released
pertaining to the Degree Structure of the Order, the procession
A journal, BATRACHIA is published and publications issued in the of the Directorship, and the nature of the Yaddith Lodge: the
past included The Pylon, Starry Wisdom, Fragments, and R’lyeh latter comprises those ex-Directors who had returned from their
Rising, Retirements to assume the XXXIII*. The Tradition behind the
EOD was also elaborated stylistically in terms of the regeneration
A related organization, an exoteric artistic and literary society, the of cultic-elements from ancient Sumerian and Babylonian
Miskatonick Society, issued the publication The Silver Key, and is religions, preserved historically though the rituals of Ancient
presently dormant. Egypt; the Indo-European witch-cult of the Middle Ages;
and, most recently, encoded within the fictional mythos of a Following the resignation of Frater Eibon, the Directorship
neurasthenic New England writer of pulp horror fiction. was transferred, by the three members of the ruling Yaddith Lodge,
to Frater Tutulu XXIII*. With this appointment a new chapter
Around this time Soror Azenath made contact with a young in the History of the Esoteric Order of Dagon opened, with a
Englishman, a graphic artist obsessed with the iconography of concerted commitment to the re-earthing of the current of magical
the Cthulhu Mythos, and also deeply immersed in the Typhonian creativity which had originally inspired Randolph Carter, two
Trilogies of Kenneth Grant. In due course, the Directorship passed decades ago.”
to Frater Nephren-Ka XXIII*, and the Grand R’lyeh Lodge
crossed the Atlantic to a new home in the United Kingdom. In Philosophy
a restructuring of the Order, eleven Lodges were inaugurated (from An Introduction, revised by Frater Nephren-Ka)(4)
in various countries (including Spain, Germany, and the USA),
corresponding to the Eleven Sephiroth of the qabalistic Tree “Though the initiates of the Esoteric Order of Dagon do not believe
of Life. An official journal of the Order was launched, entitled in the absolute existence of the deities which are portrayed in the
Fragments, in which the work of individual members was Cthulhu Mythos, they find the iconography of Lovecraft’s work
published. Some individual Lodgemasters also undertook the to be a useful paradigm for gaining access to deeper, non-rational
publication of Lodge magazines, such as The Pylon, issued by the areas of the subconscious. The oneiric origin of Lovecraft’s stories
Pylon of Yog-Sothoth Lodge. is of crucial importance here, in pointing the way of access to parts
of the human mind which are identified with alien and (literally)
After five years, Frater Nephren-Ka entered into his nameless horrors in his fiction.”
Retirement. Having been unable to make the transmission of the
XXIII* to a new Director, he took the decision to place the Order
into a Period of Silence, of indefinite duration. During this Period,
the exoteric affairs of the Order continued under the guise of a
purely academic organisation, The Miskatonick Society.

In 1997 an ex-Initiate of the Order, Frater Bokrug,

successfully petitioned the Yaddith Lodge for permission to open
a new Lodge of the Order, thus ending the Period of Silence. In
due course, Bokrug assumed the office of Director left vacant by
Nephren-Ka, taking the name of Frater Eibon XXIII* and re-
establishing the full Degree System and Lodge Structure of the
Order on the Outer. The Grand Lodge returned to mainland USA,
and the official journal of the Order re-emerged, this time entitled
Cthulhu Rising. A comprehensive and complete Bibliography of
Order publications was complied by Eibon, and a new influx of
members from diverse occult groups also entered the Order during
his term as Director.
 Oaths of Dagon and the Masonic system of three degrees, this
DEGREES system gives the Order a structure that is predicated on members
progressing to Adept, and thereafter, being full members, focusing
The Order has been restructured with the Honorary Degree (0*) on their own individual Work. Parallels with Masonic rituals
being retired. The degrees formerly for the office positions of relating to Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason
Lodge Master (XIII*) and Director (XXIII*) (this position of Head degrees are explained in confidential papers given upon reaching
of the Order is now entitled Grand Master) have also both been that particular degree, explaining the deeper symbolism and reason
retired, and these positions are henceforth entirely administrative for why the Order assumed a Masonic guise.
offices and no longer degrees. These offices can only be held by an
Adept. Each degree has its own icon, motto, assigned Task, oath, and
objective. Fuller details are provided to members of each degree in
The system consists now of only three degrees, Neophyte (I*), the form of papers, (marked “Confidential, Not for Distribution”),
Initiate (II*) and Adept III*). These are all self-initiating grades concerning the particular mythology, gnosis and mysteries of
that degree. Each booklet also contains a formal signed and dated
New members are entitled to hold the degree of Neophyte within acknowledgement from the Grand Master confirming the degree.
the revised structure of the Order. Initiates are expected to be
deeply involved in creating their Magnus Opus. The Adept degree An effort is needed for each degree.
alone indicates proven worth and is entitled to all the rights and . . .
benefits of full membership. A new Order name may be taken These three stages within the E. .O. .D. . require loyalty,
with each new degree, (or Lodge Master office) however, to avoid commitment, and ability. An Order is pointless if there are no
confusion, only one name is used at a time within the Order. expectations from new members.
Members not directly associated with a Lodge are attached to the
Grand R’lyeh Lodge In all cases; the Grand Master, who may also
remove any member from the rolls for any reason, must approve a
potential member.

A previous Deputy of Dagon administrative position has also been

retired.

There was also the Ordeal of the Abyss, an experience ( previously

noted by the degree notation XI *, Adepti Abussus) however this
is not a pleasant experience, is not recommended and no longer is
associated with a degree.

This revised system is simple, designed to facilitate progress by

individuals, an also to limit emphasis on degree status. There
are no degrees above Adept. By corresponding to both the Three
 HIGH PRIEST/ HIGH PRIESTESS
All Adepts are qualified to act as High Priest/High Priestess of LODGE CHARTER
Dagon. (Initiates may assist as Acolyte). The Grand Master identifies Lodge Masters and authorizes them to
. . open a Lodge by issuing a signed and dated Charter.
This H. .P. . role does not require a different name within the Order.
This signed and dated document authorizes an Adept as Lodge
(The details of this additional newly created role available for Master, to Open and Conduct a Lodge, with a particular mythos
participation only by Adepts, the High Priest/ High Priestess of theme as its guide.
Dagon function, and the assistant position of Acolyte, are explained
. .
only in the confidential papers made available to Adepts.) This Charter may be revoked at will by the G. . M. .

LODGES AND LODGE MASTERS

Only a member holding the Adept degree may petition the Grand PUBLICATIONS
Master to open a Lodge, which is not geographical in nature, but The Order’s Journal, BATRACHIA, is issued on the dates of the
rather embodies a power zone of a Lovecraftian theme or motif. Order’s two yearly Festivals, April 30th and October 31st. This is
Lodge Masters are responsible for maintaining a viable motif for published and distributed by the Grand Master at no charge to all
the Lodge, the primary theme that it is focused on, its signature members.
image or concept often utilizing a Lovecraftian story or mythos
as a basis, but not limited to this, and manifesting it in a tangible Lodge Masters also produce their own Lodge publications and
form. broadsheets, with the courtesy to send any material to be circulated
under the Lodge imprint to the Grand Master for formal official
The Lodge Master’s chosen name ideally reflects something about approval before publication.
the chosen Lodge theme, and Lodge Masters are encouraged to
create a letterhead logo based on their theme. DIRECTORY
. . A Directory is issued by the R’lyeh Grand Lodge containing the
The L. .M. . issues publications showcasing the activities of their confidential listing of all members, including their order name,
members, including newsletters, chapbooks, circulating photos of degree, mundane name, address and email address if available. The
artwork, recordings of music and DVDs of video productions by Directory also includes member’s self-descriptions and interests.
members of the Lodge. These publications are made available to all
interested members at no charge.
THE OFFICIAL THREE OATHS OF DAGON
Applications of candidates they sponsor as prospective new All members of the Esoteric Order Of Dagon are required to swear
members are forwarded to the Grand Master for consideration. at least the First Oath of Dagon. Failure to obey a sworn Oath
Details of the role of Lodge Master and function of the Lodge are results in expulsion from the Order.
found in the Lodge Master’s Handbook which is made available
to Lodge Masters and contains details of the objectives and
undertakings of the office.
THE FIRST OATH (Neophyte Degree) researchers and this organization is not for pseudo-occultists and
“Iä! Dagon! those with a trivial interest. Active participation is essential,
I do solemnly swear that I will neither interfere with, nor inform
upon, the activities of the Order, or reveal any of their writings and The advantage that a knowledgeable and sophisticated
communications to non-members. I acknowledge that I have been membership offers is the sharing of personal experience and the
given one year from the date of my admission to the Order to prove collaboration on significant projects. The required commitment
myself worthy of the trust given to me, or be cast out forever. to the Order includes developing relationships, both by regular
Iä! Dagon!” correspondence and by meeting in person whenever possible,
All private and privileged communications are kept confidential,
SPOKEN AFTER ALL THREE OATHS including publications and papers circulated within the
“I understand and accept that by breaking this Oath in any way organization. Distribution of materials is limited to members, and
I am subject to expulsion from the Order, and will be thereafter confidentiality expected be respected concerning secret papers
shunned from any further contact with any members of the Temple designated as being for “members only” and with all private
of Dagon.” correspondence.)

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS Requirements and Procedure

There is an established Internet group for members only to The Grand Master of the Order considers all membership
facilitate quick communication within the Order. The goal is to requests by candidates for approval. Sponsorship (with a letter of
establish a vital and active organization that is stimulating and recommendation) by another member, especially a Lodge Master,
useful to all members, an active worldwide network of creatively is helpful but not essential.
interesting and seriously esoterically inclined members.
Applications require some evidence of some proven success (in the
Confirmed members are given an invitation allowing admission effort of “opening the eye of Cthulhu”) in the form of an example
into the official website where they can read and address posts, add or sample of a mythos-inspired art work, writing, journal, ritual,
and obtain papers, images, letters, files and photos. musical composition, or dream account showing a connection to or
inspiration by the “23 Current”, the magickal force that informs the
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Lovecraftian Magickal Tradition. (The Grand Master may waive
A certain level of serious detailed knowledge of Lovecraft’s this requirement if the applicant has already demonstrated their
writings and personal life story, and various magickal traditions proficiency.)
(including Thelema, Austin Osman Spare, Kenneth Grant, Achad,
etc) is expected. Realistic and rational consideration of the various Information required by candidates to provide includes:
claimed “Necronomicons” and informed skeptical attitudes Mundane name and age
towards urban legends about HPL’s life and sources of inspiration Contact information, address and email
are essential. A statement indicating they are of legal age, without a criminal
history, or psychologically unbalanced, and that they have a serious
Self-actualization and dedication to themes of genuine depth are and sincere interest for wanting to join, and a detailed description
prerequisites - interaction and networking is expected by serious of what motivates their interest in desiring to join the Order.
In addition, other personal information the candidate can offer:
Mundane livelihood or profession 1) See The Sirius Mystery by Robert K. G. Temple (The Sirius
Description of literary, musical, artistic and occult interests Mystery, St, Martin’s Press, 1975) and The Lost Star of Myth and Time by
Walter Cruttenden, (St. Lynn’s Press, 2005)
Personal history: education, travels, and accomplishments (2) Outside the Circles of Time, reprint forthcoming, Starfire
Membership in any magickal or esoteric organizations (past or (3) Preliminary Statement , 2001
present) (4) The Esoteric Order of Dagon – An Introduction
Revised by Frater Nephren-Ka XXIII*
Upon approval and written confirmation, new members must: The Miskatonick University Press, 1992 e.v.
Take the First Oath of Dagon.
Submit what magickal name they have chosen for Neophyte, which
should indicate some personal significance.
Offer a description of recent esoteric activities and interests.

A signed and dated confirmation of their membership in the Degree

of Neophyte (I*) is then issued by the Grand Master.

Financial Obligation:
There are no dues or financial obligations whatsoever associated
with membership,

Those who believe they have heard the call of Cthulhu are
encouraged to direct all membership applications and other
enquiries to:

. . .
E. .O. .D. .
PO Box 5301
Eugene, Oregon 97405 USA
[email protected]

Version 1.1
Copyright 2008 by
Paul Remi Prevost
All Rights Reserved
 Announcement of the re-emergence of
The Esoteric Order of Dagon

ISSUED BY THE YADDITH LODGE, XXXIII*

Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wagh’nagl fhtagn

Notification is hereby given of the Ending of the Period of Silence of the

Esoteric Order of Dagon, and the corresponding commencement of a
Period of Speech of Indefinite Duration.

On the date of the Vernal Equinox, March 20th, 2007 e.v., The Yaddith Lodge (comprising
Three Ex-Directors) officially confirmed the appointment of Frater Obed Marsh as the new
Grand Master (a position formerly know as Director, XXIII*), whose first official act will be to
reopen the R’lyeh Grand Lodge and contact those persons he chooses to invite into the revived
Esoteric Order of Dagon. The new Grand Master will also be authorized to inaugurate new
Lodges operated by appointed Lodge Masters.

The new Grand Master acknowledges and agrees to uphold the Structure of the Temple of
Dagon and the Traditions of the Esoteric Order of Dagon. Details of the Structure and
Traditions will be found in the first issue of the publication of the R’lyeh Grand Lodge, the
name of the publication to be determined by the new Grand Master.

Those individuals wishing to receive further information concerning membership in the

Esoteric Order of Dagon should address their inquires to:

G.’.M.’. Obed Marsh

PO Box 5301
Eugene,Oregon
97405 USA

Ia! Ia! Cthulhu fhtagn!

The Yaddith Lodge - Esoteric Order of Dagon

Frater Chandraputra Frater Yoh-Vombis Frater Tutulu