Kenneth Grant English occultist, writer and poet Date of Birth: 23.05.1924 Country: Great Britain

1. Kenneth Grant: A Master of the Occult
2. Early Life and Influences
3. Crowley and the Ordo Templi Orientis
4. The Lodge of the New Isis
5. The Typhonian Order
6. Legacy and Influence

Kenneth Grant: A Master of the Occult

Kenneth Grant (1924-2011) was an influential English occultist, writer, and poet. His profound contributions to the occult world left an indelible mark on its history.

Early Life and Influences

Grant's journey into occultism commenced during World War II. He claimed to have received transmissions from an "extra-human entity" known as S'Iba. In 1944, at the age of 20, he sought guidance from the renowned occultist Aleister Crowley. Crowley's teachings, along with the writings of Austin Osman Spare, became pivotal influences in shaping Grant's occult path.

Crowley and the Ordo Templi Orientis

In 1944, Grant joined Crowley's order, the Argentum Astrum. Crowley recognized Grant's potential and referred to him as "the gift of the gods." Upon Crowley's death, Grant played a significant role in establishing the Ninth Degree of the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), as outlined by Crowley's successor, Karl Germer. In 1948, Grant gained permission to establish a lodge of the O.T.O. in England and authored its manifesto in 1952.

The Lodge of the New Isis

In 1954, Grant initiated the creation of the Lodge of the New Isis. This lodge was founded on the belief in the "Sirius/Set current," an extraterrestrial dimension connecting the star Sirius to Egyptian history and the god Set. Karl Germer's disapproval of this belief led to Grant's excommunication from the O.T.O. in 1955.

The Typhonian Order

Despite his excommunication, Grant asserted his position as "Outer Head" of the O.T.O., though no formal appointment was documented. He established a new organization, initially referred to as the Typhonian O.T.O. and later renamed the Typhonian Order. In 1962, the Lodge of the New Isis merged into Grant's new order.

Legacy and Influence

Kenneth Grant died on January 15, 2011, after a prolonged illness. His close friendship with Austin Osman Spare inspired the development of the "Zos Kia Cultus" philosophy. Grant actively promoted Spare's art and writings, cementing his influence in occult circles. Grant's own works, such as "The Nightside of Eden" and "Aleister Crowley and the Typhonian Tradition," continue to be revered by students of the occult.