Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Esoteric Order of Dagon (E.O.D)?

The Esoteric Order of Dagon is a collective of practicing magicians and artists who work within the context framed by the works of Lovecraft toward practical and Initiatory ends. The specifics of practice will depend upon the individual and members are encouraged to share with and involve other members of the Order.

We are not a "club" or simply another mythos-related e-list. We are not interested in members who have no desire to actively practice magic or self development.

Are you the real E.O.D?

Well keep in mind that the "Esoteric Order of Dagon" is a name from HPL's story "The Shadow Over Innsmouth" written in 1936. Many groups have since adopted the name. Therefore there are several groups and pseudo-groups which claim the name. Some of these are writer guilds and others are serious magical orders. We're not in the business of debunking the legitimacy of the other E.O.Ds since we know ultimately the legitimacy of a magical order rests not in re-visioning history and other great claims, but in the work of its Initiates. If such groups can "walk the walk" and “dream the dream” then more power to them with whatever name they wish to call themselves by. We suggest you check them all out and keep an open mind. We don't assume we will fit the needs of everyone and perhaps some of the other orders approach things in ways more suitable for you, or at least will provide a source of entertainment. We are what we are. You will either "get it" or not. We leave that up to you to decide.

Is the E.O.D a secret organization?

All magicians know the power of secrecy so it is not surprising we do not necessarily release all our material to the public. We're not fixated on it but we do expect Order members to respect our materials and limit distribution.

What is required for membership?

Members require an open mind, an interest in Yog Sothothery, or the magical universe mapped out by H.P.Lovecraft, and a desire to actually DO things.

How do I join?

The E.O.D does not actively seek membership. Members are expected to seek us out, ask questions and ultimately decide whether or not to request membership. If you know an active member in the E.O.D please have that person sponsor you with a letter of introduction to the Grand Master or a local M.T.D., or other reprehensive of the Order to which that person will be sending his or her request for membership. Regardless of sponsorship, all those who are seeking membership should send their request to their nearest Master of the Temple of Dagon or the Grand Master himself. Click here for more details on how to apply for membership.

Do I have to pay for membership?

We do not require dues from our members. However, a local Esoteric Order of Dagon Hall may request that its members split expenses for supplies and space rentals. Because of the lack of dues we reserve the right to be more demanding of who we except as a member. We are not just a discussion group. Talk is cheap. You will pay your dues to the Order by sharing your work and experiences with others. So while we do not charge a monetary fee we are certainly not "free". One of the major currencies amoungst the Nation of the Dagonists is the sharing of dreams from the Other Dreamlands.

Do I need sponsorship to join?

No, but it helps speed the process.

Do I need to be a writer?

No. You are probably thinking of the amateur press association which also goes by the name of the Esoteric Order of Dagon. They can be found at http://www.qusoor.com/EOD. Don't be surprised, however, if membership between the groups overlaps.

Do I need to be an artist?

We are all artists, including you. Those who work within the context of the world and creatures unearthed by Lovecraft invariably find that art in one form or another is often the best way to express the forces with which we work. Chances are if you feel a calling to us you have already awakened some sense of artistic expression within, hence why we encourage those seeking membership to share examples of that expression with us even if it may not seem entirely mythos-related. The act of creation itself is a magical act and so artists with no background in Magic (per se) can also find their place here.

Do I need to have a magical background to join?

No. It helps to have some working experience in Magic and of course familiarity and fascination in the mythos or it would make no sense to join. We do not "teach" Magic, we are magic. As such we are not a teaching collective but both one of action and being IT. By participating one learns from experience so those new to Magic/Yog Sothothery can find us a great resource, but we would not suggest joining just to "learn Magic".

Can I be affiliated with other magical/esoteric organizations and orders?

We do not care what affiliations you hold with other groups provided you keep material which is designated as "members only" within the E.O.D. Many of our members belong to other esoteric groups.

What do I get as a member?

Your membership provides you recognition in the E.O.D as a member and full access to the Order's resources. Whether you choose to do anything with it is up to you.

What is a M.H.S.M.?

The Grand Master or a Master of the Temple are to accept all who sincerely seek entry into the Order, granting them the M.H.S.M. Most Honorable Sovereign Members may become active members or Dagonists upon request provided they intend to actively participate within the Order. After request is made and accepted there should be an Oath of Dagon proclaimed before they are fully installed in their office. Dagonists have full access to the Order's resources and are responsible for their own Initiation which maybe a waking magical rite or a Dream Quest penetrating the realms of the Other Dreamlands and Outer Abysses.

Does the E.O.D have a degree system?

No, and it is a bit different from how offices are perceived in other magical organizations and are not treated as rank. More information on the offices or Abodes of Dagon of the E.O.D can be found here.

How do I advance in the Offices of the E.O.D?

The EOD is a Dream and Magic Technocracy, while the E.O.D does has offices it has little if anything to do with how one is perceived or what one may do within the order. As such, advancement is left to the individual to work out with their local representative of the Order or the Grand Master. Those fixated on offices are missing the point of the Esoteric Order of Dagon and are best to look elsewhere. Our focus is on the Work, not the titles.

More information on the degree system of the E.O.D can be found here.

What do members of the E.O.D do?

Whatever they want. Some work alone, others work within the Local Halls of the EOD or self-established groups. Some remain silent and others openly share their work and experience. We encourage such sharing since you will get out of the Order as much as you put into it. Everyone has their own approach and objectives.

What of the Prophet Ech Pi El and Magical Dreaming?

(What of the) star-born Old Ones and their coming reign; their faithful cult and their mastery of dreams(Call of Cthulhu)?Dreams are the means by which the Old Ones speak to mortals. ”Those Old Ones were gone now, inside the earth and under the sea; but their dead bodies had told their secrets in dreams to the first men, who formed a cult which had never died(Call of Cthulhu).” It was via dreams that the Old Ones communicated with the Prophet Ech Pi EL. But by the mastery of dreams is how we unearth our true nature as the Old Ones. The works of Lovecraft are seeded with parts of the Greater Necronomicon. By using these sections with lucid dreaming techniques one gains direct access to the worlds that Lovecraft mapped out in his Weird Fiction. Gaining direct access to the Other Dreamlands means one is not dependent on others clouded visions, misinterpretations of Lovecraft, and The Dream Magician accesses their Eldritch Wisdom of their previous Great Old One incarnations.

What is Lovecraftian Serial Dreaming?

It forms a kind of psychopomp like the Whippoorwills are for Yog Sothoth, the dreams of the sleeping prophet come down to us through his writings and when we read them before bed we not only dream the same material over again but find new places and material and this is the true growth of our Order. The membership becomes the channels through which the current of Lovecraft’s Dreams flow into the present. This channeling isn’t like the dull state of a trance medium but usually a Lucid expedition into the Other Dreamlands.