We present the following Lover-grade essays under the headings of “Practicus, “Philosophus,” “Adeptus Minor,” “Adeptus Major, and “Exempt Adept.” Yet we don’t recognize those grades within our A.’.A.’. Why not?

“The fact is, according to Liber AL vel Legis [I:40], being a Thelemite encompasses only ‘three grades’ and not the ten upon which many fraternities are based.” –J. Edward Cornelius, “An Open Epistle on Changes Within Our A.’.A.’.“

The task of a Lover is to acheive the Guidance of the Holy Guardian Angel in Tiphareth. Aleister Crowley used to talk about achiving the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel in Tiphareth. The problem with that language is that the Angel resides in Chokmah Above the Abyss and cannot descend without ceasing to be what It is.

So why “Practicus,” Philosophus,” and so on? Well, to the extent that the Lover grade correlates to the Tree of Life, it does so in the sphere of Hod-8, Netzach-7, Tiphareth-6, Geburah-5, and Chesed-4. 

In particular, the essays on Practicus relate to focusing into Hod, those Philosophus on focusing into Netzach, and those on Adeptus Minor on focusing into Tiphareth.