Prior to the founding of the Mardukite Chamberlains in 2008 and the Year-1 work of 2009, the organization was founded on a meta-volume of ‘arcane mysteries’ known as “Arcanum” (now available as the “Arcanum Epica” trilogy or in the anthology: A Complete Course Curriculum in Magick), now classified internally as Liber-A. Another pre-Mardukite volume used as the basis for the organization’s inception, Liber-D, also known as the Book of Elven-Faerie, incorporated some of the same themes, leading the original members of the organization in the same direction — toward Mesopotamia. Of course, the archives and annals of the Mardukite Research Organization are far from restrictive of just one facet of history, as the following excerpt from Arcanum Epica I, should relay.

“Over the years, the “Arthurian Tradition” has come to encompass a wide sweeping array of thought from a philosophical and spiritual school of metaphysics originating in Wales/Britain, in which practitioners apply the saga of King Arthur and the plethora of related archetypal symbolism within this myth to daily magickal living. Though often incorporated into neodruidism, this is not exclusively so. The pre-wiccan modern guru of witchcraft, Dion Fortune, Ceremonialist Gareth Knight and various other members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (GD) and the Stella Matutina (SM) became enthralled by the potential of the Arthurian Tradition and the Merlyn-current in the early 1900s. This appears to have primarily remained confined to British practices until the American release of Gareth Knight’s “Secret Tradition in Arthurian Legend” (1983) shortly following the appearance of the motion picture phenomenon, “Excalibur” (1982). R.J. Stewart continued the formal analysis of the Merlyn-current in the mid-1980s.“

“The quest to uncover the historical Arthur has been a challenge since the beginning. At present, the debate is not so much a matter of whether or not a historical “dux bellorum” (not “king,” but “war leader”) existed, but as to the specifics of the entity we commonly refer to. The same exists for the Merlyn character, a word that may have correlated to a designation or title used several times in history, rather than as a proper name.“ (from Arcanum Epica I)

“Some factions of neodruidism teach that the mythic cycle of Arthur originates with the ancient Tuatha d’Anu race of Elves and faerie folk. This was then symbolically applied to the deeds of a 5th-6th Century character that was associated with the legacy of the Dragon Kings. He helped to restore or unite Britain after the fall of Rome and the departure of Roman soldiers. At that time, the Druid age had ended (due to that same Roman influence) and the land was left seemingly unprotected. Arthur then rallied an army represented by all of the realms unified under his “pendragon” banner in order to defend the integrity of Britain against the Saxons and temporarily returned the power of the Druids.“

“The name Arturos Pendragon, as he is generally known, identifies him with two significant symbols: the bear (“art”) and the dragon. Curiously, both these beasts correlate to very specific northern star constellations, perhaps the most significant ones found in ancient wizardry. Draco once ruled as the northern polar constellation until a shift in the alignment of the Earth Planet forced Ursa Major (the “Great Bear”) to become the revolving constellation. Other lore alludes to a connection to the polar forces of the dragon and the unicorn.“

“The quest for the “Holy Grail” (chalice) is not the only symbol that links the Arthurian Tradition to Gnostic-Christianity. The twelve Knights of the Round Table resemble the Twelve Disciples of Jesus Christ (and also the zodiac). In fact, some unusual correlations appear in the legendary existences of Jesus, Arthur and Merlyn. All three are legendarily “fathered” by metaphysics. All three are prophetic figures that remain “hidden” until puberty and whose public or apparent demise is always the result of some intimate prophetic betrayal. In the bedtime version of the tradition, the Holy Grail is the “Cup of Destiny,” used at the Last Supper of the biblical life of Jesus. In the Edaphic Tradition the physical grail is the Cauldron of the Dagda, just as the “Spear of Destiny” correlates with the Spear of Lugh.“ (from A Complete Course Curriculum in Magick)

“The true relics and mysteries of the Gnostics later became the symbolic focus for the medieval secret societies, including the items mentioned above and the “Shroud of Turin.” Practitioners of the Arthurian Tradition typically survey Dragon Magick, Elven Magick and Druidism. Douglas Monroe, the controversial neo-Pheryllt reconstructionist, used the Arthurian cycle as a methodology and framework to relay his own metaphysical system. [Famed mystic Deepak Chopra did something similar in “The Way of the Wizard” (1995).] Ironically, the Charm of Making he is believed to alone have adopted from “Excalibur” for “The 21 Lessons of Merlyn” (1992) was recorded in 1986 by Geoff Hughes, another reconstructionist, as the means of calling forth the Dragon-Merlyn current or ray. [And again by author Rhiannon Ryall] This is documented in “Ancient Magicks for a New Age” (1989).“

“The locations found in Arthurian lore correspond to actual locations in Britain. The alleged birth at Tintagel can be found in the dramatic ruins of a stronghold in Cornwall. The famous Avalon once rested at the top of Glastonbury Tor, where now stands the oldest Christian church, founded by Joseph of Arimathea. The mound was once surrounded by water, making it an “island,” and hence the “Isle of Avalon.” Finally, the name “Camelot” is a direct reference to the River Cam. The modern location that was once Camelot is called Cadbury, positioned near the River Cam at approximately equal distances from both Avalon and Stonehenge.“