Two Tracks of Study in the Academy and How to Join
The Church of Light was incorporated to teach, practice and disseminate The Religion of the Stars as set forth in the 21 courses of lessons covering each of the 3 branches of occult science as written by C. C. Zain under the auspices of The Brotherhood of Light.
Neophytes are students of the AHA who are also members of The Church of Light. They will participate fully in the Initiatic tradition of attaining degrees and grades of membership along with earning their Not Sold Award Manuscripts for passing courses. For Neophytes, light.org is the nexus point where membership is established, student activity is processed and student records are maintained.
Aspirants are students of the AHA who have chosen not to participate in the Initiatic tradition of The Church of Light.
Anyone is welcome to visit and register on the light.org website. It is home to many valuable resources for members and students. Please take time to check it out.
Below, read through the benefits of each track and choose the one that is right for you.
Aspirant Path
Membership in The Church of Light is not required for this path because you will not be receiving initiation material and private award manuscripts or enjoying any of the other benefits of being a member.
Benefits:
- Access to the most comprehensive present-day application of Hermetic philosophy from an organization whose mission is to teach you how to live more happily, successfully and spiritually in your daily life.
- Quizzes are offered at the end of each chapter.
- Final Exams for each course mark your progress. Final exam records are kept for a limited time but, beyond storing the results, we do not track your progress.
- You’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement for each course you complete.
- If you would like to receive our Quarterly publication (articles related to the material you will be studying) and notifications regarding other activities that might interest you, feel free to register at light.org. This does not require you to become a member.
How to get started: Simply go to the “Study” page from the main menu, read the required Introduction to the Academy of Hermetic Arts course, and purchase your first course!
Neophyte Path
Remember, then, child of earth,
that the mind is enlightened in seeking God with the eyes of the will.
God has said, “Let there be Light,” and light inundated space.
Humans should say,
“Let truth show itself and good come to me.”
And if they possess a healthy will, they will see the truth shine,
and guided by it will attain all to which they aspire.
Membership benefits:
- Outline of Initiation – Part 1.
- Certificate showing your new Grade and Degree of Membership for each course passed.
- Private Award Manuscript for each course passed. Award manuscripts are earned, not sold, and provide additional material on the occult mysteries and guidance in developing your inner spiritual and psychic nature.
- Eligibility to participate in Initiation Ceremonies at CofL Biannual Conferences.
- Opportunities to advance in the organizational structure.
- Opportunities to teach, minister and mentor.
- Email subscription to the Quarterly, our member publication.
- Free domestic shipping on all orders.
Once you have passed all twenty-one courses, you will receive:
- Hermetician Degree and certificate.
- Outline of Initiation – Part 2.
- Invitation to join the Order of the Sphinx, which offers additional opportunities to participate in advanced studies, research, and personal development.
- Opportunity to teach, minister and and mentor other students.
- Further opportunity to advance within the organization.
Because you will be receiving initiation material and private award manuscripts, membership in The Church of Light—the keeper of The Brotherhood of Light Lessons—is required. Membership is something to consider seriously because it requires pledging mental, spiritual, and financial support for the organization and for the authentic teachings handed down to us through the Brotherhood of Light and safeguarded by the Church of Light. You will be asked to make a New Member donation on the membership application.
How to get started:
- To become a member, click here to open a separate tab in your browser on the light.org website where you can complete and submit your application for membership. Or, if you prefer, go directly to the light.org website, click on “Membership” and then select “Membership Application.” After completing your application, be sure to switch back to this tab and go to Step (2).
- If you are already a CofL member, or have applied for membership, simply go to the “Study” page from the main menu, read the required Introduction to the Academy of Hermetic Arts course, and purchase your first course.
Note: Processing the application for membership can take several days. You will be notified by email of acceptance. Afterwards a New Member Package will be sent to you through the mail. While you are waiting for acceptance into the organization, you may begin your studies by purchasing your course(s) of interest.
It is strongly suggested that the Neophyte take the first three courses in order because they offer a good foundation for the rest of the material. After the first three, the courses can be taken in any order.
Students may submit and pass exams at a rate of one per lunar cycle. If exams are submitted at a faster rate, the Award Manuscript will be held by the Membership Minister until the next lunar cycle is reached. This assimilation period allows the unconscious mind to process the new material, including the award manuscript that you will receive after completing each course. Requests for exceptions can be submitted to churchoflight@light.org and will be forwarded to the Membership Minister for a decision.