....
No, it was an occult group , I went to it and it was featured in a book on the occult as australias oldest running magical order
'' Ah, that clarifies it perfectly! You are likely thinking of the
Order of the Golden Phoenix (O.G.P.), also known by its Latin initials
O.P.A..
The group is famously documented in the seminal book
"
" (1980) by
, where it was indeed described as a significant and long-running magical order in the Sydney occult scene.
According to historical accounts:
- Founder: The order was led by Barry Salkilld (known within the group as Frater C.D.), who served as its Imperator.
- Focus: It was a ceremonial magic group that, at one point, broke with traditional attributions regarding elemental tools, preferring different elemental correspondences for the wand and dagger.
- Current Status: Most contemporary researchers and former members of the Sydney occult community describe the original Order of the Golden Phoenix as now-defunct. It was highly active through the 1970s and 80s, but it appears to have faded or transitioned into more private, unadvertised circles after the passing or retirement of its key founders.
While the "original" public-facing order is no longer active, its legacy remains a cornerstone of Australian occult history