Is there a difference between the Ogdoadic Mysteries as practised by the Astrum Sophia and the workings of other groups such as the Golden Dawn or the Society of the Inner Light?
In simple terms, the Ogdoadic Mysteries are a particular expression of Hermeticism. Specifically, the word Ogdoad means the number 8 in Ancient Greek. All fully-functioning magical systems have key numerical correspondences that embody the power and emphasis of the particular system. For example, Ancient Greek magic largely focuses on the number 12, with the 12 Olympian Deities being the central pantheon. There is a lesser focus on the number 7, representing the 7 visible planets in the heavens (visible with the naked eye, that is). What is different about the Ogdoadic Tradition is that its numerical affiliation is outrightly declared in its very name, while other traditions may require careful study to determine their numerical foundation. So, we have determined that in the Ogdoadic Mysteries we place emphasis on the number 8. This of course begs the question as to what 8 must signify. It can encompass many things, but one of the strongest correspondences is to the concept of Regenera
