The Priestess of Lucifer?: Maria de Naglowska and the Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow

Abstract

The Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow, founded by the occultist Maria de Naglowska in Paris in 1932, was one of the different magical orders of modern era currently investigated in contexts related to Satanism, although in a very small number of works and never too deeply. The brotherhood, which outstanded among others for its exclusively female priesthood and the great protagonism of sexual magic, was based on Naglowska`s particular and integrative theological vision, marked by a non-dualistic character, which included a trinity composed of God, Jesus and, finally, Satan. However, neither Satan nor Lucifer play the role of the central figure within this esoteric system, whose author does not seem to have influenced on the basis of the phenomenon known as «contemporary Satanism».

Having exposed this background, my communication will have a double objective: to show the theoretical foundations of the Brotherhood of the Golden Arrow, as well as some of the key rituals of this order for the purpose of, secondly, determine its nature and review, due to the reasons mentioned, the label of «Satanism» attributed to the group, trying to classify it. To do this, I will focus my analysis in the framework of Religious Studies, more specifically in that of the New Religious Movements and Western esotericism, addressing the texts of Maria de Naglowska used by the fraternity. Furthermore, I will draw on previous research to gather the historical data needed to introduce the order and its charismatic high priestess.