Reddit mentions of Inside a Magical Lodge: Group Ritual in the Western Tradition

John Michael Greer has a neat little book that can walk you through the entire process...

http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Magical-Lodge-Western-Tradition/dp/156718314X

Also, study GD and Masonic ritual.

Manly Hall's lost keys of freemasonry has some interesting insight into the nature of initiation that extends beyon Masonry

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1585425109/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1452196442&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=manly+p+hall&dpPl=1&dpID=51LfyBpwM7L&ref=plSrch

Traditionally, to be initiated meant to join a group or secret society. It can also imply participation in a life-changing spiritual/religious ceremony or rite which links you to others who have had the same experience e.g. being initiated into the mysteries at Delphi/Eleusis/etc. Once you've joined a group, you can technically claim the title of an Initiate and begin your training. Initiation implies a Beginning. The term Initiation likely comes to us in the occult world through (translations of texts from) ancient mystery religions, Freemasonry, and especially from The Golden Dawn, a late 19th c. British Hermetic order whose members included Aleister Crowley and W.B. Yeats. Until very recently (by my reckoning - I'm probably much older than most of you), Hermetic orders and Golden Dawn style magick were the only legitimate entrance points into this world. You almost HAD to be initiated into a real group to receive good information, training, and mentorship. Note that initiation into some (usually Hermetic) groups also involves an attunement process whereby the officers of the lodge ritually invoke/implant various energies into the sphere of the recipient so as to open him up psychically and hasten development. THIS is what initiation means to most older practitioners that I've known and worked with. It works, but it's not always a pleasant experience. Being forced to immediately deal with years of one's internal issues over a period of a few weeks can create considerable instability.

If you're interested in learning more about this topic, I highly recommend studying the rituals and Initiation ceremonies of The Golden Dawn, along with their commentaries describing the energy work that temple officers have to perform which isn't always described so well in the ceremony transcripts. While many groups/societies merely run you through a bit of psycho-drama/theatre in the hope that you might be affected subconsciously thereby, there are some that actively perform energy work to open up chakras and implant various energies and connections so you can learn to make use of them in your study. You still have to do the work, but the work becomes slightly easier, or at least more guided.

Edit: See John Michael Greer's book Inside a Magical Lodge. It'll answer many of your questions about what Lodges/Orders do and how they typically do it.

The IRC channel is #emeraldcouncil. For a while people were usually there, usually some combination of me, AiryMana, ekkastone and anonymousknight. It's been quiet lately, but that's alright. I've been avoiding it because X-Chat told me that my free trial was up and I had to pay, and I decided, screw that, but I don't like the freeware replacement I got as much, it periodically kicks me out of the chat!

> I think there should be no rush into things. For me taking things slowly and making sure everything is in order before moving on the next stage is a good thing. I don't mind that there are few and far between updates or lessons, as long as the community commits to seeing it through while educating ourselves, that's what matters. I feel that you and others are building a frame for a house, and once the house is built, that's when the 'real' community flourishes. You're doing a great job so far.

Thank you, and I'm very glad to hear this! It's how I feel too, but I want everyone to be on the same page.

On the issue of expertise and moderating-- I don't think it's necessary... I'm going to do a post in this in a few days or maybe today. I think it would be helpful if we had a few people who are willing to take on specific responsibilities, like officers in a lodge. I've been reading JMG's book on the topic, and it's given me a few ideas... I'll post more about this at some point.