This was a knightly organisation with possible magical overtones which continues to operate as a private Order.
In certain esoteric circles, Neville Gauntlet Tudor Meakin (1876-1912) has been attributed with the claim of being the Grand Master and fortieth in descent from King Arthur (which allows for a break of 300 years before the 19th century), as referenced in Nick Farrell’s Beyond the Sun and Lil L.C. Osborn’s academic paper on the Western Esoteric Tradition.
Meakin’s claim to the hereditary Grand Mastership of the Order of the Table Round, coupled with his association with the Stella Matutina Order, paints a picture of a man steeped in the mysteries of both East and West.
Descendant to King Arthur, Meakin’s claimed birthright weaves through the Arthurian legends, connecting him to a lineage rich in myth and magic. His attempts to initiate fellow Baha’is into the Order of the Table Round before his untimely passing hint at a desire to intertwine the teachings of Baha’u’llah with the ancient chivalric ideals of Arthurian legend.
Within this context, figures like Robert Felkin and Wellesley Tudor Pole also emerge, each adding their own thread to the tapestry of esotericism. Felkin’s exploration of the Celtic Mystery Tradition, intertwined with his involvement in the Golden Dawn, echoes the quest for spiritual enlightenment amidst the symbols of the past. Meanwhile, Pole’s discovery of the Glastonbury Cup and his subsequent encounter with the Baha’i Faith mark a pivotal moment where ancient legend meets modern revelation. Pole’s belief in the imminent dawn of a new spiritual epoch, mirrored in his encounter with the Baha’i teachings, underscores the theme of spiritual renewal and universal unity.
Through the lens of individuals like Meakin, Felkin, and Pole, we glimpse a convergence of mystical traditions, where East meets the West, and ancient wisdom finds new expression in the modern world. In this convergence, the Baha’i Faith emerges not as a separate entity, but as a thread woven into the fabric of esoteric exploration, offering a path towards unity and enlightenment.
Baha’i Faith
The Baha’i Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Baha’u’llah in 19th-century Persia (modern-day Iran). It emphasizes the oneness of God, the unity of humanity, and the essential harmony of all religions. Baha’is believe in the spiritual unity of mankind and the importance of social justice, peace and unity.
Celtic Mystery Tradition
The Celtic Mystery Tradition refers to the spiritual and mystical beliefs and practices of the ancient Celts, particularly those of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany. It encompasses a wide range of mystical and religious elements, often centered around nature, mythology, and druidic teachings.
Golden Dawn
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was a 19th-century British secret society devoted to the study and practice of the occult, mysticism, and ceremonial magic. It had a significant influence on the development of Western esotericism.
Stella Matutina
The Stella Matutina, Latin for “Morning Star,” was an esoteric magical order that emerged as a splinter group from the ashes of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The Stella Matutina continued the esoteric teachings and rituals of the Golden Dawn but with some modifications and expansions. It emphasized practical magical work, inner alchemy, and spiritual development through a structured system of initations and study. Its last temple closed in the 1960’s.
Source
Beyond the Sun: The History, Teachings and Rituals of the Last Golden Dawn Temple | Nick Farrell, 2017
The Baha’i Faith and the Western Esoteric Tradition | Lil L.C. Osborn