Madeline Montalban, a name that shimmers with intrigue in the annals of occult history. Born in either 1888 or 1890 (sources vary [Fosdick, 2013]), Montalban’s life remains shrouded in a veil of secrecy, fueled by her own enigmatic pronouncements and the sensationalized portrayals in the tabloids of the time. Separating fact from fiction is no easy feat, yet understanding her influence on occult thought in the 20th century necessitates wading through the murk.

Montalban’s early life is a labyrinth of unknowns. Claims of Egyptian descent and a childhood steeped in the lore of Atlantis pepper her biography ([Godwin, 2011]). There’s little evidence to substantiate these tales, but they paint a picture of a woman yearning for connection to a hidden past.

Her foray into the public eye began in the 1920s, a period ripe for exploration of the esoteric. Montalban established the “Chernese Order,” a mystical group shrouded in secrecy. Membership details are sketchy, but it’s believed to have attracted artists, writers, and those drawn to the fringes of society ([Hutton, 2013]). Montalban’s charisma and her pronouncements about lost civilizations and hidden knowledge fueled the group’s mystique.

Her writings, though sparse, were equally captivating. “The Book of the Dark Valley” (1925) offered a blend of mysticism, astrology, and veiled pronouncements about the coming age of Aquarius. While some saw her work as profound, critics dismissed it as melodramatic ramblings.

Montalban’s most enduring legacy might be the Glastonbury Abbey controversy. In the early 1930s, she sensationally claimed ownership of the ruins, alleging they were built upon a network of ley lines, conduits of earth energy. She even declared herself the reincarnation of a priestess from a lost civilization buried beneath the Abbey ([Hutton, 2013]). While her claims were demonstrably false, they ignited a media frenzy and cemented her image as a flamboyant eccentric.

However, dismissing Montalban solely as a publicity-seeker would be a mistake. She was a product of her time, a period where interest in alternative spiritualities was burgeoning. Her work resonated with those seeking answers beyond the confines of mainstream religion.

Montalban’s influence extended beyond her writings and pronouncements. She established the “College of Invisible Arts,” an institution offering correspondence courses in astrology, tarot, and other occult subjects. They provided a platform for those seeking alternative forms of knowledge.

Mitalban’s most significant and lasting contribution to the occult world arrived later in life. In 1952, she co-founded the Order of the Morning Star (OMS), alongside Nicholas Heron ([The Last Tuesday Society, 2023]). This marked a shift in her focus, moving away from theatrics and towards a more structured approach to magic.

The OMS differed from traditional occult groups in its central tenet: Luciferianism. Montalban and Heron reinterpreted Lucifer, not as the fallen angel of Christian lore, but as a bringer of light and knowledge, akin to the Hebrew figure Lumiel. Their Luciferianism advocated for personal empowerment, intellectual exploration, and individual liberation – a philosophy that resonated with some seeking alternatives to established religions.

The Order functioned primarily as a correspondence course, offering lessons on ceremonial magic, astrology, and Luciferian philosophy. Montalban’s writings on Luciferianism formed the core curriculum, challenging traditional views of good and evil. While the size and structure of the OMS remain somewhat opaque, it has endured to this day, with an online presence and occasional public events ([The Last Tuesday Society, 2023]).

Montalban’s legacy with the OMS is complex. Critics denounce it as a veiled form of Satanism, while adherents celebrate it as a path to self-discovery and intellectual freedom. Regardless of perspective, the Order continues to draw those seeking an alternative spiritual path, ensuring that Madeline Montalban’s influence on occult thought continues into the 21st century.

The Order of The Morning Star is active today and is run by Alfred Douglas who is legally licensed to administer the Orders teachings under contract with Madeline Montalbans daughter who is the copyright holder since 1982. Tey can be contacted through their website www.sheridandouglas.co.uk/OMS.htm

Source:

• • The Last Tuesday Society. (2023, April 19). Madeline Montalban: Magus of the Morning Star. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-76889-8_10

Madeline Montalban’s life and legacy remain a curious mix of fact and fiction. One thing is certain: she was a captivating figure who left