A few hours ago I suddenly received news Samuel Scarborough passed away... It left me shocked, then sad. I never thought I was going to write this article, at least not for a great many years.
I've had the pleasure of interacting with him over the past five years and even though we didn't talk often, when we did it went on and on. Even now I have no idea why someone like him ever accepted to engage into lengthy discussions with someone like myself. I told him upfront I'm someone who learned magix online, don't really care of lodge dogmas, and he figured out early on I can be a nutjob to say the least. To my surprise he didn't seem to mind my way of being.
He was there to answer my questions whenever I asked. He readily admitted he did not know all the (right) answers, but he did answer at length and in detail most of the time. From what I could tell he had Jupiter exalted in the ninth house and told him more than a few times he KNOWS A LOT. He always responded he doesn't know that much. But he knew way above average...
He may have been considered grumpy by some. That may be true. He did not come across as a poser, that's for sure. He was cut and dry so I'm sure many may have considered him a jerk. That may be true on a case by case basis, but to me he seemed like a genuine red blooded American I used to see in movies growing up. Those guys often came across as jerks as well, but they were the good guys regardless.
Mr. Scarborough was, to me, one such good guy. Not only did he go out of his way to explain the same things over and over again in public to anyone asking the same questions, but he also helped people in private to improve their magical work. His extensive occult knowledge and vast practical experience allowed him to provide much needed support to those in need, especially relating to traditional Golden Dawn material, in regards to both historical and practical data. He always provided solid answers in a straightforward way.
His article on the Tree of Life was one of the very first I've read after I began walking on the occult path. Not only did it open the door for me to further improve my practice, but it allowed me to improve the image of creation as a whole I was struggling to create for myself at the time. I quoted that article in at least one of my books and his article on vibratory formula in one of them. I also made references to him in several books without actually mentioning his name.
I could've asked permission to mention him by name, but I was aware he wasn't the type to prefer to stand out especially in the occult crowd. Instead, he kept doing his thing without bringing too much attention onto himself. He took part in writing in The Light Extended Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4, Volume 5 and the upcoming sixth volume that will be published in his memory (as I've just been told). Just now I've been told he contributed to Commentaries on the Golden Dawn Flying Rolls and The Philosopher's Stone, as well as at least one old Hermetic Tablet volume I have yet to get my hands on the link (and I'll add the link or links if they're still available). Moreover, he did a lengthy work editing The Complete Flying Rolls of the Golden Dawn. I remember him telling me he was unable to chat too much because he was working hard on the rolls yet he still kept up the conversation as usual offering information and help if needed. To my shame I read none of the above (except for his two JWTM articles I mentioned), but from what I've been told they contain valuable information many who want to follow traditional Golden Dawn methods would find useful. I believe he also contributed to more projects I'm not aware of yet.
His soul is now free from our mundane concerns. He will be missed greatly and I find his passing a great loss for the occult community at least, but I find solace in the fact he is very well where he is.
May your soul rejoice in the beyond!
