You've always had It
Happy New Year to you all! In my blog last week, I talked about the collective New Year resolutions and how much we focus on things outside ourselves that make us feel better. Likewise, I also reminded us that we do have all the power already. Further, there is no need to seek the help of others. However, having support through our journey here on Earth is always wonderful if you desire it.
The idea of alliance and support by like-minded people got me thinking. How do we find healthy and connected groups to join with? Moreover, what groups already exist for this purpose? I shared such a group last week. My wife started a group about seven years ago. It is called mystateofbeing, and it focuses on people who desire to expand their consciousness. Subsequently, if you understand that 99.9% of your physical reality is energy, STATE promotes the idea that there is much more to consider. First, Lisa reminds you that you are the creator of your reality. And second, you are much more powerful than you have been led to believe. If you're curious, check it out.
Group On!
I love being a part of this group of wonderful people. Most importantly, it reaffirms my connection to my power. And that understanding leads me to today's focus. Remember when I shared the story of one of the world's oldest and wealthiest families, the Habsburgs? Guess what? They started a group, too.
Habsburg Crest
It is called the Order of the Golden Fleece. It is a group of noble lineage (royals only) and remains a significant factor for membership. Above all, the group has two distinct branches: the Spanish Branch, headed by King Felipe VI of Spain, and the Austrian Branch, led by Karl von Habsburg, head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine.
Duke of Oil - paintings
Materializing from the grand court of Burgundy in 1430, the Order of the Golden Fleece stands as a testament to the fusion of medieval chivalric ideals and political ambition. Founded by Duke Philip the Good to commemorate his
marriage to Isabella of Portugal, the Order was more than a glittering display of wealth and prestige; it aimed to embody the highest virtues of a Christian knight and solidify Burgundian power on the European stage.
My Brother's Necklace
To clarify, Duke Philip the Good's motivations for creating the Order were multifaceted, weaving together threads of political ambition, chivalric ideals, and personal glory. As a result, the Order served as a potent tool for Philip to cement alliances with powerful nobles across Europe. Membership was an exclusive and coveted honor bestowed upon loyal servants and critical allies. Consequently, this fostered a sense of unity and allegiance to the Duke, solidifying his political influence.
While the outward celebration of his union with Isabella provided the occasion, the Order's deeper purpose lay in establishing a prestigious brotherhood of elite nobles bound by chivalric principles and loyalty to the Duke. Its inspiration is drawn from other European chivalric orders, such as England's Order of the Garter, but the Golden Fleece aimed to carve a unique identity.
The insignia, a gold ram's fleece suspended from a golden chain, resonated with symbolism. The fleece referred to the mythical quest of Jason and the Argonauts, representing courage, perseverance, and the ultimate attainment of a precious prize. In Christian circles, the fleece could also symbolize Jesus Christ's sacrificial lamb, while the chain served as a reminder of unity and brotherhood.
Work Smart, not Hard
In addition, the badge of the order is suspended from a jeweled collar of fire steels in the shape of the letter B, for Burgundy, linked by flints, with the motto Pretium Laborum Non-Vile ('No Mean Reward for Labours' {hard work and dedication should bring about a meaningful and worthwhile compensation}) engraved on the front of the central link, and Philip's motto Non-Aliud ('I will have no other') on the back (non-royal knights of the Golden Fleece were forbidden to belong to any other order of knighthood).
The initial chapter in Lille saw the induction of 24 knights, carefully chosen for their noble lineage, chivalric deeds, and loyalty to Burgundy. Their inaugural oath laid out their obligations: to defend the Catholic faith, fight injustice, and uphold the ideals of chivalry. As a result, their daily lives of righteousness, honor, and loyalty principles are their guides.
Beyond the ceremonial, the Order served as a political tool. Membership became a coveted reward bestowed upon loyal servants and powerful allies. It solidified alliances, fostered loyalty, and bolstered Burgundian prestige across Europe. The elaborate ceremonies, lavish festivities, and strict code of conduct further amplified the Order's aura of exclusivity and influence.
All in the Family
Yet, the Order wasn't solely a ceremonial body. Membership includes participating in military campaigns, defending the Church, and engaging in charitable acts. The Order even developed a diplomatic function, with members acting as envoys and negotiators for the Duke.
However, the Burgundian dream did not last forever. With the death of Charles the Bold in 1477, Burgundian territories were divided, and the Order was split between Habsburg Austria and the Spanish monarchy. Subsequently, this led to the creation of two branches, each claiming the heritage of the Golden Fleece.
As of today, January 2, 2024, the Order of the Golden Fleece has two branches, each with its own Grand Master. First, the Spanish Branch has the Grand Master, King Felipe VI of Spain. He inherited the position as a direct descendant of the founders of the Spanish Branch.
Furthermore, Felipe VI is related to the Habsburgs through his grandmother, Queen Sofía of Spain. Sofía is the daughter of King Paul I of Greece and Queen Friederike of Hanover. Friederike is the granddaughter of Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany and a member of the House of Hohenzollern. The Hohenzollerns were closely related to the Habsburgs through marriage.
A few More
Who runs the second Austria Branch? You guessed it, Grand Master Karl von Habsburg, Head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine. He inherited the position as a descendant of the founders of the Austrian Branch.
As a result, the Order continued to evolve over the centuries, adapting to changing political landscapes and religious currents. While the chivalric spirit gradually waned, the Order embraced new members from diverse backgrounds, including royalty, politicians, and even military heroes like the Duke of Wellington.
Georgia Kazantzidu Karl von Habsburg
Who's who?
Who are the current members? Here is a subset of the membership:
Spanish Branch:
- King Felipe VI of Spain: The Grand Master of the Spanish Branch.
- Queen Sofía of Spain: A Spanish queen and consort, Sofía brings a touch of Greek and Danish royal blood to the Order.
- Queen Margrethe II of Denmark: A reigning monarch passionate about archaeology and the arts, Margrethe II adds a touch of Scandinavian royalty to the fold.
- King Harald V of Norway: A sailor-king and champion of environmental causes, Harald V brings a touch of Nordic stoicism to the Order.
- Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg: The head of state of Luxembourg, Henri adds a touch of Benelux nobility to the Order's ranks.
- Emperor Akihito of Japan (emeritus): A former emperor deeply invested in peace and cultural exchange, Akihito represents the first Asian member of the Order.
- Former Tsar Simeon of Bulgaria: A former head of state and advocate for cultural preservation, Simeon brings a touch of Balkan royalty to the Order.
- Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands (emerita): A former queen with a passion for archaeology and history, Beatrix adds a touch of Dutch nobility to the Order.
- Infante Felipe of Spain: The heir to the Spanish throne, Felipe represents the next generation of the Order's lineage.
- Infanta Leonor of Spain: The future queen of Spain, Leonor is the youngest member of the Order, a testament to its evolving inclusivity.
Same as the First
Austrian Branch:
- Karl von Habsburg, Head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine: The Grand Master of the Austrian Branch, carries the weight of centuries of Habsburg's legacy.
- Christoph Schönborn is the Grand Chaplain and son of Hugo-Damian Schönborn and Eleonore Schönborn, descendants of Lords of Schönborn (1385–1663)—rulers over territories in present-day Germany and Austria.
- Archduke Georg of Austria: A grandson of the last Austrian emperor, Georg represents the younger generation of the Habsburg family.
- Archduke Carl Christian of Austria: A nephew of the last Austrian emperor, Carl Christian adds another branch of the Habsburg family to the Order.
- Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein: The head of state of Liechtenstein, Hans-Adam II, brings a touch of Central European royalty to the Order.
- Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza: A pretender to the Portuguese throne, Duarte Pio adds a touch of Iberian nobility to the Order.
Read all About It!
For over 495 years, a cluster of royals has held an exclusive group of decision-makers together. Therefore, the seat of power has remained unchanged for centuries. "Follow the money" is a catchphrase popularized by the 1976 film All the President's Men, which suggests political corruption can be brought to light by examining money transfers between parties. I offer the opportunity to follow the lineage, giving you the full scope of how individuals hold rank and title.
In summation, the Order of the Golden Fleece offers a captivating glimpse into the intersection of medieval ideals and political ambition. From its opulent beginnings to modern adaptations, the Order's story speaks of power, prestige, and the enduring allure of wealth and privilege. Meanwhile, these individuals are no different than you; they just realized their power earlier. Welcome to 2024!
