I'm pretty sure that contemporary neo-pagan title-mongering originates from
nineteenth century Freemasonry, which in the American system was (and is)
replete with Grand poo-bah's of this and that, equaled only in grandeur by
their female counterparts in the Order of the Eastern Star. Since the Golden
Dawn ritual comes straight out of Freemasonry, and many magical groups
descend from Golden Dawn, it seems reasonable to think that the fancy titles
followed the pedigree of the organizations and expanded accordingly.
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