In the Z-2 documents, there are clues to what grade a magician should be in working the Ceremonial Magic rituals corresponding to the Z2 docs.
So, for a Neophyte or Zelator, what Z2 operations can be done given the grade the candidate holds?
Firstly, as already stated in this thread, the purpose of the Z documents is to instruct the initiate in the inner workings of the Neophyte ritual, as per their grade and office, and how the whole formula of the work of the outer order may be derived therefrom.
in the Golden Dawn the Neophyte was not [generally] prescribed any other ritual except for the LBRP for the course of their outer order work. Those who think the LBRP merely a banishing ritual have missed the entire point of it in the original curriculum. Yes, it is a banishing ritual but why is it the chief ritual of the outer order? -The answer, The Answer: The LBRP banishes the composite or planetary Earth of Malkuth and with it the other Sephiroth read planetarily below the veil of Paroketh, leaving one seated in the Spiritual God of Tiphereth, Malkuth being as fallen lead. This is not achieved overnight or through a few instances of the ritual but overtime, as a praxis, eventually leads across the threshold. This first glimpse of Tiphereth in Yetzirah, along with the proper grade work was a requirement for 5=6 Adeptus Minor which was the badge of admittence into the R.R. et A.C., being the inner order.
This was the original prescribed teaching. In the Stella Matutina 'Moring Star' source materials published by Israel Regardi in his "Complete Golden Dawn" you will find, in the First Knowledge Lecture, a daily regimen of Invoking in the morning and banishing in the evening/night. This is perfectly fine and can even be beneficial, however the aim is Tiphereth. The LBRP is the praxis which, allows your Neophyte initiation to blossom and resolve to its goal which is the 5=6 grade. The LBRP is the continued work which makes way for the Neophyte grade to manifest. The grades of Zelator to Philosophus and then portal, consisting of the rudimentary learning which prepares you for the SRP and later workings.
After the Middle Pillar came along it was given at the discretion of one's mentor, though generally was not given in the outer order outside of being a tool to well one more easily cross the first veil. -and while I would not recommend giving one the SRP until they have reached 5=6, seeing as how it is pulling spirit from Tiphereth across the veil while one is at the intersection of Samech & Peh, it can provide that active momentum across the veil. However, I would recommend, if one is to do this, to forego the Enochian aspects of the SRP until 5=6.
Now, if you go to the Internet Book of Shadows you can find a nifty and well-down solitary neophyte ritual for the GD system. While self-initiation is a misnomer, especially in this system, this ritual will align you to the current and work of the order. While you will have to join a revival order to experience proper Golden Dawn initiation, this does not mean you can't use the system to develope yourself and make progress up the tree.
I would prescribe the LBRP followed by the Solitary Neophyte ritual mentioned.
Also be studying the Knowledge Lectures and when you feel ready, the first couple Z documents.
Pay close attention to Osirus myth in the first Lecture as it contains the formula of the whole outer order and its seed which is 0=0.
The Rose Cross ritual brings best results after 5=6 or when seated at the intersection of Gimel and Teth, especially after K&C with the HGA, however this ritual is generally safe and can be done at any point, bearing in mind however that it does contain inner order formula you bmay be unfamiliar with. If you already have a familiarity with Enochian you might go ahead and practice the Opening by Watchtower for the given element when working through the elemental grades. If not hold off on that. You will however want to be consecrating your elemental tools at each corresponding grade. If you want to go the extra mile consider practicing the Almadel at this time for the purpose to creating a relationship to the four Arch-Angels.
You wont need to construct the Lotus wand until 5=6 or the Was sceptre until 6=5. Once you get to an equivalency of 5=6 then we can talk about the Hexagram Rituals, Enochian tablets etc...
