I have little to no experience in any occult practice, although I have been studying Tarot for about a month (mostly from "Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom"). I wish to start my journey with the Golden Dawn tradition, but as far as I can tell there are no Golden Dawn temples or related organizations in my area, so I believe that self initiation is my only real option. I know that I shouldn't take this path lightly, so I was hoping someone would give me some guidance to make sure I don't tread into waters too dangerous for me.

Reading recent posts, it appears that I should pick up a copy of either "Golden Dawn Magic" or "Self-Initiation Into the Golden Dawn Tradition", but I'm scared that there are other materials I should read first. I also saw "Kabbalah, Magic & the Great Work of Self Transformation" recommended in the sidebar of this subreddit, although I am a little nervous to stray into unofficial material for my first foray.

Also, is it okay for me to perform any G ∴ D ∴ rituals, such as the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, without having been initiated as a Neophyte (whether done as self-initiation or in a real temple)? The most intense ritual work I participate in is reading Tarot and occasionally burning some palo santo to cleanse my space.

TL,DR: I feel called to the G ∴ D ∴ but I am scared. What's the absolute first step?

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EDIT: Thank you all for the kind words and support! I have begun daily practice of the LBRP and plan on beginning the "An Introduction to the Godform of Thmê" with the New Moon. To answer a common question, I am in Texas, so if anyone knows of temples within a semi-reasonable distance I would be open to travel. Supposedly there was a HOMSI temple in Houston back in the early 2000s, but I can't seem to find information and I'm hesitant to call 20 year old phone listings.