What is Ordo Templi Orientis?
The initials O.T.O. stand for Ordo Templi Orientis or the Order of the Eastern Temple. O.T.O. is a serious and secret Order, pledged to the high purpose of securing the Liberty of the individual, and his or her advancement in Light, Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge and Power, through Beauty, Courage and Wit, on the Foundation of Universal Brotherhood. The Order offers esoteric instruction through dramatic ritual, guidance in a system of illuminated ethics, and fellowship among aspirants to the Great Work of realizing the divine in the human.
The Mission of O.T.O. U.S.A.
Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A. is the U.S. Grand Lodge (National Section) of Ordo Templi Orientis, a hierarchical, religious membership organization. Our mission is to effect and promote the doctrines and practices of the philosophical and religious system known as Thelema, with particular emphasis on cultivating the ideals of individual liberty, self-discipline, self-knowledge, and universal brotherhood. To this end, we conduct sacramental and initiatory rites, offer guidance and instruction to our members, organize social events, and engage in educational and community service activities at locations throughout the United States.
Overview
O.T.O. does not offer the sort of individual mentorship and formal supervision associated with some other esoteric orders, such as A.'.A.'.. The Order is most visibly a community of initiates who share certain ideals regarding the quest for peace and wisdom. Although officially founded at the beginning of the 20th century, O.T.O. represents a surfacing of ancient esoteric systems which were originally driven underground by political and religious intolerance during the dark ages. It draws from the traditions of the Freemasonic, Rosicrucian and Illuminist movements of the 18th and 19th centuries, the crusading Knights Templar of the middle ages and early Christian Gnosticism and Pagan Mystery Schools (i.e. from Greece and Egypt). Its symbolism contains a reunification of the hidden traditions of the East and the West, held together by the principles of the Law of Thelema.
The O.T.O. is a fraternal organization that operates local bodies throughout the world. There are three levels of local bodies: Camps, Oases, and Lodges (in order of increasing importance and services available). The two central activities of most local bodies are the administration of our rites of initiation and the regular celebration of the Gnostic Mass. Many bodies also have numerous other activities, such as classes and workshops, performance of public rituals, theatrical events, publication of a journal, producing festivals, and various social events.
O.T.O. is a California charitable corporation and a federally recognized tax-exempt religious entity under IRS section 501c(3). We have proven ourselves to be the genuine O.T.O. of Aleister Crowley, both in the U.S. Federal Courts, and more importantly by our demonstrated success in faithfully promulgating practical Thelemic philosophy through a careful implementation of Crowley’s vision of the mission of the Order.
Many worthy aspirants to the Great Work of Thelema have a genuine need for information, guidance, fellowship, or the opportunity to assist their fellow aspirants and serve humanity. Such aspirants will find welcome in O.T.O.
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Grand Lodge: About O.T.O. |
