Minerval FAQ
Common Questions and Answers Regarding the Minerval Degree Within Ordo Templi Orientis and On Becoming a Member of the Order.
The Minerval Degree (0°) is the introductory Initiate degree into Ordo Templi Orientis. It is said to symbolize the first step in the journey of the Self in Eternity, where the Ego, a wandering God, is attracted to the Solar System. The following questions and answers were written to help guide someone considering joining the Order by taking the Minerval Degree.
Q. First off, what is an initiation?
A. Generally, an initiation implies a beginning or an introduction. In O.T.O. it is a physical ceremony that usually serves several purposes. In the Minerval degree, it introduces the candidates, using dramatic allegory and symbol, to the Mysteries of Thelema.
Q. Why would I want to be initiated?
A. Everyone has their own reason for taking
an initiation... there is no single or right answer to this question. However,
here are some common reasons:
1) to sample what the Mysteries of Thelema might be in a non-binding way (since
a Minerval does not establish any permanent bonds with the Order)
2) to become a member of the Order
3) to become eligible to participate in the Gnostic Mass
4) to seek a deeper level of fellowship with members of the community
5) to become an initiate of our Mysteries
Q. Are there any specific requirements for initiation?
A. Yes, there are several requirements for
eligibility to the Minerval degree:
• at least 18 years of age
• not incarcerated
• capable of taking & keeping a binding oath to the Order
• never previously initiated in O.T.O.
• vouched for by two members holding the I° or higher who will provide
sponsorship.
Q. How do I go about getting initiated?
A. It begins by filling out and turning in a Minerval application. You can request one from the Body Master, Initiation Secretary or Secretary. Remember that one of the requirements is the signature of two sponsors that are at least I°.
Q. Okay, how do I get two sponsors?
A. Simply put. Mingle. Before you can be initiated, you will need to develop a level of personal familiarity with at least two members. The Lodge conducts many activities that are open to non-member guests at which you can meet such people and introduce yourself. Remember, it is your responsibility to ask for sponsorship. You can contact an Lodge officer or look at our calendar for information on upcoming events that are open to the public.
Q. Will they be at my initiation?
A. While your sponsors are strongly encouraged to be there, it is not strictly required. Further, it is your responsibility to inform them of the date of your initiation.
Q. Should I wait for a Minerval to be scheduled before I turn in my application?
A. No. We schedule initiations based on the applications we receive. If we do not have applications, we do not schedule any initiations. So turn in those apps! You can give them to the Body Master or Initiation Secretary.
Q. Are there fees for a Minerval initiation?
A. Yes. The cost for Minerval initiation is $76.00. This breaks down as $36.00 U.S. Grand Lodge dues for the ensuing year; and $40 for the initiation fees to cover expenses associated with putting on the ceremony. Initiation fees can be non-refundable and may be subject to change as needed.
Q. Do I have to pay the fees when I turn in my application?
A. No. While we prefer Dues & Fees to be paid in advance, you can pay them at any time up to the day of the ceremony (although initiation fees should be paid at least 30 days in advance if possible). Remember you can pay your fees online.
Q. Once I turn in the Minerval application, what can I expect?
A. You will be informed by email or postal mail telling you the date and time of the ceremony and where to go. It might be a few months before an initiation is scheduled. Be patient.
Q. What if I can’t do it, or I change my mind after I turn one in?
A. No problem, simply let the Body Master know. If you need, you can ask to skip the current ceremony and be put into the next. Keep in mind that initiation fees can be non-refundable, especially if you cancel very close to the scheduled date and that if a year passes, then you will have to fill out a new application.
Q. What should I plan to bring to my Minerval?
A. You do not need to bring anything other than yourself (and your fees if you have not yet paid them). Wear street clothes.
Q. How should I prepare for my Minerval?
A. There is no one correct answer for this…it depends on you. Practically speaking, you do not need to do anything to prepare. Looking over the U.S.G.L. website might be a good idea to educate yourself about the organization you are joining.
Q. After I take my Minerval, how long do I have to wait until I take my First Degree?
A. There is no minimum waiting period. The Minerval degree is a self-contained initiation and should be experienced for a while on its own. A common waiting period is about nine months.
Q. So, am I joining a cult, or what?
A. Although we like to joke sometimes about being a cult, in reality we are not. Even though the strict definition of a “cult” is a group of people who share similar beliefs and religious practices (which makes every religion a cult), we know what you mean.
Q. If I take my Minerval at William Blake Lodge, does that make me a member of the Lodge?
A. No. By taking a Minerval, you automatically become a member of U. S. Grand Lodge (as are all members within America), but not the local body where you were initiated. Every local body (a camp, oasis, or lodge) has its own rules of membership. To become a member of William Blake Lodge, you must be an initiate member of O.T.O. (ie. at least Minerval) and agree to pay local dues.
Q. How much are William Blake Lodge local dues?
A. Local dues at William Blake Lodge are $300 per year, which can be paid annually, quarterly or monthly. Local dues pay our rent, purchase our equipment, and buy the supplies we need. Our members build this community together by taking an active part in its program development, including the financial side. Remember, we get the money for all this from YOU, the local membership — we do not get financial aid from U.S.Grand Lodge or any other source.
Q. But isn’t that why we have fundraisers?
A. We do NOT use fundraisers for general operating expenses, but for special projects only. We want fundraisers to bring in money that we can put aside for future projects, not just pay the bills. One day we want a permanent space that we own, for example; but this will not happen unless we can save money, and that depends on you and your contributions.
Q. What does “Minerval” mean, anyway?
A. In general, a Minerval is a Seeker of Wisdom, Truth or Light (or all three). The word is likely derived from the Roman goddess Minerva, the equivalent of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. Minerva was also considered to be the goddess of warriors, poetry, medicine, commerce, crafts, and the inventor of music. You may draw your own conclusions over the time you spend in the Order.
Q. What is the M.M.M.?
A. The initials M.M.M. stands for Mysteria Mystica Maxima. Originally, it was the name of the O.T.O. degree system in Great Britain, then headed by Aleister Crowley (the head of the O.T.O. was Theodor Reuss at the time). Eventually, his M.M.M. was absorbed into the regular system of the Order. It now includes the degrees from O° to VII°.
Q. After I take my Minerval, will I be expected to take the First Degree initiation?
A. No. Taking the First Degree is a serious decision, and no Minerval should feel pushed into it. Some take their First right away, some after many years, and it is equally honorable to spend your entire life as a Minerval initiate. The choice is entirely yours.
Q. After my initiation, who will have access to my legal name?
A. We take confidentiality very seriously—this is a secret Order, after all. Full civil names are given out to Order members on a need-to-know basis. Within the Oasis, that means the Body Master, Secretary, and Treasurer will need to have your full civil name on record. Grand Lodge also keeps records according to civil names. However, under no circumstances will the Oasis or the Order voluntarily give out your civil name to a third party.
Q. I’ve heard that as a Minerval, I will be a “guest” of the Order. Am I not a full member?
A. As a Minerval, you are an honored guest, but not a full member of O.T.O. You are considered a guest because you can, at any time as a Minerval, back out of the Order completely—whereas at First Degree a lifelong Bond with the Order is established, which cannot be severed. Minerval initiates are not eligible for all the general benefits of O.T.O. membership. For instance, they cannot sponsor candidates for initiation, officiate in initiation ceremonies, or hold primary officer positions within an O.T.O. Body. These privileges are available to members of Good Report of First Degree and above.
Q. If I join O.T.O. does that also make me a Mason?
A. O.T.O. membership does not, of itself, confer any status in Freemasonry. At one time the Order was allied with European Freemasonry, but those ties were cut by Aleister Crowley in 1918. Although there are many similarities, the O.T.O. system is independent and designed to reflect the teachings of Thelema.
Q. If I take the Minerval initiation, will I have to do anything I don't want to?
A. First, it is important to explain that during our initiations, at no time will you ever be forced to do something against your will. For indeed: "Thou hast no right but to do thy Will." Finally, it should be said that for some candidates, the Minerval initiation can be a fairly intense experience. The Minerval ceremony is designed to be challenging, but not degrading or painful. Rather, the aim is to instruct, illuminate, welcome, and enhance the lives of initiates.
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| - O.T.O. Init Info.pdf [Updated] |
