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July 2019

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Gnostic Mass Rehearsal (Open)
Gnostic Mass Rehearsal (Open)

July 6, 2019 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Gnostic Mass Rehearsal (Open)
2:00pm
Please arrive no earlier than 1:30pm and no later than 1:55pm
While this is not a degree-sensitive event, it is likely to be most of interest to those pursuing a role in the Gnostic Mass. There is no admission fee for the rehearsal, but we will happily accept snacks and beverages to share.

See more details
You Are the Blood, A Dionysian Initiation (21+)
You Are the Blood, A Dionysian Initiation (21+)

July 6, 2019 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

For several years William Blake Lodge has celebrated Redeeming the Redeemer, the first of three rituals in our Thelemic Rite of Dionysos. Several people have been yearning for further ways to connect to the God Who Comes, and so, like he does, we shall provide. For those interested in undergoing an initiation as a Flamen Dionyios here is your opportunity. Candidates will need to have a thin white robe which will be destroyed, and bring a large bottle of wine. Candidates will have to drink wine (grape juice can be available for those who can not have alcohol), eat fruit, and will be nude for part of the ritual. Please notify us if you are interested in participating as a candidate. Members and their guests who have been to previous Dionysos rituals are encouraged to attend even if they are not candidates for initiation; this is an initiation which occurs in front and with the participation of the Dionysian community.

Please arrive no earlier than 5:30pm and no later than 5:50pm.
Candidates: $15 admission; $5 for dues-current WBL members
Attendees: $5 admission; free for dues-current WBL members

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Thelemic Rite of Dionysos (Open to 21+) Summer Edition
Thelemic Rite of Dionysos (Open to 21+) Summer Edition

July 6, 2019 @ 8:30 pm - July 7, 2019 @ 12:30 am
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

8:30pm: Please arrive no earlier than 8:00pm and no later than 8:20pm.
$20 admission; $5 for dues-current members; $5 additional discount for potluck contributions.
It's madness I tell you! Pure and utter madness! Or just a wicked good time. Perhaps the closest you'll come to attending bacchanalia, but with a modern sensibility. This ritual, wildly popular, and back by popular demand will invoke The God Who Comes. Dance, revel, drink flowing wine, and cry the names of Dionysos as you destroy the things which prevent success, happiness, and freedom within your life, and as we alchemically transform the bonds which enslave the spirit into the true symbol of freedom. If you've ever considered exploring dramatic ritual, this is a truly intense opportunity, if you've participated in rituals before, we're sure you'll find this one worth your time. Through dance, chanting, wine, and a bit of antinomian blasphemy we'll breach the bounds of ecstasis. Wine and cakes will be served after the ritual. Your contributions of other treats are welcome!

See more details

Gnostic Mass - Celebration of Nuit for Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival (Open)
Gnostic Mass - Celebration of Nuit for Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival (Open)

July 7, 2019 @ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Sun. Jul. 7, 2019: Gnostic Mass - Celebration of Nuit for Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival (Open)
2:30pm
Please arrive no earlier than 2:00pm and no later than 2:25pm
$10 admission; free for dues-current WBL members.

We will have a special performance of the Gnostic Mass “to Nuit” this day in celebration of the Japanese “Tanabata” Star Festival, held annually on the 7th Day of the 7th Month (July 7th).

“Tanabata celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively). According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month. In present-day Japan, people generally celebrate this day by writing wishes, sometimes in the form of poetry, on tanzaku (短冊 tanzaku), small pieces of paper, and hanging them on bamboo. The bamboo and decorations are often set afloat on a river or burned after the festival, around midnight or on the next day.”

Baptism and/or confirmation available today by advance request. Please email contact@williamblakeoto.org to request either sacrament.

Note: admission fee waived for first-time visitors. If this is your first time at a Gnostic Mass, it's a good idea to read the ritual ahead of time, so you'll have some idea of what to expect. You can also watch a video 93 Impressions of a Gnostic Mass, or a video of the full Gnostic Mass.

See more details
Baltimore Reiki Share ボルチモア靈氣会 (Open) + Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival
Baltimore Reiki Share ボルチモア靈氣会 (Open) + Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival

July 7, 2019 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Sun. Jul. 7, 2019: Baltimore Reiki Share ボルチモア靈氣会 (Open) + Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival
5:00pm
Please arrive no earlier than 4:30pm and no later than 4:55pm.

We will have a special celebration and study of the Japanese “Tanabata” 七夕 Star Festival before beginning the Baltimore Reiki Share this evening. “Tanabata celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively). According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month. In present-day Japan, people generally celebrate this day by writing wishes, sometimes in the form of poetry, on tanzaku (短冊 tanzaku), small pieces of paper, and hanging them on bamboo. The bamboo and decorations are often set afloat on a river or burned after the festival, around midnight or on the next day.”

Reiki Master/Instructor Richard A. Davis will then lead a Reiki Share and give free Reiki Level 1 (Shoden 初伝 - “First Teaching”) Attunements (Reiju 霊授) to attendees. Anyone is welcome to come and receive a Reiki treatment, or practice giving Reiki to those who are willing to receive it.

Richard began studying Reiki in Florida in 2007, studied under and received attunements from Reiki Masters in Tokyo and Kyoto from 2008-2010, has visited several sacred sites of Reiki, Shinto, and Shingon Buddhism such as Mt. Kurama, Mt. Fuji, and Mt. Koya, and has taught and attuned hundreds of students to Reiki since 2010 in Tokyo, Texas, Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and DC. We will also study Reiki’s compatibility with such practices as Yoga, Asana, as Pranayama as they relate to one’s spiritual development. Our group’s study of Reiki will examine the influences of Mount Kurama, Esoteric Buddhism, and Japanese language and culture on the Reiki system, in addition to teaching techniques from both the Eastern and Western lineages that have been the most effective for Reiki treatments.

Whether you are a beginner or already attuned to the Master/Teaching level of Reiki, all paths and all practitioners are welcome to join our Baltimore Reiki Share and learn more about the Japanese view of Reiki, the cultural influences on the Sacred Symbols, and how these concepts are understood in the Japanese language. Attendees will also examine the connections Reiki has to the mythos and deities of Mount Kurama, and come to appreciate the full meaning of the Reiki Principles written by Usui Mikao through an in-depth study of their Japanese/English translation. Our primary aim is to cultivate a holistic sense of understanding that can be passed on and shared with all practitioners of Reiki.

Facilitator: Richard A. Davis
Suggested Donation: $10 (No donation necessary to attend.)

See more details
Thelemic Rite of Dionysos (Open to 21+) Summer Edition
Thelemic Rite of Dionysos (Open to 21+) Summer Edition

July 6, 2019 @ 8:30 pm - July 7, 2019 @ 12:30 am
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

8:30pm: Please arrive no earlier than 8:00pm and no later than 8:20pm.
$20 admission; $5 for dues-current members; $5 additional discount for potluck contributions.
It's madness I tell you! Pure and utter madness! Or just a wicked good time. Perhaps the closest you'll come to attending bacchanalia, but with a modern sensibility. This ritual, wildly popular, and back by popular demand will invoke The God Who Comes. Dance, revel, drink flowing wine, and cry the names of Dionysos as you destroy the things which prevent success, happiness, and freedom within your life, and as we alchemically transform the bonds which enslave the spirit into the true symbol of freedom. If you've ever considered exploring dramatic ritual, this is a truly intense opportunity, if you've participated in rituals before, we're sure you'll find this one worth your time. Through dance, chanting, wine, and a bit of antinomian blasphemy we'll breach the bounds of ecstasis. Wine and cakes will be served after the ritual. Your contributions of other treats are welcome!

See more details

What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open)
What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open)

July 13, 2019 @ 10:00 am - July 14, 2019 @ 6:00 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Sat. Jul. 13 – Sun. Jul. 14, 2019: What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open)
10:00am
Please arrive no earlier than 9:30am
Admission: Saturday $25; $15 for dues-current WBL members. Sunday readings $30 per person.

Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship, or Lucumí, is an African diasporic religion that is rich in culture and beauty. The Orishas are like demi-godforms who interact with us here on earth and intercede for us with Olodumare or God as we journey through life. They teach us through stories and divination. We honor them in song and dance. Come join us at William Blake Lodge as Brother Jeren (an Olocha of 15 years) shares his knowledge of this practice and a bit of his own journey with the Orishas.

Saturday will begin with a small ceremony where we will ask the Ancestors for blessings as we open ourselves to learn about this dynamic practice. Afterward will be a group discussion of how we all incorporate the honoring of the Ancestors in our own practices, setting the tone for a look at some history about the Orishas in the New World and specifically Cuba. Throughout the day we will talk about the Orishas, their stories, cosmology, stories, divination, and, if there is time, some song and dance. How do any of these concepts correlate to Thelema? All of these discussions are welcome.

Sunday will be individual divination sessions for those from Saturday who are interested. Readings run about an hour, though sometimes longer.

Saturday lunch is provided.

See more details

What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open)
What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open)

July 13, 2019 @ 10:00 am - July 14, 2019 @ 6:00 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Sat. Jul. 13 – Sun. Jul. 14, 2019: What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open)
10:00am
Please arrive no earlier than 9:30am
Admission: Saturday $25; $15 for dues-current WBL members. Sunday readings $30 per person.

Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship, or Lucumí, is an African diasporic religion that is rich in culture and beauty. The Orishas are like demi-godforms who interact with us here on earth and intercede for us with Olodumare or God as we journey through life. They teach us through stories and divination. We honor them in song and dance. Come join us at William Blake Lodge as Brother Jeren (an Olocha of 15 years) shares his knowledge of this practice and a bit of his own journey with the Orishas.

Saturday will begin with a small ceremony where we will ask the Ancestors for blessings as we open ourselves to learn about this dynamic practice. Afterward will be a group discussion of how we all incorporate the honoring of the Ancestors in our own practices, setting the tone for a look at some history about the Orishas in the New World and specifically Cuba. Throughout the day we will talk about the Orishas, their stories, cosmology, stories, divination, and, if there is time, some song and dance. How do any of these concepts correlate to Thelema? All of these discussions are welcome.

Sunday will be individual divination sessions for those from Saturday who are interested. Readings run about an hour, though sometimes longer.

Saturday lunch is provided.

See more details

Many Hands for Blake
Many Hands for Blake

July 21, 2019 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law!

Over the years the Lodge has accumulated a lot of stuff and things have drifted into the main path of escape if the door isn’t available. With us starting to rent the space out and have larger events this MUST change for the safety of ourselves and our guests.

Many hands make light work. This is a reorganization so that:
• Commonly used things are stored neatly at the front
• The path to the fire escape is clear and stands a chance of remaining so
• The back storage area is still available

Please come help assist in this reorganization that improves the safety of the lodge for everyone!

Can’t move heavy things? Come anyway and keep us in drinks and snacks or do one of the other less taxing tasks that keep the Lodge running comfortably.

Love is the Law, Love under Will.

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Lodge Meeting (Open)
Lodge Meeting (Open)

July 21, 2019 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., Suite 5B, 208 S Pulaski St, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Lodge Meeting (Open)
1:00pm
Please arrive no earlier than 12:30pm and no later than 12:55pm.
Join us in making plans for future Lodge activities! Please bring a lunch dish or snacks to share.

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Gnostic Mass (Open)
Gnostic Mass (Open)

July 21, 2019 @ 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., Suite 5B, 208 S Pulaski St, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Gnostic Mass (Open)
3:30pm
Please arrive no earlier than 3:00pm and no later than 3:20pm
Baptism and/or confirmation available today by advance request. Please email contact@williamblakeoto.org to request either sacrament.
$10 admission; free for dues-current WBL members.
Note: admission fee waived for first-time visitors. If this is your first time at a Gnostic Mass, it's a good idea to read the ritual ahead of time, so you'll have some idea of what to expect. You can also watch a video 93 Impressions of a Gnostic Mass, or a video of the full Gnostic Mass.

See more details
The Life and Legacy of Dame Anna Kingsford (Open)
The Life and Legacy of Dame Anna Kingsford (Open)

July 21, 2019 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Sun. Jul. 21, 2019: The Life and Legacy of Dame Anna Kingsford (Open)
5:30pm
Please arrive no earlier than 5:00pm and no later than 5:20pm.
$10 admission; free for dues-current WBL members.
Join us for a discussion about Dame Anna Kingsford, feminist, visionary, esotericist, and hermetic mystic, awarded the Order of the Eagle November 2004 ev.
Facilitator: Sr. Atara

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Lilith Ritual (Age 18+ Only)
Lilith Ritual (Age 18+ Only)

July 27, 2019 @ 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Please arrive no earlier than 4:30pm and no later than 4:50pm.
$10 admission; free for dues-current WBL members.

Eclectic Witch High Priest Crimson Corvus Luna will lead a Lilith Ritual followed by a potluck feast. This ritual focuses on Lilith’s invitation to fly free from the shackles of our physical world and man’s patriarchal laws, to embrace our full unbridled power and essence of expression. She challenges us to move beyond patriarchal power and convention, to honor our hearts’ desires and true nature as Divine. She asks you to be loyal to your own inner passion and make no compromise to your authentic self. Her wisdom and power challenge all that we know of our culture, yet she leads us into the re-emergence of the Goddess ways of joy, pleasure and love as the core guiding wisdom.

Please plan to wear black robes or all black formal wear.

Adults only! There will be nudity.

Please bring a dish for the potluck feast.
If you plan to imbibe, bring an adult beverage to share.

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I° Initiations (Closed to I°)
I° Initiations (Closed to I°)

July 28, 2019 @ 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA

Sunday July 28, 2019: I° Initiations (Closed to I°)
2:30pm
11:00am officer/initiate arrival; 2:00pm candidate arrival
$5 admission for those who are neither candidates for initiation nor officers in the ceremony. Active USGL initiates of I° and higher are encouraged to join us as we welcome new siblings! Please contact contact@williamblakeoto.org to RSVP and to volunteer assistance.
This initiation is full. We will continue to accept applications for future initiations.

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	July 2019
Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
1	2	3	4	5	6 Gnostic Mass Rehearsal (Open) Gnostic Mass Rehearsal (Open) July 6, 2019 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA Gnostic Mass Rehearsal (Open) 2:00pm Please arrive no earlier than 1:30pm and no later than 1:55pm While this is not a degree-sensitive event, it is likely to be most of interest to those pursuing a role in the Gnostic Mass. There is no admission fee for the rehearsal, but we will happily accept snacks and beverages to share. See more details You Are the Blood, A Dionysian Initiation (21+) You Are the Blood, A Dionysian Initiation (21+) July 6, 2019 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA For several years William Blake Lodge has celebrated Redeeming the Redeemer, the first of three rituals in our Thelemic Rite of Dionysos. Several people have been yearning for further ways to connect to the God Who Comes, and so, like he does, we shall provide. For those interested in undergoing an initiation as a Flamen Dionyios here is your opportunity. Candidates will need to have a thin white robe which will be destroyed, and bring a large bottle of wine. Candidates will have to drink wine (grape juice can be available for those who can not have alcohol), eat fruit, and will be nude for part of the ritual. Please notify us if you are interested in participating as a candidate. Members and their guests who have been to previous Dionysos rituals are encouraged to attend even if they are not candidates for initiation; this is an initiation which occurs in front and with the participation of the Dionysian community. Please arrive no earlier than 5:30pm and no later than 5:50pm. Candidates: $15 admission; $5 for dues-current WBL members Attendees: $5 admission; free for dues-current WBL members See more details Thelemic Rite of Dionysos (Open to 21+) Summer Edition Thelemic Rite of Dionysos (Open to 21+) Summer Edition July 6, 2019 @ 8:30 pm - July 7, 2019 @ 12:30 am William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA 8:30pm: Please arrive no earlier than 8:00pm and no later than 8:20pm. $20 admission; $5 for dues-current members; $5 additional discount for potluck contributions. It's madness I tell you! Pure and utter madness! Or just a wicked good time. Perhaps the closest you'll come to attending bacchanalia, but with a modern sensibility. This ritual, wildly popular, and back by popular demand will invoke The God Who Comes. Dance, revel, drink flowing wine, and cry the names of Dionysos as you destroy the things which prevent success, happiness, and freedom within your life, and as we alchemically transform the bonds which enslave the spirit into the true symbol of freedom. If you've ever considered exploring dramatic ritual, this is a truly intense opportunity, if you've participated in rituals before, we're sure you'll find this one worth your time. Through dance, chanting, wine, and a bit of antinomian blasphemy we'll breach the bounds of ecstasis. Wine and cakes will be served after the ritual. Your contributions of other treats are welcome! See more details • • •	7 Gnostic Mass - Celebration of Nuit for Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival (Open) Gnostic Mass - Celebration of Nuit for Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival (Open) July 7, 2019 @ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA Sun. Jul. 7, 2019: Gnostic Mass - Celebration of Nuit for Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival (Open) 2:30pm Please arrive no earlier than 2:00pm and no later than 2:25pm $10 admission; free for dues-current WBL members. We will have a special performance of the Gnostic Mass “to Nuit” this day in celebration of the Japanese “Tanabata” Star Festival, held annually on the 7th Day of the 7th Month (July 7th). “Tanabata celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively). According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month. In present-day Japan, people generally celebrate this day by writing wishes, sometimes in the form of poetry, on tanzaku (短冊 tanzaku), small pieces of paper, and hanging them on bamboo. The bamboo and decorations are often set afloat on a river or burned after the festival, around midnight or on the next day.” Baptism and/or confirmation available today by advance request. Please email contact@williamblakeoto.org to request either sacrament. Note: admission fee waived for first-time visitors. If this is your first time at a Gnostic Mass, it's a good idea to read the ritual ahead of time, so you'll have some idea of what to expect. You can also watch a video 93 Impressions of a Gnostic Mass, or a video of the full Gnostic Mass. See more details Baltimore Reiki Share ボルチモア靈氣会 (Open) + Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival Baltimore Reiki Share ボルチモア靈氣会 (Open) + Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival July 7, 2019 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA Sun. Jul. 7, 2019: Baltimore Reiki Share ボルチモア靈氣会 (Open) + Tanabata 七夕 Star Festival 5:00pm Please arrive no earlier than 4:30pm and no later than 4:55pm. We will have a special celebration and study of the Japanese “Tanabata” 七夕 Star Festival before beginning the Baltimore Reiki Share this evening. “Tanabata celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively). According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month. In present-day Japan, people generally celebrate this day by writing wishes, sometimes in the form of poetry, on tanzaku (短冊 tanzaku), small pieces of paper, and hanging them on bamboo. The bamboo and decorations are often set afloat on a river or burned after the festival, around midnight or on the next day.” Reiki Master/Instructor Richard A. Davis will then lead a Reiki Share and give free Reiki Level 1 (Shoden 初伝 - “First Teaching”) Attunements (Reiju 霊授) to attendees. Anyone is welcome to come and receive a Reiki treatment, or practice giving Reiki to those who are willing to receive it. Richard began studying Reiki in Florida in 2007, studied under and received attunements from Reiki Masters in Tokyo and Kyoto from 2008-2010, has visited several sacred sites of Reiki, Shinto, and Shingon Buddhism such as Mt. Kurama, Mt. Fuji, and Mt. Koya, and has taught and attuned hundreds of students to Reiki since 2010 in Tokyo, Texas, Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and DC. We will also study Reiki’s compatibility with such practices as Yoga, Asana, as Pranayama as they relate to one’s spiritual development. Our group’s study of Reiki will examine the influences of Mount Kurama, Esoteric Buddhism, and Japanese language and culture on the Reiki system, in addition to teaching techniques from both the Eastern and Western lineages that have been the most effective for Reiki treatments. Whether you are a beginner or already attuned to the Master/Teaching level of Reiki, all paths and all practitioners are welcome to join our Baltimore Reiki Share and learn more about the Japanese view of Reiki, the cultural influences on the Sacred Symbols, and how these concepts are understood in the Japanese language. Attendees will also examine the connections Reiki has to the mythos and deities of Mount Kurama, and come to appreciate the full meaning of the Reiki Principles written by Usui Mikao through an in-depth study of their Japanese/English translation. Our primary aim is to cultivate a holistic sense of understanding that can be passed on and shared with all practitioners of Reiki. Facilitator: Richard A. Davis Suggested Donation: $10 (No donation necessary to attend.) See more details Thelemic Rite of Dionysos (Open to 21+) Summer Edition Thelemic Rite of Dionysos (Open to 21+) Summer Edition July 6, 2019 @ 8:30 pm - July 7, 2019 @ 12:30 am William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA 8:30pm: Please arrive no earlier than 8:00pm and no later than 8:20pm. $20 admission; $5 for dues-current members; $5 additional discount for potluck contributions. It's madness I tell you! Pure and utter madness! Or just a wicked good time. Perhaps the closest you'll come to attending bacchanalia, but with a modern sensibility. This ritual, wildly popular, and back by popular demand will invoke The God Who Comes. Dance, revel, drink flowing wine, and cry the names of Dionysos as you destroy the things which prevent success, happiness, and freedom within your life, and as we alchemically transform the bonds which enslave the spirit into the true symbol of freedom. If you've ever considered exploring dramatic ritual, this is a truly intense opportunity, if you've participated in rituals before, we're sure you'll find this one worth your time. Through dance, chanting, wine, and a bit of antinomian blasphemy we'll breach the bounds of ecstasis. Wine and cakes will be served after the ritual. Your contributions of other treats are welcome! See more details • • •
8	9	10	11	12	13 What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open) What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open) July 13, 2019 @ 10:00 am - July 14, 2019 @ 6:00 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA Sat. Jul. 13 – Sun. Jul. 14, 2019: What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open) 10:00am Please arrive no earlier than 9:30am Admission: Saturday $25; $15 for dues-current WBL members. Sunday readings $30 per person. Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship, or Lucumí, is an African diasporic religion that is rich in culture and beauty. The Orishas are like demi-godforms who interact with us here on earth and intercede for us with Olodumare or God as we journey through life. They teach us through stories and divination. We honor them in song and dance. Come join us at William Blake Lodge as Brother Jeren (an Olocha of 15 years) shares his knowledge of this practice and a bit of his own journey with the Orishas. Saturday will begin with a small ceremony where we will ask the Ancestors for blessings as we open ourselves to learn about this dynamic practice. Afterward will be a group discussion of how we all incorporate the honoring of the Ancestors in our own practices, setting the tone for a look at some history about the Orishas in the New World and specifically Cuba. Throughout the day we will talk about the Orishas, their stories, cosmology, stories, divination, and, if there is time, some song and dance. How do any of these concepts correlate to Thelema? All of these discussions are welcome. Sunday will be individual divination sessions for those from Saturday who are interested. Readings run about an hour, though sometimes longer. Saturday lunch is provided. See more details •	14 What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open) What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open) July 13, 2019 @ 10:00 am - July 14, 2019 @ 6:00 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA Sat. Jul. 13 – Sun. Jul. 14, 2019: What is Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship? (Open) 10:00am Please arrive no earlier than 9:30am Admission: Saturday $25; $15 for dues-current WBL members. Sunday readings $30 per person. Afro-Cuban Orisha Worship, or Lucumí, is an African diasporic religion that is rich in culture and beauty. The Orishas are like demi-godforms who interact with us here on earth and intercede for us with Olodumare or God as we journey through life. They teach us through stories and divination. We honor them in song and dance. Come join us at William Blake Lodge as Brother Jeren (an Olocha of 15 years) shares his knowledge of this practice and a bit of his own journey with the Orishas. Saturday will begin with a small ceremony where we will ask the Ancestors for blessings as we open ourselves to learn about this dynamic practice. Afterward will be a group discussion of how we all incorporate the honoring of the Ancestors in our own practices, setting the tone for a look at some history about the Orishas in the New World and specifically Cuba. Throughout the day we will talk about the Orishas, their stories, cosmology, stories, divination, and, if there is time, some song and dance. How do any of these concepts correlate to Thelema? All of these discussions are welcome. Sunday will be individual divination sessions for those from Saturday who are interested. Readings run about an hour, though sometimes longer. Saturday lunch is provided. See more details •
15	16	17	18	19	20	21 Many Hands for Blake Many Hands for Blake July 21, 2019 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law! Over the years the Lodge has accumulated a lot of stuff and things have drifted into the main path of escape if the door isn’t available. With us starting to rent the space out and have larger events this MUST change for the safety of ourselves and our guests. Many hands make light work. This is a reorganization so that: • Commonly used things are stored neatly at the front • The path to the fire escape is clear and stands a chance of remaining so • The back storage area is still available Please come help assist in this reorganization that improves the safety of the lodge for everyone! Can’t move heavy things? Come anyway and keep us in drinks and snacks or do one of the other less taxing tasks that keep the Lodge running comfortably. Love is the Law, Love under Will. See more details Lodge Meeting (Open) Lodge Meeting (Open) July 21, 2019 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., Suite 5B, 208 S Pulaski St, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA Lodge Meeting (Open) 1:00pm Please arrive no earlier than 12:30pm and no later than 12:55pm. Join us in making plans for future Lodge activities! Please bring a lunch dish or snacks to share. See more details Gnostic Mass (Open) Gnostic Mass (Open) July 21, 2019 @ 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., Suite 5B, 208 S Pulaski St, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA Gnostic Mass (Open) 3:30pm Please arrive no earlier than 3:00pm and no later than 3:20pm Baptism and/or confirmation available today by advance request. Please email contact@williamblakeoto.org to request either sacrament. $10 admission; free for dues-current WBL members. Note: admission fee waived for first-time visitors. If this is your first time at a Gnostic Mass, it's a good idea to read the ritual ahead of time, so you'll have some idea of what to expect. You can also watch a video 93 Impressions of a Gnostic Mass, or a video of the full Gnostic Mass. See more details The Life and Legacy of Dame Anna Kingsford (Open) The Life and Legacy of Dame Anna Kingsford (Open) July 21, 2019 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA Sun. Jul. 21, 2019: The Life and Legacy of Dame Anna Kingsford (Open) 5:30pm Please arrive no earlier than 5:00pm and no later than 5:20pm. $10 admission; free for dues-current WBL members. Join us for a discussion about Dame Anna Kingsford, feminist, visionary, esotericist, and hermetic mystic, awarded the Order of the Eagle November 2004 ev. Facilitator: Sr. Atara See more details • • • •
22	23	24	25	26	27 Lilith Ritual (Age 18+ Only) Lilith Ritual (Age 18+ Only) July 27, 2019 @ 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA Please arrive no earlier than 4:30pm and no later than 4:50pm. $10 admission; free for dues-current WBL members. Eclectic Witch High Priest Crimson Corvus Luna will lead a Lilith Ritual followed by a potluck feast. This ritual focuses on Lilith’s invitation to fly free from the shackles of our physical world and man’s patriarchal laws, to embrace our full unbridled power and essence of expression. She challenges us to move beyond patriarchal power and convention, to honor our hearts’ desires and true nature as Divine. She asks you to be loyal to your own inner passion and make no compromise to your authentic self. Her wisdom and power challenge all that we know of our culture, yet she leads us into the re-emergence of the Goddess ways of joy, pleasure and love as the core guiding wisdom. Please plan to wear black robes or all black formal wear. Adults only! There will be nudity. Please bring a dish for the potluck feast. If you plan to imbibe, bring an adult beverage to share. See more details •	28 I° Initiations (Closed to I°) I° Initiations (Closed to I°) July 28, 2019 @ 11:00 am - 7:00 pm William Blake Lodge, O.T.O., 208 S Pulaski St Suite 5B, Baltimore, MD 21223, USA Sunday July 28, 2019: I° Initiations (Closed to I°) 2:30pm 11:00am officer/initiate arrival; 2:00pm candidate arrival $5 admission for those who are neither candidates for initiation nor officers in the ceremony. Active USGL initiates of I° and higher are encouraged to join us as we welcome new siblings! Please contact contact@williamblakeoto.org to RSVP and to volunteer assistance. This initiation is full. We will continue to accept applications for future initiations. See more details •
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