Serious Thelema - The Structure of the OTO Foundation

Initiatory Structure

Over the past several years the leadership of the Foundation has developed a new structure for the organisation which differs markedly from that which is employed by other similar Orders. This structure has been created to streamline the running of the Order and to empower the membership to determine both its direction and day-to-day activities. As with the previous degree structure, it is open to application from all mature candidates.

The first four degrees retain the function that is commonly accorded to their counterparts in what has become known as Crowley's "Blue Equinox Model". However, the dramatic context of the rituals has been revised. Each Kingdom now frames this cycle of initiations within a mythological framework which is indigenous to that Kingdom. These initiations help form lasting bonds between members and are essentially an analogy for life. Their effects are not limited solely to the arena of the initiation, but require the candidate to prove themselves in the outside world. Progression through these degrees entitles the initiate to take on increasing responsibility, sponsor other candidates, run a Lodge and conduct initiations.

"Who calls us Thelemites will do no wrong, if he look but close into the word. For there are therein Three Grades, the Hermit, and the Lover, and the man of Earth." The Book of the Law, ch.1, vs.40

Upon completion of this cycle candidates may choose to become a Full and Free Citizen of the Order. This is subject to their successfully accomplishing a task related to one of the Order's "Three Grades" and permits their admission to further degrees. It is from the point onwards that the new structural innovations are most apparent. These higher degrees allow the initiate to become involved in the management of the Order proper and to study and practice its central thaumaturgical secrets.

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	Mission History Initiatory Structure How to Join		Initiatory Structure Over the past several years the leadership of the Foundation has developed a new structure for the organisation which differs markedly from that which is employed by other similar Orders. This structure has been created to streamline the running of the Order and to empower the membership to determine both its direction and day-to-day activities. As with the previous degree structure, it is open to application from all mature candidates. The first four degrees retain the function that is commonly accorded to their counterparts in what has become known as Crowley's "Blue Equinox Model". However, the dramatic context of the rituals has been revised. Each Kingdom now frames this cycle of initiations within a mythological framework which is indigenous to that Kingdom. These initiations help form lasting bonds between members and are essentially an analogy for life. Their effects are not limited solely to the arena of the initiation, but require the candidate to prove themselves in the outside world. Progression through these degrees entitles the initiate to take on increasing responsibility, sponsor other candidates, run a Lodge and conduct initiations. "Who calls us Thelemites will do no wrong, if he look but close into the word. For there are therein Three Grades, the Hermit, and the Lover, and the man of Earth." The Book of the Law, ch.1, vs.40 Upon completion of this cycle candidates may choose to become a Full and Free Citizen of the Order. This is subject to their successfully accomplishing a task related to one of the Order's "Three Grades" and permits their admission to further degrees. It is from the point onwards that the new structural innovations are most apparent. These higher degrees allow the initiate to become involved in the management of the Order proper and to study and practice its central thaumaturgical secrets.
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