Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Please note that this FAQ deals very briefly with some extremely complex topics, and as such leaves out many nuances, exceptions, and interesting details. We strongly encourage those interested in O.T.O. and Thelema to conduct more thorough research to gain a more complete understanding of these issues.
Questions about Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.):
How do I join O.T.O.?
Do I have to join a Lodge/Oasis/Camp?
Is there a curriculum with exams/test/ordeals?
How old is O.T.O.?
What is Aleister Crowley’s relationship to the O.T.O.?
What is the difference between O.T.O. and M∴M∴M∴?
How is the Gnostic Catholic Church related to O.T.O.?
Is O.T.O. a “Secret Society”?
Do I need to be a member of O.T.O. to participate in the Gnostic Mass?
Is Ordo Templi Orientis Satanic or anti-Christian?
Do your rituals involve animal sacrifice?
What is the relationship between Ordo Templi Orientis and Wicca?
What is the relationship between Ordo Templi Orientis and Freemasonry?
What is the relationship between Ordo Templi Orientis and the A∴A∴?
Is O.T.O. a religion?
Do members of your Order practice “black magic”?
Do I have to believe in some particular dogma to join?
I’m a [Buddhist|Wiccan|Catholic|Baptist|Druid|etc.]. Can I stay one if I join the O.T.O.?
Will I learn Magick in the O.T.O.?
Why does O.T.O. charge dues?
What do I get for my dues?
Questions about AMeTh Lodge:
How do I join AMeTh Lodge?
If I take my Minerval Degree at AMeTh, am I a member of AMeTh?
What activities does the Lodge offer?
I’m not an OTO member, can I attend some Lodge events?
Where does AMeTh Lodge meet?
Is there another local body in London?
What’s the difference between a Lodge, Oasis and a Camp?
Questions about Thelema and Aleister Crowley:
What is “Thelema”?
What is a Thelemite?
How do I become a Thelemite?
What if it’s your True Will to do [some bad thing]?
Was Aleister Crowley a Satanist?
Did Crowley really sacrifice children?
How do you pronounce ‘Thelema’?
What does the “e.v.” I see after dates in Thelemic writings mean?
What does “93” mean?
Questions about Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.):
How do I join O.T.O.?
To summarize, initiate membership requires a physical ceremony, which in turn means that you must find and contact an O.T.O. local body near you to apply for initiation. You cannot be initiated ‘at a distance’ (email / post / phone etc.)
AMeTh Lodge is based in London and membership enquiries should be sent to .
If you are based outside of London, the U.K. local body contact page (http://www.oto-uk.org/contact) or the international contact page (http://www.oto.org) may be useful in locating your nearest local body.
More information can be found on the membership pages of the U.K. Grand Lodge website http://www.oto-uk.org/membership and the U.S. Grand Lodge website http://oto-usa.org/member.html.
Do I have to join a Lodge/Oasis/Camp?
No. In order to be a member of O.T.O. you must take initiation provided by a recognized Lodge, Oasis or Camp, however there is no requirement to join that group or any other.
It is possible to be a member of O.T.O. by just taking initiation and paying yearly dues, however since it is a social fraternal organization you would be missing out on a lot, so it may be worth also joining your local group.
Is there a curriculum with exams/test/ordeals?
O.T.O. is not a “testing” organisation per se, however Local Bodies can provide activities which include workshops or tutorials, and much can be gained merely by socializing with like-minded and knowledgeable individuals. It is best to contact the Body in question regarding its activities (AMeTh’s events can be found here).
The initiations are the core of the Order’s teaching and the it’s upon the individual to develop their discipline and do any work they wish to do – no-one will be standing over them with a stick! The criteria for progression are minimal, but like most things, you gain in proportion to what you put in.
If you are looking for more direct training in spiritual or magical matters you may wish to consider contacting A∴A∴
How old is O.T.O.?
By tradition, O.T.O. traces its spiritual origins to the foundation of the Order of Knights Templar in 1108. More historically, its immediate antecedents (according to Aleister Crowley) were the 18th-century Rosicrucian Orders. The initial conferences that actually led to the formation of O.T.O. as a modern organization were held in 1895 in Europe. These conferences led to the launching of The Oriflamme, a journal that would later become the official journal of O.T.O., in 1902. The Constitution of O.T.O. was published in 1906, and its Manifesto was first issued in the U.S.A. in 1919. More information on it’s history can be found here http://www.oto-uk.org/history.
What is Aleister Crowley’s relationship to the O.T.O.?
Aleister Crowley was admitted to the O.T.O. in 1910. He was appointed National Grand Master X° for Britain and Ireland in 1912, and assumed worldwide leadership as O.H.O. (Outer Head of the Order) in 1922. He completely revised the Order’s rituals and structure, conforming them to the Law of Thelema.
What is the difference between O.T.O. and M∴M∴M∴?
MMM (Mysteria Mystica Maxima), was originally established as the British section of the O.T.O. under Crowley as National Grand Master. As currently understood, M∴M∴M∴ represents the aspect of O.T.O. that administers the initiatory degrees of O.T.O. from 0° (Minerval) through VII°.
How is the Gnostic Catholic Church related to O.T.O.?
Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C.) or the Gnostic Catholic Church, was incorporated into the O.T.O. structure in 1908. Crowley wrote the Gnostic Mass (Liber XV) for the E.G.C. and O.T.O. in 1913. The E.G.C. formally accepted the Law of Thelema in 1920. As currently understood, the E.G.C. represents the aspect of O.T.O. that administers the Gnostic Mass and associated ecclesiastical rituals.
Is O.T.O. a “Secret Society”?
O.T.O. could be considered an ‘order with secrets’ rather than a ‘secret order’. It does hold the details of its initiatory rituals and initiatory documents to be secret, and it considers the identity of its members to be private and confidential. However, the O.T.O. is a public-facing organisation and does not aim to ‘hide’ itself. In the U.S. and Australia the O.T.O. operates as a non-profit, religious corporation. O.T.O. policy requires it to comply with all applicable laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates.
Do I need to be a member of O.T.O. to participate in the Gnostic Mass?
Membership in O.T.O. is not a pre-requisite for attendance at the Gnostic Mass in most locations. The Gnostic Mass is generally referred to as “the central ritual of the O.T.O. both public and private” and often serves as a contact point for those interested in finding out more about the Order and its practices. Some local bodies do prefer to have some kind of initial contact before inviting new individuals to attend the Gnostic Mass. It is also generally expected that those attending the Gnostic Mass participate in the eucharist offered at the end of the ceremony. We encourage those interested in attending the Gnostic Mass to familiarize themselves with the text of the ritual (Liber XV) before deciding whether to attend.
Is Ordo Templi Orientis Satanic or anti-Christian?
No. O.T.O. makes no claims or representations to be either Satanic or anti-Christian. We find that these characterizations serve no real purpose in describing what we are about, or our vision for humanity. Rather than being anti-Christian, we are in fact pro-Thelema: we support the Thelemic ideals of freedom of religious and personal self-expression; emancipation from superstition and social oppression; and the development of a world view which supports and encourages the age-old vision of the Universal Brotherhood of mankind.
Do your rituals involve animal sacrifice?
None of the initiation rituals of O.T.O. or ecclesiastical rituals of E.G.C. involve animal sacrifice in any way. No O.T.O. member is ever required by O.T.O. to perform or participate in animal sacrifice. However, O.T.O. takes no moral or religious stand against the practice of animal sacrifice, per se. Animal sacrifice is an ancient and legitimate religious tradition that has historically been practised by many established religious systems, including Classical Paganism, Judaism, Islam, and many African and Afro-Caribbean religions.
What is the relationship between Ordo Templi Orientis and Wicca?
O.T.O. is not a Wiccan or Pagan organization. However, O.T.O. membership is not incompatible with Wicca or Paganism. Gerald Gardner, who is commonly credited with establishing modern Wicca and coining that term, was deeply influenced by Crowley’s work and was an initiate of O.T.O. A number of members of O.T.O. also consider themselves Wiccan.
What is the relationship between Ordo Templi Orientis and Freemasonry?
O.T.O. was originally associated with certain European rites of Freemasonry but long ago separated itself from Masonry altogether. For further information, please see the history and membership pages on the O.T.O. U.K. Grand Lodge website. O.T.O. membership is not incompatible with membership in most Masonic organizations.
What is the relationship between Ordo Templi Orientis and the A∴A∴?
O.T.O. has long worked in close alliance with the AA, which first proclaimed the Law of Thelema to the world. The A∴A∴ is a teaching and initiatory system dedicated to the personal spiritual advancement of its individual members. Within A∴A∴ all services are rendered free of charge, and no social activities are held. O.T.O. and A∴A∴ have jointly issued the journal The Equinox since 1912e.v. Although they are distinctly separate organizations, O.T.O. has historically assisted A∴A∴ with practical matters that lie outside its primary mission, which is purely spiritual in nature.
Is O.T.O. a religion?
No. O.T.O. is a social organization and magical fraternity that works within the wider context of the spiritual philosophy known as Thelema, which technically could be considered a religion, but that is down to the opinion of the individual.
Do members of your Order practise “black magic”?
“Black magic” is commonly conceived as a type of “sorcery” or “diabolism” intended to cause harm to other beings. Crowley’s conception of “black magic” represents a refinement of this common understanding of the term: he defined black magic as magical work which does not serve the aspirant’s True Will; and he also held that it could not be the True Will of any being to oppose the True Will of another. The spiritual practices of O.T.O. are intended to enhance the lives of its initiates, not to harm anyone. No one is instructed by O.T.O. in curses, hexes, or any other kind of magic designed to harm another person. Further, in his classic work Magick Without Tears, Crowley defines the three distinct “schools of Magick” as being yellow, white and black, yet posits these schools in a very different way than what one might first imagine; and the Magick practised by the Black School is distinct from either conception of “black magic” described above. O.T.O. encourages a thorough understanding, by its members and non-members alike, of the definitions of the three schools as given by Crowley.
Do I have to believe in some particular dogma to join?
If you decide to pursue full membership, as a I°, you will be stating that you accept the Book of the Law as written, without wishing to change it. Even in the Minerval degree, you will be making a commitment in the strongest terms to uphold the ideals of freedom set forth in the Book of the Law. However, how you interpret the Book of the Law and its significance is largely up to you.
I’m a [Buddhist|Wiccan|Catholic|Baptist|Druid|etc.]. Can I stay one if I join the O.T.O.?
O.T.O. does not impose restrictions on members’ beliefs, or on their affiliations with other organizations that do not attempt to infringe on the rights and operation of O.T.O. However, higher-degree members are expected to avoid allowing their participation in other groups to unduly limit the time and energy they can devote to their O.T.O. obligations.
Will I learn Magick in the O.T.O.?
The principal purpose of O.T.O. within the Man of Earth Triad is to administer the Mysteries (initiation rituals) and the ecclesiastical rites of the E.G.C., not to actively teach any particular system or practice of Magick. However, properly understood, these rituals offer significant instruction themselves, in the form of allegory and symbolism, that is of both practical and theoretical value to the serious student of Magick. In order to assist initiates to discover and understand some of the lessons of their initiations, U.K. Grand Lodge issues degree-specific self-study guides, which are provided by the local bodies to members on their initiation to each degree. In addition, many local bodies offer introductory classes, seminars, practical workshops, and instructional and reference materials on a variety of systems and techniques of Magick, traditional and non-traditional, as well as on such related topics as Qabalah, Yoga, meditation, divination, mythology, symbolism, and comparative religion.
Why does O.T.O. charge dues?
Financial support is necessary to run a large multinational organization, even one staffed by volunteers. Our financial records are open to members.
What do I get for my dues?
Order members receive national and international newsletters, which are typically published on an irregular basis. In addition, being dues current entitles you to attend initiations and other events that are only open to members in good standing. It allows you to apply for initiation to the next degree, as you feel ready to advance. It gives you the prerogative of sponsoring other applicants for initiation, once you are a I° or higher yourself.
Questions about AMeTh Lodge:
How do I join AMeTh Lodge?
First you would need to be an initiate member of O.T.O. in good standing (please see above). If this is the case and you wish to join AMeTh Lodge, please contact the Lodge Secretary .
If I take my Minerval Degree at AMeTh, am I a member of AMeTh?
No, you would be a member of O.T.O. (or more properly M∴M∴M∴), you would need to actively join AMeTh Lodge (and we’d be glad to have you!)
You could also choose to join a different Body entirely, or none at all.
What activities does the Lodge offer?
The Lodge organizes several different types of activity, from performances of the Gnostic Mass, workshops on practical and theoretical aspects of magick, mysticism and Thelema to social occasions such as meals to celebrate feast days.
Please see the Lodge events page to get an idea of what’s going on.
I’m not an OTO member, can I attend some Lodge events?
Most Lodge events are for members only. However some social events and performances of the Gnostic Mass are open to invited non-members. If you wish to attend an event as a non-member please contact .
Where does AMeTh Lodge meet?
The Lodge meets in central London in different venues depending on the occasion.
Is there another local body in London?
No.
What’s the difference between a Lodge, Oasis and a Camp?
These are the three categories of O.T.O. Local Body (i.e. group). Camps (or sometimes ‘Encampments’) tend to be the smallest and are restricted in their ability to initiate. Oases are larger and can initiate through to Third Degree. Lodges are generally the largest and can initiate through to Fourth and P∴I∴ Degrees. One can glean an idea of progressive stability or differing purpose via the name of each.
There are also various responsibilities appropriate to each Body type, such as regular performance of the Gnostic Mass.
Questions about Thelema and Aleister Crowley:
What is “Thelema”?
In brief, Thelema is the religious-magical-philosophical system founded when Aleister Crowley received the Book of the Law in 1904. Its principal tenets can be summarized by the brief phrases, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law” and “Love is the law, love under will.”. It should be noted that “Do what thou wilt…” does not mean “Do what you want…”
What is a Thelemite?
The term “Thelemite” is subject to several different interpretations. The term itself was coined by Francois Rabelais in 1534 e.v. Crowley used the term to refer to someone who “accepts the Law” (i.e., the Book of the Law) and actively works within the Three Grades of the system of Thelema. Herein, we follow Crowley’s usage.
How do I become a Thelemite?
By deciding that you are a Thelemite, and accepting the Law of Thelema. Accepting Liber AL as a spiritual and magical focal point is implicit in this idea, in the sense that it would be paradoxical to claim to be practising Thelema without this acceptance. What you do beyond that is entirely up to you (“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law”). There is no requirement to join any particular organization, to associate with (or shun) other Thelemites, or to follow any specific course of study, meditation, or ritual practice. Many Thelemites do find that membership in a Thelemic organization proves useful in furthering their own Work. There are numerous such organizations to choose from, with O.T.O. being perhaps the largest and best-known among them.
What if it’s your True Will to do [some bad thing]?
This is a philosophical puzzle that cannot be covered sufficiently here. To offer some thoughts:
If one adopts a deterministic stance, and ‘Do what thou wilt…’ is seen as a descriptive law, then others will also be acting according to that law. Therefore all shall be as it is, and you can expect the results as they currently manifest in your society.
If you adopt a free will stance and it is therefore possible to go against your True Will, part of ‘inhabiting’ that Will would be how it interacts with other ‘Wills’. In other words you would not be doing your Will if it is opposing another’s Will, and although it may be impossible to verify what another’s Will is, as an illustration it is a fair guess that (unless they are indicating otherwise) it is not another’s Will to have you hit them.
‘Bad’ is a difficult term to use when talking of the Law of Thelema as in a sense it can be seen as ‘Beyond Good and Evil’. But it should be pointed out that it is generally believed ‘Do what thou wilt…’ when followed, should not result in unwise, cruel or wanton behaviour.
As stated, this is a complex philosophical puzzle that should not be over-simplified, one might devote a lifetime to the study of this single question. Associating and talking with like-minded Thelemites (or even joining the O.T.O. and your local body) could be a great way of exploring the issue.
Was Aleister Crowley a Satanist?
No. Aleister Crowley was a systematic and scientific explorer of religious practices, techniques, and doctrines. As such, he performed devotional exercises to various deities from various pantheons and to the divine personifications that are unique to the system of Thelema. At one time or another Crowley ‘was’ a Polytheist, a Monotheist, a Christian, a Hindu Yogi, a Qabalist, a Muslim Mystic, and a Buddhist among others. In 1904, he became the Prophet of the New Aeon and the founder of the spiritual, magical and philosophical movement called Thelema, through his reception of Liber AL vel Legis, the Book of the Law.
Did Crowley really sacrifice children?
No. Crowley never performed or advocated human sacrifice. His much-quoted allusion to frequent “child-sacrifice” (Magick In Theory & Practice, Chapter XII) was a metaphor for a specific practice of sexual magick that did not involve harm to any individual, but diverted the energies of sexuality from physical reproduction to other purposes. The ‘child’ or ‘Bud-Will’ that is sacrificed in such a practice is a particular manifestation of the magician’s Will, and not a physical, human child. Human sacrifice in any form would be incompatible with the principles of Thelema, as a violation of the right of every individual to live as he or she wills.
How do you pronounce ‘Thelema’?
One hears both “thuh-LEE-muh” and “theh-LAY-muh” commonly, and other variants now and then. The original Greek is θέλημα. This word is pronounced “theh-LEE-mah” in modern Greek, and would have most likely been pronounced “teh-LAY-mah” in ancient (Attic) Greek—so take your pick.
What does the “e.v.” I see after dates in Thelemic writings mean?
Thelema has its own calendar, but at present it is used largely for ceremonial purposes. In common with many religions, for many practical purposes we use the Gregorian calendar instead. In Christian practice, the years after the traditional birth of Christ are identified as “A.D.,” or “Anno Domini,” which means “Year of Our Lord.” Scholars wishing to use the Gregorian calendar without that sectarian attribution adopted the practice of using “C.E.,” short for “Common Era,” instead. Some used the Latin equivalent, which is “E.V.” (“Era Vulgaris”). Crowley established the tradition of using the latter form when referring to Gregorian dates in Thelemic materials, and this tradition has been maintained into the present day.
What does “93” mean?
The old Hebrew and Greek languages had no separate system of numerals; the symbols of their respective alphabets stood for both numbers and letters. Therefore, a numeric value can be derived from any word or phrase spelled in either Greek or Hebrew. The study of these numeric values and their meanings is termed “gematria”. The Greek words (Thelema — Will) and (Agape — Love) both enumerate to the number 93. Therefore, the number 93 serves as a concise, symbolic expression of the principles of Will (Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law) and Love (Love is the law, love under will). Crowley recommended the use of these phrases as Thelemic salutations of greeting and departure; modern Thelemites frequently use “93” as a shorter and more casual equivalent.
Should you have any further questions about O.T.O., Thelema, Aleister Crowley or related subjects, please feel free to contact the appropriate person from AMeTh Lodge.
Love is the law, love under will.