Membership
Initiation into Ordo Templi Orientis through Theorte Ekstasis
by Frater K Ch
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.
Becoming an initiate member of O.T.O. through Theorte Ekstasis carries with it a serious and secret devotion to principles, practices, and pledges revealed through initiations conducted by a chartered initiator. The foundation of these initiations and the O.T.O. are contained in The Book of the Law as received by Aleister Crowley in 1904 e.v. The Word of whose Law is Thelema. Those who aspire to initiate with O.T.O. are strongly encouraged to study The Book of the Law and it’s commentary before seeking out Theorte Ekstasis for initiation.
The introductory initiation is that of Minerval 0°. Initiation in this degree is available by right to all who are free, of age, and of good report with at least two I° initiates of O.T.O. To be free one must not be currently incarcerated. To be of age one must be at least 18 years. To establish good report requires a relationship with those you inquire about it through attending classes or events sponsored by Theorte Ekstasis. Even before the first step is taken, one is tested. This Order is no mail-order degree system. Emphasis is especially placed on physical correspondence and initiation.
Minerval represents the attraction of a wandering God to the Solar System. It is there to establish an impermanent connection between the aspirant and the Order; and to allow one to decide whether or not the O.T.O. is suitable to one’s own Will. Beyond Minerval a permanent lifetime link is established between the initiate and the Order that cannot be severed even if one chooses to retire from the work of the Order.
Minerval initiates of Theorte Ekstasis are considered welcome guests of the Order and our Camp with all the benefits of such a title. They are welcome at all O.T.O. functions private or public that are open to the degree with their entry fee taken care of, discounts on local events, a free copy of the local publication, library access, use of Temple space, and the ability to put on events under Theorte Ekstasis. Equally, one is also an initiate member of O.T.O. Grand Lodge and receive the newsletter publications Agapé, and The Magical Link from the U.S. Grand Lodge and the International O.T.O. respectively.
It cannot be overstressed to implore any interested aspirant to think critically about a decision to become an initiate and undertake Oaths. The Oath is one of the most important and also permanent acts one can possibly make.
Crowley writes of the Oath thus:
“The oath is the foundation of all Work in Magick, as it is an affirmation of the Will. An oath binds the Magician forever.”
“The first step of the Aspirant toward the Gate of Initiation tells him that purity-unity of purpose-is essential above all else. “Do what thou wilt” strikes on him, a ray of fierce white flame consuming all that is not utterly God.”
~Liber ABA: Book Four
Love is the law, love under will.
Links
For further reading on the subject of membership and initiation in the Ordo Templi Orientis, we suggest the following links.