(The following text is available as a booklet at Lodge events.  It is included in its entirety on this page for the convenience of our internet visitors.)

Welcome to 418 Lodge!

This small handbook is intended as a very beginning guide for new visitors. This is meant to address some of the 'frequently asked questions' that people often have. If you'd like to talk more about anything you read, or would like to participate in any way, please contact one of the Lodge officers, and we'll set aside time to discuss these or other topics in more depth.

This pamphlet covers (very briefly) the following subjects:

1. Some Thelemic Basics.

2. Ordo Templi Orientis, Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, and 418 Lodge.

3. Initiations and Sacraments.

4. Options for Participation.

5. Recommended Readings.

6. What You (Might Have Been) Afraid to Ask.

About Thelema

The religion known as Thelema was founded in 1904 by the English poet and mystic Aleister Crowley (1875 - 1947), who is regarded as its Prophet.  Those who follow the path of Thelema are called Thelemites. (Note: “Crowley”, as pronounced by himself and his contemporaries, should rhyme with “holy;” not as in the Ozzy Osbourne song.) Thelema emphasizes individualism, and the uniqueness of each person's Will. As a result, it is very difficult to make blanket statements about its nature or (still more so) the natures of its adherents. Even the label "religion" fits Thelema awkwardly in some contexts — it is in other senses a philosophy and a way of life, while also overlapping with the set of practices and symbols commonly called "Magick". In this handbook we offer what can only be a bare introduction to Thelema. We strongly encourage you to use these resources as a gateway to your own explorations. "There is joy in the setting out; there is joy in the journey; there is joy in the goal."

(Above paragraph taken from the Grand Lodge website:  oto-usa.org)

Love and Will

You will often hear Thelemites use the phrases, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” and “Love is the law, love under will.” These phrases encapsulate Thelemic doctrine. They appear in the Gnostic Mass and in numerous other Thelemic rituals, and in addition are used as greetings in the Thelemic community (often abbreviated as “93,” which is the numerical value (in gematria; “numerology for grownups”) of both thelema and agape (will and love in Greek)). In a Thelemic context, these two words have specific meanings which are not identical with their everyday usage. Will (or True Will), as understood by most Thelemites, is a concept similar to the soul’s destiny or purpose. Thelemites tend to believe that each person incarnates with a specific purpose; that purpose is their Path in this life, or their True Will. It is the responsibility of each person to discover their True Will (by study, reflection, meditation, ritual, use of a magical journal, etc), and then to pursue that Will with strength and joy. The phrase, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” therefore is generally not interpreted as giving one permission to follow every passing whim; it is rather a strict instruction to find and enact your true purpose, regardless of obstacles or difficulties.

Love, as understood by most Thelemites, is a broader concept than the sentimental love portrayed on Hallmark cards (although it can include that).  Love is seen as the Will of two to unite into one; the union of opposites, which is one of the key engines that drives one toward comprehension of

the Universe. As the goddess Nuit says in Chapter One of Liber AL, “Let there be no difference made between you between any one thing and any other thing, for thereby there cometh hurt.” Most Thelemites will attempt to pursue Love by (among other things) rising above their own personal prejudices to recognize the unity of all Creation, eventually understanding that the apparent divisions of the material plane are but illusions (useful though they may be). The phrase “Love is the law, love under will,” can therefore be seen as a reminder of this underlying truth, which is second only to the requirement to pursue one’s true purpose (or True Will.)

These are concepts with many layers, and subject to many different personal interpretations. Thelema does not believe in dictating The Truth to others. Therefore the above paragraphs (and those following) are meant only as a starting place for beginners; an attempt to explain these concepts as many Thelemites understand them.

The Holy Guardian Angel

The foremost goal of many Thelemites is to achieve the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel (abbreviated K&C of the HGA), which is a phrase Crowley chose as being so outlandish that no one would be able to project their own preconceptions onto it (although of course they do anyway, in the nature of humans everywhere). Now this is a bit of a contradiction, since we just explained that a Thelemite’s top priority was to find and do their True Will. But here’s the catch: without Divine Guidance (however defined); without being plugged in to the true Flow of the Universe, how can one truly, accurately, know what one’s True Will is? One may have glimmers, but we have all experienced how we are distracted and misled by our own desires; many times seeing what we want to see rather than what is actually there. We’ve all labored mightily to achieve what we thought was our True Will, only to discover later that we’d gone off the Path.

The Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel is a concept that is difficult to accurately explain. But in practical terms, it amounts to achieving a true link with the Truth which is beyond our personal selves; thereby gaining the ability to truly know what it is we are meant to do. The HGA has been variously described as our Higher Self, or as a spiritual being beyond even our Higher Self. He/she/it is perhaps both of these and neither (get used to paradox in a Thelemic context; the Truth is often beyond the reach of language). Much has been written on this subject; the above is only meant to be the briefest of introductions for those new to Thelema.

Magick and Thelema

Thelemites as a rule are deeply interested in Magick, but they certainly do not have a monopoly on the field. Many other traditions also have magical elements, and Thelema, being a syncretic tradition, may use any of these other methods at times, borrowing from Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, Hindu, Arabic, Hebrew, medieval European, and other traditions as needed or useful.

Thelema defines “magick” in a broader sense than the common understanding. Crowley writes, “Magick is the Art and Science of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will.” That means that for us, magick is not only formal ceremonial ritual. If one’s True Will is to be an author, then

your setting pen to paper is in fact an act of magick, as you are causing change (creating text) in conformity with Will. Crowley continues, “Every intentional act is a Magical Act,” and eventually concludes that we therefore cannot help but do magick, and we had better do it well, than poorly.  The Introduction to Crowley’s Magick in Theory and Practice, from which these quotes are taken, is strongly recommended for a much fuller explanation, which also includes a discussion of Will.

Our whole lives, properly lived, are a great magical act. Nevertheless, most Thelemites will also work with formal (and informal) ceremonial magick on a regular basis. The magical implements which are used each symbolize an aspect or force of the Universe, and simultaneously an aspect of our own selves. Therefore their intentional use during ritual represents our intentional manipulation of these forces in our own subconscious and superconscious mind, allowing our conscious mind to create change that might otherwise be beyond its reach. The highest use of magick is to purify and balance our own Selves, so as to allow us, gradually, to approach the Truth. Magick may also be used, as in the Gnostic Mass, to bring universal forces (Gods, Goddesses, etc) into a space for the blessing of those present; to allow each participant to partake in some form of the Divine Nature.  Magick may sometimes be used for material ends, but this should be done cautiously, as an ill-considered magical act may yield undesired results.

Most Thelemites condemn the use of magick to harm or coerce another person, as this interferes with that person’s True Will. (Most Thelemites believe they should pursue their own True Wills, and allow others to do the same.)

Liber AL and other key Thelemic texts

The book The Holy Books of Thelema includes most of the books which Thelemites consider to be Crowley's "inspired" texts, and which form the canon of Thelemic Holy Scripture. The chief of these is Liber AL vel Legis, sub figura CCXX, commonly called The Book of the Law. Liber AL was

received by Crowley on April 8th, 9th, and 10th of 1904, which is therefore considered the dawn of the New Aeon. The contents of this book are rather cryptic, and Crowley has prepared a number of commentaries for clarification.  Along these lines, The Law Is for All is highly recommended. Thelemites are expected to interpret the Book of the Law for themselves, based on Crowley's commentaries and other writings (and their own meditations and experience); but are discouraged from promoting their personal interpretations to others.

Another book which forms an important part of the Thelemic canon, but which is not included in The Holy Books of Thelema, is Liber XXX Ærum vel Sæculi, sub figura CDXVIII, commonly called The Vision and the Voice.

The I Ching and the Tarot (considered as a book of mystic illustrations rather than as a fortunetelling device), though of pre-Thelemic origin, are also considered to be part of the informal Thelemic canon. The Thoth tarot deck, produced by Frieda Harris under Crowley’s direction, is recommended.

(Text in the above section taken (with minor edits) from the U.S. Grand Lode website, which also contains an online version of Liber AL, and many other Thelemic texts: http://lib.oto-usa.org/ )

Ordo Templi Orientis

Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) is a hierarchical, religious membership organization. Our mission is to effect and promote the doctrines and practices of the philosophical and religious system known as Thelema, with particular emphasis on cultivating the ideals of individual liberty, self-discipline, self-knowledge, and universal brotherhood. To this end, we conduct sacramental and initiatory rites, offer guidance and instruction to our members, organize social events, and engage in educational and community service activities at locations throughout the United States.

(The website of the U.S. Grand Lodge of O.T.O. is at:  oto-usa.org   You will find a wealth of information there if you explore the tabs and links.)

418 Lodge

O.T.O. has almost fifty different local bodies spread across the United States (not to mention those in other countries). 418 Lodge is the local body in Sacramento, CA. The name, “418,” is not because we are the 418th lodge; 418 is a highly significant number in Thelema which refers, among other things, to the Word of the Aeon (Abrahadabra), and thereby to the union of the Adept and the Angel (K&C of the HGA; see above). 418 Lodge was founded in 1979 by Phyllis Seckler (Soror Meral), a student of Jane Wolfe, who was in turn a student of Aleister Crowley. Phyllis Seckler was initiated into O.T.O. in 1939. Like most local O.T.O. bodies, 418 Lodge offers classes, discussion groups, regular performance of the Gnostic Mass, parties (of course!), and initiations into various degrees of O.T.O. Many of our events are open to the public; a few are open only to members.

O.T.O. has no attendance requirements; an initiate or a member of the public may attend as frequently or infrequently as they prefer. If you show steady interest, we may invite you to participate more fully in Lodge events, but that would be an invitation only; if it is not your Will to accept, we will not be offended. A member of the public may attend 418 Lodge events for the rest of their lives without becoming a member of the Lodge, and will continue to be a welcome guest (as long as they behave!).

For those interested in the various forms of membership, these are described later in this handbook., in the “Membership and Sacraments” section.

(Our lodge website is at: 418lodge.org   See the calendar page for event listings.)

The Gnostic Mass

The Gnostic Mass is the central ritual of O.T.O.; “the central ceremony of [its] public and private celebration” (Crowley). It was written by Crowley while traveling through Russia in 1913. Crowley was inspired by the beauty and ceremony of the Russian Orthodox Mass, but wished to create a ritual that would express Thelemic, rather than Christian, ideals.

Therefore the Gnostic Mass, in accordance with Thelemic philosophy, enacts balance on all planes and the union of opposites. A Priest and a Priestess officiate. God and Goddess are invoked. Ritual action takes place in the East (of the rising Sun) and in the West (of the setting Sun). Fire and water are represented and take active part. The action of the Mass includes references to the ancient king-making ceremonies of Old Britain, and to the opera Parsival by Wagner. The Priest and Priestess carry each other to successive levels of exaltation, culminating in a symbolic “Great Marriage” at the altar in the East, whereby male and female, fire and water, above and below are united together in a tantric and alchemical fire which consumes them both while creating the blessing which is then administered to the communicants.

It is even possible that the Gnostic Mass, because it uses elements reminiscent of the Catholic or Orthodox mass, but in accord with Thelemic principles, is able to gradually heal the wounds on our souls which have been inflicted by rigid dualistic faiths.

The drama and symbolism of the Mass are, as other topics above, beyond the scope of this small handbook, but several excellent starting places for study are listed in the “Further Reference” section at the end. Bear in mind, however, that the Mass is not only to be understood with the intellect, but also with the emotions, the intuition, and the Higher Self. Study is recommended, but you will learn on other levels from regular attendance (and from the insights gained from the various O.T.O. initiations, should you choose to pursue them).

(The text of the Gnostic Mass, with commentary, is available here: http://hermetic.com/sabazius/gnostic_mass.htm You will also find many other enlightening documents in the Sabazius section of hermetic.com )

Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica

Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C.), or the Gnostic Catholic Church, is the ecclesiastical arm of Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.). This can be confusing for newcomers, but while E.G.C. and O.T.O. have different histories, at this time they function as two aspects of the same organization.

E.G.C.’s central activity is the performance of the Gnostic Mass (described above), but it also

provides other sacraments; notably Baptism and Confirmation, as well as commemorations of birth, marriage, death, and other significant life events.

Baptism is a symbolic birth into the Thelemic community and the Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica. Confirmation follows, at a later Mass, and represents the candidate’s conscious Will to actively participate in the community. Baptism and confirmation are independent of O.T.O. membership; i.e. you may be baptized or confirmed without being initiated into O.T.O., or vice versa.

(For more on the E.G.C., see http://oto-usa.org/egc.html )

Initiation

The structure of O.T.O., like that of Freemasonry and the ancient mystery schools, is based on a staged series of initiations or degrees. In the rituals of these degrees, O.T.O. seeks to instruct the individual by allegory and symbol in the profound mysteries of nature, and thereby to assist each

initiate in discovering his or her own true identity.

Initiation can be conferred only in a physical ceremony conducted by a properly chartered initiator. See our “Membership & Sacraments” section, further on, for information on how to apply for initiation.

Initiate membership is subdivided by degree. There are a total of 21 initiate degrees in O.T.O., including thirteen numbered degrees and eight un-numbered, intermediate degrees or subdegrees. The degrees of O.T.O. are divided into three Grades or "Triads": the Hermit, the Lover, and the Man of Earth. The Man of Earth (MoE), or Third triad, is the starting place, and consists of six levels: Minerval Degree, First Degree (Man and Brother, or Woman and Sister), Second Degree (Magician), Third Degree (Master Magician), Fourth Degree (Perfect Magician), and Perfect Initiate.

The Minerval degree (0°) is an introductory Initiate degree in which the aspirant is considered an "honored guest" of O.T.O. rather than a full member.  The Minerval degree is designed to allow the aspirant to decide whether or not to pursue full membership, and to allow potential sponsors the opportunity to decide whether to support the aspirant's application for full membership.

The First degree (I°) bestows full membership upon the initiate. A First Degree initiate may retire from active participation in O.T.O., but the spiritual link forged between the initiate and the Order during the ceremony of the First Degree will remain throughout the initiate's life.

Beyond the degree of Perfect Initiate, advancement is by invitation only.

The Man of Earth degrees follow a pattern based on the symbolism of the Chakras and the stages of Kundalini Yoga; and represent, in dramatic form, the Individual's Path in Eternity. In the 0°, the Ego, a wandering God, is attracted to the Solar System. In the I°, the Child experiences Birth. In the II°, the Man or Woman experiences Life. The III° represents the Death of the individual, and the IV˚ represents the world beyond Death, the glorified state of the Initiate. In the P.’.I.’. degree, the Initiate symbolically achieves ultimate Perfection (Completion), and the entire cycle is withdrawn into Annihilation.

Of these Events or Stations upon the Path, all but the II° represent single critical experiences. We, however, are concerned mostly with the varied experiences of Life. All subsequent degrees are therefore elaborations of the II°, a progressive instruction in how to live, since in a single ceremony it is hardly possible to sketch, even in the briefest outline, the Teaching of Initiates with regard to Life. The V° - IX° rituals and teachings are therefore instructions to the Initiate in the Mastery of Life; there is instruction in Hermetic Philosophy, Qabalah, Magick and Yoga, all aimed at preparing the Initiate for the revelation and application of one Supreme Secret.

Every man and woman of full age (18 or more years old), free, and of good report, has an indefeasible right to the first three degrees of O.T.O. (but not according to any particular time schedule). These "first three degrees" actually include all the degrees in the Man of Earth Triad (the Minerval is considered a prologue to the First degree, and the Fourth and P.’.I.’. Degrees are considered pendants to the Third degree). Progress of the O.T.O. initiate toward the Fourth and P.’.I.’. degrees is usually a matter of years.

A certain amount of time is usually required to allow full maturation of the effects of the O.T.O. initiations, although under some circumstances the Minerval and First Degrees may be taken on the same occasion.

(Text in the Initiation section is taken, with some editing, from the U.S. Grand Lodge website, which is recommended for further reading:  oto-usa.org/init.html ) Also see The Equinox, volume III, number 10.

Membership and Sacraments

Several categories of membership are open to interested persons:

Guest.  As previously mentioned, you are welcome to visit our public events for decades without pursuing any official tie with O.T.O. or E.G.C. if that is your Will (and as long as you behave!)

Baptism into Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica: Baptism is a symbolic birth into the Thelemic community and the Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica. You do not need to be an initiate of O.T.O. to be baptized or confirmed. A baptismal candidate will need two sponsors (each of whom must be Confirmed

in E.G.C.), and may be baptized under their civil name, or a magical name of their choice. There is no charge for baptism or for confirmation. If interested, please contact one of the Lodge officers.

Confirmation into Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica: Confirmation represents the candidate’s conscious Will to actively participate in the community. It is generally not performed on the same day as the baptism. The candidate must have one Confirmed person to stand with them, must have a white tau robe, and must be able to recite the Gnostic Creed from memory. If interested, please contact the Lodge officers.

Initiation: The initial degrees of O.T.O. are described above (to the extent allowed by our oaths). Before applying for initiation, you will want to visit Lodge events, particularly the Gnostic Mass, several times. This will allow you to decide whether you wish to become affiliated with us, and vice versa. Once you have spent some time with 418 Lodge, and have decided that you would like to pursue Initiation into O.T.O., ask a Lodge officer for an application. You will need two members in good standing to sign your application as your sponsors. This is a serious responsibility on the part of the two sponsors; hence the need for some time spent with the members before your application. Initiation requires the payment of dues and fees, which tend to

increase with the degree in question. Minervals and First Degrees pay a one-time initiation fee of $42, and annual U.S. Grand Lodge dues of $42.  For other degrees, see: http://oto-usa.org/dues.html

Lodge membership: Most members of the national O.T.O. are also members of a local body. Members pay local dues (not the same as the national dues listed above), which support the work of the local body. Our dues are some of the lowest in the country, since we don’t have to pay rent for our Temple space. Non-initiates who wish to support the work of the Lodge pay $5 per month. Minervals pay $10 per month. First Degrees and up pay $15 per month. Local dues pay for Mass and initiation supplies, construction and repair of Temple furniture, printing, xeroxing, and postage costs, rental of our midtown lecture space, and wine and snacks for Mass.

Participation

There are several ways in which initiates and non-initiates can participate in the work of the Lodge, if it is their Will. Service is a way to get to know members, to help support the Lodge and its work, and to complete a spiritual ‘circuit’ through activity grounded in the world.

Officers in the Mass. We encourage Thelemites to get involved in the Mass as officers if they are interested. The Officer roles in the Mass have various prerequisites. To serve as a Child, you need to be baptized in the EGC (you need not be an initiate). Priest, Priestess, and Deacon are roles

that require training over a period of time. To become a Novice Priestess, Priest, or Deacon, you must be an initiate of at least First Degree, have a Supervising Bishop, and have been baptized and confirmed. Ordination as a Deacon requires at least the Second Degree; ordination as a Priest or Priestess requires the K.E.W. degree.

Classes. If you have a particular area of interest that you feel you’d like to share with the community, and would like to present a Class on the topic, please submit a description, including an outline of the presentation to the Lodgemaster for consideration. New lecturers will generally be asked to present a members-only class before addressing the public.

Volunteer your particular skills. Our membership comes from unique and diverse backgrounds, and we can contribute through our personal strengths and skills. Musicians, artists, artisans, chefs, writers, tailors, contractors, film makers, and others: if you have an idea, please share it with the Lodge officers.

Donations. If you would like to make a financial contribution to 418 Lodge, please contact any of the Lodge officers. 418 Lodge is a non-profit organization that operates solely through donations and membership dues. Your donation will help us to purchase the supplies for the Mass, with the

cost of outreach & promulgation, rental space for classes and any number of Temple related costs. Your contribution is tax deductible.

Reading Lists and Links

The following links are selected to be of use for persons newly exploring Thelema and Ordo Templi Orientis:

1. Website of US Grand Lodge of O.T.O.: http://oto-usa.org/ A wealth of information is available on this site. Explore the menu options on the side of the page. You may be particularly interested in:

2. O.T.O. Online Library: http://lib.oto-usa.org/ Here you may read many important Thelemic texts and rituals online, free of charge, including Liber AL (Thelema’s most sacred text), and the text of the Gnostic Mass. Also Duty, a short but important essay by Crowley.

3. Hermetic.com: This site provides a very extensive library of Western hermetic writings. Particularly recommended are Crowley (of course!), Sabazius, Dionysius, and Del Campo. http://hermetic.com/

4. 418 Lodge Facebook page: Log on to facebook, and search for 418 Lodge. You can subscribe to this page (or to our email list) to receive invitations to local events.

5. Excellent Thelemic podcasts include Speech in the Silence (the Living Thelema portion is presented by our Past Master): speechinthesilence.com, and Thelema Now: oto-usa.org/podcast.html.

Reading recommendations for beginners

1. Liber AL; The Book of the Law. Available at several of the sites listed above, or in some bookstores. Liber AL is an inspired text, penned by Crowley under the direction of his Holy Guardian Angel. Like most such writings, it is sometimes allegorical, and not expected to be understood at the first reading.  http://lib.oto-usa.org/libri/liber0220.html

2. The Law Is for All. This is Crowley’s commentary on Liber AL, and portrays his interpretation of the text. Available at amazon.com, or your local bookstore.

3. Liber XV; The Gnostic Mass. This is the text of the ritual performed regularly at all O.T.O. bodies. Available online here:  http://lib.oto-usa.org/libri/liber0015.html   Included in Equinox III vol 10, Gems from the Equinox, and other texts.

4. Lon Milo DuQuette’s Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, or other texts by Mr. DuQuette. Available at amazon.com, or in some bookstores. Crowley’s work can be dense, and difficult to follow if one is not already familiar with the basics of Western Hermeticism. DuQuette

combines extensive study and understanding with a clear presentation understandable to beginners, and a good sense of humor. Starting with DuQuette will allow beginners to get more out of their Crowley readings.  More experienced readers may gain new insights.

Reading recommendations; next level up

These few books (several of which are quite large) can keep you busy for years. All are available from a good local independent bookstore, or from amazon.com.

1. The Holy Books of Thelema. Crowley listed as the author of record, although these are considered inspired/channeled texts. Also called The Equinox volume III, number 9.

2. The Equinox, volume III, number 10. This volume focuses on O.T.O. throughout and contains many interesting Order-related documents.

3. Magick, Book 4, Liber ABA, by Crowley. Also called (informally) “The Big Blue Brick”. Includes Magick in Theory and Practice, and much more.

4. Gems from the Equinox: Instructions by Aleister Crowley For His Own Magical Order. Includes The Vision and the Voice.

5. 777 and other Qabalistic Writings of Aleister Crowley.

6. Magick without Tears, by Crowley.

7. Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley, by Richard Kaczynski.

What You (Might Have Been) Afraid to Ask

In this final section, we address some questions that nice, polite visitors might be hesitant to address to Lodge officers during an O.T.O. event. Let’s face it; Thelema has gotten some bad press. You know you have a public relations challenge when you have to explain that your group is not a Satanic, child-sacrificing, sex-orgy cult (although now doubtless some of you will be disappointed!). Aleister Crowley was a man ahead of his time in many ways. Furthermore, he was not at all interested in putting up a respectable façade. Indeed, he seemed to take a perverse pleasure in shocking Victorian sensibilities. This was rewarded by the “yellow press” of the day with spectacular news stories not unlike what we might expect to find in today’s National Enquirer. Crowley was branded “The Wickedest Man in the World,” a title which has survived almost a century, even though his “crimes” were essentially those of the 1960’s hippies: “free love” (with either gender), use of psychoactive substances, a willingness to openly criticize the

hypocrisy of societal institutions, exploration of alternative spirituality, etc. Surely many more evil men and women have lived (Hitler, Stalin, and Pol Pot come to mind). Yet the title, and its attendant rumors, survive. Here we address some of the rumors you may have come across…

Is O.T.O. a satanic cult?

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.

I’ve heard that O.T.O. involves sex magick; does that mean I’ll be pushed into having sex with someone?

No. It is against Thelemic principles (as commonly understood) for any person to be forced to have intercourse with anyone against their Will. You will never be asked to have sex with someone in order to advance to the next degree. You will not be sexually or otherwise harassed at a Lodge event. If anything like that occurs, you should inform the Lodgemaster immediately so that the issue can be dealt with. We do not allow threatening or predatory individuals to disturb the peace of the Lodge. We do tell a lot of bawdy jokes, which we don’t consider harassment.

On the other hand, most Thelemites regard sexuality as a potent source of spirituality; one of humankind’s most direct routes to “tap into” the Divine; and an expression of the Will of Two to become One. As discussed in the “Magick” section above, every intentional act is a magical act. So why would sex not be magick? Thelemites interested in pursuing this path tend to do

so in private, like most other people, without bothering others.

Is there blood and/or body fluids in the Cakes of Light served at Mass?

No. O.T.O. has strict regulations which ensure that the Cakes served at Mass are safe and do not contain bodily fluids. If you are interested in the (lengthy) details of how the Cakes are made, please contact one of the Lodge officers. Short answer is: they contain “meal” (which may be wheat, corn, barley, etc), honey, red wine, Abramelin oil (which is mostly cinnamon), olive oil, and ash from a previous Cake.

Is someone going to make a bloody animal sacrifice during an O.T.O. ritual?

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 practiced by many established religious systems, including Classical Paganism, Judaism, Islam, and many African and Afro-Caribbean religions.

Did Crowley hate women?

No. Crowley was an advocate of women’s equal rights and standing, long before that become popular. As an example, I offer Crowley’s commentary on Liber AL, chapter III, verse 55, in The Law is for All: “We of Thelema say that “Every man and every woman is a star.” We do not fool and flatter women; we do not despise and abuse them. To us a woman is Herself, absolute, original, independent, free, self-justified…” and much more along those lines; it is worth reading, although written by a man raised in Victorian England, and therefore not always up to our present-day standards of political correctness. On the other hand, Crowley was an irascible character, and often skewered both men and women for their faults. You can find plenty of examples of his complaining of some stupid woman, but for each of these, you will also find at least one matching example of his criticizing some stupid man. He was an equal-opportunity criticizer.

Does O.T.O. promote “black magick”?

"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.

Why does the initiation application ask about my medical history? And what’s the meaning of the long, scary list of injuries on the accompanying waiver form?

Every O.T.O. initiation includes some sort of trial or challenge; mental, physical or both. We can't tell the candidate what the trial will be, so they are unable to judge in advance whether or not it would be a good idea to go through the initiation with, for instance, a broken arm, a bad case of flu, or a heart problem. Therefore we have to get that information from the candidates

and modify or postpone the initiation if necessary, so as not to injure them. An initiation might involve ingesting a token amount of some foodstuff, so we have to know if the person has a severe food allergy or is otherwise unable to consume certain items. O.T.O.policy does not allow illegal drugs during O.T.O. events, so we can tell you that you will not be asked to take anything along those lines during an initiation.

As for the waiver: O.T.O. has members who are lawyers, and who work to protect the Order and its members against legal liability. O.T.O. initiators are carefully trained in maintaining a safe environment during initiations, and we are not aware of any serious injury caused as a result of an initiation.  Nevertheless, it is possible that a person could trip or fall, or that someone could brush up against a candle and be burned, etc. The lawyers have tried to imagine every such unlikely occurrence, and included them in the waiver.

(Text of some of the above Q & A comes from the oto-usa.org website; you can see more of their FAQ at: http://oto-usa.org/faq.html )