useful links and books

 

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.


  1. 3. O.T.O. Online Bookstore (via amazon.com):  http://oto-usa.org/bookstore.html                     A small number of especially recommended books are available through this page.


  1. 4. Hermetic.com:  This site provides a very extensive library of Western hermetic writings.  All are of interest; however the personal bias of this webmaster would encourage you to begin with Crowley (of course!), Sabazius, Dionysius, and Del Campo.  http://hermetic.com/


  1. 5. 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.



Reading recommendations for beginners:


  1. 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.  Interpretation may be personal, but may also be found in:


  1. 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 at the O.T.O. bookstore listed above.


  1. 3. Liber XV; The Gnostic Mass.  This is the text of the ritual performed regularly at all O.T.O. bodies.  Available online at several of the sites listed above.  Not on amazon.com, except as a part of other published books and compilations.


  1. 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.