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  Can a Fraternal Order, founded on Thelema, with each member pursuing their own individual Will, be as harmonious a tapestry as Liber 194 suggests? Of course it can! But, there may be challenges! We shall discuss the nature and purpose of the Committee of Four within the Fifth Degree of Our august Order. From the arrangement of social gatherings, to the composition of disputes among Brethren through tact and friendliness, our comprehensive review will cover the methods and purposes of the Committee of Four, and how Brethren can best utilize this resource at their local bodies. An effort will be made to coordinate with any Committee members from other Chapters within USGL that are present at NOTOCON to participate in a panel discussion, and possibly the overall presentation, as well. Soror Ta-Khaa-en-Nu and I, having both served since 2000 EV on the Committee of Four at Tahuti Chapter R&C in the Valley of New York City, will present.

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  Frater Puck has been a member of Ordo Templi Orientis since January 9, 1994 EV, and has served as Treasurer of Tahuti Lodge in New York City (1995 EV – 2000 EV) and Master of Tahuti Lodge (2000 EV – 2005 EV). Since 2000 EV, he has been a member of the Membership Committee and Committee of Four of Tahuti Chapter R&C. He has been a Chartered Initiator and Ordained E.G.C. Priest since 1998 EV and is a Certified Initiator Trainer.

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The O.T.O. I° Initiation: History, Development and Parallels – Richard Kaczynski, tyled to I° from 10am - 11am on Saturday.

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  Following up on his NOTOCON VI presentation on the development of the Minerval degree over the years since its first draft, Dr. Kaczynski will examine the O.T.O. I° initiation ceremony; from its earliest drafts, to revisions in Crowley’s hand, to the ceremony as it is performed today. From deleted passages to minute word changes, no stone will be left unturned. In addition, we will review many striking similarities to historical versions of Blue Lodge Entered Apprentice (I°) rituals that were available in Crowley’s day, and which served as a model for what he wrote; this will also allow us to identify and scrutinize the unique elements that Crowley added to the ritual. Tyled to the First Degree.

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  Richard Kaczynski [blog] has kept pretty busy over his last 22 years in O.T.O. He wrote some books (The Weiser Concise Guide to Aleister Crowley, Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley, Perdurabo Outtakes, and Panic in Detroit: The Magician and the Motor City). He contributed to some other books (Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism: An Anthology of Critical Studies, A Concordance to the Holy Books of Thelema, The Golden Dawn Sourcebook, Rebels and Devils, People of the Earth), and wrote for several magazines (High Times, The Magical Link, Neshamah, Cheth, Mezlim, Eidolon, Different Worlds,). He edited, annotated and introduced Crowley's Sword of Song; co-edited with Hymenaeus Beta The Revival of Magick and Other Essays; and performed editorial duties for the NOTOCON VI Proceedings Book and Neshamah (journal of the Psychology Guild). He appeared on television in the documentaries Secrets of the Occult and Aleister Crowley: The Beast 666. He travels, teaches and lectures widely, and has served O.T.O. in various capacities at the local, national and international levels. Dr. Kaczynski earned his Ph.D. in social psychology, with a minor in measurement and statistics, in 1993 EV with a dissertation on metaphysical beliefs and experiences among occult practitioners. His current projects include an updated edition of Perdurabo, and two books on the history of esoteric societies in the 19th and early 20th centuries (with one volume focusing on sacred sexuality). He currently lives in Maryland with his wife, Kerry Kurowski.

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  The Feast of BABALON is a rite that delves into the origins and nature of the entity of BABALON; from biblical and Assyrian representations to modern Thelema. The purpose of this rite is to invoke that nature in ourselves as we set out in this incarnation to accomplish our collective and individual Great Work.

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  Megan Schulze is a long time student of Thelema and ceremonial magick. A member of O.T.O. since 2004 EV, she is currently Secretary of Aum Ha Oasis in Chicago, Illinois.

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  This workshop will present a brief history of the Eleusinian Mysteries in antiquity and the re-emergence of these mysteries under Crowley’s direction in 1910 EV, before delving into the practical aspects of production of the Rites. Topics covered will include interpretation of the manuscripts, theater and casting resources, managing volunteers, the use of music and theatrical arts, and the magical impact these Rites can have on individuals and communities.

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  Since initiating in 1999 EV, Jon Sewell has been involved in numerous local O.T.O. presentations of the Rites of Eleusis in a more traditional style. With Eleusyve, the theater and media production company he helped found, Jon’s work with these Rites has developed a distinctive style, receiving positive reviews from esoteric and mainstream media alike.

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  The divination system Crowley is most associated with is the tarot; however, it was the Yi King that he used the most, and his work equating it with the Tree of Life was his greatest accomplishment. Crowley once said if had a few more years to live he would spend 100 of them studying the Yi King. We will discuss why this was so. After a very brief introduction to the Yi King, this intermediate class will cover the Thelemic concepts that permeate the hexagrams, and Crowley’s work with it. The HGA, the magician, K&C, and of course Will, will be demonstrated through the hexagrams. Using slides and film clips showing Crowley’s unique methods of casting we will cover probabilities and possible ways that the system works, and the ritual use of the hexagrams. Going beyond a mere reading of auspicious or not, or a snapshot in time, the hexagrams can reveal a six step process; changing lines the future; and nuclear trigrams the origins. We will also examine its placement on the Tree of Life, the expression of time, and the meaning and purpose of the trigrams. We will also cover the Chinese cosmology or what Legge called a farrago of nonsense and refused to cover in his well known book.

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  Steven Ryan is the Master of Knights Templar Oasis where he has been putting the fun in fundamental, much to the chagrin of the Black Brothers in the occult Disneyland of Salem.

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  We will examine the Rite of Jupiter and the art of making wine while tasting a variety of the finest local wines. This will be a unique wine tasting experience. The Rite of Jupiter demonstrates a knowledge of the initiatory mysteries of making wine within the sublime poetry which we will reveal while showing its more modern sister industry. We will enjoy some of the rare local wines usually only available at the winery or to a select few individuals, and will also share our tips for wine touring. This should be a magical experience. We will feature 6 wines this time; thus the price of $40. This is limited to 40 individuals and is tyled to the Third Degree.

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  Frater Hunahpu and Soror Ixel Balamke are founding members of Sekhet-Bast-Ra Oasis in Oklahoma City with 25 years of devotion to our Holy Order under their belt. They have both served in various duties over the years as local body officers, Co-Masters of Sekhet-Bast-Ra, Initiation Secretaries, helped found the U.S. Grand Lodge newsletter Agape, etc. Frater Hunahpu is currently the Grand Secretary General. Their love and appreciation of fine wines is legendary. Hunahpu and Ixel Balamke even named their Chapter after Dionysius due to their deep abiding and sensual fascination with wine, roses, and agape. Currently they are trying to develop a small wine cellar that will hold 666+ bottles.

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  Self Responsibility is knowing yourself to be the Creative Causal Principle in your life. More than just a catchy self-help phrase and also more than just a portion of Point One of the O.T.O.’s Value Statement, it is a pathway to the HGA. It is an integral part of the journey of initiation. A simple and yet difficult idea to grasp and follow through on, it touches all areas of our lives both Magickal and Mundane. Knowing yourself to be the Creative Causal Principle in your life gives you the power to “cause change in conformity with Will.” In this workshop I will share with you 20 years of research and trial and error. I will point you to a number of places in our core texts that speak to it directly. Most importantly, I will show you the methods I have developed to integrate this into your life and‘ “To what end?”

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  Sondra L. Scott Rogers (Soror Saffir) has been studying the Occult for almost 20 years. She came to O.T.O. in 2004 EV in Los Angeles. Having served as Secretary, Event Coordinator and current Treasurer for LVX Lodge, Sondra has dedicated herself in service to the promulgation of the Law of Thelema. Confirmed in the E.G.C. for over three years, she regularly performs the mass as a Novice Priestess, Ordained Deacon, and Child. Sondra is also honored to serve as mother to her daughter Dylan (a.k.a. The Pickle).

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  • Crowley strived to have an unequivocal ultimate source book for Thelema. However, the Book of the Law has several variations that may affect an initiate’s individual interpretation. The history of the editions published during Crowley’s lifetime show the changes. The importance of the manuscript is emphasized. Please bring a copy of Liber AL that includes both the manuscript and the typeset version.

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  • Bob Stein has been a member of O.T.O. since 1983 EV. He founded Pyramid Lodge in Buffalo, NY. He was a member of the U. S. Grand Lodge Electoral College and served part of his eleven-year term as president of that body. Currently a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, he serves O.T.O. in various capacities.

  • As a Thelemic scholar, Bob's interests involve critical study of the Class A literature. He maintains a large library of Thelemic and related texts. He has written about variations in the editions of Liber AL, the three-dimensional Quantum Tree of Life, and the rituals of the Lodge of Perfection. He has presented, and has been a panelist, at several National O.T.O. Conferences (NOTOCON).

  • His current interests include studies of Liber 231 and Liber 813 (Ararita). Both are part of an ongoing study of the Tree of Life, its applications and manifestations.

  • Bob's continued goal is to encourage Thelemites to study Liber 31 and to integrate their understanding in consistent ways. The object is to think "outside the box" and to challenge all authority (even The Book of the Law) in the search for truth. The four initiatory questions are a guide to truth, understanding and wisdom. The process of initiation prepares a magician for this, but they are only starts. Thelema encourages the magician to challenge thought and orthodoxy and to express individual will.

  • He is retired and can do what he will to express his will.

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  • One central purpose of O.T.O. is to promulgate and establish The Law of Thelema. This task unites us in fraternity and forms the driving force behind most of our activities, from initiation and Mass to publishing efforts. Promulgation as Crowley describes it, however, is much more than simply waiting for wandering occultists to find us. In this presentation, Brother Thiebes will discuss emerging strategies and various obstacles to promulgating the Law of Thelema. Bring your own ideas & observations to share, and take home new ideas for spreading the Word.

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  • Joseph Thiebes is a Priest of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica and artist living in the occult district of Portland, Oregon known as “New Alamut.” Originally hailing from the wild mountains of Montana, where he began his 20-year study of the occult arts, he is now Master of Sekhet-Maat Lodge.

  • Joseph’s writing and editing work has contributed to the development of O.T.O. in Portland and to the promulgation of the Law of Thelema worldwide. He is a principal contributor to Thelemapedia, as well as former editor of Agapé and of Lion & Serpent. He also maintains a heavily filtered personal blog and two active blogging communities for O.T.O. members [1,2]. He has participated in hundreds of public dramatic rituals in the last two decades, from performance in solo ritual, to Eucharistic ceremony and initiatory rites, to directing and producing invocative performances with full lighting & live music. He has spoken on Thelema and organizational leadership topics in Portland as well as in France, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and other locations in various U.S. states. He continues to create and offer presentations at Sekhet-Maat Lodge and elsewhere on a regular basis. Each second Tuesday he facilitates discussions on Thelemic texts at the Lodge, and is the creator and moderator of Thelemic Symposium, an annual event since 2002 EV.

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  Unity starts from the center. This presentation will focus on unity emanating from the Master of the local body. The Master sets the tone of unity within the local body. This philosophy is carried from the Master (microcosm) out to the entire Order (macrocosm). Sisters Molly and Tina will discuss their relationship as Bodymaster and Deputy Master and how they emanate unity within their local body. The presentation will cover scheduling local events and sticking with them, dealing with drama queens and bringing in new members. Unity is required for all of these to be successful. The last 20 minutes will be open for Q & A.

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  Sister Molly Ware has been a member of O.T.O. since 1998 EV, and has her Masters degree in Experimental Psychology with a specialty in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Molly is also the current Master of Sekhet Bast Ra Oasis; a position she has held since 2003 EV.
  Sister Tina Buchanan took her Minerval at Sekhet Bast Ra in May 2003 EV. She has served as Deputy Master since 2004 EV, and Treasurer since 2006 EV. Sister Tina holds a B.S. Degree in Organizational Leadership and an MBA with a Finance emphasis.

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  A discourse on Sacred Geometry and Architecture and an examination of the Astral Cathedral or Eucharistic Edifice as a blueprint for the manifestation of the Temple on Earth. This presentation explores sacred geometry in architecture and how that applies to the function of sacred space.

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  Soror 207 has been a member of O.T.O. since 1994 EV (the day the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacted Jupiter). She has a passion for Eucharistic Magick and Qabalah. She loves to garden; her biggest project is the Sacred Grove on her acre near Mount Ranier.

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  The Sigullum Dei: Æmæth is one of the most well-known esoteric symbols in Western occultism. Its precise, geometric arrangement coupled with equally strange and unpronounceable names has fascinated students of the occult for years, yet relatively few are aware of its origins and method of construction. In this presentation, Brother Colin will analyze the construction of the sigil, which is based entirely on letters formed by two planetary “magic squares”, thus allowing us to determine the set of names for the angelic “Children of Light”. We shall also see that Dee actually made mistakes in defining the angels on the sigil, and will correct these.
  Consideration of the divine names that surround the sigil will reveal the definition of a complete, powerful, and practical system of angelic planetary magick. The nature of this system and its attributes will be discussed at length. Finally, we shall posit a reformation of the sigil using the defined pattern and (somewhat) more correct squares.

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  Colin Campbell has been a student and a teacher of the occult for nearly twenty years with an emphasis on Thelemic, Kabbalistic, and & Enochian magical systems. The Sigillum Dei was one of the first magical symbols he encountered, via Adam McLean’s A Treatise on Angel Magic (1982), and it has remained a source of interest and fascination ever since. He is the author of A Concordance to the Holy Books of Thelema (Teitan Press, 2008).

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  Ararita is a liber organized to show the Ain and the Sephiroth. The book is full of symbolism. After an introduction, an interactive dramatic reading by fourteen (hopefully, at least) people present will include the Tree of Life planetary and sephirothic symbolism, both positive and negative. For those interested, a discussion of the reading, the nature of the text, or both may follow.

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  • Bob Stein has been a member of O.T.O. since 1983 EV. He founded Pyramid Lodge in Buffalo, NY. He was a member of the U. S. Grand Lodge Electoral College and served part of his eleven-year term as president of that body. Currently a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, he serves O.T.O. in various capacities.

  • As a Thelemic scholar, Bob's interests involve critical study of the Class A literature. He maintains a large library of Thelemic and related texts. He has written about variations in the editions of Liber AL, the three-dimensional Quantum Tree of Life, and the rituals of the Lodge of Perfection. He has presented, and has been a panelist, at several National O.T.O. Conferences (NOTOCON).

  • His current interests include studies of Liber 231 and Liber 813 (Ararita). Both are part of an ongoing study of the Tree of Life, its applications and manifestations.

  • Bob's continued goal is to encourage Thelemites to study Liber 31 and to integrate their understanding in consistent ways. The object is to think "outside the box" and to challenge all authority (even The Book of the Law) in the search for truth. The four initiatory questions are a guide to truth, understanding and wisdom. The process of initiation prepares a magician for this, but they are only starts. Thelema encourages the magician to challenge thought and orthodoxy and to express individual will.

  • He is retired and can do what he will to express his will.

  •  

  • Lisa Faulkner ...

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  Fun, Family, Fraternity, and an almost normal life! Joyful picture memories of Heru-ra-ha’s early days – With Constance Jean DuQuette

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  Constance Jean DuQuette is a Priestess, Bishop, Initiator, and Thelemic Homemaker. First initiated into our Order in 1976, she has the longest tenure of any Sister in the O.T.O.

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  • Low magick brings out the worst in you.... and that's exactly what it's supposed to do!

  • Drop the Guilt! Why wait? You'll never be high enough to be ready for "Low Magick" so why not start now! If you can't find the light in the darkness you'll never be able to find it anywhere.

  • Come and enjoy Archbishop DuQuette's tales of curses, conjurations, exorcisms and ecstasies... he might even sing a song or two (just to tame the evil spirits).

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  US Deputy National Grand Master General Lon Milo DuQuette was initiated November 15, 1975 EV He is one of a handful of individuals initiated by Hymenaeus Alpha 777 (Grady L. McMurtry) after the death of Karl Germer and prior to McMurtry’s formal reorganization of the OTO. In 2004 EV, upon the death of his former teacher, Phyllis Seckler, DuQuette inherited the distinction of being in the OTO longer than any other living member. He also enjoys the unique position of Archbishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, a prelacy conferred upon him by both Hymenaeus Alpha, and Hymenaeus Beta. He has authored numerous books pertaining to magick and Thelema. He lectures world wide and is one of the most publicly visible members of the Order in the world. He lives in Costa Mesa, California with his high school sweetheart and wife of 41 years, Bishop Constance Jean DuQuette, an OTO initiate since 1976 EV.

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