The Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO)

Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), which translates to ‘Order of the Temple of the East’ or ‘Order of Oriental Templars’, is an occult secret society and hermetic magical organization founded at the beginning of the 20th century. Its origins can be traced back to German-speaking occultists Carl Kellner, Theodor Reuss, Heinrich Klein, and Franz Hartmann.

Initially, O.T.O. was designed to resemble and be associated with European Freemasonry, and in its early years, only Freemasons could seek admittance. The founder, Carl Kellner, aimed to establish an Academia Masonica to confer various high-degree Freemasonry rites within German-speaking countries.

During his esoteric studies, Kellner believed he had found a key that provided a clear explanation of all the intricate symbolism of Freemasonry and nature itself. He intended for O.T.O. to preserve and convey this key. After Kellner’s passing, the English writer and occultist Aleister Crowley took over the Order. Under Crowley’s leadership, the guiding philosophy of O.T.O. became his self-created occult system, Thelema. After Crowley’s death in 1947, the O.T.O. split into multiple branches, with the Caliphate O.T.O., founded by Crowley’s student Grady McMurtry in 1979, being the most prominent.

History

The Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), meaning ‘Order of the Temple of the East’ or ‘Order of Oriental Templars’, has a rich history that spans over a century.

  1. Origins (Late 19th – Early 20th Century):
    • The O.T.O. was founded at the beginning of the 20th century, with its roots traceable to German-speaking occultists like Carl Kellner, Theodor Reuss, Heinrich Klein, and Franz Hartmann.
    • Initially, the O.T.O. was designed to be akin to European Freemasonry. In its early days, only Freemasons were allowed to join.
  2. Carl Kellner’s Vision:
    • Carl Kellner, the founder, wanted to establish an Academia Masonica to confer high-degree Freemasonry rites within German-speaking countries.
    • Kellner believed he had discovered a key that elucidated all the intricate symbolism of Freemasonry and nature. He intended for the O.T.O. to preserve and convey this knowledge.
  3. Leadership of Theodor Reuss:
    • After Kellner’s death, Theodor Reuss took over. Under his leadership, O.T.O. charters were granted to occult groups in various countries, including France, Denmark, Switzerland, the USA, and Austria.
  4. Aleister Crowley’s Influence:
    • The English writer and occultist Aleister Crowley became a significant figure in the O.T.O.’s history. He was inducted into the O.T.O. by Reuss in the early 1910s.
    • Under Crowley’s leadership, the guiding philosophy of the O.T.O. shifted to his self-created occult system, Thelema. This change led the O.T.O. to cease its Masonic degree bestowals and membership requirements.
  5. Post-Crowley Era:
    • After Crowley’s death in 1947, the O.T.O. fragmented into several branches. The most notable of these is the Caliphate O.T.O., which was incorporated by Crowley’s student, Grady McMurtry, in 1979.
    • During World War II, many European branches of the O.T.O. were either destroyed or went underground. By the war’s end, the primary surviving O.T.O. body was the Agapé Lodge in California.
  6. Modern Era:
    • After the war, Karl Germer, Crowley’s representative in Germany, migrated to the USA. He took over the leadership of the O.T.O. after Crowley’s death and tried to keep the organization running.
    • Following Germer’s death in 1962, Grady McMurtry invoked emergency powers granted by Crowley to become the Frater Superior of the O.T.O. The organization was incorporated in California in 1979 and achieved tax-exempt status in the USA in 1982.
    • Today, the O.T.O. continues its operations with various lodges and chapters worldwide, promoting the teachings of Thelema and conducting initiatory rites.

Structure and Organization

The Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) is an occult secret society and hermetic magical organization. Its structure and organization are based on a system of initiation ceremonies that use ritual drama to establish fraternal bonds and impart spiritual teachings. Here’s a brief overview of its structure and organization:

  1. International Headquarters: This is the governing body of O.T.O. worldwide. It consists of the Outer Head of the Order (O.H.O.), the Secretary-General, and the Treasurer General.
  2. National Grand Lodge: At the national level, the highest body is the Grand Lodge, which is ruled by the National Grand Master. Within the Grand Lodge is an Executive Council, which consists of the Board of Directors.
  3. Degree System: Membership in O.T.O. is based on an initiatory system with a series of degree ceremonies. There are thirteen numbered degrees and twelve un-numbered degrees divided into three grades or “triads”—the Hermit, the Lover, and the Man of Earth.
  4. Governing Bodies: The O.T.O. has several governing bodies, including the International Supreme Council, the Sovereign Sanctuary of the Gnosis, the Secret Areopagus of the Illuminati, the Grand Tribunal, and the Electoral College.
  5. Grand Lodges: The US Grand Lodge is the governing body of O.T.O. in the United States, with Sabazius X° as the U.S. National Grand Master. The UK Grand Lodge governs O.T.O. in the United Kingdom, with Frater Hyperion X° as the UK National Grand Master.
  6. Tax-Exempt Status: O.T.O. has a federally recognized tax-exempt status in the United States under IRS section 501c(3) and also has California charitable corporation status.
  7. Mission: The mission of the U.S. Grand Lodge is to promote the doctrines and practices of Thelema, emphasizing individual liberty, self-discipline, self-knowledge, and universal brotherhood.

Functions and Operations

The Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) is a complex and multifaceted organization with a rich history rooted in the Western esoteric tradition. Its functions and operations can be broadly categorized as follows:

  1. Initiation: Central to O.T.O.’s operations is its system of initiation. Through a series of ritualistic ceremonies, members are introduced to the teachings of the Order, progressing through various degrees that symbolize deeper levels of understanding and commitment.
  2. Spiritual Teachings: O.T.O. promotes the philosophy of Thelema, a spiritual doctrine based on the teachings of Aleister Crowley. The central tenet, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” emphasizes individual will and personal discovery.
  3. Community Building: O.T.O. lodges and camps around the world serve as hubs for members to gather, celebrate, and practice their beliefs. These gatherings foster a sense of community and provide a space for shared rituals, study groups, and other events.
  4. Publication: The Order has been instrumental in publishing and preserving the works of Aleister Crowley and other related texts. This ensures that the teachings of Thelema remain accessible to seekers and scholars alike.
  5. Charitable Activities: Some O.T.O. bodies engage in charitable activities, reflecting the Order’s commitment to fraternity and service. This can range from community outreach to supporting causes aligned with Thelemic principles.
  6. Educational Programs: O.T.O. offers lectures, workshops, and classes on various esoteric subjects, providing both members and the public with opportunities for spiritual and intellectual growth.
  7. Ritual and Worship: The Gnostic Catholic Church, a branch of O.T.O., conducts the Gnostic Mass, a central ritual that celebrates the mysteries of Thelema. This serves both as a form of worship and a means of introducing newcomers to the Order’s teachings.

Controversy

The Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) has faced its share of controversies over the years. Here’s a summary:

  1. Masonic Ties and Disputes: O.T.O. originally borrowed ritual material from irregular Masonic organizations. Crowley, after taking over the O.T.O., tried to work this Masonic-based O.T.O. in Detroit, Michigan. However, he was rebuffed by the Council of the Scottish Rite because the O.T.O. rituals were deemed too similar to orthodox Masonry. This led Crowley to rewrite the initiation rituals of the first three degrees to distance them from Masonry.
  2. Leadership Disputes: After the death of Theodor Reuss, the founder, there were disputes regarding the leadership of the O.T.O. Aleister Crowley assumed control, but his claim to leadership was contested. After Crowley’s death, Karl Germer tried to keep the O.T.O. running, but faced challenges. The leadership disputes continued, with multiple individuals and factions claiming to be the legitimate heads or representatives of the O.T.O.
  3. Sexual Practices: The higher degrees of the O.T.O. involve practices of sex magic, which have been sources of intrigue, misunderstanding, and criticism. The teachings were said to be based on the writings of American occultist Paschal Beverly Randolph, though this connection has been debated.
  4. Membership and Secrecy: Like many secret societies, the O.T.O.’s membership is based on an initiatory system with rituals, which has led to speculations and criticisms from outsiders. The secrecy surrounding its practices and teachings has often been a point of contention and curiosity.
  5. Legal and Organizational Challenges: After Crowley’s death, the O.T.O. faced organizational challenges, with branches either being destroyed or driven underground during World War II. The only surviving body was the Agapé Lodge in California. The O.T.O. also faced legal challenges, especially regarding its status and rights as a religious entity.

Impact on Ufology

The Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) is primarily an esoteric and occult organization, but its indirect influence on the realm of ufology is noteworthy. Here’s a concise exploration of its impact:

The O.T.O.’s most famous member, Aleister Crowley, claimed to have channeled an extraterrestrial entity named “Lam” in 1918. The portrait he drew of Lam bears a striking resemblance to the modern “Grey” aliens, with its elongated head and large, round eyes. This has led some ufologists to speculate a connection between Crowley’s occult practices and extraterrestrial contact.

Kenneth Grant, a prominent figure in the O.T.O. after Crowley, furthered this connection. He believed that Crowley’s rituals could open inter-dimensional gateways, potentially allowing for communication with alien entities. Grant’s writings blended Lovecraftian horror, extraterrestrial lore, and the teachings of the O.T.O., suggesting that occult practices might be a means of contacting otherworldly beings.

Furthermore, the O.T.O.’s teachings on astral travel, magick, and altered states of consciousness have parallels in abduction narratives and contactee experiences. Some ufologists have proposed that certain UFO encounters might be psychic or inter-dimensional in nature, and the O.T.O.’s practices could offer insights into these phenomena.

Conclusion

The Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) is a prominent occult secret society and hermetic magical organization with roots in the early 20th century. Founded by German-speaking occultists, it initially bore resemblances to European Freemasonry. However, under the leadership of the English occultist Aleister Crowley, the organization adopted the philosophy of Thelema, emphasizing individual will and spiritual enlightenment.

Over the years, the O.T.O. has faced controversies, leadership disputes, and organizational challenges. Despite this, it has persisted and evolved, with lodges and chapters worldwide dedicated to the teachings of Thelema and the personal growth of its members. The O.T.O.’s influence extends beyond occult circles, touching upon areas like ufology and modern esoteric thought. In essence, the O.T.O. stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the esoteric and the quest for spiritual knowledge.

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