Mission & Planning

The statements collected here — the Mission Statement, Program Synopsis, Vision Statement, and Values Statement — summarize the nature, purpose, and direction of U.S. Grand Lodge. Together, they form the basis for our planning, and the standard against which we measure our accomplishments.

These documents were produced by the Executive of U.S. Grand Lodge and by the Strategic Planning Committee during 2005 and 2006. Work on a detailed plan informed by these documents began in the summer of 2006. On April 15, 2007 e.v., the Executive formally adopted the first strategic plan resulting from this process. The plan is reviewed and amended as we accomplish existing goals and set new ones; the full list is here. We also publish annual reports which measure our progress toward our goals, and provide data supporting new and modified goals.

On August 22nd, 2017 e.v., the Executive established the office of the USGL Strategic Planning Secretary, launching a new phase of planning.

As part of our ongoing Strategic Planning process, the Values and Vision Statements were amended by the Executive, each by the addition of Item 6, on January 13, 2018 e.v.

Mission Statement

Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A. is the U.S. Grand Lodge (National Section) of Ordo Templi Orientis, 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.

Program Synopsis

The Program Synopsis is a more detailed examination of the purposes of O.T.O. U.S. Grand Lodge, and is based on an analysis of O.T.O.’s foundational documents (Books 52, 101, 161 and 194; Khabs Am Pekht; the Ramaka Prospectus; and the Constitutions of 1913 and 1917). It is essentially a more detailed version of the Mission Statement.

The Program of the U.S. Grand Lodge of Ordo Templi Orientis is as follows:

1. To create, maintain, and promote a structured society of men and women within the United States of America, who are united by their acceptance of the Law of Thelema, by a common interest in Magick, Yoga, and Hermetic Science, by the common experience of ceremonial initiation and sacramental ritual, by common pledges of fidelity, cooperation, and mutual aid, and by certain common ideals, namely: individual liberty; self-discipline; self-knowledge; universal brotherhood; and opposition to tyranny, superstition, and oppression.
2. To manage and govern this society in substantial conformance with the principles set forth in the writings of Aleister Crowley and other historical leaders of Ordo Templi Orientis, with the approval and under the authorization of the International Headquarters of Ordo Templi Orientis, and in such a way as to ensure its continued survival and promote its continual growth and advancement.
3. To provide certain benefits to the members of this society, including, but not limited to: participation in sacramental rituals; social community and entertainment; pastoral guidance and mediation of disputes; instruction in Hermetic Science, Yoga, and Magick; and opportunities for creative expression, community service, and development of beneficial social and professional relationships.
4. To preserve and advance the principles and practices of the religious, philosophical, and magical system of Thelema, and to promote the principles of individual liberty and universal brotherhood.
5. To conserve and manage books, documents, and other properties of historical or practical value which it may possess.
6. To establish physical centers of activity for the society in diverse locations throughout the United States of America.

Vision Statement

The Vision Statement presents our idealized vision of how U.S. Grand Lodge should ultimately develop. Thus, the Vision Statement is the least stable of these documents; as the Order grows and changes, and especially as objectives below are met, we will revisit the Vision Statement periodically to set our sights on new objectives.

1. We envision OTO USA as a model religious and fraternal order of occult initiates, and a leading proponent of Thelemic thought and culture within the United States.
2. We will maintain a physical presence near every major population center in the country, from which we will offer services in support of our mission to our members and to the public.
3. We will uphold the highest standards of excellence and effectiveness in the practice and dissemination of our religious, spiritual, magical, and ethical teachings.
4. We will espouse and defend the principle of individual liberty while cultivating strong fraternal bonds within our ranks.
5. We will foster harmonious and constructive relationships with the academic, business, civil, and greater social communities within which we operate.
6. We will manifest a culture that is comfortable with myriad expressions of the Self and rejects fear; attracting and retaining a diverse membership at every level and welcoming the participation of Thelemites of all sexes, genders, orientations, “races,” ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds.

Values Statement

The Values Statement clarifies the principles underlying U.S. Grand Lodge planning and operations. All our policies, initiatives, and other decisions must adhere to these principles. They are the ethical basis of our work.

1. We support the liberty of the individual and the cultivation of self-respect, self-knowledge, self-discipline, and self-responsibility.
2. We affirm the bonds of fraternity and expect fidelity, frankness, cooperation, mutual aid, and good faith among our members.
3. We value hospitality in our community and promote peace, tolerance, truth, and respect to the Order within our temples and precincts.
4. We advocate the principles of Scientific Religion and Universal Brotherhood, and oppose tyranny, superstition, and oppression.
5. We accept and uphold the Law of Thelema as promulgated in the Book of the Law and the writings of the Prophet of the Aeon, Aleister Crowley.
6. We believe that a membership free from unfair discrimination is essential to accomplishing our Mission, and reject doctrines that promote bigotry, prejudice, and intolerance.