As most have noticed, a variety of groups or forums have been established on Facebook for the discussion of Thelema from various perspectives. Aside from a number of small groups established for conducting local body business, none of these general Thelemic discussion groups are currently controlled, managed, or officially sanctioned by OTO International or by USGL, even though individual OTO members may participate in them and may be involved in their moderation.
Permanent link to this article: https://oto-usa.org/2018/08/discussion-groups-on-facebook/
Two Inductions into the Order of the Eagle and Lion
At its meeting last Friday, the Supreme Grand Council inducted Phyllis Seckler into the Order of the Eagle, and James Branch Cabell into the Order of the Lion, based on essays submitted by Soror Harper Feist and Brother M. Dionysius Rogers, respectively. Essays will be posted after final editing and formatting.
Permanent link to this article: https://oto-usa.org/2018/08/two-inductions-into-the-order-of-the-eagle-and-lion/
Permanent link to this article: https://oto-usa.org/2018/08/usgl-annual-report-for-fiscal-year-2017-published/
The Invisible Basilica of Sabazius has a new home
Our Grand Master has long operated a site titled The Invisible Basilica of Sabazius which collects his essays, keynote speeches, ritual commentaries, and other material. That site has been moved to a new home at sabazius.oto-usa.org. The new site is linked from our library page. The change should be reflected in search results soon.
Permanent link to this article: https://oto-usa.org/2018/07/the-invisible-basilica-of-sabazius-has-a-new-home/
EGC Conference 2018
United States Grand Lodge O.T.O. is pleased to announce its first-ever conference devoted entirely to Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica. The conference will be held on the weekend of August 10-12 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Instructions for conference registration, lodging, and participation can be found on the linked website.
Permanent link to this article: https://oto-usa.org/2018/05/egc-conference-2018/
Gérard Aumont
Frater Superior Hymenaus Beta has published an important biographical essay on Gérard Aumont. Read here.
Permanent link to this article: https://oto-usa.org/2018/04/gerard-aumont/
Refusal of Initiation
Reminder to U.S. local bodies: The criteria for sponsorship of candidates and for eligibility for initiation are established by USGL, not by local masters. Local masters are not permitted to impose their own criteria on sponsorship or on eligibility for local initiation, beyond those established by USGL.
Further, “Whenever an individual is refused initiation on any grounds, the local master must make a written report to the Executive on said refusal and the reasons for it within 30 days. Such information may be included in the Initiation Report. Individual candidates have the right to appeal directly to the Executive.” (COLMH IV.D.5)
Permanent link to this article: https://oto-usa.org/2018/03/refusal-of-initiation/
Changes to Minerval Application Procedure
The Executive has adopted a revised Preliminary Pledge Form and Application For Admission (Minerval Application Form). There are two changes to the form:
- Applicants will now be asked if they have ever been refused initiation at any location. Details are requested if the answer is affirmative.
- The sponsors’ attestation has been modified to affirm that the sponsors have actually met with the applicant in person before deciding to vouch for them.
Permanent link to this article: https://oto-usa.org/2018/03/changes-to-minerval-application-procedure/
Site hosting change
We have just finished moving several U.S. Grand Lodge websites, including the main public site, to a new hosting provider. Any such move carries the risk of breaking site content and functions. We have already found and fixed several such problems, and more may be lurking. If you encounter difficulties with any U.S.G.L. website, please report the problem via email to webmaster@oto-usa.org, providing as much detail as possible.
Permanent link to this article: https://oto-usa.org/2018/02/site-hosting-change-2/
Site navigation update
The U.S. Grand Lodge public website (oto-usa.org) has recently been updated in a number of ways. Most notably, site navigation from mobile devices should now be significantly easier (and look better as well). Any change of this magnitude involves the risk of breaking things on various browsers and devices. If you run into any difficulties using the site, please report them to webmaster@oto-usa.org as soon as possible. The more specific information you can provide, the better.
Permanent link to this article: https://oto-usa.org/2018/01/site-navigation-update/