THE LETTERS O.T.O. STAND FOR ORDO TEMPLI ORIENTIS, The Order of Oriental Templars, or The Order of the Temple of the East (these letters also have another, secret, meaning for initiates). It is an Outer Thelemic Order dedicated to the high purpose of securing the Liberty of the Individual and his or her advancement in Light, Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, and Power. This is accomplished though Beauty, Courage, and Wit, on the Foundation of Universal Brotherhood.
The O.T.O. is the first of the Old Aeon orders to accept The Book of the Law, received by Aleister Crowley in 1904 ev, with its message of a revolution in human thought, culture and religion, based upon a single supreme injunction: the Law of Thelema - Do what thou wilt. This law is not to be interpreted as a licence to indulge one's every passing whim, but rather as a mandate to discover and accomplish one's True Will, leaving others to do the same in their own unique ways. "Every man and every woman is a star."
The Law of Thelema can ultimately be fulfilled only through the efforts of each individual. Nevertheless, many worthy aspirants to the Great Work of Thelema have a genuine need for information, guidance, fellowship, or the opportunity to assist their fellow aspirants and serve humanity. Such aspirants will find welcome in the O.T.O.
The structure of the O.T.O., like that of Freemasonry and the ancient mystery schools, is based on a graded series of initiations, or degrees. In these Degrees, the O.T.O. seeks to instruct the individual by allegory and symbol in the profound mysteries of existence, and thereby assist each to discover his or her own true nature.
The introductory Degrees of the O.T.O. progressively activate the psychic body of the Initiate. Every man and woman of full age (18 years), free, and of good report, has an indefeasible right to the introductory degrees of the O.T.O.
The O.T.O. has active branches in countries around the world and issues several periodicals, journals and bulletins from International Headquarters, including The Equinox, The Oriflamme and The Magical Link. Local bodies around the world also produce treasure troves of information. The interested are invited to contact the Official Local Body nearest for further information on activities, functions, regional publications or Ecclesiastic ceremonies.
Further information may be found in the public documents of the O.T.O. as published in the Equinox (volume 3 no 10), or online at the U.S. Grand Lodge Web site.
© Ordo Templi Orientis. All rights reserved. May be downloaded and printed for personal use and research purposes, and may be copied and distributed provided no charge other than reasonable costs of reproduction and/or postage is made, and this notice or an equivalent is included.