F.A.Q.

The initials M∴M∴M∴ stand for Mysteria Mystica Maxima. Originally, it was the name of the British section of the O.T.O. under Aleister Crowley as the National Grand Master (while the head of the O.T.O. was Theodor Reuss). Nowadays, the M∴M∴M∴. acronym is used to indicate the part of the O.T.O. that administers the degrees from 0 (Minerval) to VII.

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What is the relation between the Gnostic Catholic Church (E.G.C.) and the OTO?

Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C., or Gnostic Catholic Church) is the ecclesiastical branch of the O.T.O. It was incorporated into the O.T.O. structure in 1908. Crowley wrote the Gnostic Mass (Liber XV) for the E.G.C. and O.T.O. in 1913. The Gnostic Mass is the most important public ritual of the O.T.O. and the E.G.C. is responsible of its administration and of the study of its Mysteries.

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Is there any relationship between the O.T.O. and the Order of the Solar Temple (OTS)?

The OTS was a secret society infamously known for being the stage of tragic events in the 90s in Switzerland, France and Canada. Despite the possible similarity between the two acronyms, there is no relation whatsoever between the O.T.O. and the O.T.S., nor between their members. Moreover, while the O.T.S. is considered a cult in some countries such as France, the O.T.O. is not a cult.

What is the relationship between the O.T.O. and the A∴A∴?
O.T.O. does not include the A∴A∴, with which august body it is, however, in close alliance. While the O.T.O. is a social order, the A∴A∴ is a mystical initiatory system working on a master-student relation, and no social activities are held.

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What do I need to join the O.T.O.?

The earliest degree of the O.T.O. is the 0 degree, also called Minerval. To be initiated to the Minerval degree the following requirements need to be fulfilled:

• to be of full age (that is, at least 18 years old in most countries)

• to be of good report (that is, not incarcerated nor guilty of any severe crimes)

• to be free and able, physically and mentally, to be initiated

• never previously initiated in O.T.O.

• vouched for by two members holding the I° or higher

 

Do I need to join the O.T.O. to be a Thelemite?

No. To be a Thelemite the only requirement is to accept the Book of the Law and therefore the Law of Thelema. On the other hand, being initiated in a Thelemic order such as the O.T.O. helps fulfilling the requirement and promulgating the Law of Thelema.

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Why O.T.O. Switzerland is not listed on the International Headquarter (IHQ) official webpage?

The O.T.O. IHQ official webpage (https://oto.org/) lists almost all countries in which the O.T.O. is  active and officially recognized. Nonetheless, some countries, such as Switzerland, are not listed there, despite the Friedrich Nietzsche Oasis (FNO) is officially recognized as an O.T.O. body. This is because a national section of the O.T.O. is realized when two or more fully functioning official bodies plus designated national officers are present. This is not the case in Switzerland at the moment. Nonetheless, those who join the FNO will officially be members of the O.T.O. In case of doubts, users are encouraged to enquire the International Secretary General as reported on the IHQ webpage.