VIVA 418 - Abrahadabra Oasis

V i va 4 1 8
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
It is my pleasure to announce the resurrection of our 418 newsletter.
418 is the official newsletter of Abrahadabra Oasis, the local body of the
Ordo Templi Orientis. One of the goals of this publication is to offer a
forum to express Thelemic thought, whether it be in the form of poetry,
art, or as an informational article. Please send your submissions to
[email protected].
Abrahadabra Oasis
418
So what does 418 stand for? The qabalistic number of the word
Abrahadabra is 418. Abrahadabra is also referred to as the “Word of
Double Power.” More specifically, it represents the uniting of the
Photograph taken by
Microcosm with the Macrocosm—represented by the pentagram and
Gwendolyn Beaulieu
the hexagram, the rose and the cross, the circle and the square, the 5
and the 6, etc.—also called the attainment of the Knowledge and
Conversation of one's Holy Guardian Angel. You can see the importance of the number 418 to
those of us who practice Thelema.
Abrahadabra is a word that appears in the Book of the Law, the central sacred text of
Thelema. Its author, Aleister Crowley, described it as “the Word of the Æon”, which signifieth
the Great Work accomplished. My hope is that this newsletter can serve as a medium for us all
to accomplish the Great Work of our local body.
Love is the law, love under will.
In this issue
M ay 2 0 1 2
Special points of interest:
About Ordo Templi Orientis
2
Alphonse Louis Constant
3
Upcoming Event Descriptions
4-5
 Original Art by
Nicholas “The Barbarian” Kelley
 Calendar of Events on back page.
About us
Abrahadabra Oasis is an
official body of the Ordo Templi
Orientis located in Portland,
Maine.
Ordo Templi Orientis is an
outer Thelemic Order, which is
dedicated to the high purpose of
securing the Liberty of the
Individual in his or her
advancement in Light, Wisdom,
Understanding, Knowledge, and
Power through Beauty,
Courage, and Wit, on the
foundation of Universal
Brotherhood.
418 is the official journal of
Abrahadabra Oasis. It is available
for downloading in PDF format
on the Abrahadabra website.
Submissions are accepted on an
ongoing basis. We are currently
seeking submissions: Rituals,
poetry, essays, artwork, and
other original creative
expressions are welcome.
Please send submissions to:
[email protected]
About Ordo Templi Orientis
U.S. Grand Lodge is not a Lodge in the above sense; rather,
it is the name of the entire national section of Ordo Templi
Orientis in the United States, comprising all the local bodies
and members in the U.S., together with the administrative
officers and governing bodies responsible for its operation.
As a nonprofit corporate entity, U.S. Grand Lodge is known
as “O.T.O. U.S.A.” Our program synopsis and mission
statement provide a summary of the purpose and activities of
U.S. Grand Lodge.
Ordo Templi Orientis is the first of the great Old Æon orders
to accept the Book of the Law, received by Aleister Crowley in
1904 e.v. This book proclaims a New Æon in human thought,
culture and religion. The Æon arises from a single supreme
injunction: the Law of Thelema, which is Do what thou wilt.
This Law is not to be interpreted as a license to indulge every
passing whim, but rather as the mandate to discover one’s True
Will and accomplish it; 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
individual efforts of each person. 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 O.T.O.
If you wish to become a member of O.T.O., many resources are available to assist you in locating and
contacting a local body to apply for initiation.
See the membership page (and the pages to
which it refers) for details. It should be clearly
understood that initiate membership in O.T.O.
requires a physical ceremony, and that we offer
no formal correspondence courses or other remote services, though informal correspondence
with members is welcome.
O.T.O. was originally affiliated with European Masonry but is no longer a Masonic organization, though it
shares some terminology and traditions with Masonry.
The complex but intriguing history of O.T.O. may be
of interest for the light it sheds on the origins of our
current organization and goals.
O.T.O. is a California nonprofit corporation and
a federally recognized tax-exempt religious entity under IRS section 501c(3). We have proven
ourselves to be the genuine O.T.O. of Aleister
Crowley, both in the U.S. Federal Courts, and
more importantly by our demonstrated success
in faithfully promulgating practical Thelemic philosophy
through a careful implementation of Crowley’s vision of the
mission of the Order.
The O.T.O. operates local bodies throughout the
world; most members participate directly in one or more of
them. There are three levels of local bodies within the O.T.O.:
Camps, Oases, and Lodges, in order of increasing importance
and services available. Most local bodies offer classes on magick, ritual, cabala, and other topics of interest to practicing Thelemites. Many bodies perform the EGC Gnostic Mass on a regular basis. Other common local activities include performance
of group rituals (for example, the Rites of Eleusis), publication
of a newsletter or journal, and cooperative activities with other
local alternative-religious groups. To find a local body near
you, see the US local bodies or international contacts listings.
All material © 1996-2011 by Ordo Templi Orientis.
Ordo Templi Orientis, O.T.O., and the O.T.O. Lamen are registered trademarks of Ordo Templi Orientis.
Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica is a registered trademark of Ordo
Templi Orientis USA.
Please visit the U.S. Grand Lodge website at
www.oto-usa.org
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Alphonse Louis Constant
Noémi Cadiot, who left him seven years later.
In 1852, Constant met the messianic mathematician Jozef Maria Hoëhne-Wronski (1778-1853), whose brilliant attempts at
fusing philosophy, religion, and mathematics provided Constant with the impetus towards synthesizing the disparate elements of his own life: Christianity, utopian idealism, mysticism, and rationalism. This synthesis manifested as occultism,
whose tenets Constant set forth in a treatise called Dogme de
la magie, written under the pen name Eliphas Lévi. The treatise was later developed into Lévi's most famous work, Dogme
et rituel de la haute magie.
(1810-1875 e.v.)
by T. Apiryon
Copyright © 1995, 1997
Ordo Templi Orientis. All rights reserved.
Usually known by his pseudonym “Eliphas
Lévi Zahed,” which is a translation of his
name into Hebrew, this Parisian was almost single-handedly responsible for the popular resurgence of the Secret Traditions in the
19th Century. Lévi synthesized Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism,
Qabalism, Gnosticism, Masonry, Rosicrucianism, Alchemy, Tarot,
Mesmerism, Spiritism, along with the writings of Boehme, Swedenborg, Paracelsus, and Knorr von Rosenroth into what we know
today as “occultism.”
After Noémi had left him, he moved for a short time to England, where he met with Sir Edward Bulwer (later Lord) Lytton, and where he performed his famous evocation of Apollonius of Tyana. He returned to Paris, took on a number of pupils, and became increasingly famous and influential through
his unique writings on philosophy and scientific theurgy, as
well as his personal charm.
Constant was born the son of a poor shoemaker in Paris. He attended a Catholic school for poor children, where he showed a
great aptitude for religion. At 15, he entered the seminary of Saint
Nicolas du Chardonnet to study for the priesthood, where he
learned, among other religious matters, the Hebrew language. The
master of this seminary, Abbé Frère-Colonna, taught the young
Constant that humanity, fallen from the bosom of God through
original sin, must return towards Him by a process which tears
him away from matter and gradually spiritualizes him. He also
taught the boy that history was divided into four great eras of progressively greater spiritualization: the first began with Adam; the
second began with Abraham; the third began with Jesus; and the
fourth was to begin with the advent of the Paraclete, the Holy
Spirit. Abbé Frère was deposed for his views while Constant was
still attending the seminary. Constant always remained faithful to
the basic tenets of Catholicism, but he never forgave the Ecclesiastical authorities for disgracing his beloved teacher.
Aleister Crowley considered him to have been an Adeptus Major, as well as his own immediately previous incarnation.
Crowley translated his La Clé des Grandes Mystéres (“The Key
of the Mysteries” 1861), which Crowley considered to be his
own Adeptus Exemptus thesis. Lévi’s Dogme et Rituel de la
haute magie (1855-56 & 61, translated into English by A. E.
Waite under the title “Transcendental Magic”) is included in
the Liber E reading list and is required reading for entry to the
probationer level of A ∴ A ∴
His other major published works include: Histoire de la magie
(1860), La Mystéres de la qabalah (Ms. 1861, publ. 1920),
Legendes et symboles (1862), La Science des esprits (1865),
Paradoxes of the Highest Science (1883), Livre des splendeurs
(1894), Clés majeurs et clavicules de Salomon (1895), Le Livre
des sages (1912) and The Magical Ritual of the Sanctum Regnum (1970).
In 1832, he entered the theological college of Saint-Sulplice and
was ordained Deacon in 1835. His years at Saint-Sulplice were
dreary and disillusioning, as the students vied for the favor of the
directors who manipulated and coerced them. He was scheduled
to be ordained Priest in 1836, but he had met and fallen in love
with a young girl. Although nothing ever came of the relationship,
he realized that he could not live without human affection and
abandoned his vows before his ordination.
References:
Crowley, Aleister; The Book of Thoth [1944], Samuel Weiser, New
York 1969/74
King, Francis and Isabel Sutherland; The Rebirth of Magic, Corgi,
Aylesbury 1982
McIntosh, Christopher; Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival,
Rider & Co., London 1972
Webb, James; The Occult Underground, Library Press, LaSalle,
Illinois 1974
2/1/97
Originally published in Red Flame No. 2 - Mystery of Mystery: A
Primer of Thelemic Ecclesiastical Gnosticism by Tau Apiryon and
Helena; Berkeley, CA 1995 e.v.
After hearing of his apostasy, his mother committed suicide. After
Saint-Sulplice, Constant spent a period associating with revolutionary socialists, including Flora Tristan, grandmother of Paul
Gauguin and M. Ganneau, the “Mapah.” He spent three short
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Upcoming Event Descriptions
The Philosophical Furnace
Ritual/Astrology Night
Transforming Ideas into Experiences through Practical Magick
Shortly after we started (actually, restarted) Tarot Night and
the Philosophical Furnace, we saw a need for additional learning opportunities, so we began holding Ritual Night on the
second Thursday of the month. This was an opportunity for
individuals to learn – or learn more about – the various rituals
that were going to be used during the Furnace.
I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel,
and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for
it is I that go.
—Liber AL vel Legis II:7
The Philosophical Furnace was originally brought into manifestation by Frater Eparisteros several years ago and has gone through
its own alchemical process. It is still a very fluid operation that
has yet to stabilize and in many ways seems to take on a life of its
own.
After one session, we decided to expand this night to include
the study of Astrology as well. This added focus complements
nicely the Qabalistic emphasis of our Tarot study, as we see
the multiple interactions among different aspects of magical
practice.
The Philosophical Furnace, like Tarot Night, is open to both
The first half of each class will consist of learning a new ritual
members and non-members alike, and there is no charge or fee to
– we started, for example, with the Lesser Banishing Ritual of
attend, though donations are very
the Pentagram. We discuss
much appreciated. The Furnace
both the how and the
is held once a month on the
Please visit our website:
why, and then after each
fourth Thursday from 6:30 to
part of the ritual is
8:30.
demonstrated, all of us
have
the opportunity to
Each session is broken down into
practice that part. Finally we put it all together, and each of us
two parts. The first part is a general discussion of the philosophy
gets to practice the entire ritual.
or idea behind what we will be doing, as well as simple instruction in a particular ritual and or technique. In the second part,
The second half is devoted to studying an element of astrolowe put what we have learned into practice.
gy, starting with the signs of the zodiac. Once we are familiar
with the planets and the signs and the houses, we will start
We ask that each participant keep a personal journal. We also
examining the natal charts of well-known individuals to see
appoint a Scribe to keep a group journal.
how the various aspects of astrology work together. EventualCurrently we are working our way through the Sephiroth of the
ly, we will all get a chance to examine our own natal charts
Tree of Life, setting up temples in each one. We contact the
and find out how astrology can help us to see ourselves more
Archangels, angels, intelligences and magical images appropriate
clearly.
to each level, thereby gaining a broader understanding of the
These sessions assume no prior knowledge, although experiforces that operate within. From there we plan on using the
enced magicians are certainly welcome. All our Thursday
knowledge gained to begin producing Talismans and Amulets.
night classes are open to the public. There is no fee for the
Then … only the spirits know where we will go.
classes, although donations are always gratefully accepted. So
The Furnace is a magical night in the Temple. Please join us for
come on down to the Temple on the second Thursday of the
this unique experience.
month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and join us as we explore
new rituals and learn new aspects of astrology.
www.abrahadabra-oto.org
Frater Ne’reus
Soror Lilith
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Tarot Night
From gold forge steel!
Come! all ye, and learn the secret that hath not yet been revealed.
I, Hadit, am the complement of Nu, my bride. I am not extended,
and Khabs is the name of my House.
—Liber Al vel Legis II:2
Tarot Night was resurrected in January 2012 e.v. and is slowly
building into that which it will become. Only time and the dedication of those who seek to understand what is hidden within the
cards have any chance of shaping its future.
Twice a month, we invite everyone – members and non-members
alike – to our Temple to practice working with the Tarot. The
forum is open and all ideas are welcome. We set our library up
with several tables and chairs and invite all to come, alone or with
friends, to read Tarot for others and to have others read for you.
There is no charge or fee associated with Tarot Night, but donations are welcome.
The night begins with a short introduction into the system of the
Tarot itself, and the floor is open to all who might want to add
their understanding of a certain card or suit of cards. Currently we
are working with the Atus or Trumps, starting with the elemental
cards associated with the three mother letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and the unfolding of the rose in the symbol of the Rosy
Cross. We have put together posters with enlarged images of each
card and its correspondences, as well as its location upon the glyph
of the Qabalistic Tree of Life. We plan to move from there to the
planetary and zodiacal Trumps and finally the individual suits.
Original Art by
Nicholas “The Barbarian” Kelley
But your holy place shall be untouched
throughout the centuries: though with fire and
sword it be burnt down & shattered, yet an invisible house there standeth, and shall stand until the fall of the Great Equinox; when Hrumachis shall arise and the double-wanded one assume my throne and place. Another prophet
shall arise, and bring fresh fever from the skies;
another woman shall awakethe lust & worship
of the Snake; another soul of God and beast
shall mingle in the globed priest; another sacrifice shall stain the tomb; another king shall
reign; and blessing no longer be poured To the
Hawk-headed mystical Lord!
We hang large posters on the walls of the library with details of
various spreads, their layout and instructions for reading them.
The idea is to help each other learn and become comfortable reading for each other in an atmosphere of friendship and equality. Of
course we teach, but at the same time we are all learning.
Originally Tarot Night was to be held only once a month, but very
quickly it became popular and those attending asked for more. We
currently hold Tarot Night twice a month (the first and third
Thursday night from 6:30 to 8:30), and at this time we are seriously considering a weekend seminar in early June.
Frater Ne’reus
Soror Lilith
Liber AL vel Legis
5
Abrahadabra
Oasis
Upcoming events
Thursday, May 3, 6:30 pm- Tarot Night
Thursday, May 10, 6:30 pm- Ritual/Astrology Workshop
Thursday, May 17, 6:30 pm- Tarot Night
991 Forest Avenue, Suite #203
Portland, Maine 04103
P.O. Box 10468
Portland, Maine 04104
Sunday, May 20, 10:00 am- Gnostic Mass
12:00 pm- Class: Liber XV: The Gnostic Mass
Thursday, May 24, 6:30 pm- Philosophical Furnace
Sunday, June 10, 10:00 am- Gnostic Mass
Editor:
Gwendolyn Beaulieu
© 2012 Abrahadabra Oasis
Thursday, June 14, 6:30 pm- Ritual/Astrology Workshop
Thursday, June 21, 6:30 pm- Tarot Night
Thursday, June 28, 6:30 pm- Philosophical Furnace
All Rights Reserved.
No portion of this publication may be copied,
reposted, duplicated or otherwise used without
the express written permission of Abrahadabra
Oasis.
The viewpoints and opinions expressed herein are
the responsibility of the contributing Authors.
Attending the Gnostic Mass
The Gnostic Mass was written by Aleister
Crowley in 1913 and is the central public
and private ceremony of O.T.O.
Gnostic Masses are held regularly at many
O.T.O. bodies. They are performed
under the auspices of Ecclesia Gnostic
Catholica, the Gnostic Catholic Church,
which is the ecclesiastical arm of O.T.O.
A copy of the text of the ritual is available
with annotations online. More details
about E.G.C. are available on the E.G.C.
website.
The Gnostic Mass is similar in structure to
the Mass of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
However, the comparison ends there, as
the Gnostic Mass is a celebration of the
principles of Thelema. It is quite a formal
ritual and can be a very beautiful one.
The Gnostic Mass is a group participatory
ritual and you are therefore expected to
participate fully if you wish to attend.
There are a few things to be read out, for
which you will be provided a missal to
read from, and a few gestures to perform
with the rest of the congregation.
Guests are welcome. There are no specific
requirements of dress for those attending
the mass. Public Masses at Abrahadabra
Oasis are open to all adults who wish to
attend.
Sunday, May 20th at 10:00am
Original Art by
Nicholas “The Barbarian” Kelley
For complete calendar listings please visit our website at www.abrahadabra-oto.org
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