Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law

 

To Whom It May Concern

Let it be known that the Temple of Nuit has been established as and is an outer emanation of, The Sempiternal Order A∴A∴ and, while original teachings of the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) are well respected, the Temple of Nuit has no direct link with the nonprofit religious corporation from California, USA, or any other O.T.O. group.

Despite our dissimilarities, the Temple of Nuit maintains a respectful, friendly, and fraternal relationship with the Ordo Templi Orientis (of any lineage) and its members.

While both Orders share the basic philosophical premises (Thelema and the Book of the Law), their approaches and paths differ.

Letter from Crowley to Karl Germer dated Sept. 16, 1946 (as an official statement to American O.T.O. members) further elaborates on the difference:

 “The difference between the A∴A∴ and the O.T.O. is very clear and simple. The A∴A∴ is a sempiternal institution, and entirely secret. There is no communication between its members. Theoretically, a member knows only the superior who introduced him, and any person whom he has introduced. The Order is run on purely spiritual lines.

The object of membership is also entirely simple. The first objective is the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel. The next objective, omitting for the present of the [6=5] and [7=4] Grades, is the crossing of the Abyss, and the attainment of the mastership of the Temple. This is described very fully especially in Liber 418 (“The Vision & the Voice”). Much less is written about the [5=6] Grade, i.e. the Knowledge and Conversation because it is too secret and individual. It is impossible to lay down conditions or to describe the experiences involved in detail.

The O.T.O. has nothing to do with this, except that The Book of the Law and the Word of the Aeon are essential principles of membership. In all other respects, it stands by itself as a body similar to Freemasonry, but involving acceptance of a social and economic system which is intended to put the world on its feet. There is also, of course, the secret of the IX° which is to say, the weapon which they may use to further these purposes.

To show you the difference, Theodor Reuss was Supreme Head of the O.T.O., but was not even a probationer of the A∴A∴.”

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Imperātor, A∴A∴

Love is the law, love under Will