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The Principles of Fraternity

  • Nov. 13th, 2006 at 7:11 AM
ash snow
[I know that I've already posting posted something like this, but I've updated it and wanted to get it out there again.]

Ordo Templi Orientis is a fraternity. This word means much more than a group of people belonging to the same organization—it implies a deeper and more meaningful connection. In our case, it refers to members who have mutual obligations and have undergone shared ordeals designed to initiate us into the Mysteries. Such initiation makes us more than fellow members; it makes us brothers and sisters, with a bond that—beginning at First Degree—lasts a lifetime. As such, there are fundamental principles involved in being a sibling of O.T.O., which cut across all ideologies, all spiritual practices, and all degrees. These principles are applicable for each and every one of us, without exception, and embodying them is what defines an honorable initiate within our Fraternity.

The Principles of Fraternity are five: Honor, Beneficence, Harmony, Tolerance, and Nobility.

Honor

To be Honorable means many things, all of which are vital to fraternity. Fidelity to one's obligations, siblings, and the Order is certainly a central ethic of O.T.O., which also implies loyalty, meaning that the initiate will act in good faith with his brothers and sisters. Moreover, he will be willing to defend and fight alongside one's siblings in the face of oppression with courage and steadfastness. At the core of Honor is the trait of integrity, which means being true to one's word, committed to one's responsibilities, and willing to accept accountability for one's actions.

Beneficence

Creating a safe and supportive environment for members to conduct the Great Work is a core function of O.T.O. Such an environment is assured by providing mutual support in our labors, being just and fair in our dealings, and most especially in the act of Service—the willingness to give of one's time, resources, and energy to enable other initiates to succeed within our Order. The principle of Beneficence is embodied in our central cultural pillar, hospitality.

Harmony

Harmony is an ideal—it is the vision of a world of Stars living and working together in the Spirit of Will and Love. In a practical sense, Harmony is a necessary state for any organization to fulfill its aims, which is severely hampered when strife, instability, and unrest exist amongst the membership. Disagreement and conflict are not necessarily unhealthy things, but when engaged in, they must be guided by fairness and good faith so to preserve equanimity between siblings. As long as mutual respect is maintained, disagreement and conflict will not lead to the poisons of contempt, animosity, and hostility, but whose friction will rather create light for the benefit of all.

Tolerance

Every member has, by necessity, their own unique Path in their Great Work. Within the boundaries of fraternal good will and fidelity to initiatory obligations, members are encouraged to express themselves in a fully genuine way while respecting the right of others to do the same. As such, initiates have respect for independence and aspire towards increased toleration of ideas and practices different from their own.

Nobility

At its heart, Nobility arises from the combination of courage, independence, and dignity, and is embodied in exceptional character. It is the essence of Leadership that inspires others through example. A Noble brother or sister has confidence without arrogance, self-respect without being self-righteous, and altruism without pity. A royal bearing is carried with calm authority, not over others, but over the self, which bestows grace. Pettiness, meanness, and selfishness are unknown to the Noble initiate, who wishes not to injure fellow siblings, but to help them rise up to accept their rightful station as sovereign Monarchs of the New Aeon.

Comments

[info]jessicamelusine wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 03:19 pm (UTC)
This is so good-thank you!
[info]ash93 wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 04:09 pm (UTC)
My pleasure, I'm sure. :)
[info]wisechoices wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 03:39 pm (UTC)
On Harmony
Non-musical people often misunderstand harmony. Without difference, we have "unison", not harmony.
[info]ash93 wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 03:56 pm (UTC)
Re: On Harmony
Hey, that's good....I might have to steal that! :)
[info]mc156 wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 04:54 pm (UTC)
Re: On Harmony
Yes! This is an excellent analogy for the creation of harmony. Thank you.

I always note that it is our diversity and uniqueness as individuals that make beautiful our working together :0)
ke1j1_san wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 05:25 pm (UTC)
I have to be honest, [info]ash93, this looks almost identical to the Mission Statement I was given at my coven in South Africa.
[info]ash93 wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 05:36 pm (UTC)
That tells me that some covens understand fraternity (just as some have an understanding of basic Thelemic ideals), which is a largely universal concept. The issue isn't who "owns" fraternity, but the adoption of an effective social model. Clearly the OTO founders recognized this and placed these essential principles within our system, which were later ratified by Baphomet X°. They are deeply embedded in our system, and the only real issue is the degree to which one has the character to embody them. Remember, I didn't make these up...they are gathered from the works of AC.
[info]mc156 wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 07:28 pm (UTC)
I know you didn't like your coven... this implied you are not happy with Ash's posting.

Please remember these "ideals" are in regards to social or inter-personal behaviors. They do not address the 'easy Christina or LSH' type of personality. Substantial *additional* difficulties arise when applying these models to groups of ruggedly individualistic Thelemites who often prefer to "fight it out". We can disagree and even do so vehemently without being ugly or niggardly about it. (Just ask Ash how often the two of us disagree ;>)

In addition to simply working through our animalistic monkey-behaviors (or "Don't through *your* shit at me!") there specialised stresses that arise when said Thelemites are actively working Magick (if it is their Will to do so). One can see this in any discipline that requires extensive self-knowledge and work on self (thinking of Buddhist and Gurdejieffian groups and other methodologies where the members 'use' each other as personality polishing stones, for example).

Young brother, it is a shame you never got to know Soror Meral. She was quite adept at teaching Thelemites that what another person does or does not do is none of their business. If you react to another's b-sht, then look within at why. If they are truly interfering with your ability to do your Will - then have at it. However, if you simply don't like something then it is your issue, not the other person's. Sorta like the foolishness of being upset at a friend for going to a party. That takes nothing away from the upset person at all. It is Malkuthian ego talking (at best).
ke1j1_san wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 07:53 pm (UTC)
She was quite adept at teaching Thelemites that what another person does or does not do is none of their business.

Hmm... I honestly don't see how this applies here. Really, I simply noticed the similarities and mentioned it.

Sorta like the foolishness of being upset at a friend for going to a party. That takes nothing away from the upset person at all. It is Malkuthian ego talking (at best).

I understand what you're trying to say. Really, I think these are different circumstances - being critical of ideals and being critical about the personal happenings of your fellows is different. At least to me.
[info]ash93 wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 08:12 pm (UTC)
I think these are different circumstances - being critical of ideals and being critical about the personal happenings of your fellows is different. At least to me.

I suspect that different concepts are being crossed. Marlene was trying to offer an illustration of her point, which I totally agree with, which is that these principles are akin to a social blueprint. They are neither "Thelemic" nor "unthelemic". They are social tools that the OTO applies in a Thelemic way through our various initiatory ceremonies. An analog would be a short blade with a handle on one end...in some places it's a tool for cooking, for others murder, and yet others for ceremonial ritual. Its relative value lies in how it is used. The same holds true for these fraternal principles that Crowley stressed so hard.
[info]ash93 wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 08:32 pm (UTC)
Said another way, when a sibling is "acting fraternally" his actions are essentially honest, well-meaning, striving for balance, respectful, and dignified. These basic traits make for a strong social foundation upon which a complex organization of strong-minded individualists can co-exist and profit. Within that strong social matrix, an initiate has a far greater ability to be expressive, open, and genuine. True, it takes a great deal of strength and discipline to master and embody these principles (which none of us do perfectly), but when enough make the attempt, it makes our Order strong!
[info]mc156 wrote:
Nov. 13th, 2006 08:53 pm (UTC)
being critical of ideals and being critical about the personal happenings of your fellows is different.

Perhaps. It all depends on *why* one is being confrontational to begin with ;> I've seen many an initiate forget the difference between "ideas/ideals" and "person" so many times on lj that I rarely comment at all :0)

My mention of Meral was to point out that being fraternal often means keeping your attention/attitude on Self and not Other. It's a very common pitfall to forget to make this distinction. One that so-called advanced Magicians fall into far to often IMO. (I am not thinking of any particular person either - it is the most common "failing" of many folks. Myself included!)

However, the issue of "being critical" can be widely interpreted. Ash presents the most basic criteria for our monkey-selves to be able to co-exist in a peaceful and constructive manner.

(I apologise if this is off-track but I was moved to write...)
[info]starwyse wrote:
Nov. 14th, 2006 01:41 pm (UTC)
I have been having some discussions regarding fraternity and I was wondering if I could share your thoughts?

If you are amenable to that, please let me know under what name you would like to receive credit. I will be posting to an e-group.

Thank you,
Star
[info]ash93 wrote:
Nov. 14th, 2006 03:34 pm (UTC)
Of course you can pass along these principles anywhere...after all, they aren't really mine, but all of ours. If you want to reference my essay, you might want to link to my homepage (which has no restrictions on viewing) at http://www.ashami.com/eidolons/The_Principles_of_Fraternity

If you want to credit me, Ash or Fr. Ash is fine.
[info]starwyse wrote:
Nov. 14th, 2006 04:01 pm (UTC)
Thank you for the link to your website. I look forward to perusing it in more detail.