The True Nature of the "Christian" Ordo Templi Orientis

Copyright 2001 Jon Ryner

In fact, Crowley has attracted the worst as well as the best elements in the occult world, and a self-declared "Crowleyan" is as likely to be a dangerous kook as a high adept.
--Robert Anton Wilson, Cosmic Trigger: TThe Final Secret of the Illuminati, page 161

Firstly, I feel it essential to present a little relevant autobiographical data, as no one (to my knowledge) is presenting this kind of information:

Although I have not been formally initiated into any of the many O.T.O. organizations, I was an associate member of "Grady's O.T.O.", which made it possible for me to acquire materials that are not allowed to the general public, and was approached by both the Typhonian O.T.O. and a researcher in that organization who was willing to teach me privately outside its formal structure. This was all some years ago, when I was in my late teens! In addition, I have more years of training in different lodge systems, groves, circles, covens, churhes, mail order houses, etc. than I really care to count. So I suppose I am as qualified as anyone to write about this particular subject, perhaps more so, because I also try to be as scientific as possible about my researches. All those years ago, I was fascinated by the O.T.O., but it also "gave me the willies". I am now quite glad I did not get seriously involved, for reasons that should be clear from the contents of this article.

Some of the issues we will be discussing have much wider implications. The O.T.O. is not the only organization lying about all aspects of its history and nature in a desperate and pathetic attempt to recruit more members and their money, and becomes confused about what their story today is, or is seeking to infiltrate other organizations!

The "Christian" O.T.O.

There are a number of O.T.O. folks on the Internet claiming that the O.T.O. is the perfect organization for metaphysical, liberal Christians. This lie is of great concern to us metaphysical, liberal Christians who are aware of the truth. Let's look at a few salient facts that the O.T.O. probably won't be broadcasting any time soon:

1) Aleister Crowley had quite a lot of contempt for all kinds of Christianity, not surprising given the abuse he received at home as a kid, permitted and encouraged by the fundamentalist Christian sect to which his parents belonged. His background also explains his penchant for ridiculing Christian sacraments (such as baptizing a toad) and even metaphysical approaches (such as his play ridiculing Christian Rosencreutz). The "Great Beast 666" was also no lover of Jesus, repeatedly denigrating him as "the pale Galilean", and a deity only fit for weaklings and fools.

2) The O.T.O. initiates are believed to be warriors, though the general public is not told what they war for nor whom they serve.

3) An article about apostolic succession that was published by the Berkeley O.T.O. stated clearly and succinctly that whether Crowley ever had Christian succession was irrelevant, as they possessed a different succession with a different character.

4) It should be noted that the O.T.O. stole its ritual trappings from Freemasonry and other organizations, and, indeed, the organization itself was highjacked by Crowley. It was originally formed by a German named Reuss. It has since claimed to be a Freemasonic rite with initiates who really knew the secrets of Masonry (as opposed to all other Masons), a better version of the Golden Dawn, a Rosicrucian organization, or anything else that would dupe the gullible into joining.

5) The O.T.O. exists primarily for the research and practice of sex magic. This puts them in a category which is quite nonChristian.

6) The O.T.O. often claims to be "gnostic".

7) While Jesus prayed that "they all be one", the O.T.O. not only accepts, but frequently relishes the repeated schisms and arguments that have broken out over every thing conceivable. There have even been expensive lawsuits. This author suspects that the desperate ploys engaged by one branch is directly related to its need to raise money following one such suit.

8) The god who truly reigns over the O.T.O. is "the Crowned and Conquering Child", Horus, not Jesus. Their eschatology is also thus radically different.

9) The O.T.O. recently changed its Masonic signs, tokens, grips, etc., as a result of serious attack by Masons charging they were "clandestine". This action is quite hard to fathom, if the O.T.O. is the "real" lodge, fearlessly holds the ancient secrets, and are real warriors for their deity!

10) Finally, "by their fruits you shall know them." Crowley ended his life as a social reject and drug addict, a sorry ending for a man who could have been so much happier and useful. The O.T.O. folks cannot seem to put aside its petty squablings for the greater good (in their eyes).

In short, be not deceived! Always investigate any organization you are thinking of joining to ascertain what they really believe, so you don't waste your valuable time, get yourself or those around you hurt, or get trapped in a deadly cult. BTW, if you're wondering why I didn't even take the first degree, I think that it was because I knew a little of this info, didn't know the people who would be initiating me at all, so that I wasn't entirely convinced by their statement that the usually-administered drug would be forgone, since I had objected that the use of such was strongly against my Will.

We hope to add much more material here, including information about whether the O.T.O. is truly pagan, but welcome a response from any official O.T.O. official(s) or questions you may have.