ORDO TEMPLI ORIENTIS

Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.; lit. 'Order of the Temple of the East' or 'Order of Oriental Templars') is an occult secret society and hermetic magical organization founded at the beginning of the 20th century.

The OTO was established in Germany in the early 1900s by Karl Kellner, an Austrian occultist and Freemason, and Theodor Reuss, a German priest of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and a key figure in early Theosophy. The OTO was originally a combination of several esoteric traditions and sought to create an organization dedicated to spiritual enlightenment and the integration of various mystical and philosophical systems. It blended ideas from Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, Theosophy, and Kabbalah. In its first incarnation, OTO was intended to be modelled after and associated with European Freemasonry; as such, in its early years, only Freemasons could seek admittance.

Founder and first head of the Order Carl Kellner wanted to create an Academia Masonica wherein various rites of high-degree Freemasonry could be conferred within German-speaking countries. During the course of his esoteric studies across the globe and from many traditions, Kellner believed that he had discovered a key which offered a clear explanation of all the complex symbolism of Freemasonry and of nature itself. Kellner intended that OTO preserve and confer this key.

After the death of Reuss, the English writer and occultist Aleister Crowley assumed control of the Order. Crowley had been inducted into OTO by Reuss in the early 1910s. While maintaining many core elements of Freemasonry and the intentions of both Kellner and Reuss, OTO was drastically changed by Crowley. The guiding philosophy of OTO from this point on became Crowley's self-created occult system, Thelema. With this change OTO ceased its bestowal of Masonic degrees and membership requirements.

Before Aleister Crowley became involved with the OTO, the organization had a very different set of beliefs and practices that were rooted in European mysticism and Freemasonry. The OTO was originally founded in the early 20th century, and while Crowley’s influence dramatically reshaped the organization, the OTO's teachings and structure existed in a different form prior to his involvement.

The OTO was heavily influenced by Freemasonry, particularly the Masonic structure of initiatory rites and hierarchical degrees. The organization’s system of initiation was divided into several degrees that symbolized the stages of spiritual progression. The degrees were designed to allow members to advance as they gained greater knowledge of the mysteries of the universe.

The OTO’s initiatory structure, like that of Freemasonry, was meant to guide the initiate through different stages of enlightenment, often involving rituals, allegories, and symbolism.

The OTO was also influenced by Rosicrucianism, a mystical and esoteric movement originating in the early 17th century. The Rosicrucians were focused on alchemy, spiritual transformation, and the pursuit of hidden knowledge. Early OTO teachings reflected this focus on the spiritual alchemical process, symbolized in the transformation of the individual through knowledge and initiation. The OTO had its own brand of “spiritual alchemy”, which was tied to the goal of personal and spiritual enlightenment.

The early OTO was also influenced by Theosophy, a spiritual movement that sought to bring together various religious and philosophical traditions under the idea of a universal wisdom. Theosophy, founded by Helena Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott in the late 19th century, taught that the divine could be accessed through personal spiritual development, meditation, and study of ancient wisdom traditions, particularly from Eastern religions.

The OTO, under the influence of Theosophy, embraced the idea that there were hidden universal truths that could be revealed through initiatic processes. This approach led to an emphasis on mysticism, esotericism, and the importance of inner transformation.

The early OTO also integrated elements of Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition. The OTO’s teachings incorporated the Tree of Life and the Sephiroth, the ten attributes or emanations through which the divine manifests in the world. The OTO’s teachings on the Kabbalah were meant to guide initiates in their search for spiritual understanding and enlightenment. The OTO’s approach to Kabbalistic teachings was esoteric, meaning that it was focused on personal interpretation and experiential knowledge, rather than orthodox religious understanding. This mystical approach was central to the initiation rituals that would become a hallmark of the OTO.

Membership in OTO is based upon a system of initiation ceremonies (or degrees) that use ritual drama to establish fraternal bonds between members as well as impart spiritual and philosophical teachings.

The degrees serve an organizational function, in that certain degrees must be attained before taking on various forms of service in the Order (e.g. taking the degree of K.E.W. is a requirement for ordination as a priest or priestess in Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica).

There are thirteen numbered degrees and twelve un-numbered degrees which are divided into three grades or "triads"—the Hermit, the Lover, and the Man of Earth.

Admittance to each degree of OTO involves an initiation and the swearing of an oath which according to OTO is similar to those used in Freemasonry.

Advancement through the Man of Earth triad requires sponsorship from ranking members. Advancement into the degree of the Knight of the East and West and beyond requires one to be invited by ranking members.

The ultimate goal of initiation in OTO is "to instruct the individual by allegory and symbol in the profound mysteries of Nature, and thereby to assist each to discover his or her own true Identity".

The entire system is as follows:

Man of Earth triad

0°—Minerval
I°—Man & Brother or Woman & Sister
II°—Magician
III°—Master Magician
IV°—Perfect Magician & Companion of the Holy Royal Arch of Enoch
- P.I.—Perfect Initiate, or Prince of Jerusalem

Outside all triads

Knight of the East & West

Lover's triad

V°—
- Sovereign Prince Rose-Croix, and Knight of the Pelican & Eagle
- Knight of the Red Eagle, and Member of the Senate of Knight Hermetic Philosophers
VI°—
- Illustrious Knight (Templar) of the Order of Kadosch, and Companion of the Holy Graal
- Grand Inquisitor Commander, and Member of the Grand Tribunal
- Prince of the Royal Secret
VII°—
- Theoreticus, and Very Illustrious Sovereign Grand Inspector General
- Magus of Light, and Bishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica
- Grandmaster of Light, and Inspector of Rites & Degrees

Hermit's triad

VIII°—
- Perfect Pontiff of the Illuminati
- Epopt of the Illuminati
IX°—Initiate of the Sanctuary of the Gnosis
X°—Rex Summus Sanctissimus
XI°—Initiate of the Eleventh Degree (This degree is technical, and has no relation to the general plan of the Order)
XII°—Frater Superior, and Outer Head of the Order

The governing bodies of O.T.O. include:

International Headquarters
- Presided over by the Outer Head of the Order XII° (O.H.O.—also known as Frater Superior)
- Supreme Council
- Revolutionaries
Sovereign Sanctuary of the Gnosis of the IX°
Secret Areopagus of the Illuminati of the VIII°
Grand Tribunal of the VI°
National Grand Lodge
- Presided over by the National Grand Master X°
- Executive Council
Supreme Grand Council
Electoral College