Hackers Underworld 2: Forbidden Knowledge/Hackers Underworld 2: Forbidden Knowledge.iso/OCCULT/REUSCNST.TXT

Text File | 1989-10-02 | 17KB | 502 lines

FRATER SUPERIOR MERLIN PEREGRINUS X°

I. N. R. I.

Constitution
of the
Ancient Order
of Oriental Templars

Ordo Templi Orientis

With an Introduction
and a Synopsis of the Degrees
of the O.T.O.

Albert Karl Theodor Reuss (1855-n-1923), who as Frater Superior Merlin
Peregrinus X° served as the second Outer Head of the modern O.T.O.,
first promulgated the Constitution of the Order in 1906 E.V. The
following revised version was issued in 1917 E.V.--references to the
British section of the O.T.O. (M.M.M.) and its journal The Equinox
show that it was in effect during Crowley's tenure as X° for English-
speaking countries. Many innovations introduced by Crowley and
subsequently adopted by Reuss during the years 1918-n-1919 E.V. may be
found in the Intimation With Reference to the Constitution of the
Order, also reprinted in this issue. First published in The Equinox
III(1) in 1919 E.V., the Intimation greatly amplifies the
Constitution, and both should be studied for a proper comprehension of
each. The ``Introduction'' to the Constitution is, in part, a
paraphrase of Bro. Franz Hartmann's First Instruction, published
elsewhere in this issue. The original ``Synopsis of Degrees'' is not
reproduced here since it diagrams the degree system prior to Reuss'
implementation of Crowley's revisions of the degree system--traces
remain in the Constitution's references to ``Probationers'' instead of
``Minervals,'' for example. In place of the original ``Synopsis'' we
have supplied Crowley's own, revised to reflect the dues and fees in
effect at this writing. The original ``Synopsis'' will be published in
a future issue of The Equinox in the context of an historical study of
the evolution of the system of O.T.O. Otherwise, the original document
has been republished here verbatim. The Constitution's siting of
headquarters in Switzerland is another vestige of the Reuss era--
headquarters frequently moved during Crowley's life, and has since
alternated between New York and California. The Constitution is
presently being reconciled with Crowley's Intimation and other
modernizations since it is being formally implemented. Its publication
here is intended to aid this process.--H.B.

INTRODUCTION


To all whom it may concern--

LET IT BE KNOWN that there exists, unknown to the great crowd, a very
ancient Order of sages, whose object is the amelioration and spiritual








elevation of mankind by means of conquering error and aiding men and
women in their efforts of attaining the power of recognising the
truth. This Order has existed already in the most remote times, and it
has manifested its activity secretly and openly in the world under
different names and in various forms; it has caused social and
political revolutions and proved to be the rock of salvation in times
of danger and misfortune. It has always upheld the banner of freedom
against tyranny in whatever shape this has appeared, whether as
clerical or political or social despotism, or oppression of any kind.

To this ``secret order'' every wise and spiritually enlightened person
belongs by right of his or her nature; because they all, even if they
are personally unknown to each other, are one in their purpose and
object, and they all work under the guidance of the one light of
truth. Into this Sacred Society no one can be admitted by another,
unless he has the power to enter it himself by virtue of his own
interior illumination, neither can any one, after he has once entered,
be expelled, unless he should expel himself by becoming unfaithful to
his principles, and forget again the truths which he has learned by
his own experience.

All this is known to every enlightened person.

But it is known only to a few that there exists also an external
visible organization of such men and women, who having themselves
found the path to real self-knowledge, and who, having travelled the
burning sands, are willing to give the benefit of their experience,
and to act as spiritual guides to those who are willing to be guided.

While numberless societies, associations, orders, groups etc. have
been founded during the last thirty years in all parts of the
civilised world, all following some line of occult study, yet there is
but ONE ancient organization of genuine Mystics which shows the seeker
after truth a Royal Road to discover The Lost Mysteries of Antiquity,
and to the Unveiling of the One Hermetic Truth.

This organization is known at the present time as the: Ancient Order
of Oriental Templars. Ordo Templi Orientis. Otherwise: The Hermetic
Brotherhood of Light.

It is a Modern School of Magic. And, like the ancient schools of
magic, it derived its knowledge from the East. This Knowledge was
never revealed to the profane, for it gave immense power for either
good or evil to its possessors. It was recorded in symbol, parable and
allegory, requiring a Key for its interpretation.

For the symbols and glyphs of Freemasonry were originally also derived
from more ancient mysteries.

These symbols of ancient Masonry, of the Rosicrucians, the sacred art
of the ancient Chemi (Egyptians), of Homer's Golden Chain, like those
of modern Freemasonry etc. are however but different aspects of the
One Great Mystery. They all require a key to disclose the real
underlying meaning. There exists however but One Right Key, and
moreover this one right key must be used the Right Way.

This key can be placed within the reach of all those who are prepared
unselfishly to study and work for its possession, if they apply for
membership to the Order of Oriental Templars (O.T.O.)








The O.T.O. (Ordo Templi Orientis) is a body of Initiates in whose
hands are concentrated the secret knowledge of all Oriental Orders and
of all existing Masonic Degrees. Its Chiefs are Initiates of the
highest rank and are recognised as such by all capable of such
recognition in every country in the world. Every man or woman who
becomes a member of the O.T.O. has an indefeasible right to the first
three degrees of Masonry.

The O.T.O., although an Academia Masonica, is not a Masonic Body, so
far as the Craft degrees are concerned in the sense in which that
expression is usually understood in England, and therefore in no way
conflicts or infringes the just privileges of the United Lodge of
England. English Master Masons in good standing, by arrangement, on
affiliation, are admitted at reduced charges. Members of the IX degree
become part-proprietors of the Estates and Goods of the Order. For
further information see the publications of the O.T.O., and the
synopsis of the degrees of the O.T.O.

ANCIENT ORDER OF ORIENTAL TEMPLARS


Constitution


ARTICLE I


UNDER THE STYLE AND TITLE: ANCIENT ORDER OF ORIENTAL TEMPLARS, an
organization, formerly known as: ``The Hermetic Brotherhood of
Light'', has been reorganized and reconstituted. This reconstituted
association is an international organization, and is hereinafter
referred to as the O.T.O.

ARTICLE II


1.  The O.T.O. declares that Brotherhood of All Things Created is a
fact in Nature.

2.  The principle purpose of the O.T.O. is to teach True Brotherhood,
and to make it a living power in the life of humanity.

3.  The subsidiary aims of the O.T.O. are:

(a)  to spread the doctrines of Hermetic Science, and to initiate its
members in the Secret Doctrines of Hermetic Science, for which purpose
its members are as a preparatory measure initiated, passed and raised
in Masonry:

(b)  to establish and administer schools, lodges, etc. where Hermetic
Science is taught:

(c)  to build, establish, found, manage and administer Homes,
Colonies, Settlements, etc. where initiated members may live according
to the tenets of the O.T.O.

ARTICLE III










1.  The O.T.O. is part of that great and universal hermetic movement
which has been active in all ages.

2.  Organizations throughout the world adopting this Constitution
become integral parts of the O.T.O. upon receipt of official
notification of their acceptance as such. All such joining
organizati