Today (this evening) is an official feast day in Thelema-- a celebration of the 123rd anniversary of the marriage of Aleister Crowley and Rose Edith Kelly (Soror Ouarda), who played a critical role in the Cairo Working, which led to the reception of The Book of the Law.

This feast day was established by Liber AL II:37 (”A feast for the first night of the Prophet and his Bride!“). In his New Comment, Crowley wrote the following about this passage:

“There should be a special feast on the 12th day of August in every year, since it was the marriage of The Beast which made possible the revelation of the New Law. (This is not an Apology for Marriage. Hard Cases make Bad Law).”

Here is a ritual composed by T. Polyphilus for celebration of this feast:

https://hermetic.com/dionysos/aug12

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

The Electoral College met on August 1st, and a few acknowledgements are in order.

Congratulations to Sr. Jayve F. on her appointment as Master of Star Sapphire Oasis in Los Angeles, CA, and many thanks to Frater S.V.A.T.I. for his long service in that office.

Congratulations to Sr. Vesper Amanita on her appointment as Master of Golden Thread Oasis in Pittsburg, PA, and much appreciation to Sister Courtney P. for her service in that office.

Congratulations to Sb. Suspiriorum on their appointment as Master of the newly-chartered Heliopolis Camp in Lexington, KY.

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

Greetings of the festival of the Northern (June) Solstice! Tomorrow, June 21, between 1:24 am PDT and 4:24 am EDT within the continental United States, the sun will reach 90° ecliptic longitude, at its most northerly position relative to Earth, directly above the Tropic of Cancer; where it will enter the sign of Cancer (naturally), the cardinal sign of Water. It is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, and the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere, the Northern Solstice is often called the Summer Solstice, and is considered the beginning of astronomical summer.1

“Each element -- fire, earth, air, water, and Spirit -- possesses its own Nature, Will, and Magical Formula. Each one may then have its appropriate ritual. Many such in crude form are described in The Golden Bough of Dr. J.G. Frazer, the Glory of Trinity!

“In particular the entry of the Sun into the cardinal signs of the elements at the Equinoxes and Solstices are suitable for festivals.

“The difference between ‘rituals’ and ‘feasts’ is this: by the one a particular form of energy is generated, while there is a general discharge of one’s superfluous force in the other. Yet a feast implies periodical nourishment.”

• The New Comment

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

Salutations on the third day of this year’s Feast for the Three Days of the Writing of the Book of the Law!

From the Third Chapter: “The fool readeth this Book of the Law, and its comment; & he understandeth it not.”

Although The (Tunis) Comment was written much later (in 1925 e.v.) it is common practice in the day’s celebrations to read The Comment immediately after reading Chapter III.

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

Felicitations on this second day of this year’s Feast for the Three Days of the Writing of the Book of the Law!

From the Second Chapter: “But I will hide thee in a mask of sorrow: they that see thee shall fear that thou art fallen: but I lift thee up.”

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

Greetings and blessings on this the 122nd annual commemoration of the First Day of the Three Days of the Writing of the Book of the Law!

At noon on April 8, 1904 in his flat in the Būlāq district of Cairo, Egypt, Aleister Crowley--following the instructions of Ouarda the Seer (his wife, Rose Edith Kelly)--sat down at his writing table, pen in hand, and took dictation from an entity named Aiwass for exactly one hour. The result was the first chapter of Liber AL vel Legis, the Book of the Law.

From the First Chapter: “This shall regenerate the world, the little world my sister, my heart & my tongue, unto whom I send this kiss.”

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

The Strategic Planning Team has completed its quarterly review of the Local Body Handbook, and has issued LBH Version 6.0.0.

The Electoral College will soon circulate a link to this document to local body officers.

Love is the law, love under Will.

Fraternally,

-Sb

Greetings of the March (northward) equinox, which is the time that the Earth’s tilted axis is perpendicular to the rays of the Sun.

Tomorrow at 14:46 UTC, the Sun crosses the projection of the earth’s equator (at 0° ecliptic longitude) into the Northern Hemisphere, entering the sign of Aries, the cardinal sign of Fire. In the Continental U.S., this will occur tomorrow morning at 7:46 AM PDT for those of us on the West Coast, and 10:46 AM EDT for those on the East Coast. Since the Sun will be entering the Northern Hemisphere and leaving the Southern Hemisphere, this equinox is considered the vernal or spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, but the autumnal or fall equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. The vernal equinox thus represents (in the Northern Hemisphere) the point at which the full, life-giving light of the sun has returned. Since ancient times, the vernal equinox has been celebrated, in one way or another, as the return of vital activity in nature.

“Each element -- fire, earth, air, water, and Spirit -- possesses its own Nature, Will, and Magical Formula. Each one may then have its appropriate ritual. Many such in crude form are described in The Golden Bough of Dr. J.G. Frazer, the Glory of Trinity!

“In particular the entry of the Sun into the cardinal signs of the elements at the Equinoxes and Solstices are suitable for festivals.

“The difference between ‘rituals’ and ‘feasts’ is this: by the one a particular form of energy is generated, while there is a general discharge of one’s superfluous force in the other. Yet a feast implies periodical nourishment.”

• The New Comment

Within the system of Thelema, the March Equinox has additional significance:

“A feast for the Supreme Ritual, and a feast for the Equinox of the Gods.”

• AL II, 40

“The Supreme Ritual is the Invocation of Horus, which brought about the Opening of the New Aeon. The date is March 20... The Equinox of the Gods is the term used to describe the Beginning of a New Aeon, or a New Magical Formula. It should be celebrated at every Equinox, in the manner known to Neophytes of the A.’.A..’.”

• The New Comment

In Thelema, our ceremonial system of marking time begins with the establishment of the New Aeon, the Aeon of Horus, at the Equinox of the Gods. Thus, our ceremonial year begins with the March equinox, with the year number dating from the Supreme Ritual--the Invocation of Horus in Cairo on March 20, 1904 e.v. Today is the 122nd anniversary of the Supreme Ritual and the Equinox of the Gods, marking the beginning of the Thelemic Year Vxii (122 in our system of 22-year cycles).

Best wishes to all for propitious equinoctial auspices and a progression towards sanity in the new year!

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

As you may have heard, we have begun a program of scheduled routine inspections of all U.S.G.L. Man of Earth local bodies.

Word has come in over the past several months that the word inspection has stirred some understandable anxiety among Local Masters. In many organizations, inspection is treated as synonymous with investigation, discipline, or fault-finding. I’d like to take a moment to clarify the vision behind the inspection program, so that we can approach this work together with shared understanding and a sense of partnership.

Inspection, Stewardship, and the Work of Care

The SGIG inspection process is not an investigation, and it is not disciplinary. It is part of a broader effort to bring greater consistency, clarity, and support to how we review and steward the work of our local bodies.

Inspections exist because local leadership deserves structure and support. When expectations are unclear, reviews feel arbitrary. A central aim of this program is to reduce that uncertainty by making reviews clearer, more consistent, and more predictable across the Order.

You are not alone, USGL is accountable for the conditions under which you lead.
Inspections provide an opportunity to review how required practices are being maintained—not to punish deviation, but to identify strengths as well as gaps, and to support improvement. A well-run inspection should leave a local body with a clearer understanding of what is working, what needs attention, and what support is available. This is the work of stewardship.

The distinction between inspection and investigation matters.

• An investigation asks: What went wrong, who is responsible, and how can it be fixed?

• An inspection asks: How is the system functioning, and how can it function better?

These are different questions, and they lead to different outcomes. While the processes are distinct, both are intended to assist local bodies in their peaceful operation, to support local leadership as needs arise, and to recognize the strong work already being done.

From Uncertainty to Shared Practice
Much of the anxiety around inspections comes from unfamiliarity. Many Masters have never experienced one, which can make inspections feel sudden or reactive. This program is designed to change that. Inspections are here to stay and will become a normal part of the governing experience of every Master, not only when something has gone wrong. They exist for everyone, in support of the health of the membership and the vital work local bodies do.

The Order has a responsibility in this process. That includes training SGIGs to represent inspections as they are intended: transparent, supportive, and improvement-oriented. We are working intentionally on both ends of the process so SGIGs arrive grounded in the right framework, and local leaders can trust that this work is being carried out with care.

Clear outcomes, shared standards
Inspection outcomes are communicated through clear, non-punitive categories—In Compliance, Needs Improvement, and Out of Compliance. These categories describe status, not judgment. “Needs Improvement” is not a failure; it is information that helps identify where attention is needed and how support can be applied to address it.

A shared framework also promotes fairness. When standards vary, some local bodies are reviewed closely while others are barely reviewed at all. Consistent expectations and shared language create equity across the organization and support meaningful improvement.

To be clear, inspections exist to support local body improvement, not discipline. Discipline is a separate process, by design, and inspections are not a back door into it.

Before closing, I’d like Local Masters to know two things:

First, your anxiety is understood. I care about how this process is received, and we are committed to ensuring it is thoughtful, clear, and supportive from start to finish.

Second, this work is being designed with care, for you, for your local bodies, and for the long-term health of the Order. Nothing here is arbitrary. Every element exists so that, collectively, we can offer our members strong local bodies and initiatory work we can stand behind.

Local Masters and officers carry enormous responsibility. You give your time, attention, and care to your communities, often quietly and without recognition. We see that work. We know how hard you are working, and we are deeply grateful for it.

This process exists because we are on the same team, working toward a shared goal: strong local bodies, satisfied membership, and initiatory work we can be proud of. Inspection is one way we ensure leadership is supported rather than isolated, and that the Order is doing its part to stand behind the people who make this work possible.

We are doing this together, and we will all benefit from it.

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

The Electoral College has taken a number of actions of note, as can be seen here. I’d like to add my personal congratulations and thanks to those mentioned.

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

Greetings of the December (Southern) Solstice, which is the time that the Earth's north pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun, and the Sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the northern sky.

Today (Sunday, December 21) at 3:03 pm UTC, the Sun will be at 270° ecliptic longitude, and will enter the sign of Capricorn, the cardinal sign of Earth. In the Continental U.S., this will occur this morning at 7:03 am PST for those of us on the West Coast, and 10:03 am EST for those on the East Coast.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the December Solstice is also the Winter Solstice, when the period of daylight has reached its shortest and the period of night has reached its longest extent of the year. The Winter Solstice thus represents the point at which the period of daylight in the diurnal cycle begins to increase. Since prehistoric times, the Winter Solstice has been celebrated, in one way or another, as the return or rebirth of the Light of the Sun.

This feast day was established by Liber AL II:3 ("There are rituals of the elements and feasts of the times.") In his New Comment, Crowley wrote the following about this passage:

"Each element -- fire, earth, air, water, and Spirit -- possesses its own Nature, Will, and Magical Formula. Each one may then have its appropriate ritual. Many such in crude form are described in The Golden Bough of Dr. J.G. Frazer, the Glory of Trinity!

"In particular the entry of the Sun into the cardinal signs of the elements at the Equinoxes and Solstices are suitable for festivals."

"The difference between 'rituals' and 'feasts' is this: by the one a particular form of energy is generated, while there is a general discharge of one's superfluous force in the other. Yet a feast implies periodical nourishment."

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

I am excited to announce that U.S. Grand Lodge has completed the purchase of a building!

The building is a 5,300 sq.ft., three-story structure located on a two-acre parcel in New England, with a separate, 2,000 sq.ft. garage/utility building onsite. We made the purchase using funds from the late Brother A.T.’s generous bequest.

The first floor of the main building includes a 750 sq.ft. temple space, reception area, dining room and restroom, and is well-configured for hosting O.T.O. events. It will be used by Mithras Oasis for their initiations and Gnostic Masses, and will also be used by U.S.G.L. for Northeast regional events and small national events (less than 50 people).

The upper floors include three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a utility room (will likely be used as a library or small temple), a laundry room, and 3 bathrooms. They will be developed for use in retreats, and will ultimately constitute the residential portion of a formal Profess House.

There is some repair work and furnishing that needs to be completed before we put the building into use. We anticipate official commencement of activities there in February of 2026 e.v. We will likely be publishing a wish list of furnishings, art work, etc. over the coming weeks.

For purposes of security (and privacy, since members will be staying there) we will not be publishing the address or exact location of this facility, but it will, of course, be provided to local members and others with a need to know.

We would like to create an endowment for funding the ongoing maintenance and improvement expenses for this facility, as well as for other future facilities. If you’d like to contribute to this endowment, please get in touch with the GTG.

Many thanks to the members of the New England Development Committee for their hours of hard work on this project! We’ve gained a lot of experience that will be very valuable for similar projects in other regions.

Love is the law, love under will.

- Sabazius

Congratulations to Sr. Hypatia on her appointment as Master of Anabasis Camp in Indianapolis, IN, and many thanks to Br. Thomas for his service in that office.

Congratulations to Br. Dante on his appointment as Master of Chariot of Eternity Oasis in Cleveland, OH, and much appreciation to Sr. Maryam for her service in that office.

Congratulations to Sr. Stacey on her appointment as Master of Roar of Rapture Camp in Omaha, NE, and many thanks to Br. David for his service in that office.

Congratulations to Br. Aaron on his appointment as Master of Scarlet Woman Oasis in Austin , TX and much appreciation to Sr. Musick for her years of service in that office.

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

Greetings on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Aleister Crowley's Feast for Life! In other words, Happy Crowleymas! Edward Alexander Crowley was born on this day in 1875 e.v. at 30 Clarendon Square, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, in the West Midlands of England.

The Feast for Life was established by Liber AL II:41 ("A feast for fire and a feast for water; a feast for life and a greater feast for death!") In his New Comment, Crowley wrote the following about this passage, "The feast for life is at a birth; and the feast for death at a death." He had more to say about the Feast for Death, but that's a topic for later.

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

The O.T.O.-U.S.A. mailing address has been a post office box in Riverside, California since the inception of U.S.G.L. in 1996 e.v.

Soon, I will be relocating to a different state, and that address is now being phased out. Until a new permanent address for U.S.G.L. is published, please send all general U.S.G.L. correspondence to:

Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A.

P.O. Box 2313

Maple Grove, MN 55311

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

Greetings of the September (Southward) Equinox, which is the time that the sun crosses the projection of the earth's equator (at 180° ecliptic longitude) into the southern hemisphere, and enters the sign of Libra, the cardinal sign of Air. According to NOAA, it is the beginning of astronomical autumn in the northern hemisphere, although meteorological autumn begins on September 1. The September Equinox is, thus, typically referred to as the "autumnal equinox" in the northern hemisphere. Some traditions hold that the autumnal equinox is not autumn's beginning, but its midpoint; with its beginning being the cross-quarter point at the beginning of August.

The moment of Equinox occurs today (Monday, September 22) at 6:19 pm UTC. In the contiguous continental U.S., this will occur today between 11:19 am PDT and 2:19 pm EDT.

This feast day was established by Liber AL II:3 ("There are rituals of the elements and feasts of the times.") In his New Comment, Crowley wrote the following about this passage:

"Each element -- fire, earth, air, water, and Spirit -- possesses its own Nature, Will, and Magical Formula. Each one may then have its appropriate ritual. Many such in crude form are described in The Golden Bough of Dr. J.G. Frazer, the Glory of Trinity!

"In particular the entry of the Sun into the cardinal signs of the elements at the Equinoxes and Solstices are suitable for festivals."

"The difference between 'rituals' and 'feasts' is this: by the one a particular form of energy is generated, while there is a general discharge of one's superfluous force in the other. Yet a feast implies periodical nourishment."

Wishing an outstanding autumn to my friends in the northern hemisphere and a superb spring to my friends in the southern hemisphere.

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

Here's a passage from one of our foundational documents that is, I'm told, causing some confusion:

"The National Grand Master General ad vitam is not approachable as such by any person who has not reached the VI°." -Liber LII, Manifesto of the O.T.O., 1913

This passage has been incorporated into the U.S.G.L. Bylaws as Section 3.06(F), adding one express exception:

"The National Grand Master General is not approachable, as such, by any member below the VI°, except at his or her discretion."

In the current U.S. Local Body Handbook and U.S. Minerval Guide, it appears in the Forms of Address section as follows, with the same meaning but slightly different language:

"The National Grand Master General is not approachable as such by any person who has not reached the VI°, except by special permission; however, the Grand Secretary General will forward appropriate correspondence to the National Grand Master General’s attention."

I see this passage as establishing a point of custom--of fraternal/magical etiquette--similar to our forms of address. Its apparent primary purpose is to shield me, as N.G.M.G., from being overburdened with tons of minor questions, issues, and local drama. However, accomplishing this requires that officers, and committees, and governing bodies actually be appointed to manage such issues--thus ensuring development of a potentially sustainable structure for the organization. So it's really not a bad idea.

Here are a few points of clarification, though, about what my "discretion" and "special permission" currently mean to me:

• The Man of Earth Delegates, as a class, have "special permission" to approach me as N.G.M.G. regarding any topic, during their time as Delegate. At my discretion, I can give such special permission to anyone on an individual basis for any amount of time. If I personally approach you first about an O.T.O. matter, either by question or statement or comment, you may assume that you have special permission to engage me in a conversation about that topic. If I am giving an in-person presentation, you can ask questions, like anyone else.

• Official government, legal, business, or academic communications from external entities with me in my capacity as C.E.O. of O.T.O. U.S.A. are, of course, exempt from this provision.

• Also exempt are conversations with me wherein my status as N.G.M.G. of U.S.G.L. is substantially irrelevant. This is the "as such" part of the provision. If you meet me at an event, or online, feel free to talk to me about topics that are outside my official purview as N.G.M.G.

• If you spot a typo or formatting error on this blog, and you have an opportunity to tell me, please do.

As stated in the Local Body Handbook, the G.S.G. will promptly forward any important correspondence to me if it actually requires my attention. In addition to the G.S.G., the G.T.G. and any of the Man of Earth Delegates can be relied on to do the same.

There is no punishment for minor breaches of this rule. I'll probably just clear my throat and refer you to someone else; and--if necessary--tap the sign.

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

Greetings of the Feast for the First Night of the Prophet and his Bride! Today is the 122nd anniversary of the marriage of Aleister Crowley and Rose Edith Kelly (Soror Ouarda), who played a critical role in the Cairo Working, which led to the reception of The Book of the Law.

This feast day was established by Liber AL II:37 ("A feast for the first night of the Prophet and his Bride!"). In his New Comment, Crowley wrote the following about this passage:

"There should be a special feast on the 12th day of August in every year, since it was the marriage of The Beast which made possible the revelation of the New Law. (This is not an Apology for Marriage. Hard Cases make Bad Law)."

Celebrate appropriately!

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb

My NOTOCON XV keynote address, delivered during the banquet on Saturday evening, has been posted to the Invisible Basilica website.

Love is the law, love under will.

-Sb