AN OPEN LETTER
to All who seek the Light of Gnosis
and the Pure Light of Truth
"There are four gates to one palace; the floor of that palace is of silver and gold;
lapis lazuli & jasper are there; and all rare scents; jasmine & rose, and the emblems of death.
"...enter in turn or at once the four gates."
– Liber Legis, Cap. I, v. 51
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
IF you have been seeking long — and especially if you are already familiar with the formal avenues of Initiation that have emerged in this century — then this present short letter may tell you most of what you need to know about the Temple of Thelema.
If you do not understand the terms and references on these first two pages, then simply read on, in the pages that follow, where a more careful explanation will serve as your introduction.
Temple of Thelema is an initiating Order — a modern Mystery School, nonprofit, which focuses on regular group work and the systematic teaching and training of its members in the spiritual disciplines of magick and mysticism. It combines methods and traditions of both East and West: the Ageless Wisdom of Asia's yoga and of Europe's Hermetic qabalah. The old grade ceremonies of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn have been recrafted to conform to Thelemic symbols and principles, but remain true to the original patterns called the "Cipher Manuscript Formulae." Nomenclature has, in places, been changed so as not to cause confusion with certain other terminology. A tremendous amount of residual sexism some overt, some exceedingly subtle, has been weeded out of the system.
In addition to the simple "Knowledge Lecture" teachings praemonstrated by the old Golden Dawn, we have published many additional teachings and practices. There is especially much work added on self-exploration and self-knowledge, from multiple perspectives. We have discovered that there is a fairly precise methodology that prepares people for a lucid breakthrough experience in the conscious recognition and articulation (to themselves) of their True Will, and empowers them to do it.
We operate on a "Three Ray" model of balanced development of Wisdom, Love, and Power, based upon practical methods that include intellectual training, meditation, and magical ritual at every stage of progress. Integrating these three forms is a Unifying quality that is the essence of self-knowledge (Self-Gnosis).
The initiation rituals and other ceremonies published by Temple of Thelema are frequently described by members as having a tremendous beauty and strength. The regular group ceremonial celebrations, and the ongoing group healing work which we perform, are central to the training method. There are, of course, both mystical and magical practices undertaken at home by each individual, in addition to the work done together.
We invite you to read further, and to ask questions. By this letter, we invite all to search themselves sincerely and decide if they are of us.
Love is the law, love under will.
The Grand Praemonstrator
TEMPLE OF THELEMA