M ∴ M ∴ M ∴
Mysteria Mystica Maxima
The Initiatory System of the O.T.O.

 

For most people, “joining the O.T.O.” means becoming an Initiate Member of O.T.O. Initiation into our Order is only conferred through a physical ceremony conducted by a chartered initiator within a local body of the Order. Initiate membership is subdivided by degree.

 

Currently, Trees of Eternity Encampment  may only offer such initiations when a chartered Initiator is available. If you are interested in becoming an initiate, there are three formal requirements. You must be:

 

• Free (e.g. legally able to enter a contract, not imprisoned, etc.),

• of full age (18 for Minerval and First Degree, 21 for subsequent degrees),

• of Good Report (vouched for by two sponsors).

 

Sponsors

 

In order to establish “good report”, your application must be signed by two sponsors who are already I° initiates of O.T.O. Prospective sponsors will generally want to get to know you before signing your application, which may involve your attendance with them at several local body events, or time spent with them privately. A serious candidate should find it easy to obtain sponsorship once they get to know our members and have demonstrated something of their character. Sponsorship in O.T.O. is, however, no light matter and our Initiates are instructed to pay close attention to the caliber and seriousness of all potential candidates, as sponsorship reflects upon the judgment of those who agree to sponsor a particular candidate for initiation. For more information on the importance of sponsorship, see the essay “On Sponsorship” by U.S. Grand Master Sabazius X°.

 

Minerval (0°) and First Degree (I°)

 

Before formally joining the O.T.O., which occurs with taking the First Degree (I°), the aspirant must proceed through the ceremony of initiation called the Minerval or 0°. This is an introductory degree in which the aspirant is considered an “honored guest” of O.T.O. rather than a full member. The Minerval degree is designed to allow the aspirant to decide whether or not to pursue full membership, and to allow potential sponsors the opportunity to decide whether to support the aspirant’s application for full membership. This is the initial ceremony in the journey of the first cycle of initiations known as the Man of Earth Triad (0° through P∴I∴). 

 

If you are curious about joining O.T.O. by taking our Minerval Degree, please review this Minerval F.A.Q. by Blazing Star Oasis. 

 

The First Degree (I°) bestows full membership upon the initiate. A First Degree initiate may retire from active participation in O.T.O., but the spiritual link forged between the initiate and the Order during the ceremony of the First Degree will remain throughout the initiate’s life.

 

Submitting Your Application

 

To become an initiate member of O.T.O., a completed application must be submitted along with the appropriate dues and fees. Dues pay for O.T.O. membership and are valid for a full year’s membership. Fees cover the expenses incurred by the Encampment during the initiation itself. These monies are due no later than the date of the initiation itself, although the Encampment reserves the right to require advance payment of the fees depending upon degree sought.

 

The Encampment can receive applications from prospective candidates at any time. Once your application has been submitted, a Officer will contact you to let you know the date, time and location of the next scheduled initiation for that degree. If that date does not work with your schedule, simply notify the Encampment and you will have the opportunity to participate in the next planned date for that degree. Applications are valid for the period of one year from the date of the candidate’s signature.

 

Questions regarding initiatory membership in the O.T.O. may be addressed to any Camp officer or member of the Order at any event or by Email.