Joining T.'.O.'.T.'. long-distance ?
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In the spirit of a recent thread on long-distance options for AA and OTO, I'd like to inquire generally about what people who are far from TOT bodies can do. I recall a statement from the TOT info that Jim sent me way back in 1994 that "provisions can be made" for long-distance membership, but that it also wasn't really encouraged, either. (This is just from memory)
I'm also asking this with the knowledge (which I probably should have shared earlier...) that I will be in the LA area for a couple of days coming up soon (specifically, Pasadena, Nov 8-9) and might be interested in saying hello to some of the local folks.
Just curious...
Steve
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93
I realize it's a drive for you to NYC, but the T.'.O.'.T.'. have some people over there.
Here's the link: www.aiwass.org93, 93/93
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@Steven Cranmer said
"I'd like to inquire generally about what people who are far from TOT bodies can do."
I'm going to word this, Steven, in a way appropriate to a public posting, but won't really be leaving anything out - this caveat is more for the 'tone' of what follows.
Temple of Thelema is, fundamentally, group work. There is individual work that each person does, of course, but the basis of the organization itself is ongoing group work.
A special membership category does exist for peple who, due to geographic distance or other similar considerations, are not able to meet ongoing attendance requirements. This category isn't granted casually, and it helps (for example) when the person is known to us. Initiation and all degree steps must be taken in person, and the formal attendance requirement is, otherwise, to attend whenever they are able.
There are, of course, some disadvantages to this. For example, one doesn't get benefit of the ongoing month-to-month lectures. Also, the greatest amount of learning in a system in this tradition comes from continual in-person exposure. Nonetheless, a person suited to this Path who is committed and applies himself or herself to the written material and assigned practices (and who, furthermore, stays in touch and asks questions etc.) can succeed.
I guess the bottom line is that it takes more intention and effort to bridge the difference - kind of like a long-distance relationship
"I recall a statement from the TOT info that Jim sent me way back in 1994 that "provisions can be made" for long-distance membership, but that it also wasn't really encouraged, either. (This is just from memory)"
All correct. Not really encouraged because it isn't ideal. But provisions are made, nonetheless, for those cases where it's appropriate.
BTW, one of the things we are hoping, over the medium-term, is that Aspirants to Light will provide a transitional step - with a much lower threshold of admission and requirements, and an easier startup problem in a given geographic area.
"I'm also asking this with the knowledge (which I probably should have shared earlier...) that I will be in the LA area for a couple of days coming up soon (specifically, Pasadena, Nov 8-9) and might be interested in saying hello to some of the local folks."
Post a separate thread with a clear subject line like "visiting Los Angeles Nov 8-9" <g>) - just to get some attention to it. Remind me by email in another week or two and I'll have a better idea how I'm settling into my new job (starting tomorrow) and what my schedule is going to be.
And, of course, as Draco said, there are members in Toronto and a new local group starting in NYC in a couple of months.
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Thanks for the clarification, Jim. Mostly it's as I had expected. If there were truly local branches (i.e., Boston-area), I'd probably continue the enquiries into a possible application process. But, hey, just participating in this public forum is more "group work" than I've done in this vein in a long time -- I'm pretty satisfied with the status quo!
@Jim Eshelman said
"Post a separate thread with a clear subject line like "visiting Los Angeles Nov 8-9" <g>) - just to get some attention to it. Remind me by email in another week or two and I'll have a better idea how I'm settling into my new job (starting tomorrow) and what my schedule is going to be."
Will do! Good luck in the new venture.
Steve
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i would like to join any magical network capable of prevented magical persecution on behalf of myself, and in extension, the people close to me, as soon as possible. my email is <!-- e --><a href="mailto:kalithalur@hotmail.com">kalithalur@hotmail.com</a><!-- e -->
any information on this subject would be helpful, thanks
i live in Hanover Co, VA