Temple of Thelema vs A.'.A.'. degrees
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@x6 said
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@Jim Eshelman said
""how strict and what is the structure of interaction between members?(for example Is it strictly vertical? or both vertical and lateral?)"
I don't understand the question."
the question assumes a pyramid hierarchal structure, vertical interaction would be interaction strictly with those or one higher up or lower on the pyramid while lateral would imply interaction with members of the same grade. although it is related but not directly implied would this include social interactions? or is this generally frowned upon? thanks for your replies."
Temple of Thelema was created to be, and primarily is, a group system. All members are free to interact with all members, and do so routinely within the framework of their own Temple. It's functional mechanism is group ceremonial working.
Social action is not at all frowned upon; it simply isn't a purpose of the Order. Most of the members are also personal friends with other members.
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@Jim Eshelman said
"Temple of Thelema was created to be, and primarily is, a group system. All members are free to interact with all members, and do so routinely within the framework of their own Temple. It's functional mechanism is group ceremonial working."
So then would you say this is the major difference between the two systems?
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Yes. Not the biggest difference, but a significant difference.
We already had a predominantly solitary system. What was needed was a nonsolitary system. That was a conscious decision in the design.
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@Jim Eshelman said
"Yes. Not the biggest difference, but a significant difference.
"Thank you. what would you say was the biggest difference?
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See my original answer on this thread and especially the remarks on scaling.
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@Jim Eshelman said
"Temple of Thelema was created to be, and primarily is, a group system. "
Why choose ToT over the OTO? What is the difference?
How much group work is involved? Could one partake via correspondance and the occasional face-to-face?
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@horustheantichris said
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@Jim Eshelman said
"Temple of Thelema was created to be, and primarily is, a group system. "Why choose ToT over the OTO? What is the difference?"
In a practical way, they are essentially unrelated systems. Almost the only solid commonality is sharing the same primary Holy Book.
"How much group work is involved? Could one partake via correspondance and the occasional face-to-face?"
You have to be present.
At minimum, you have to be present for your initiation and each degree step. The system is set so that maximum benefit is obtained by those who make all regularly scheduled meetings. In particular, a standard monthly ritual is part of the alchemy effected on the initiate, and also establishes patterns that later (1) become basic to the transformation in the Portal degree and (2) becme the foundation of much pratical magical work in the Second Order. The big deal is that the ongoing monthly ritual makes magical changes in the individual.
Provisions are made for people who live at such a distance that they can only rarely be physically present. There is no way around the requirement to be physically present for initiation and degree steps. Becaue such at-a-distance membership deprives a member of a significant amount of the advantage, and is a greater risk for the Order, greater care (a higher bar) is set for such applicants. But we have about 20% of the membership in that category.
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Thanks for your answer Jim. Can you tell me, how successful are people who use your book MMAA and pursue this on their own?
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@horustheantichris said
"Thanks for your answer Jim. Can you tell me, how successful are people who use your book MMAA and pursue this on their own?"
I don't know. By definition, those are people I mostly don't hear from
