About Ordo Templi Orientis 2

Alphonse Louis Constant 3

Upcoming Event Descriptions 4-5

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

It is my pleasure to announce the resurrection of our 418 newsletter.

418 is the official newsletter of Abrahadabra Oasis, the local body of the

Ordo Templi Orientis. One of the goals of this publication is to offer a

forum to express Thelemic thought, whether it be in the form of poetry,

art, or as an informational article. Please send your submissions to

418@abrahadabra-oto.org.

So what does 418 stand for? The qabalistic number of the word

Abrahadabra is 418. Abrahadabra is also referred to as the “Word of

Double Power.” More specifically, it represents the uniting of the

Microcosm with the Macrocosm—represented by the pentagram and

the hexagram, the rose and the cross, the circle and the square, the 5

and the 6, etc.—also called the attainment of the Knowledge and

Conversation of one's Holy Guardian Angel. You can see the importance of the number 418 to

those of us who practice Thelema.

Abrahadabra is a word that appears in the Book of the Law, the central sacred text of

Thelema. Its author, Aleister Crowley, described it as “the Word of the Æon”, which signifieth

the Great Work accomplished. My hope is that this newsletter can serve as a medium for us all

to accomplish the Great Work of our local body.

Love is the law, love under will.

Viva 4 1 8

Special points of interest:

Original Art by

Nicholas “The Barbarian” Kelley

Calendar of Events on back page.

Ab

ra

ha

da

br

a O

as

is

418

May 2012 In this i ssue

Photograph taken by

Gwendolyn Beaulieu

Abrahadabra Oasis is an

official body of the Ordo Templi

Orientis located in Portland,

Maine.

Ordo Templi Orientis is an

outer Thelemic Order, which is

dedicated to the high purpose of

securing the Liberty of the

Individual in his or her

advancement in Light, Wisdom,

Understanding, Knowledge, and

Power through Beauty,

Courage, and Wit, on the

foundation of Universal

Brotherhood.

418 is the official journal of

Abrahadabra Oasis. It is available

for downloading in PDF format

on the Abrahadabra website.

Submissions are accepted on an

ongoing basis. We are currently

seeking submissions: Rituals,

poetry, essays, artwork, and

other original creative

expressions are welcome.

Please send submissions to:

418@abrahadabra-oto.org

A b o u t u s

2

U.S. Grand Lodge is not a Lodge in the above sense; rather,

it is the name of the entire national section of Ordo Templi

Orientis in the United States, comprising all the local bodies

and members in the U.S., together with the administrative

officers and governing bodies responsible for its operation.

As a nonprofit corporate entity, U.S. Grand Lodge is known

as “O.T.O. U.S.A.” Our program synopsis and mission

statement provide a summary of the purpose and activities of

U.S. Grand Lodge.

If you wish to become a member of O.T.O., many re-

sources are available to assist you in locating and

contacting a local body to apply for initiation.

See the membership page (and the pages to

which it refers) for details. It should be clearly

understood that initiate membership in O.T.O.

requires a physical ceremony, and that we offer

no formal correspondence courses or other re-

mote services, though informal correspondence

with members is welcome.

O.T.O. is a California nonprofit corporation and

a federally recognized tax-exempt religious enti-

ty under IRS section 501c(3). We have proven

ourselves to be the genuine O.T.O. of Aleister

Crowley, both in the U.S. Federal Courts, and

more importantly by our demonstrated success

in faithfully promulgating practical Thelemic philosophy

through a careful implementation of Crowley’s vision of the

mission of the Order.

All material © 1996-2011 by Ordo Templi Orientis.

Ordo Templi Orientis, O.T.O., and the O.T.O. Lamen are regis-

tered trademarks of Ordo Templi Orientis.

Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica is a registered trademark of Ordo

Templi Orientis USA.

About Ordo Templi Orientis

Ordo Templi Orientis is the first of the great Old Æon orders

to accept the Book of the Law, received by Aleister Crowley in

1904 e.v. This book proclaims a New Æon in human thought,

culture and religion. The Æon arises from a single supreme

injunction: the Law of Thelema, which is Do what thou wilt.

This Law is not to be interpreted as a license to indulge every

passing whim, but rather as the mandate to discover one’s True

Will and accomplish it; leaving others to do the same in their

own unique ways. “Every man and every woman is a star.” The

Law of Thelema can ultimately be fulfilled only through the

individual efforts of each person. Nevertheless, many worthy

aspirants to the Great Work of Thelema have a genuine

need for information, guidance, fellowship, or the op-

portunity to assist their fellow aspirants and serve hu-

manity. Such aspirants will find welcome in O.T.O.

O.T.O. was originally affiliated with European Mason-

ry but is no longer a Masonic organization, though it

shares some terminology and traditions with Masonry.

The complex but intriguing history of O.T.O. may be

of interest for the light it sheds on the origins of our

current organization and goals.

The O.T.O. operates local bodies throughout the

world; most members participate directly in one or more of

them. There are three levels of local bodies within the O.T.O.:

Camps, Oases, and Lodges, in order of increasing importance

and services available. Most local bodies offer classes on mag-

ick, ritual, cabala, and other topics of interest to practicing The-

lemites. Many bodies perform the EGC Gnostic Mass on a reg-

ular basis. Other common local activities include performance

of group rituals (for example, the Rites of Eleusis), publication

of a newsletter or journal, and cooperative activities with other

local alternative-religious groups. To find a local body near

you, see the US local bodies or international contacts listings.

Please visit the U.S. Grand Lodge website at

www.oto-usa.org

3

Alphonse Louis Constant

(1810-1875 e.v.)

by T. Apiryon

Copyright © 1995, 1997

Ordo Templi Orientis. All rights reserved.

Usually known by his pseudonym “Eliphas

Lévi Zahed,” which is a translation of his

name into Hebrew, this Parisian was almost single-handedly re-

sponsible for the popular resurgence of the Secret Traditions in the

19th Century. Lévi synthesized Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism,

Qabalism, Gnosticism, Masonry, Rosicrucianism, Alchemy, Tarot,

Mesmerism, Spiritism, along with the writings of Boehme, Swe-

denborg, Paracelsus, and Knorr von Rosenroth into what we know

today as “occultism.”

Constant was born the son of a poor shoemaker in Paris. He at-

tended a Catholic school for poor children, where he showed a

great aptitude for religion. At 15, he entered the seminary of Saint

Nicolas du Chardonnet to study for the priesthood, where he

learned, among other religious matters, the Hebrew language. The

master of this seminary, Abbé Frère-Colonna, taught the young

Constant that humanity, fallen from the bosom of God through

original sin, must return towards Him by a process which tears

him away from matter and gradually spiritualizes him. He also

taught the boy that history was divided into four great eras of pro-

gressively greater spiritualization: the first began with Adam; the

second began with Abraham; the third began with Jesus; and the

fourth was to begin with the advent of the Paraclete, the Holy

Spirit. Abbé Frère was deposed for his views while Constant was

still attending the seminary. Constant always remained faithful to

the basic tenets of Catholicism, but he never forgave the Ecclesias-

tical authorities for disgracing his beloved teacher.

In 1832, he entered the theological college of Saint-Sulplice and

was ordained Deacon in 1835. His years at Saint-Sulplice were

dreary and disillusioning, as the students vied for the favor of the

directors who manipulated and coerced them. He was scheduled

to be ordained Priest in 1836, but he had met and fallen in love

with a young girl. Although nothing ever came of the relationship,

he realized that he could not live without human affection and

abandoned his vows before his ordination.

After hearing of his apostasy, his mother committed suicide. After

Saint-Sulplice, Constant spent a period associating with revolu-

tionary socialists, including Flora Tristan, grandmother of Paul

Gauguin and M. Ganneau, the “Mapah.” He spent three short

Noémi Cadiot, who left him seven years later.

In 1852, Constant met the messianic mathematician Jozef Ma-

ria Hoëhne-Wronski (1778-1853), whose brilliant attempts at

fusing philosophy, religion, and mathematics provided Con-

stant with the impetus towards synthesizing the disparate ele-

ments of his own life: Christianity, utopian idealism, mysti-

cism, and rationalism. This synthesis manifested as occultism,

whose tenets Constant set forth in a treatise called Dogme de

la magie, written under the pen name Eliphas Lévi. The trea-

tise was later developed into Lévi's most famous work, Dogme

et rituel de la haute magie.

After Noémi had left him, he moved for a short time to Eng-

land, where he met with Sir Edward Bulwer (later Lord) Lyt-

ton, and where he performed his famous evocation of Apollo-

nius of Tyana. He returned to Paris, took on a number of pu-

pils, and became increasingly famous and influential through

his unique writings on philosophy and scientific theurgy, as

well as his personal charm.

Aleister Crowley considered him to have been an Adeptus Ma-

jor, as well as his own immediately previous incarnation.

Crowley translated his La Clé des Grandes Mystéres (“The Key

of the Mysteries” 1861), which Crowley considered to be his

own Adeptus Exemptus thesis. Lévi’s Dogme et Rituel de la

haute magie (1855-56 & 61, translated into English by A. E.

Waite under the title “Transcendental Magic”) is included in

the Liber E reading list and is required reading for entry to the

probationer level of A ∴ A ∴

His other major published works include: Histoire de la magie

(1860), La Mystéres de la qabalah (Ms. 1861, publ. 1920),

Legendes et symboles (1862), La Science des esprits (1865),

Paradoxes of the Highest Science (1883), Livre des splendeurs

(1894), Clés majeurs et clavicules de Salomon (1895), Le Livre

des sages (1912) and The Magical Ritual of the Sanctum Reg-

num (1970).

References: Crowley, Aleister; The Book of Thoth [1944], Samuel Weiser, New York 1969/74 King, Francis and Isabel Sutherland; The Rebirth of Magic, Corgi, Aylesbury 1982 McIntosh, Christopher; Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival, Rider & Co., London 1972 Webb, James; The Occult Underground, Library Press, LaSalle, Illinois 1974 2/1/97 Originally published in Red Flame No. 2 - Mystery of Mystery: A Primer of Thelemic Ecclesiastical Gnosticism by Tau Apiryon and Helena; Berkeley, CA 1995 e.v.

4

Ritual/Astrology Night

Shortly after we started (actually, restarted) Tarot Night and

the Philosophical Furnace, we saw a need for additional learn-

ing opportunities, so we began holding Ritual Night on the

second Thursday of the month. This was an opportunity for

individuals to learn – or learn more about – the various rituals

that were going to be used during the Furnace.

After one session, we decided to expand this night to include

the study of Astrology as well. This added focus complements

nicely the Qabalistic emphasis of our Tarot study, as we see

the multiple interactions among different aspects of magical

practice.

The first half of each class will consist of learning a new ritual

– we started, for example, with the Lesser Banishing Ritual of

the Pentagram. We discuss

both the how and the

why, and then after each

part of the ritual is

demonstrated, all of us

have the opportunity to

practice that part. Finally we put it all together, and each of us

gets to practice the entire ritual.

The second half is devoted to studying an element of astrolo-

gy, starting with the signs of the zodiac. Once we are familiar

with the planets and the signs and the houses, we will start

examining the natal charts of well-known individuals to see

how the various aspects of astrology work together. Eventual-

ly, we will all get a chance to examine our own natal charts

and find out how astrology can help us to see ourselves more

clearly.

These sessions assume no prior knowledge, although experi-

enced magicians are certainly welcome. All our Thursday

night classes are open to the public. There is no fee for the

classes, although donations are always gratefully accepted. So

come on down to the Temple on the second Thursday of the

month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and join us as we explore

new rituals and learn new aspects of astrology.

Soror Lilith

Upcoming Event Descriptions

The Philosophical Furnace

Transforming Ideas into Experiences through Practical Magick

I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel,

and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for

it is I that go.

—Liber AL vel Legis II:7

The Philosophical Furnace was originally brought into manifesta-

tion by Frater Eparisteros several years ago and has gone through

its own alchemical process. It is still a very fluid operation that

has yet to stabilize and in many ways seems to take on a life of its

own.

The Philosophical Furnace, like Tarot Night, is open to both

members and non-members alike, and there is no charge or fee to

attend, though donations are very

much appreciated. The Furnace

is held once a month on the

fourth Thursday from 6:30 to

8:30.

Each session is broken down into

two parts. The first part is a general discussion of the philosophy

or idea behind what we will be doing, as well as simple instruc-

tion in a particular ritual and or technique. In the second part,

we put what we have learned into practice.

We ask that each participant keep a personal journal. We also

appoint a Scribe to keep a group journal.

Currently we are working our way through the Sephiroth of the

Tree of Life, setting up temples in each one. We contact the

Archangels, angels, intelligences and magical images appropriate

to each level, thereby gaining a broader understanding of the

forces that operate within. From there we plan on using the

knowledge gained to begin producing Talismans and Amulets.

Then … only the spirits know where we will go.

The Furnace is a magical night in the Temple. Please join us for

this unique experience.

Frater Ne’reus

Please visit our website:

www.abrahadabra-oto.org

5

Tarot Night

Come! all ye, and learn the secret that hath not yet been revealed.

I, Hadit, am the complement of Nu, my bride. I am not extended,

and Khabs is the name of my House.

—Liber Al vel Legis II:2

Tarot Night was resurrected in January 2012 e.v. and is slowly

building into that which it will become. Only time and the dedica-

tion of those who seek to understand what is hidden within the

cards have any chance of shaping its future.

Twice a month, we invite everyone – members and non-members

alike – to our Temple to practice working with the Tarot. The

forum is open and all ideas are welcome. We set our library up

with several tables and chairs and invite all to come, alone or with

friends, to read Tarot for others and to have others read for you.

There is no charge or fee associated with Tarot Night, but dona-

tions are welcome.

The night begins with a short introduction into the system of the

Tarot itself, and the floor is open to all who might want to add

their understanding of a certain card or suit of cards. Currently we

are working with the Atus or Trumps, starting with the elemental

cards associated with the three mother letters of the Hebrew al-

phabet, and the unfolding of the rose in the symbol of the Rosy

Cross. We have put together posters with enlarged images of each

card and its correspondences, as well as its location upon the glyph

of the Qabalistic Tree of Life. We plan to move from there to the

planetary and zodiacal Trumps and finally the individual suits.

We hang large posters on the walls of the library with details of

various spreads, their layout and instructions for reading them.

The idea is to help each other learn and become comfortable read-

ing for each other in an atmosphere of friendship and equality. Of

course we teach, but at the same time we are all learning.

Originally Tarot Night was to be held only once a month, but very

quickly it became popular and those attending asked for more. We

currently hold Tarot Night twice a month (the first and third

Thursday night from 6:30 to 8:30), and at this time we are seri-

ously considering a weekend seminar in early June.

Frater Ne’reus

Soror Lilith

From gold forge steel!

But your holy place shall be untouched

throughout the centuries: though with fire and

sword it be burnt down & shattered, yet an in-

visible house there standeth, and shall stand un-

til the fall of the Great Equinox; when Hruma-

chis shall arise and the double-wanded one as-

sume my throne and place. Another prophet

shall arise, and bring fresh fever from the skies;

another woman shall awakethe lust & worship

of the Snake; another soul of God and beast

shall mingle in the globed priest; another sacri-

fice shall stain the tomb; another king shall

reign; and blessing no longer be poured To the

Hawk-headed mystical Lord!

Liber AL vel Legis

Original Art by

Nicholas “The Barbarian” Kelley

6

991 Forest Avenue, Suite #203

Portland, Maine 04103

P.O. Box 10468

Portland, Maine 04104

Abrahadabra

Oasis

principles of Thelema. It is quite a formal

ritual and can be a very beautiful one.

The Gnostic Mass is a group participatory

ritual and you are therefore expected to

participate fully if you wish to attend.

There are a few things to be read out, for

which you will be provided a missal to

read from, and a few gestures to perform

with the rest of the congregation.

Guests are welcome. There are no specific

requirements of dress for those attending

the mass. Public Masses at Abrahadabra

Oasis are open to all adults who wish to

attend.

Sunday, May 20th at 10:00am

The Gnostic Mass was written by Aleister

Crowley in 1913 and is the central public

and private ceremony of O.T.O.

Gnostic Masses are held regularly at many

O.T.O. bodies. They are performed

under the auspices of Ecclesia Gnostic

Catholica, the Gnostic Catholic Church,

which is the ecclesiastical arm of O.T.O.

A copy of the text of the ritual is available

with annotations online. More details

about E.G.C. are available on the E.G.C.

website.

The Gnostic Mass is similar in structure to

the Mass of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

However, the comparison ends there, as

the Gnostic Mass is a celebration of the

Attending the Gnostic Mass

Editor:

Gwendolyn Beaulieu

For complete calendar listings please visit our website at www.abrahadabra-oto.org

Original Art by

Nicholas “The Barbarian” Kelley

Thursday, May 3, 6:30 pm- Tarot Night

Thursday, May 10, 6:30 pm- Ritual/Astrology Workshop

Thursday, May 17, 6:30 pm- Tarot Night

Sunday, May 20, 10:00 am- Gnostic Mass

12:00 pm- Class: Liber XV: The Gnostic Mass

Thursday, May 24, 6:30 pm- Philosophical Furnace

Sunday, June 10, 10:00 am- Gnostic Mass

Thursday, June 14, 6:30 pm- Ritual/Astrology Workshop

Thursday, June 21, 6:30 pm- Tarot Night

Thursday, June 28, 6:30 pm- Philosophical Furnace

U p c o m i n g e v e n t s

© 2012 Abrahadabra Oasis

All Rights Reserved.

No portion of this publication may be copied,

reposted, duplicated or otherwise used without

the express written permission of Abrahadabra

Oasis.

The viewpoints and opinions expressed herein are

the responsibility of the contributing Authors.