Daughter of Sunset Updates

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

The Gnostic Mass is a complex, publicly-performed, participatory ritual considered to be the crux of the Ordo Templi Orientis and contains therein allusions to many traditions. It is profound and beautiful;  ‘those who say not so are mere liars.’ From the lovingly adorned, richly textured and multicolored vestments to the beautifully crafted and skillfully wielded tools, to the sight of fresh crimson roses and warm glowing candles and the intoxicating smell of incense and the taste of rich red wine on one’s lips; it is a ritual of joy and beauty. But there is certainly more to the Gnostic Mass than Earthly pleasures of the body- the awakening, growth and strengthening of the psyche (and spirit if you believe in such things) may also be achieved thereby.

Certainly there is some ambiguity in the text as most of Aleister Crowley’s rituals are purposely ‘half known and half concealed’ and there is room for personalization, but for the most part it is quite specific and consistent no matter where it is being performed world-wide. The Daughter of Sunset O.T.O. has been performing the Gnostic Mass on a monthly basis for many years and has grown by the dedication and love of it’s members. It is no simple feat to bring this remarkable ritual to life but it is a Work that is gladly done.

We welcome men and women of all ages and people of all faiths- please contact us by e-mail at body_master@daughterofsunset-oto.org if you would like to attend or if you have any questions. :)

Love is the law, love under will.

Naturally our first interview segment is with Br. B, Bodymaster of Daughter of Sunset Oasis:

Q: Who ARE you?

A: I am an OTO initiate. Born in Yugoslavia. I was initiated around 1987. I left Yugoslavia in 1991, before the war started. The next 5 years I spent in Hamburg Germany where I was active with the Makhashana OTO Lodge. I moved to Canada in 1996. I received the Daughter of Sunset charter in May of 2000.

Q: When did you become interested in Thelema?

A: Shortly before I joined the Order. In the late 80s I was interested in various types of spirituality. The first Book of the Law that I read was a bad translation in Serbo-Croatian, but it still made an impression. The first night after reading the Book I had a dream where Gods were speaking to me in voices very similar to the style of the Book, so I decided to find more about it and give a try with the OTO. I have learned a lot about living a Thelemic life since joining the Order. Learning is a lifelong process, it never ends.

Q: How were you introduced to OTO?

A: A friend who joined a year before me.

Q: Do you have a daily practice? What does that look like?

A: At this moment, primarily meditation, solar adorations (Liber Resh) and sometimes other rituals.

Q: What is Daughter of Sunset Oasis?

A: A group of initiates of OTO organized under an OTO charter.

Q: What sorts of meetings do you have?

A: Daughter of Sunset Oasis holds a charter to initiate up to III* OTO. In my mind this is our main purpose. We also organize Gnostic Masses, a ritual that presents the essence of what OTO is all about. We also hold lectures and classes on OTO, Thelema, Mysticism and Magick.

Q: How long has Daughter of Sunset been around?

A: Ten years.

Q: Who comes to your events?

A: Members and occasionally invited guests. I expect that we will soon offer more “public” events.

Q: If I wanted to check out an event, how do I go about that?

A: Visit our website and subscribe to the announcement group. If you see something you would like to attend just email us body_master@daughterofsunset-oto.org and we will get back to you. You could also come to a public event.

Q: Why the new website and web presence?

A: In my opinion the Oasis became ready for that step. For much of the last decade we were working on our own and keeping to ourselves.