Daughter of Sunset Updates

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

The Tree of Life, or etz chaim, is a complex system of attributions said to be a cosmology and a representation of the macrocosm, or the outside world, and the microcosm, the inner world. There is much debate when and how this system was “received”, (kabbalah), but it is studied and used by people of various beliefs and backgrounds. There are several representations of the etz chaim, and the one studied in our first meetup was the  ‘”Hermetic” Tree of Life’ as published in Aleister Crowley’s Book 4 (above).

The etz chaim is primarily characterized by the 3 egg-shaped rings surrounding the tree, 10 sephiroth, or emanations/spheres, and 22 paths -associated with the letters of the hebrew alphabet and major arcana (32 paths total). It is also divided into 4 elemental realms, 3 pillars, and contains 2 veils. The complexity of this system is such that it can be studied throughout one’s entire life as the associations placed upon it can encapsulate all within existence.

Understanding of the Tree is critical in making sense of many of the “Thelemic” rituals and can be remarkably illuminating and a wellspring of much practical use in daily life.

The next session is tentatively scheduled for May, where we will go into further depth on this topic and primarily focus on the paths and tarot associations. For those that attended the first group, or those wishing to attend the next class, please bring a self-drawn copy of the etz chaim to the next session using the 3 1/2 circles method (using a compass to lay the foundation for the placement of the spheres.) Thank you to Soror Laylah for a concise and beautifully presented introduction.

If you would like to attend please visit the calendar page and  contact us if you have any questions. =)

Love is the law, love under will.

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

The Book of the Law, or, Liber AL vel Legis sub figura CCXX, is the central text of Thelema and of the Ordo Templi Orientis as it exists now. One of the “rituals of the elements and feasts of the times.” is “[a] feast for the three days of the writing of the Book of the Law.” As the “rituals shall be half known and half concealed [...]“, this year the Daughter of Sunset O.T.O hosted this Feast by having a public reading of each chapter of the Book of the Law on April 8th, 9th and 10th at 1pm- the time and days of it’s original writing in 1904. Incense and candles were lit and many arrived with copies of the Book of the Law to read the chapter in unison. Feasting and merriment followed. :)

Thank you to all who celebrated this text with the Daughter of Sunset and to those who have, do and will celebrate it, together or alone- and may it continue to illuminate you forevermore.

Love is the law, love under will.

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.

Author and Mystic Brother Lon Milo DuQuette is coming to our fair city June 2nd to 5th.

“In the dark and brooding firmament of occult literature and media, Lon Milo DuQuette is a star of unique and exceptional brilliance. Although he takes the subjects of Magick, Qabalah and the Western spiritual traditions very seriously, he tries to remember not to take himself too seriously. This rare combination of common sense and self-effacing humor has in the last 15 years secured him a unique and highly respected position in the world of esoteric literature. Hailed by critics as the most entertaining author in the field. His style has been compared to that of Mark Twain and Robert Benchley. His books, seminars and radio and television appearances evoke from his audiences a curious mixture of laughter, terror, and wonderment.”

Daughter of Sunset Oasis is happy to sponsor and support this event being held at various locations locally.

Please visit this website for more information and to register.