Andrew

New Year’s Eve Virtual Happy Hour

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

Based on the unfortunate 20 December news that Cuyahoga County has the third highest COVID-19 rate per 100K people in the nation, the Black Sun Lodge New Year's Eve fundraiser has been postponed until Lupercalia in February 2022e.v. We will be posting the specific date and time for that within the week.

For those who wish to ring in 2022e.v. with the fellowship of Thelemite friends, we will be hosting a Virtual Happy Hour from 10pm-midnight observance (EST) on Google Meet.
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ykv-iqwn-kaf
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 765-400-0207‬ PIN: ‪704 913 855‬#

We are cancelling in-person events, including our Gnostic Masses, through 31 January 2022e.v. as a secondary surge is expected when holiday travelers bring COVID-19 back home with them.

Please take whatever precautions you can to limit your exposure, and keep yourself safe and healthy through the holidays. We hope to see you in the new year.

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If you would like to make a donation to Black Sun Lodge, but do not plan to attend our New Year's Eve fundraiser, we welcome you to use one of these options:
+ Follow the donation link in our online store at https://store.blacksun93.org
+ Donate using PayPal: https://paypal.me/blacksunoto
+ Donate via Zelle to treasurer@blacksun93.org

Love is the law, love under will.

The Officers of Black Sun Lodge, O.T.O.

New Year’s Eve Fundraiser at Black Sun Lodge

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

Come ring in 2022e.v. with Black Sun Lodge!
Join us at this fundraising event for food, drink, music, dancing, 50/50 raffle, and more!
Food and drinks are included. No alcoholic beverages will be provided. BYOB.

• Tickets: $25 per person payable in advance online, at any FVP in-person event, or at the door.
• When: Friday, 31 December 2021e.v., begins at 8:30pm
• Where: Black Sun Lodge O.T.O. 11934 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
• Wear: Cocktail attire requested
• RSVP Deadline: 25 December 2021 - Follow this link.

USGL Fully Vaccinated Persons (FVP) Protocol is in force:
1. RSVPs are mandatory.
2. You must be Fully Vaccinated* - A Lodge Officer will ask to see your vaccination card in order to verify your Fully Vaccinated status before permitting entry into the Lodge space.

* According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, a person is Fully Vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

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If you would like to make a donation to Black Sun Lodge, but do not plan to attend our New Year's Eve fundraiser, we welcome you to use one of these options:
+ Follow the donation link in our online store at https://store.blacksun93.org
+ Donate using PayPal: https://paypal.me/blacksunoto
+ Donate through a social media fundraiser like this one: https://www.facebook.com/donate/598938914655755
+ Donate during one of our in-person events at the Lodge - we accept cash and credit cards; see with your own eyes the space and community your donation will support.

Love is the law, love under will.

The Officers of Black Sun Lodge, O.T.O.

#GivingTuesday at Black Sun Lodge

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

Black Sun Lodge needs your help!

The last 18 months have been especially difficult for the Lodge. Going without Gnostic Masses, workshops, initiations, and seasonal feasts for well over a year has taken a heavy toll on our coffers. Black Sun relies on dues, fees, and donations for all of its expenses, and with the pandemic making money tight for everyone, there simply has not been enough income to offset our rent and utilities.

While Black Sun has resumed limited in-person events, they are not aiding our financial recovery as quickly as hoped. Our emergency savings are allowing us to continue operation, but these funds will be depleted in time; we simply cannot make up the difference every month. Financial stewardship requires that we take action now.

One of those actions is raising additional funds and donations from outside of our usual more passive methods. On this Giving Tuesday, and over the next several months, please donate to Black Sun Lodge via any of the methods listed below:

+ Follow the donation link in our Online Store at https://store.blacksun93.org
+ Donate using PayPal: https://paypal.me/blacksunoto
+ Donate through a social media fundraiser like this one: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=598938921322421&id=544657703
+ Donate during one of our in-person events at the Lodge - we accept cash and credit cards; see with your own eyes the space and community your donation will support.

Love is the law, love under will.

The Officers of Black Sun Lodge, O.T.O.

Recovering from the pandemic, even as it continues.

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

As the pandemic continues, Black Sun Lodge, O.T.O. is following the COVID-19 safety policies laid forth by US Grand Lodge (USGL). As a number of our members or members of their households have chronic health concerns, Black Sun has chosen to follow the more cautious options. Additionally, USGL has stated that we must keep up with information from state or local governments, in case they require more stringent safety measures.

Following USGL COVID-19 policies, we resumed limited indoor and outdoor activities in late May. As of 20 August 2021, the Officers of Black Sun Lodge are currently monitoring active spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant among vaccinated individuals within our community. To minimize further spread, we are modifying the following events for the rest of this month effective immediately:

• In-Person Social @ Edgewater Park (8/23): now Virtual Happy Hour (see calendar for link)
• Out, Proud, and Pagan (8/28): reverted back to online only
• Cleveland Pagan Pride (8/28-29): Black Sun Lodge will not have a booth this year.

If you have COVID-19, or if you have been recently exposed to someone who has COVID-19, we expect that you will follow current CDC recommendations for isolation or quarantine to avoid infecting others.

We are grateful to everyone who has made donations and paid dues during the pandemic shutdowns to help us keep our Lodge space, pay video conferencing fees, etc. To help contribute through your regular shopping, we offer many items through the Black Sun book store. For items not carried in our store, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at Amazon.com ( #ad Amazon Advertising cookies required). We are also registered in the Amazon Smile program. Through all three methods, a portion of every purchase helps support Black Sun Lodge.

We hope to resume in-person events very soon, indoors at the Lodge and at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, and outdoors at the Richard Wagner statue in Upper Edgewater Park.

We welcome you to subscribe to the Black Sun Google Calendar. Because event details may change on short notice, be sure to turn on notification emails.

Our regular announcement email list is on Googlegroups. You can also find us on Facebook, Meetup, Twitter, and Instagram.

Please note: the Black Sun Lodge visitors rules and anti-discrimination policy apply to both in-person and online events.

If you have any questions about Black Sun Lodge, please feel free to contact us.

Love is the law, love under will.

A weekend with Lita-Luise and Vere Chappell – 11-12 May 2019

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

Join Black Sun Lodge as we welcome Lita-Luise & Vere Chappell for a weekend of awesome classes!

On Saturday 11 May 2019 – 9:00am-6:00pm – the Chappells will be presenting the following four talks at Black Sun Lodge:
+ Ida Craddock: Sexual Outlaw & Erotic Mystic (presented by Vere Chappell)
+ True Will: What It Is, How To Discover It, and What To Do With It (presented by Vere Chappell)
+ The Magical Personality & The Black And White Mirror (presented by Lita-Luise Chappell)
+ Thelemic Feasting For Magicians (presented by Lita-Luise Chappell)

The cost for the day is $50, to help defray the travel expenses of our guests. Lunch is included!

See the full class descriptions, speaker bios, location, and register (required) at: https://forms.gle/i8n6XpfraUTnGzRT6
Registration Deadline: 8 May 2019 @ 11:59pm

On Saturday evening, we’ll be having our traditional pay-your-own dinner at El Carnicero!

On Sunday 12 May 2019 – 10:30am-12:30pm – the Chappells will present a discussion on the symbolism of Liber XV: The Gnostic Mass. After the discussion, there will be a brief break to get lunch on your own, followed by a celebration of The Gnostic Mass at our normal weekly time, and our monthly Introduction to O.T.O. presentation at 3:15-4:15pm.

We hope to see you there!

Love is the law, love under will.

Winter 2019e.v. at Black Sun Lodge

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Winter Quarter 2019e.v. has begun at Black Sun Lodge in the Valley of Cleveland.  Please see our calendar for all event dates, times, and locations.  Here are some of the events you can look forward to:

Special Winter events

• Special guest Richard Kaczynski – January 2019
Registration information and class schedule coming soon.

• Special guest Tau Asteria – February 2019
Registration information and class schedule coming soon.

• Beginning on 19 March – Holy Season Discussion Group
Golden Thread Camp hosts a nightly discussion on the Holy Books of Thelema, in which several members of Black Sun Lodge participate. These discussions continue until the Three Days of The Writing of The Book of The Law. More info at: Holy Season Discussion Group

Ongoing classes and events

• Weekly Sunday Gnostic Mass – please arrive by 1:15pm.

• Meet & Greets
Interested in the O.T.O.? Would you like to find out more about the Gnostic Mass? At this event, we will be happy to meet with you and answer your questions. Please note that attending this meeting does not automatically denote association or membership to O.T.O. To help figure out who we are when you get there, look for a red Book Of The Law on the table.
We hold Meet & Greets in Bedford and Oberlin.  Check our calendar for locations and dates.

• EGC for the Laity
Looking for deeper discussion into Thelema and the Gnostic Mass but aren’t interested in serving as clergy? Come learn more about our faith, share some thoughts of your own and enrich your experience as a member of the Congregation.

• Gnostic Saints Discussion
Join us for this month’s exploration into our Gnostic Saints! Check our calendar to find out what Saints we will discuss each month.

• Foundations of the O.T.O.
What the O.T.O. is and isn’t. This monthly series will discuss founding documents and policy papers of the O.T.O., with any related official addenda and commentaries thereon, plus the history of a few documents that are strictly not policy, but frequently mistaken as such.

• Introduction to O.T.O.
Join Black Sun for our monthly open house event! There will be a short presentation on what the O.T.O., followed by a Q&A, tour of the Lodge, and light refreshments.

• Thelema Study Group at New Moon, Lakewood, OH
In Cairo, Egypt in 1904. Aleister Crowley entered a state of trance and wrote down the three chapters of 220 verses that came to be called The Book of the Law (also known as Liber Al and Liber Legis). Among other things, this book declared: “The word of the law is Thelema” and “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” This group will discuss and study the Law of Thelema at this session each month.
New Moon in Lakewood

• OUT, PROUD, & PAGAN at the Greater Cleveland LGBT Center
a safe place, where ‘OUR’ Pagan community can gather, learn and celebrate. We aim to share what we have learned and grow in understanding of what being Queer and Pagan means. Come and celebrate those places and times at the intersection of your sexuality and magical practice.

• Friday Night Tarot Salon
Enjoy wine, hookah, and Tarot! We will discuss a different card each month. $5 for non-foundational members and guests.

• The Sephiroth
A bimonthly examination of the structure of the Tree of Life, particularly the Sephiroth, their natures and functions. Primarily from a western mystery tradition POV, but also in terms of traditional Hebrew qaballah.

• Games Night @ Black Sun
Come join the members of Black Sun in a fun evening of gaming! Whether you’re into heavy strategy games or lighthearted party games, we’ll have a wide selection to choose from. Come and join us in a friendly, inclusive environment.

Please see our calendar for all event dates and times, plus location and any additional information.

Social Media – links will open in a new tab
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blacksun.oto
Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/blacksunlodge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksunoto
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackSunOasis
Subscribe to Calendar: http://bit.ly/BlackSunOTOCalendar

Happy New Year!

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

Greeting of the spring Equinox, and best wishes as we enter into the 114th year of the New Aeon, Anno Viv! This year is signified by Atu IV: The Emperor.

This past year at Black Sun Lodge has been filled with many events and constant, positive change. And this year shall continue the traditions of excellence and growth for us as well! As you can see, we’ve recently completely redone our website, allowing for greater flexibility and communication on our end, and convenience on yours. We’re really proud of the the new site!

We’ve had the honor of hosting a number of events from out of town brethren, and this year will prove no different. Check out Sister Lynn’s upcoming class on Magick & The Japanese Tea ceremony in April! This is a unique and awesome look at an ancient tradition, and how it can be brought into western ceremonial practices.

We’ll also be rolling out some new classes, both at the Lodge and online. Watch for announcements here and on our social media sites in the coming weeks!

As always, Black Sun Lodge is a community, and we can’t be successful without each and every individual and what they bring to the community. I can’t appreciate enough the Stars that come to us to celebrate Life, Light, Love, and Liberty. Whether you come to us interested in community, initiation, or spiritual practices, you have a home here at Black Sun; a home made by you!

Bright blessings for the year!

Love is the law, love under will.

In The Bonds Of The Order,

NDRW
Master, Black Sun Lodge

Spring 2018e.v. at Black Sun Lodge

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Spring 2018e.v. is just around the corner for Black Sun Lodge in the Valley of Cleveland.  Even though the snowbanks haven’t fully melted yet, with Spring’s impending arrival, we continue a flurry of activity.

Special Spring events

• 17 March  – Vernal Equinox celebration and potluck
Come ring in the new season with us.  We hope that you’ll attend, and bring a dish to share.

• Beginning on 19 March – Holy Season Discussion Group
Golden Thread Camp hosts a nightly discussion on the Holy Books of Thelema, in which several members of Black Sun Lodge participate. These discussions continue until the Three Days of The Writing of The Book of The Law.  More info at: Holy Season Discussion Group

• 7-8 April – third annual Three Days Camp-In
Join Black Sun Lodge as we celebrate the Three Days of The Writing of The Book of The Law with our third annual Camp-In! We’ll be starting the evening off with a reading of The Book of The Law around the (inflatable) camp fire, followed by a potluck dinner (theme: camp chow). Then, pitch your tent and enjoy a movie “under the night-stars” before turning in for the night. Breakfast in the morning will be provided by the Officers of Black Sun Lodge, then pack up before Mass!

• 14 April – The Japanese Tea Ceremony with Sister Lynn
The use of ritual can transform the everyday into something truly magical. One of the best examples of this is the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Join Black Sun as we host Sister Lynn, an experienced practitioner of the Tea Ceremony, for a day of learning and practicing this beautiful ritual. Register at https://goo.gl/pR3U7a

** Watch this space and the calendar for more new classes **

Ongoing classes and events

• Weekly Sunday Gnostic Mass – please arrive by 1:15pm.

• Meet & Greets
Interested in the O.T.O.? Would you like to find out more about the Gnostic Mass? At this event, we will be happy to meet with you and answer your questions. Please note that attending this meeting does not automatically denote association or membership to O.T.O. To help figure out who we are when you get there, look for a red Book Of The Law on the table.
We hold Meet & Greets in Geneva, Bedford, and Akron.  Check our calendar for locations and dates.

• EGC for the Laity
Looking for deeper discussion into Thelema and the Gnostic Mass but aren’t interested in serving as clergy? Come learn more about our faith, share some thoughts of your own and enrich your experience as a member of the Congregation.

• Gnostic Saints Discussion
Join us for this month’s exploration into our Gnostic Saints! Check our calendar to find out what Saints we will discuss each month.

• Foundations of the O.T.O.
What the O.T.O. is and isn’t. This monthly series will discuss founding documents and policy papers of the O.T.O., with any related official addenda and commentaries thereon, plus the history of a few documents that are strictly not policy, but frequently mistaken as such.

• Introduction to O.T.O.
Join Black Sun for our monthly open house event! There will be a short presentation on what the O.T.O., followed by a Q&A, tour of the Lodge, and light refreshments.

• Let’s Get Metaphysical
This class will focus on psychic energy/prana/chi/qi and how recognizing and utilizing it can benefit us in our magical practice. Each class will be interactive comprising of hands-on exercises and discussion. No experience or knowledge is necessary, but the classes will build upon one another as we go along.

• Magick in Theory and Practice Skype Discussion
Join us as we discuss Aleister Crowley’s magnum opus! Check our calendar to find out what section we will discuss each month. Skype ID is blacksunoasis.

• Thelema Study Group at Concoctions Leaf & Bean
In Cairo, Egypt in 1904. Aleister Crowley entered a state of trance and wrote down the three chapters of 220 verses that came to be called The Book of the Law (also known as Liber Al and Liber Legis). Among other things, this book declared: “The word of the law is Thelema” and “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” This group will discuss and study the Law of Thelema at this session each month.

• OUT, PROUD, & PAGAN at the Greater Cleveland LGBT Center
a safe place, where ‘OUR’ Pagan community can gather, learn and celebrate. We aim to share what we have learned and grow in understanding of what being Queer and Pagan means. Come and celebrate those places and times at the intersection of your sexuality and magical practice.

• Friday Night Tarot Salon
Enjoy wine, hookah, and Tarot! We will discuss a different card each month. $5 for non-foundational members and guests.

• The Sephiroth
A bimonthly examination of the structure of the Tree of Life, particularly the Sephiroth, their natures and functions. Primarily from a western mystery tradition POV, but also in terms of traditional Hebrew qaballah.

Please see our calendar for all event dates and times, plus location and any additional information.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blacksun.oto
Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/blacksunlodge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksunoto
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackSunOasis

The Three Pillars of Black Sun Lodge

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☉ 4° ♉:☽ 12° ♈: Ann Ⅴⅰⅰⅰ

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

Belated greetings of the New Year! Once again, Black Sun Lodge has been busy, as you no doubt can see from our calendar!

I’ve recently been ranting at members and other body masters in the region about the three pillars of every O.T.O. body. I present them in no particular order of importance, and the opinions are strictly my own.

The first of these is the Mysteria Mystica Maxima (M.’.M.’.M.’.), which is the pillar of Initiation. Here, our members become Seekers after the Hidden Wisdom, and explore the Mysteries of O.T.O. From these rituals and the seeds planted in the initiate as a result of them, Seekers learn a new and fascinating way to live life to the fullest, in the present, and without fear of death. Initiates may take on leadership roles in the Lodge, or in the Order itself. Working through the initiatory system of M.’.M.’.M.’. may be of interest to members of the community, or it might not. If it is your will to explore the Mysteries, we offer the tools and lessons in M.’.M.’.M.’.

The second pillar of every O.T.O. body is our ecclesiastical arm, Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C.). This is the religious arm of O.T.O. Here exists those who wish to serve our congregation, as well as the congregation itself. There is no Church without a congregation, and to us, serving them is the primary duty of every Priest, Priestess, Deacon, Novice, and Child. We serve through regular celebration of the Gnostic Mass, as well as through our rites of Baptism and Confirmation, the administering to the sick, Last Rites, and other sacraments. I truly believe that there is a call to service in our system, and for those that heed that call, the E.G.C.’s Novitiate program offers an excellent training regimen into service.

The third, and in my opinion, most important pillar, is the community of Black Sun Lodge itself. This is everyone, from the leaders, initiators, and clergy, to the initiates, congregation, visitors, and welcome guests. This is the central pillar of the three pillars model, and it is what holds Black Sun Lodge together. It is all of us. We sustain Black Sun. We make it grow. When we prosper, Black Sun prospers, and vice versa. The community is the light that shines forth. It is the not-so-secret center. The community of Black Sun comes together to celebrate, to learn, to socialize, and to serve. The community drives our volunteer services through our Agapé In Action program. We get together to share meals, stories, and fellowship regularly at the Lodge. And the best part about this important pillar is that it’s so easy to be a part of. Just showing up to events, getting acquainted, and hanging out at Black Sun makes you a part of the community. Volunteering for service, or teaching a class, or bringing a dish to a potluck brings you closer to our community. You may never have interest in the other two pillars of Black Sun, and that’s fine. Not everyone wants to initiate or take part in the religious aspects. We are first and foremost a community, and we invite you to become a part of this great community of individuals that make up Black Sun Lodge, and celebrate your will amongst those that will support you in the way of your going.

Love is the law, love under will.

In The Bonds Of The Order,

NDRW

Master, Black Sun Lodge

What A Year It’s Been!

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

I’m writing this, almost a year after my previous post, overwhelmed and happily exhausted. What a year it’s been indeed! Moving into the new 5,000 square foot space; building a whole new kitchen, dais, steps, and loads more; hosting Advanced Initiator Training; performing Minerval, I, II, III, IV, and PI within the first six months; welcoming guests from out of town; and most recently, being elevated back to Lodge status! Quite a year, indeed. Here’s some raw numbers:

Number of Gnostic Masses performed in 2015: 30
Number of Baptisms: 11
Number of Confirmations: 8
Number of initiations performed: 29
Number of classes help: 80
Local dues-paying members: 41

These numbers are incredible! Thank you all for making it such an exciting year!

You’d think we’d be resting on our laurels for 2016, but you’d be incorrect in that assumption! We have a lot of plans coming up, including visits from acclaimed Thelemic authors, more classes and lectures, opening our own book shop, and, of course, Black Sun Lodge’s 25th Anniversary!

We are also beginning a program of community outreach, helping those in need in the Cleveland area. Over the past winter, we ran a fundraiser for the Cleveland Food Bank. As you can see, we’ve raised over $700, well over our goal of $500. There will be more chances for folks from Black Sun to give to the community through the efforts of our recently assembled Community Outreach Committee. Stay tuned for more information on that!

We can’t do this without the generous support of our friends, initiates, and guests. So thank you for all your continued support and love. And we look forward to seeing you this year at Black Sun Lodge!

Love is the law, love under will.

Andrew