☉ 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