Mission & Values

Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A. is the U.S. Grand Lodge (National Section) of Ordo Templi Orientis, a hierarchical, religious membership organization. Our mission is to effect and promote the doctrines and practices of the philosophical and religious system known as Thelema, with particular emphasis on cultivating the ideals of individual liberty, self-discipline, self-knowledge, and universal brotherhood. To this end, we conduct sacramental and initiatory rites, offer guidance and instruction to our members, organize social events, and engage in educational and community service activities at locations throughout the United States.

Vision Statement

The Vision Statement presents our idealized vision of how U.S. Grand Lodge should ultimately develop. Thus, the Vision Statement is the least stable of these documents; as the Order grows and changes, and especially as objectives below are met, we will revisit the Vision Statement periodically to set our sights on new objectives.

1. We envision OTO USA as a model religious and fraternal order of occult initiates, and a leading proponent of Thelemic thought and culture within the United States.

2. We will maintain a physical presence near every major population center in the country, from which we will offer services in support of our mission to our members and to the public.

3. We will uphold the highest standards of excellence and effectiveness in the practice and dissemination of our religious, spiritual, magical, and ethical teachings.

4. We will espouse and defend the principle of individual liberty while cultivating strong fraternal bonds within our ranks.

5. We will foster harmonious and constructive relationships with the academic, business, civil, and greater social communities within which we operate.

6. We will manifest a culture that is comfortable with myriad expressions of the Self and rejects fear; attracting and retaining a diverse membership at every level and welcoming the participation of Thelemites of all sexes, genders, orientations, “races,” ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds.

Values Statement

The Values Statement clarifies the principles underlying U.S. Grand Lodge planning and operations. All our policies, initiatives, and other decisions must adhere to these principles. They are the ethical basis of our work.

1. We support the liberty of the individual and the cultivation of self-respect, self-knowledge, self-discipline, and self-responsibility.

2. We affirm the bonds of fraternity and expect fidelity, frankness, cooperation, mutual aid, and good faith among our members.

3. We value hospitality in our community and promote peace, tolerance, truth, and respect to the Order within our temples and precincts.

4. We advocate the principles of Scientific Religion and Universal Brotherhood, and oppose tyranny, superstition, and oppression.

5. We accept and uphold the Law of Thelema as promulgated in the Book of the Law and the writings of the Prophet of the Aeon, Aleister Crowley.

6. We believe that a membership free from unfair discrimination is essential to accomplishing our Mission, and reject doctrines that promote bigotry, prejudice, and intolerance.