What we’re about
Dear Visitor,
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
This group is for people interested in Thelema, initiation, ceremonial magick, fraternity, free thought and other esoteric and occult pursuits, including the writings of Aleister Crowley (1875 - 1947). We hold events around the greater Maryland, Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia metropolitan area and are actively initiating candidates.
Who Are You?
This meetup is organized by William Blake OTO, the MD/DC/No VA branch of Ordo Templi Orientis (The Order of Oriental Templars or The Order of Templars of the East or OTO). OTO is eclectic, drawing on both Eastern and Western mystical and esoteric traditions.
William Blake OTO has been continuously operating in the area since 1992 and is presently in its fourth generation of leadership. Our Lodge is named after artist, writer, poet & mystic, William Blake (1757 - 1827), whose work provides a legacy embracing the core concepts of Thelemic philosophy, although he lived and died long before the 21st century. The Gnostic Catholic Church or E.G.C., in fact, recognizes William Blake as a notable link in that historic chain transmitting the light of the gnosis throughout the ages, and recognizes him as a gnostic saint.
What Do You Do?
CEREMONY: We engage in participatory rituals such as seasonal rituals for equinoxes, solstices and other holidays; celebrations of life experience such as baptisms, confirmations, weddings and deaths; elemental, planetary, angelic and kabbalistic rituals; classic ceremonial magick rituals; original rituals created by initiates; and especially The Gnostic Mass, OTO's central rite.
INITIATION: We provide initiation as a catalyst for one's personal development. In your initiation, you are the star of the show. Are You Interested in Initiation into O.T.O.?.
EDUCATION: We provide classes and workshops on subjects such as alchemy, ceremonial magick, Enochian, god forms, history, herbalism, hermetic science, initiation symbolism, meditation, scientific illuminism, occult studies, kabbalah, free thought, experimental arts, ritual practices, sacred sexuality, Tarot, yoga, and more.
FRATERNITY: We are a community of women and men who come together to share our experiences, discuss occult and esoteric philosophy, share our knowledge and skills, celebrate together, argue together, dine together and laugh together. Fraternity is more than friendship; it is a bond forged by OTO initiates all over the world based upon common experiences and similar points of view with a commitment to peace, truth, mutual respect, tolerance and brotherhood.
How Can I Check You Out?
Most of our events are open to guests. Please note that it is NOT a requirement to join OTO to attend our open meetings and events. We're happy to have folks who just enjoy their status as our guests, attend our events and spend time with us. We ask for donations or charge fees to help us with our operating expenses.
William Blake OTO is moving into its 30th year of operation and has remained a continuously active part of the MD/DC/No VA esoteric community. WB OTO has also realized its efforts of moving out of living rooms, basements and bookstores by maintaining a permanent, community-supported temple in Baltimore since 2008. The majority of our events are held at this location. Our space is 2367 sq ft and includes a temple, a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a sitting area, a classroom area, and storage. We also maintain a large library of many titles in magick, philosophy, esoterica and the occult. See the pics of our temple space and events in the photos section.
We invite you to attend our open events. Link here to a page describing what to expect when you attend something.
This meetup is for events hosted by William Blake, OTO, rather than for general community announcements.
If you would like more information, please drop us an email. If an event interests you, please kindly RSVP and we will look forward to meeting you in person. If you would like to chat with us in person outside of an event, please email us and we will arrange something.
Love is the law, love under will.