Membership

Membership

There are two primary types of membership, initiate and ecclesiastical, corresponding to the two constituent rites of Ordo Templi Orientis, Mysteria Mystica Maxima (M∴M∴M∴) and Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C.). The two are initially independent, but become connected as one progresses through either rite.

Initiate Membership

Initiate membership is available to every man and woman who is free, at least 18 years old, and of good report (see below). As described on our Initiation page, O.T.O. initiations are conferred through a physical ceremony conducted by a chartered initiator. Initiations are almost always held at O.T.O. valleys, most commonly Oases and Lodges. The introductory initiation into O.T.O. is known as the “Minerval” or 0°. Therefore, the path to becoming an initiate member of O.T.O. involves contacting a nearby or otherwise convenient valley which conducts Minerval initiations (see our Locations page), obtaining an application for initiation from that valley, and submitting it along with the appropriate dues and fees. In order to establish “good report”, your application must be signed by two sponsors who are already I° initiates of O.T.O. Prospective sponsors will generally want to get to know you before signing your application, which may involve your attendance with them at several valley events, or time spent with them privately.

Ecclesiastical Membership

Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica (E.G.C.) is the ecclesiastical arm of O.T.O. It offers lay membership conferred through the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. Lay membership confers no special privileges. Confirmed members of E.G.C. who are also Minerval initiates may enter the Novitiate and work toward ordination to the Diaconate or the Priesthood. There are further M∴M∴M∴ degree requirements for these ordinations. To find out about E.G.C. rituals in your area, see the list of Southeastern Valleys at the bottom of this page and contact a valley near you.

Membership Policies

Privacy: Membership in O.T.O. is private. Names and addresses of members are kept confidential from the general public and from the bulk of O.T.O. members. O.T.O. officers (including valley officers) are provided with information about members on a need-to-know basis. For example, a member wishing to attend an initiates-only event at a valley may have her membership status confirmed by Grand Lodge in response to a query by the valley master; similarly, Grand Lodge officers in the Treasury and newsletter offices will have access to the member information required to do their jobs. Non-discrimination: There shall be no consideration of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation when considering the fitness of candidates for admission, advancement, or appointment to office within Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A.