Have you ever wondered why Thelemic groups are so divided and often reluctant to collaborate? They seem to prioritize their specific organizations over the actual Law of Thelema. In some ways, Thelema resembles a team sport, similar to American politics, where the focus is more on "winning" than on upholding core democratic values.
It’s essential to recognize that many people come to Thelema for the wrong reasons. Fraternal organizations serve as filters, weeding out disruptive individuals. This is a necessary aspect of the initiation system, designed to both eliminate and welcome members simultaneously. Ideally, this is how it should function. Socially, most activities will, on some unconscious level, exert peer pressure on those who choose not to participate.
The goal is to prevent troublemakers and opportunists from taking advantage of others. We often invite fellow Brothers and Sisters into our homes to foster a sense of community. However, if you have children, it's crucial to consider the character of those you welcome into your home. For instance, you would not want to invite someone with a criminal background, such as a murderer, rapist, or bank robber, into your home, especially if you expect them to be regarded as a Brother by your family.
The underlying issue is money. It's always about money.
Organizations often view each of their members primarily as a financial asset. This perspective doesn’t necessarily indicate a disregard for the organization's mission; fulfilling these objectives usually requires financial resources in today’s environment. However, those in leadership positions must prioritize the organization's mission and the well-being of its members above all else.
Leadership must be cautious not to act against the organization’s egregore for the sake of a few dollars. The mission statement must be clear and concise, enabling members to align their actions with those of their leaders. More importantly, it helps them channel their energies in the same direction, ensuring that the mission always takes precedence.
Masonry has a term for when the egregore has been betrayed: "The Lodge has gone dark." This phrase signifies that the "spirit" that unites them in the pursuit of the Great Work is no longer present in that building. It’s akin to waking up next to a deceased lover.
Trying to balance the dues payments of a disruptive member against the safety of other members reflects poorly on a club that claims to promote harmony and unity. This situation should serve as a significant warning: pay attention. It's a clear signal to reconsider your involvement, save your money, and focus your energy on supporting an organization that truly values your contributions.
Suppose you hear about someone obtaining multiple degrees by giving a gift, such as a painting, a book, or cash, to an organization. In that case, it's essential to understand that a true Western Mystery Tradition School will never sell degrees under any circumstances. This practice undermines the experience for members who have dedicated their lives to advancing through the degrees, often facing financial challenges.
Contrary to popular belief, Thelema is not a movement for narcissists who seek to engage in behavior that would be unacceptable elsewhere without consequence. This should be taught in your Lodges, even if it risks losing some members. If you don't, you may inadvertently harm others.
One significant moral failing occurs when someone ascends in their career by taking credit and receiving accolades for work they did not do. Claiming the achievements of another member as your own hurts both the individual and the organization because the organization is its members. For the person stealing the spotlight, this will ultimately lead to an empty feeling devoid of genuine accomplishment. Many can relate to the sting of having their credit taken, as this experience is also common outside the Lodge.
We shouldn't have to pay dues to endure poor treatment or have our legitimate concerns about fraternal violations dismissed due to a mistaken idea of harmony. Our Lodges should be places of refuge—environments where we can connect with our chosen families, share ideas and experiences, and celebrate our mysteries. Why would anyone pay to be mistreated in a so-called "fraternity" when similar abuse can occur in the "real world" for free?
Let's stop pretending that individuals can be gods without performing "god-like" deeds. We must abandon the mistaken belief that every person exists in isolation or that world-changing events predicted in our Holy Books will result solely from individual actions. As long as people pay lip service to the Holy Books to justify their misfit lifestyles, Thelemites, and by extension, Thelema, won't receive the respect they deserve.
One of the most quoted lines from the Book of the Law is, "The slaves shall serve." This is often referenced when someone shows concern, love, or reverence toward something the majority disagrees with, such as compassion for those experiencing poverty.
Similarly, it is easy to observe pompous behavior during rituals like the Will. During this ritual, which we recite before meals to bless the food, individuals often puff out their chests and deepen their voices as they proclaim, "That I may fight in the battle for freedom in accordance with the Book of the Law." When everything becomes purely symbolic, nothing feels authentic. Magick and Thelema should not serve as an escape from reality; instead, they should draw us closer to it. How likely are we to effect change in alignment with our True Will if we treat these practices as an escape into a fantasy world?