Revised O.T.O. Constitution of 1917
This historical document was written by Theodor Reuss, the first Outer Head of
the Order, which was largely based on the MMM Constitution written in 1913 by
Aleister Crowley.
.I.N.R.I. CONSTITUTION of the ANCIENT Order of Oriental Templars.
LET IT BE KNOWN that there exists, unknown to the great crowd, a very
ancient Order of sages, whose object is the amelioration and spiritual
evolution of mankind by means of conquering error and aiding men and
women in their efforts of attaining the power of recognising the truth.
This Order has existed already in the most remote times and it has
manifested its activity secretly and openly in the world under different
names and in various forms: it has caused social and political revolutions
and proved to be the rock of salvation in times of danger and misfortune. It
has always upheld the banner of freedom against tyranny in whatever shape
this appeared, whether as clerical or political or social despotism or
oppression of any kind.
To this "secret order" every wise and spiritually enlightened
person belongs by right of his or her nature: because they all, even
if they are personally unknown to each other, are one in their purpose
and object and they all work under the guidance of the one light of truth. Into
this Sacred Society no one can be admitted by another unless he has the
power to enter it himself by virtue of his own interior illumination,
neither can anyone after he has once entered be expelled unless he should
expel himself by becoming unfaithful to his principles and forget again
the truths which he has learned by his own experience.
All this is known to every enlightened person.
But it is known only to few that there exists also an external, visible
organisation of such men and women, who having themselves found the path
to real self-knowledge, and who having travelled the burning sands, are
willing to give to others, desirous of entering that path, the benefit
of their experience, and to act as spiritual guides to those who are
willing to be guided.
While numberless societies, associations, orders, groups, etc., have
been founded during the last thirty years in all parts of the civilised
world, all following some line of occult study, yet there is but ONE
ancient organization of genuine Mystics which shows to the seeker after
truth a Royal Road to discover the Lost Mysteries of Antiquity and to
the Unveiling of the One Hermetic Truth.
This organization is known at the present time as the:
Ancient Order of Oriental Templars
Ordo Templi Orientis
Otherwise: The Hermetic Brotherhood of Light.
It is a Modern School of Magic. And, like the ancient schools
of magic, it derived its knowledge from the East. This knowledge
was never revealed to the profane, for it gave immense power for either
good or evil to its possessors. It was recorded in symbol, parable
and allegory, requiring a Key for its interpretation.
The symbols and glyphs of Freemasonry were originally also derived from
the more ancient mysteries.
These symbols of ancient Masonry, of the Rosicrucians, the sacred art
of the ancient Chemi (Egyptians), of Homer's Golden Chain, like those
of modern Freemasonry, etc., are however but different aspects of the
One Great Mystery. They all require a key to disclose the real
underlying meaning. There exists, however, but One Right Key, and
moreover this one right key must be used the Right Way.
This key can be placed within the reach of all those who are prepared
unselfishly to study and work for its possession, if they apply for membership
to the Order of Oriental Templars (O.T.O.).
The O.T.O. (Ordo Templi Orientis) is a body of Initiates in whose hands
are concentrated the secret knowledge of all Oriental Orders and of all
existing Masonic Degrees. Its Chiefs are Initiates of the highest
rank and recognised as such by all capable of such recognition in every
country in the world. The Order is international, and has existing
connections in every civilised country in the world. Every man
or woman who becomes a member of the O.T.O. has an indefeasible right
to the first three degrees of Masonry.
The O.T.O., although an Academia Masonica, is not a Masonic Body, so
far as the Craft degrees are concerned in the sense in which that expression
is usually understood in England, and therefore in no way conflicts with,
or infringes the just privileges of, the United Grand Lodge of England.
English Master Masons in good standing, by arrangement, on affiliation,
are admitted at reduced charges. Members of the IX° become part-proprietors
of the Estates and Goods of the Order. For further information
see the publications of the O.T.O., and the synopsis of the degrees of
the O.T.O.
Article I
SECTION 1.
Under the style and title: ANCIENT ORDER OF ORIENTAL TEMPLARS, an organization,
formerly known as: "The Hermetic Brotherhood of Light", has
been reorganized and reconstituted. This reconstituted association
is an international organization, and is hereinafter referred to as
the O.T.O.
Article II
SECTION 1.
The O.T.O. declares that the Brotherhood of All Things Created is a fact
in Nature.
SECTION 2.
The principle purpose of the O.T.O. is to teach True Brotherhood, and
to make it a living power in the life of humanity.
SECTION 3.
The subsidiary aims of the O.T.O. are:
(a) to spread the doctrines of
Hermetic Science, and to initiate its members in the Secret Doctrines
of Hermetic Science, for which purpose its members are as a preparatory
stage initiated, passed and raised in Masonry:
(b) to establish and
administer schools, lodges, etc. where Hermetic Science is taught:
(c) to build, establish, found, manage and administer Homes, Colonies,
Settlements, etc. where initiated members may live according to the
tenets of the O.T.O.
Article III
SECTION 1.
The O.T.O. is part of that great and universal hermetic movement which
has been active in all ages.
SECTION 2.
Organizations throughout the world adopting this Constitution become
integral parts of the O.T.O. upon receipt of official notification
of their acceptance as such. All such joining organizations to be subject
to whatever conditions the authorities of the O.T.O. may impose.
SECTION 3.
The Central Office of the O.T.O. is at present in Switzerland, but may
be removed to any country.
Article IV
SECTION 1.
There shall be One Supreme Office in which shall be vested paramount
authority regarding all matters which concern the welfare and administration
of the O.T.O.
SECTION 2.
The title of the person filling this office shall be "Frater Superior
and Outer Head of the Order", hereinafter referred to as the "O.H.O."
SECTION 3.
The person (male or female) filling this office shall serve for life,
or until his or her resignation.
SECTION 4.
The person filling this office shall appoint his or her successor.
Article V
SECTION 1.
The Frater Superior and Outer Head of the Order (O.H.O.) shall be the
Sole Executive Officer of the Order O.T.O.
SECTION 2.
The Frater Superior and Outer Head of the Order (O.H.O.) shall have the
Sole power of filling all general offices by appointing persons to
occupy the same, and shall have the power of removing any general officer
at will.
SECTION 3.
The Frater Superior and Outer Head of the Order (O.H.O.) shall have power
to declare the policy of the O.T.O., and to direct and manage the affairs
of the O.T.O.
SECTION 4.
The Frater Superior and Outer Head of the Order (O.H.O.) shall have the
right to cancel or suspend the Charter of any subordinate organization
(lodge, chapter, senate, temple, home, school, etc.) and shall also
have the right to suspend or dissolve the membership of any person
whenever such action is, in his or her opinion, for the interest of
the O.T.O.
Article VI
SECTION 1.
There shall be an Advisory Council (Cabinet) consisting of twelve members,
inclusive of the O.H.O., who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Cabinet.
SECTION 2.
The duties of the Members of the Cabinet shall be to aid the O.H.O. in
promulgating and establishing the measures emanating from that office.
SECTION 3.
The Chairman of the Cabinet together with two members thereof shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business.
Article VII
SECTION 1.
There shall be an Executive Committee of Three (Supreme Council), whose
duty shall be to administer the affairs of the O.T.O. under the general
supervision of the O.H.O.
SECTION 2.
The Treasurer General, the Secretary General, and the O.H.O. are the
three ex-officio members of the Supreme Council and the Executive Committee.
SECTION 3.
All official acts of the Executive Committee (Supreme Council) are void
and of no effect when disapproved by the O.H.O.
Article VIII
SECTION 1.
Should any vacancy occur in the office of the O.H.O., the Cabinet shall
have power to perform the duties of that office until the successor
to that office takes possession of the same.
Article IX
SECTION 1.
The O.H.O. shall be the Custodian of the Archives and Library of the
O.T.O.
SECTION 2.
The O.H.O. may appoint agents for any purpose and endow them with whatever
powers he or she may elect to delegate under his or her hand and seal.
Article X
SECTION 1.
There shall be a Finance Committee of Three, whose duty shall be to raise
money and direct the disbursement of same. The Treasurer General is
the ex-officio Chairman of this Committee.
SECTION 2.
The official acts of this Finance Committee are subject to the approval
of the O.H.O. and are void and of no effect when disapproved by the
O.H.O.
SECTION 3.
Every member is expected to contribute to the funds of the O.T.O. according
to his or her means, but the following Dues or Fees, to be paid in
advance by the members of the O.T.O. are fixed as minimum contributions
(as per Manifesto M.M.M. 1912).
Entrance Fee: Eight guineas, forty dollars, or 200 francs.
Subscriptions:
(a) Probationers: 2 sh.; 50 cents; 2 francs a month.
(b) Students 5 sh.; 1 dollar; or 6 francs a month.
(c) Initiates: 10 sh.; 2 dollars or 12 francs a month.
The O.H.O. has power to reduce these fees and dues in special cases.
For diplomas are charged:
(a) Students class: 50 sh.; 15 dollars; or 65 francs.
(b) Initiates Class: Five guineas; 30 dollars; or 130
francs each.
Charters for Lodges of more than 10 members cost 25 guineas each Charter or
100 dollars or 650 francs.
No money paid into the Treasury of the O.T.O. can be reclaimed by either individual
members or lodges, etc. under any pretext whatsoever.
Article XI
SECTION 1.
Any person of full age (male or female) who has signed the preliminary
pledge form, and has been approved by the O.H.O. may become a member
of the O.T.O.
SECTION 2.
Every application for admission must be sent in writing to the Central
Office, whether the office be in Switzerland or elsewhere, or to one
of the authorized local organizations.
SECTION 3.
The members of the O.T.O. are classified as:
(a) Probationers (embracing Theosophists, etc.);
(b) Students or Lay Brothers (Masonic Members);
(c) Initiates or O.T.O. members proper.
For further particulars see synopsis of degrees of the O.T.O.
SECTION 4.
Applications for diplomas and charters must be accompanied by a remittance
covering the statutory fees and dues. All diplomas and charters must
be issued under the hand and seal of the O.H.O.
SECTION 5.
Three or more members may apply for a Charter to form a subordinate lodge
or organization.
SECTION 6.
No person may be a member of two lodges at the same time.
Article XII
SECTION 1.
Every subordinate lodge or organization shall have the right to conduct
its own affairs according to its own wishes and bye-laws, provided
that its acts and bye-laws are not contrary to the letter or spirit
of this Constitution.
SECTION 2.
The Bye-Laws of subordinate organizations, lodges, etc. must be submitted
for approval to the O.H.O. and are null and void if disapproved by
the O.H.O.
Article XIII
SECTION 1.
A Congress of the O.T.O. may be called by the O.H.O. to assemble at such
place and time as that officer may designate.
SECTION 2.
Each subordinate organization, lodge, etc. shall be entitled to ONE vote
in the Congress for its first three members, and one additional vote
for each succeeding two members.
SECTION 3.
The O.H.O. shall have power to prevent the discussion of, or action on,
any subject which in the judgement of that officer is against the welfare
of the O.T.O.
Article XIV
SECTION 1.
It shall be the duty of the Cabinet to provide Bye-Laws for the O.T.O.,
and its subordinate organizations.
SECTION 2.
No Bye-Laws shall become operative until approved by the O.H.O.
Article XV
SECTION 1.
There shall be a Literary and Masonic Association connected with the
O.T.O. to be known as: The Esoteric Rosicrucians. All its official
publications shall be issued with the hermetic cipher:—"I.N.R.I."
There are at present two official organs:
The Oriflamme and The Equinox.
SECTION 2.
There shall be a department of the O.T.O. for the purpose of teaching
Hermetic Science, to be known as the "Hermetic Science College."
SECTION 3.
There shall be a department of the O.T.O. for the purpose of doing practical
humanitarian work in specially appointed profess-houses to be known
as the "Homes of the O.T.O."
Article XVI
SECTION 1.
There exist 4 different seals which are used by the O.T.O. The respective
symbolic meanings of these various seals will be made known to the
members in the course of their studies. One of these seasls is for
the general use of the O.T.O.; and one, to be used exclusively by the
O.H.O., is called the Secret Seal (S.S.).
Article XVII
SECTION 1.
This Constitution may be amended by a three-fourth vote of a Congress.
But no amendment shall take effect and become law until approved by
the O.H.O. In case of emergency the O.H.O. has supreme power to amend
this Constitution by "Edict" under his hand and seal, which
is to be recorded in the Golden Book of the O.T.O.
Article XVIII
SECTION 1.
Initiates of at least ten years good standing may apply for a six months'
free residence in one of the established Homes. Applications will be
dealt with by rotation. The final decision for granting a free residence
to an applicant rests with the O.H.O.
Article XIX
This Constitution was first proclaimed, published and issued under the
hand and seal of the O.H.O. in London (England) on January 22nd, A.D.
1906, Anno Ordinis 788, Anno V.L. 0,000,000,000.
This revised edition of the Constitution has been approved by me, and
is now issued under my hand and seal this twenty second day of January
A.D. 1917, Anno Ordinis 799, on Monte Verità, in the Republic
of Ticino (Switzerland).
Merlin, 33° 96° X°
Frater Superior and Outer Head of the O.T.O.
Argosinus 33° 95° IX°
Quaestor
Parçevale 33° 95° IX°
Cancellarius
Profane address: Casella postale 16935, Lugano (Suisse).
