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The Initiatory System of the O.T.O.F.

The Order is divided into three Triads, The Hermit, the Lover and the Man of Earth, each of which has a different function. The Man of Earth consists of initiates from Minerval through to Perfect Initiate and constitutes the bulk of the Membership, The Lovers Triad consists of 5th, 6th and 7th degree and is concerned with Service to, and Government of, the Order, the Hermit degrees of 8th, 9th and 10th are also based on service and government, but in addition to this they are also authorised and instructed in certain techniques of practical Magick, which they may perform on behalf of the Order. Each of these degrees is outlined in greater detail in 'Degrees and Offices of the Order' and Crowleys Liber 194 - an Intimation with reference to the Constitution

The structure of the Man of Earth Series is carefully graded, its lessons can be compared to the various stages of the construction of a great building or Temple. Where according to a pre-planned scheme one prepares a solid foundation, disregards unsuitable building material, and proceeds to build in convenient stages, with suitable and prepared materials, according to principles of proportion and balance. These lessons and principles apply equally whether one seeks to build the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Great Pyramid of Cheops, or the Great Temple and Tomb of Bruig na Boyne. In the same manner the principles and lessons of the Order apply to all individuals, whatever their true will, whatever life they chose to build for themselves.

Each of the initiations of the Man of Earth Triad shows a key event in human experience in a magickal and symbolic form. They are intended as a series, "… outlining the object of, ' a pure soul,' one, individual and eternal' in determining to formulate itself consciously, or, to understand itself." Each of these initiations will, in a different way, explain an aspect of the universe and the Initiates relationship to it. It will also instruct you how best to adapt your life to natural Law and to develop your faculties to the utmost.

The initiations of this Triad are also said to relate to a particular Chakkra or set of Chakkras, in a manner different from that of conventional Yoga. The process of learning and change comes in the everyday life of the new initiate, as they learn to master the powers of the energy centre concerned, through the discipline of living according to the oaths of their degrees and the transformation of their everyday lives.

The Various degrees of the Man of Earth Triad are explained in greater depth on the Man of Earth Link. The Nature and function of the rest of the degrees of O.T.O. are described in 'Degrees and

Offices of the Order.'