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The Megatherium Club is the University of New Mexico's student organization dedicated to the propagation of the Hermetic Sciences and Promulgation of the Law of Thelema. MTC has worked in close alliance with the Subtlety or Force Encampment for over a year now. Specifically, MTC assists SOFE by securing educational facilities for lectures, forums, and presentations, in the distribution of Thelemic literature (Crowley's tracts and epistles), and in marketing Doomsayer's Digest.
These purposes relate to the larger purposes of OTO. According to Reuss' OTO Constitution of 1917 (II-3-a), a subsidiary aim of OTO is to promote the doctrines of the Hermetic Sciences. Additionally, Crowley says in Khabs am Pekht that "We are bound to teach... the new Magick." Lastly, the current (2009) USGL Mission Statement declares that "Our mission is to effect and promote the doctrines and practices of the philosophical and religious system known as Thelema, with particular emphasis on cultivating the ideals of individual liberty, self-discipline, self-knowledge, and universal brotherhood." To this end, we conduct classes and arrange social gatherings where relevant subject matter can be discussed. Our purpose is not to force belief, convert passers-by, or argue doctrine. These means are all antagonistic to our goal. Instead, we offer information, instruction, and (through OTO) initiation. The educational activities offered by SOFE through MTC include a range of classes considered either remedial or relevant enough to deserve recurrence. Therefore, semesterly, the following subjects are presented at UNM: THE TAROT IN THE RENAISSANCE- an introduction to the neo-Hermetic revival of Renaissane Italy/Spain/Germany and the qabalistic, neo-platonic, and messianic trends that culminated in the sacralization of cartomantic devices into the Tarot. CLASSICAL TAROT VS CROWLEY TAROT- An introduction to Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot as a historical continuation and advancement of the Hermetic Tarot, but more importantly discussing contrasts between specific cards and the informing metaphysics that distinguish Crowley and Lady Harris' work from that of their predecessors. MAGICK IN THEORY- a look at early understandings of Will, Love, and Magick in the context of Renaissance neo-Platonism, the development of magical meta-philosophies borne from the evolution of aristocratic culture from the Chivalrier to the Courtier and the resurrection of God in the form of Eros and the Goddess in the form of Venus. This lecture will conclude in Crowley's considerations of the Holy Guardian Angel and the Holy Order; otherwise, the Angel and the Abyss. MAGICK IN PRACTICE- Angels and Demons and Spirits, oh my! A survey of the literary history of Grimoires throughout the Modern Period, their dharmic and metaphyiscal contexts, and the resultant philosophies of "High Magick" in modernist magical Organizations and, ultimately, in Crowley's post-modern metaphysics. INITIATION IN THEORY- This review of early French anthropologist literature will survey the more radical philosophers of initiation and spirituality: Levi, Corbin, Guenon, and Eliade. This will focus on more privitive or classical initiatory ideas with an attempt to build a naturalistic model of initiation in its cultural, religious, magical, and Ecclesiastic roles. The survey will provide models useful for Masons and Monks alike. INITIATION IN PRACTICE- Okay, Masons may be less pleased by this one, but this review will run through Masonic initiations throughout their history and will illustrate Apocryphal initiatory ideas and their development into popular Masonic initiatory structures. More importantly, there will be a survey of 19th Century Esoteric Masonry and its development into Secret Orders vs Secret Societies. ALEISTER CROWLEY: MAN, MYTH, MAGUS- A look at the life and contributions of St. Sir Aleister Crowley, 666. In addition, weekly groups at St. John's College in Santa Fe will be held at 5pm at the coffee shop. The schedule of topics for these classes is as follows: to give folks an experimental basis for exploring magick. .
All UNM events are located in the UNM Sub, found here: http://www.unmsub.com/maps.htm Parking is sometimes available free-of-charge. All St. John's Events are held in the St. John's College Coffee Shop. Email mtc@sof-oto.org for details. Lastly, join our facebook group for regular updates on MTC activities! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=23361671062 _____ |