Lecture Notes: Community Q&A with Lynn Mavus Lynn

Introduction

• Video format chosen by audience
• Lynn Mavus Lynn: Writer, artist, educator, practicing occultist, ceremonial magician
• Views video as community service in Pagan and occult community
• Surpassed 4,000 YouTube subscribers
• Highlights importance of personal views and privacy

Key Questions and Answers

Initiation in Thelema

• Is initiation necessary to become a Thelemite?
  • No, initiation is not necessary.
  • Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) is a magical fraternity offering initiation and rituals.
  • Being a Thelemite involves accepting the Book of the Law and seeking personal will.

Thoughts on "Strange Angel"

• Was "Strange Angel" cheesy?
  • Enjoyed acting and costumes.
  • Criticized for lack of historical and magical accuracy.

Involvement in OTO and AA

• Thoughts on OTO and AA?
  • AA focuses on magical teaching and personal instruction.
  • OTO is a more social, fraternal magical order.
  • Both organizations not necessary to be a Thelemite.
  • Independent practice is valid.

Magical Diary Recommendations

• Reading suggestions for writing a magical diary?
  • Importance of documenting magical practice.
  • Recommended Alister Crowley’s writings compiled by James Wasserman and Dan Gunther.
  • Other recommended readings include Gabriella's diary on Tarot.

Meeting Entities through Ritual Magic

• Quickest route to meet entities?
  • Astral and dream work often lead to encounters with entities.

God Forms in Liber Resh

• Assuming God forms in Liber Resh?
  • Lynn offers a detailed video on performing Liber Resh and God forms.

Recommended Crowley Readings

• What Crowley works to start with?
  • Start with the commentaries on the Book of the Law.
  • "The Law is for All" and "Magic Without Tears" recommended.

Challenges in Occultism

• Bad sides of being a student of occultism?
  • Loneliness and isolation due to cultural and familial differences.
  • Difficulty in communicating experiences due to differences in language and symbols.

High vs. Low Magic in Thelema

• Is low magic valid?
  • Both high and low magic have their place and are interrelated.

Atheism and Thelema

• Can you be an atheist and a Thelemite?
  • Yes, Thelema is about personal interpretation.

Joining OTO

• Considerations before joining OTO?
  • Understand local body rules, expectations, and personal motivations.

Learning Thelemic Tarot (Thoth Deck)

• Necessity of learning Rider-Waite before Thoth?
  • Not necessary; Thoth can be learned independently.

Comparison of OTO vs. AA

• Compare OTO and AA.
  • OTO: Social, community-focused with masonic-style initiation.
  • AA: Focused on individual magical instruction.

Paying for Magic Courses

• Is it necessary to pay for magic courses?
  • No, Thelema can be practiced for free using available resources.

Personal Journeys into Thelema

• How did Lynn find Thelema?
  • Conservative policies and book bans led to exploring philosophy and Thelema.

Recommended Thelemic Resources

• Getting into Thelema apart from the Book of the Law?
  • Kaczynski’s biography of Crowley and other recommended texts.

Experiences with AA and Temple of the Silver Star

• Thoughts on AA and TOTS experiences?
  • Positive experience with TOTS; inclusive and well-structured.
  • Challenging personal experience with AA due to rogue individual, but belief in system remains.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to explore personal journey in Thelema
• Emphasis on individual expression and will
• Gratitude to viewers and farewell