Common Questions and Answers Regarding the Minerval Degree Within Ordo Templi Orientis and On Becoming a Member of the Order.
The Minerval Degree (0°) is the introductory Initiate degree into Ordo Templi Orientis. It is said to symbolize the first step in the journey of the Self in Eternity, where the Ego, a wandering God, is attracted to the Solar System. The following questions and answers were written to help guide someone considering joining the Order by taking the Minerval Degree. Some questions are specific to Scarlet Woman Lodge.
Q. First off, what is an initiation?
A. Generally, an initiation implies a beginning or an introduction. In O.T.O. it is a physical ceremony that usually serves several purposes. In the Minerval degree, it introduces the candidates, using dramatic allegory and symbol, to the Mysteries of Thelema.
Q. Why would I want to be initiated?
A. Everyone has their own reason for taking an initiation…there is no single or right answer to this question. However, here are some common reasons:
1) to sample what the Mysteries of Thelema might be in a non-binding way (since a Minerval does not establish any permanent bonds with the Order)
2) to become a member of the Order and the Lodge
3) to become eligible to participate in the Gnostic Mass as a child or ritual officer
4) to seek a deeper level of fellowship with members of the community
5) to become an initiate of our Mysteries
Q. Are there any requirements?
A. Yes, there are several requirements for eligibility to the Minerval degree:
• at least 18 years of age
• not incarcerated
• capable of taking & keeping a binding oath to the Order
• never previously initiated in O.T.O.
• vouched for by two members holding the I° or higher
Q. How do I go about getting initiated?
A. It begins by filling out and turning in a Minerval application. You can request one from the Lodge Master or from a local chartered initiator. Learn more about the initiation application process at Advice for Candidates. Remember that one of the requirements is the signature of two sponsors that are at least I°.
Q. Okay, how do I get two sponsors?
A. Before you can be initiated, you will need to develop a level of personal familiarity with at least two members. The Lodge conducts many activities that are open to non-member guests at which you can meet such people and introduce yourself. You can contact a Lodge officer or look at our calendar for information on upcoming events that are open to the public. The members of the Lodge are actually quite friendly and welcoming of guests.
Q. Will they be at my initiation?
A. While your sponsors are strongly encouraged to be there, it is not strictly required. It is important to note that it is your responsibility to inform your sponsors of the date of your initiation.
Q. What should I plan to bring to my Minerval?
A. You do not need to bring anything except for your fees if you have not yet paid them.
Q. How should I prepare for my Minerval?
A. There is no one correct answer for this. Practically speaking, you do not need to do anything to prepare. Looking over the U.S.G.L. website might be a good idea to educate yourself about the organization you are joining, and reading Liber AL, The Book of the Law, is strongly encouraged.
Q. After I take my Minerval, how long do I have to wait until I take my First Degree?
A. The waiting period between Minerval and First Degree is one month in the USA. However, the Minerval degree is a self-contained initiation and should be experienced for a while on its own. A common waiting period is about nine months.
Q. If I take my Minerval at Scarlet Woman Lodge, does that automatically make me a member of the Lodge?
A. No. By taking a Minerval, you automatically become a member of U. S. Grand Lodge (as are all members within America), but not the local body where you were initiated. Every local body (a camp, oasis, or lodge) has its own rules of membership. To become a member of Scarlet Woman Lodge, you must be an initiate member of O.T.O. (ie. at least Minerval) and agree to pay local dues. Please read our membership page for more information on lodge membership.
Q. As a Minerval, what can I do in the Lodge?
- Attend future Minervals as a guest (at any O.T.O. body in the world). This is highly recommended.
- If you are also baptized in the E.G.C., you may participate as an officer in the Gnostic Mass (as a “Child”).
- You can begin novitiate training for the Diaconate and/or Priesthood.
- You can volunteer for many events and non-initiation rituals.
- You can produce events like classes, workshops, study groups, or original rituals. If you wish to do something along these lines
- You will also receive Agapé (the U.S.G.L. newsletter). If you affiliate with Scarlet Woman Lodge, you will also get The Scarlet Letter, our own journal.
Q. What does “Minerval” mean, anyway?
A. In general, a Minerval is a Seeker of Wisdom, Truth or Light (or all three). The word is likely derived from the Roman goddess Minerva, the equivalent of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. Minerva was also considered to be the goddess of warriors, poetry, medicine, commerce, crafts, and the inventor of music. You may draw your own conclusions over the time you spend in the Order.
Q. What is the M.M.M.?
A. The initials M.M.M. stands for Mysteria Mystica Maxima. Originally, it was the name of the O.T.O. degree system in Great Britian, then headed by Aleister Crowley (the head of the O.T.O. was Theodor Reuss at the time). Eventually, his M.M.M. was absorbed into the regular system of the Order. It now includes the degrees from O° to VII°.
Q. Do I get to know who my initiator will be?
A. Nope. You’ll just have to wait and see.
Q. After I take my Minerval, will I be expected to take the First Degree initiation?
A. No. Taking the First Degree is a serious decision, and no Minerval should feel pushed into it. Some take their First right away, some after many years, and it is equally honorable to spend your entire life as a Minerval initiate. The choice is entirely yours.
Q. After my initiation, who will have access to my legal name?
A. We take confidentiality very seriously—this is a secret Order, after all. Full civil names are given out to Order members on a need-to-know basis. Within the Lodge, that means the Lodge Master, Secretary, and Treasurer will need to have your full civil name on record. Grand Lodge also keeps records according to civil names. However, under no circumstances will the Lodge or the Order voluntarily give out your civil name to a third party without your permission.
Q. I’ve heard that as a Minerval, I will be a “guest” of the Order. Does that mean I’m not a full member?
A. (From the Grand Lodge Website) The Minerval Degree (0°) is an introductory Initiate degree in which the aspirant is considered an “honored guest” of O.T.O. rather than a full member. The Minerval degree is designed to allow the aspirant to decide whether or not to pursue full membership, and to allow potential sponsors the opportunity to decide whether to support the aspirant’s application for full membership. Minervals may begin preliminary novitiate training under an E.G.C. Bishop towards ultimate ordination to the Diaconate and/or Priesthood in Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, but they are not eligible for ordination or for service as an officer of a Local Body.