Winter Solstice & Public Mass Announcement
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The winter solstice marks the sun’s descent to its lowest point in the sky — the moment when the solar force reaches its nadir. Yet this moment of deepest night contains within it the immediate seeds of return: from this point forward, the light begins to grow again. In Thelema, we recognize this pattern in Ra-Hoor-Khuit, the crowned and conquering child, the solar force that emerges victorious from darkness. The solstice reminds us that descent and ascent are not opposites but phases of a single transformative cycle.
This cosmic pattern mirrors the initiatory process each of us undertakes in our personal Great Work. We descend into darkness — examining what no longer serves, confronting what must die before we can be reborn — only to emerge transformed as the light returns. The longest night offers us space for this necessary introspection: meditation on the year that has passed, contemplation of what we carry forward into the light, and what we release to the darkness behind us.
Just as the returning sun marks the beginning of growth and expansion in the natural world, so too does our Oasis stand at the threshold of renewed momentum. As we move into the new year, I’m excited to share several developments that reflect this forward movement.
Effective December 1, Scarlet Woman Oasis is updating its monthly membership dues to $31 and introducing a $10/month supporter tier. Membership is open to OTO initiates in good standing and provides access to private events and business meetings. The supporter tier is available for members of the public who want to support our mission promulgating the Law of Light, Life, Love, and Liberty. Your support is deeply appreciated and helps us move into a dedicated space with more opportunities to host events.
On Saturday, January 3 we are hosting a public performance of Liber XV: The Gnostic Mass. The ritual will begin at 4:30 PM. sharp, so interested members of the public are encouraged to arrive 15–30 minutes early. No special preparation is necessary, and casual attire is welcome. Location and additional details are provided in the section below.
This ritual, the central ritual of Ordo Templi Orientis, is a beautiful dramatic enactment that weaves together the deepest esoteric mysteries of Thelema and Western occult tradition through symbolic union, consecration, and the celebration of the divine forces underlying manifestation. We are incredibly excited to present our first public mass in nearly two years to seekers in the Austin community. Please let us know you plan to attend by emailing rsvp@scarletwoman-
Love is the law, love under will.
— Fr. Ishmael