Ordo Templi Orientis (Typhonian)
The
Ordo Templi Orientis is an
occult society in the
United Kingdom interested in
magick and
typhonian concepts. It is commonly referred to as the
Typhonian Ordo Templi Orientis to distinguish it from other branches of O.T.O.
It was founded by
Kenneth Grant, who disputed the claim of heritage the "Caliphate"
Ordo Templi Orientis made concerning the original occult order that
Aleister Crowley had made famous. The prefix "Typhonian" is only a commonly-accepted distinguisher in the range of claimants to the title of O.T.O's, rather than a formal of official part of the name of the organization.
The number of members has so far never exceeded a few dozen and there is very little activity outside the UK, but the
T.O.T.O. is still among the most well-known magical orders, apparently through the books of its founder. In particular, it has influenced
Setianism and
Dragon Rouge and was instrumental in the creation of
Nema's
Maat Magick movement.
While the group still promotes the Law of
Thelema, it appears to focus more on exploration of foreign intelligence such as
Extraterrestrial life and
demons, and on the darker aspects of occult existence. The organisation has shifted from a formal hierarchy to a loose hierarchical framework.
*
Left Hand Path*
Free Encyclopedia of Thelema*
Kenneth Grant and the Typhonian O.T.O. The view of a skeptical outsider
