THE ARCANE ARCHIVE
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                            LIBER ATH VEL VIA VITAE
                                       
    Sub Figura CCCCI
    
Subject: THE RULE OF THE ABBEY OF THELEMA
  
      -Ad Salutem Thelema-
      
   [IMAGE] 
   
   "Ye shall gather goods and store of women and spices; ye shall wear
   rich jewels; ye shall exceed the nations of the earth in splendour &
   pride; but always in the love of me, and so shall ye come to my joy."
   (CCXX, i, 61)
   
   " Thus ye have star & star, system & system; let not one know well
   the other" (lbid, i, 50) 
   
    ARTICLE ONE.
   
   The Abbey of Thelema shall consist of aspirants to the Great White
   Brotherhood, or A.'. A.'., of both sexes and sexual preferences.
   
    ARTICLE TWO.
   
   The rite of initiation in the Abbey of Thelema shall take the form of
   a matrimonial union between the monk or nun and 666 or 156, according
   to his or her biological identity. The new monk or nun shall take a
   new name based on the Holy Books of Thelema.
   
    ARTICLE THREE.
   
   Neither the Abbey of Thelema nor its members shall discriminate
   against any person on the basis of their race, national or ethnic
   origin, sex or sexual preference, or age. The Abbey of Thelema is
   completely non-sectarian and non-dogmatic. The Abbey of Thelema is
   ecologically responsible and opposes the continuing destruction of the
   body of Our Lady Babalon (the Earth).
   
    ARTICLE FOUR.
    
   
   
   The study and discussion (discussus) of the Book of the Law are
   forbidden. However, the reading, realization, and interpretation of
   the Law are not forbidden.
   
   This prohibition is moreover specific to the Book of the Law, and does
   not apply to any other Book. The Comment is the most "Zen" of all of
   Aleister Crowley's writings. Note Bene! Cave!
   
    ARTICLE FIVE.
    
   
   
   The Word and the Letter of Truth, and the sole Rule of Life, is the
   Holy Books of Thelema (Official Publications of the A.'. A.'. in Class
   A). These books represent the utterance of an Adept entirely beyond
   criticism, and may not be changed. The individual right of
   interpretation is, however, absolute. Books may only be added to the
   Canon on the Authority of the Collegium Summum, by the Chief of the
   A.'. A.'..
   
    ARTICLE SIX.
    
   
   
   The Head of the Abbey of Thelema is the Abbot or Abbess. He or she is
   appointed for life, except as provided for in Article X. The Abbot or
   Abbess manifests the True Will of the Abbey, speaks for the community,
   and is the sole source of power, strength, and authority within the
   Abbey, the Abbey's Magical Link to the Highest. Each Abbey shall have
   its own Abbot or Abbess, and no Abbot or Abbess shall have power or
   authority over more than one community, except as provided for in
   Article VIII.
   
    ARTICLE SEVEN.
    
   
   
   Every member of the Abbey shall swear a Vow of Holy Obedience to the
   Abbot or Abbess.
   
    ARTICLE EIGHT.
    
   
   
   The maximum number of the community shall be eleven. However, abbeys
   may congregate in larger communities, in which case they shall be
   governed by a council of abbots or abbesses. In no case shall the
   governing council exceed eleven members.
   
    ARTICLE NINE.
    
   
   
   Each Abbot or Abbess shall appoint his or her successor at or prior to
   his or her death. Failing that, the new Abbot or Abbess shall be
   chosen by unanimous agreement of the governing council of which he or
   she was a member within thirty days. Should he or she not have been a
   member of a governing council, then his or her successor shall be
   chosen unanimously by the three highest ranking members of the Abbey
   within one year from the date of his or her death. In the interim the
   Abbey shall be governed by a triumvirate of the same members.
   
    ARTICLE TEN.
    
   
   
   The new Abbot or Abbess shall appoint a Regent to act in his or her
   name until such time as the new Abbot or Abbess has completed the
   Ordeal of the Pyramid (see Article XII), which he or she shall
   undertake within ten days of his or her appointment.
   
    ARTICLE ELEVEN.
    
   
   

   The Abbot or Abbess may be removed from office by the unanimous
   agreement of all the inhabitants of the Abbey or the governing council
   (if any), other than himself or herself.
   
    ARTICLE TWELVE.
    
    The Ordeal of the Pyramid.
   
   In a suitable place prepared let a truncated tetrahedral pyramid be
   constructed. On the sides of the interior are sigils in colour
   corresponding to the spirits of the elements, painted on a white base.
   The base of the interior shall be painted black, and the exterior
   shall be painted white or black according to the season (spring and
   summer or autumn and winter respectively). The top shall be open to
   the Sky. The height of the pyramid shall be equal to the height of a
   man, and the rest shall be proportional. Let the sides of the pyramid
   be oriented to the four quarters of the compass. The pyramid shall be
   constructed such that it shall be possible to collect and pass out
   faeces, urine, and utensils, while food, water, and utensils may be
   passed in. Let the candidate for the office of Abbot or Abbess be
   ceremonially entombed in this pyramid for exactly ten lunar months,
   with purifications and consecrations, during which time he or she
   shall aspire continually to Nuit in perfect solitude and silence. He
   or she shall have nothing therein save the Holy Books of Thelema, his
   or her Magical Record, a pen, a single candle, and matches. The
   candidate shall be permitted a single robe, which shall be changed at
   intervals of one week; sufficient bedding for the weather; a
   sufficiency of water, bread, and vegetables for daily consumption, but
   absolutely no animal products or drugs; water, soap, nail scissors,
   and a cloth once per week; and a container for urine and the
   collection of rainwater. The removal of faeces and urine, and the
   passing in of food, shall occur once per day, in the midst of the
   night, and shall be attended to by the members of the Abbey in turn,
   by twos, chosen at random, in perfect silence. At any time the
   candidate may terminate the ordeal by breaking his or her Vow of
   Silence, at which time he or she shall be removed. Such a candidate
   ceases to be a member of the Abbey of Thelema for life. He or she
   shall be removed after sunset on the last day. Upon completing the
   Ordeal, the Abbot or Abbess shall be installed with all feasting and
   rejoicing, and the day of his or her installation shall be kept as a
   feast day by the Abbey for the duration of his or her life.
   
    ARTICLE THIRTEEN.
    
   
   
   The Abbot or Abbess shall be entirely supported by the Abbey, and
   shall be provided with a private room, chapel, and bathroom, furnished
   in the style of King Lamus. Other than his or her administrative
   responsibility, the Abbot or Abbess shall devote himself or herself
   entirely to the tasks of the A.'. A.'. and such other work as he or
   she may see fit (see Article XLII).
   
    ARTICLE FOURTEEN.
    
   
   
   The Abbot or Abbess may appoint officers to carry out the practical
   and administrative work of the Abbey, at his or her convenience, in
   which case they shall receive the same obedience of the community to
   which the Abbot is entitled, subject to his or her authorization and
   approval.
   
    ARTICLE FIFTEEN.
    
   
   
   The Abbey shall maintain a Thelemic temple in accordance with the
   specifications prescribed in the Thelemic Holy Books. It shall be
   equipped for the tasks of the A.'. A.'. and the celebration of the
   Gnostic Catholic Mass, for which additional props shall be kept
   available as needed.
   
    ARTICLE SIXTEEN.
    
   
   
   Every member of the Abbey shall wear a bright blue tau robe, lined
   with scarlet and provided with a hood, with a golden girdle optional.
   The masters shall wear a scarlet tau robe, lined with blue. The Abbot
   or Abbess shall wear a bright blue tau robe, as above, emblazoned with
   the Eye of Horus in scarlet. Members of the A.'. A.'. may wear the
   robe of their grade (see Article XLII).
   
    ARTICLE SEVENTEEN.
    
   
   
   All male members of the Abbey shall shave the head with the exception
   of a single lock in the centre of the forehead, or an inverse tau at
   the hairline made with vermilion sandalwood paste.
   
    ARTICLE EIGHTEEN.
    
   
   
   All female members of the Abbey shall wear their hair bobbed and died
   with optional red or yellow henna.
   
    ARTICLE NINETEEN.
    
   
   
   The children of the Abbey shall be encouraged to go naked in order to
   free them from the bond of sexual shame.
   
    ARTICLE TWENTY.
    
   
   
   Upon reaching puberty each child shall be initiated privily by the
   oldest member of the Abbey of the opposite biological gender,
   whereupon he or she may become a full member of the Abbey.
   
    ARTICLE TWENTY-ONE.
    
   
   
   Every member of the Abbey shall be vowed by a Vow of Holy Obedience to
   the Abbot or Abbess and by a Vow of Simplicity. Concerning the Vow of
   Chastity it is not here written.
   
    ARTICLE TWENTY-TWO.
    
   
   
   The day shall be divided by a tom-tom, bell, or other alarum, at 6
   a.m., 12 noon, 6 p.m., and 12 midnight, followed immediately by a
   communal Adoration of the Sun, according to the formula of Liber CC,
   followed by one hour of solitary meditation, except on Sunday (see
   Article XXXI).
   
    ARTICLE TWENTY-THREE.
    
   
   
   Meals shall be served twice daily, at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. All meals
   shall be eaten communally in silence, and shall be preceded by the
   saying of 'Will." All members of the Abbey shall fast between meals,
   save for the imbibition of water. All meals shall be accompanied by
   wine. Dinners may be cooked in the French style. Breakfast shall be
   vegan. Red meat shall only be served on the feast days of the Book of
   the Law. White meat shall not be served more than three times per week
   (see Article XXXIV).
   
    ARTICLE TWENTY-FOUR.
    
   
   
   The morning shall be dedicated to work and physical training and
   exercise. The afternoon shall be dedicated to intellectual study,
   magic, or meditation, according to the member's grade. The evening
   shall be dedicated to the communal recitation of the Cries of
   Adoration of Liber CMLXIII, or other chants, performances, readings,
   celebrations, or observances, with the approval of the Abbot, except
   on Wednesday (see Article XXVII).
   
    ARTICLE TWENTY-FIVE.
    
   
   
   The Abbey shall consist of seven grades, as follows: postulant,
   consisting of one year of service; novice, consisting of two years of
   physical training; disciple, consisting of three years of intellectual
   study; aspirant, consisting of four years of magical work; adept,
   consisting of five years of mystical work; master; and the Abbot or
   Abbess, who is created by the Ordeal of the Pyramid. An abbott or
   abbess serving on a governing council shall be referred to as an
   archimandrite.
   
    ARTICLE TWENTY-SIX.
    
   
   
   The members of the Abbey shall fast totally on each Wednesday.
   
    ARTICLE TWENTY-SEVEN.
    
   
   
   Every Wednesday night the Abbot or Abbess shall preach to the
   community, commencing at 7 p.m., according to the formula of Liber
   LXIV.
   
    ARTICLE TWENTY-EIGHT.
    
   
   
   All monks shall be addressed as "Brother." All nuns shall be addressed
   as "Sister." The Abbot and masters shall be addressed as "Father" or
   "Mother" in accordance with their biological gender. Monks and nuns
   may be addressed by a superior or equal by their chosen names or, if
   they are also members of the A.'. A.'., mottoes, or an acceptable
   abbreviation or English equivalent thereof. Children shall be
   addressed by their given names.
   
    ARTICLE TWENTY-NINE.
    
   
   
   The corporal punishment of children is forbidden.
   
    ARTICLE THIRTY.
    
   
   
   The mass media are forbidden within the Abbey of Thelema.
   
    ARTICLE THIRTY-ONE.
    
   
   
   The use of the first personal pronoun is forbidden by all save the
   masters and Abbot.
   
    ARTICLE THIRTY-TWO.
    
   
   
   The members of the Abbey shall greet each other with the words "Do
   what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law," followed by the reply,
   "Love is the law, love under will." The farewell is "Love is the law,
   love under will," reiterated.
   
    ARTICLE THIRTY-THREE.
    
   
   
   Any discord or disagreement between the members of the Abbey shall be
   brought to the immediate attention of the Abbot or Abbess or an
   officer appointed for the purpose. Once the cause of such a discord or
   disagreement is identified, the Abbot or Abbess shall appoint a test,
   such that the result of the test shall determine the resolution of the
   discord or disagreement by indicating the True Will in the matter,
   which shall be interpreted by the Abbot or Abbess. Once resolved, any
   further discord or disagreement for the same cause shall be considered
   to be a breach of the Vow of Holy Obedience, and punishable by
   penance.
   
    ARTICLE THIRTY-FOUR.
    
   
   
   The entry of the Sun into the signs of the zodiac, the newness and
   fullness of the Moon, the birth and puberty of children, the marriages
   and deaths of members, the quarter days, and the feast days prescribed
   in the Book of the Law shall be observed by rituals and celebrated by
   feasts. In addition, the Abbey of Thelema shall sponsor public
   readings and performances of the works of Aleister Crowley, and such
   other works as the Abbot may authorize.
   
    ARTICLE THIRTY-FIVE.
    
   
   
   The Mass of the Gnostic Catholic Church shall be celebrated every
   Sunday at 12 noon, following the Adoration of the Sun.
   
    ARTICLE THIRTY-SIX.
    
   
   
   Those who do not accept the Law of Thelema may not trespass upon the
   consecrated grounds of the Abbey. Above all entrances to the Abbey the
   motto "DO WHAT THOU WILT" shall be superscribed. Guests and new
   members shall sign the following pledge form immediately upon
   admission to the Abbey: "I do solemnly declare that I accept the Law
   of Thelema, that I will devote myself to discover my True Will, and to
   do it." Those who refuse to sign must be expelled.
   
    ARTICLE THIRTY-SEVEN.
    
   
   
   Members of the Abbey may, by special dispensation of the Abbot or
   Abbess, work in the world on behalf of the Abbey, in which case any or
   all of their duties may be forgiven them, for the duration of their
   absence from the Abbey, without penance.
   
    ARTICLE THIRTY-EIGHT.
    
   
   
   The admission, expulsion, and advancement of members of the Abbey
   shall be at the personal discretion of the Abbot. Penances may be
   exacted by the Abbot at his or her personal discretion, excluding
   corporal punishment. The education of the Abbey's children shall be
   the personal responsibility of the Abbot.
   
    ARTICLE THIRTY-NINE.
    
   
   
   Any member of the Abbey may leave the Abbey without shame simply by
   informing the Abbot of his will, provided he or she is not under any
   penance or shunning at the time.
   
    ARTICLE FORTY.
    
   
   
   Any member of the Abbey who fails to observe the Rule of the Abbey of
   Thelema shall be shunned. The duration of shunning shall be determined
   by the Abbot, according to the severity of the infraction.
   
    ARTICLE FORTY-ONE.
    
   
   
   Any person may establish an Abbey of Thelema in accordance with this
   Rule. Each Abbey shall endeavour to incorporate itself as a religious
   order, in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is
   located, and to establish itself on a sound financial basis. In
   particular, the Abbey shall endeavour to acquire any land or property
   which may become available in its vicinity, in order to enlarge its
   domain. Abbeys shall extend hospitality to each other's members, at
   the discretion of the Abbot.
   
    ARTICLE FORTY-TWO.
    
   
   
   Any Abbot or Abbess who satisfies the criterion of the twenty-one
   tests may confer the instruction, grades, and initiations of the Great
   White Brotherhood, or A.'. A.'., in the name of the A.'. A.'., as an
   Exempt Adept of the A.'. A.'..
   
    ARTICLE FORTY-THREE.
    
   
   
   Any person soever may claim the grade of Master of the Temple by
   taking the oath of the grade, subject to recognition of a recognized
   Master of the Temple of the A.'.A.'..
   
    ARTICLE FORTY-FOUR.
    
   
   
   Each Abbey of Thelema shall be located at a power point based on the
   figure genethhacal for the moment of the advent of the New Aeon. The
   name of the Abbey shall be based on the god names of the Holy Books of
   Thelema and shall be derived from the significant planets for the
   chosen location. If local mythology attests to a regional power point
   the Abbey shall be oriented to that.