(Over 25 Years Of) History

Thelesis was first conceived at the Equinox ritual meeting at Tahuti Lodge in NYC on Wednesday, the 22nd of March 1995 e.v. The Body was founded one cold winter’s night – Friday, the 12th of January 1996 e.v. in the Valley of Philadelphia. The Encampment was soon chartered as an official Body of the Order on the Vernal Equinox, 1996 e.v. which was celebrated by the performance of the Great Rite of Ra Hoor Khu-it at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. Thelesis was granted an Oasis Charter by the Electoral College of the OTO in October 2005 and its Lodge Charter April 2008.

In May of 2007, our Body was privileged to be the first to host Brother David Shoemaker’s workshop The Psychological Implications of O.T.O. Initiations. This workshop grew out of a conversation between Brother David and Soror Amy W. after a Pastoral Counseling Workshop hosted by Tahuti Lodge.

KabbaIn May of 2008, Thelesis hosted a Kaaba Colloquium.

Earlier in 2008, Thelesis hosted Certified Initiator’s Training workshop overseen by Tau Roncellin. In addition, our Lodge has been collaborating with the local artist community and held concerts by regional musicians and even hosted the record release party for international recording artists Fern Knight, whose members often provide musical accompaniment at our Gnostic Masses.

In 2008, we were granted Lodge status, under the mentorship of Tau Roncellin.

Behutet Magazine Issue 50We are proud to announce that 2009 marked our 10th anniversary of publishing the magazine “Behutet”, which comes out quarterly; The magazine is devoted to “Thelemic Magick & Culture” and features thought provoking contributions from writers from around the world, works of serious scholarship as well as more entertaining pieces.  Click here to view the Behutet Magazine Website.

In the Summer of 2009 two of our members conceived of the Thelema, NOW! podcast and continue to produce monthly episodes, hosted at the U.S. Grand Lodge site.

In the Fall of 2012, Thelesis was re-chartered as Thelesis Oasis and installed a new bodymaster. We thank our original bodymaster for over 10 years of service!

In 2013 Thelesis hosted Initiator Training and Advanced Initiator training workshops, as well as a Pastoral Counseling workshop.

2018 saw Thelesis host a meeting of the Electorial College.

Thelesis was granted a Lodge Charter by the Electoral College of the OTO in January of 2023.

Our regular activities include having our ordained clergy perform Gnostic Mass at least twice per month as well as a variety of group rituals, workshops, lectures and classes.

Please check out the calendar for events and join our Facebook group