Annual Reports/2007 ev

From Sekhet-Maat Lodge

Each common year, Sekhet-Maat Lodge prepares an annual report to the Electoral College. Below is the majority of the substance of that report. Personal and initiatory information has been redacted, and goals from the report have been consolidated and organized at Goals.

See also: Goals for 2007 ev · Goals for 2008 ev · Ecclesiastical Activity statistics

Contents 1 General Information 2 Outreach 3 EGC Activity 4 Initiation Activity 5 Other Activity 6 Membership 7 Facility and Facility Plans 8 Achievements & Goals 9 Order Related 10 Additional Information

General Information

Does your local body have these? (Y/N)

(Y) Financial records

(Y) EIN

(Y) Bank account in body’s name

(Y) Additional savings or other kind of account

(Y) Inventory of body equipment

Were these offices filled for all of last year? (Y/N)

(Y) Master

(Y) Deputy Master

(Y) Treasurer

(Y) Secretary

Do you (the Master) have a successor for Mastership in mind? If so, please indicate that person's name and degree.

No.

Did you hold regular business meetings?

Yes.

If yes, how often?

• Monthly meeting of Executive Committee
• Quarterly meeting of Initiation Committee
• Semi-annual membership meeting
• Other misc. meetings occasionally

Does the body collect local dues and/or fees in addition to standard initiation fees?

Yes

If yes, how much?

$420

How often?

Annual

Total funds collected last year

$16,751.92

Does the body hold fundraisers?

No.

If yes, please describe

See notes below.

How much money did you raise in fundraisers last year?

$0

How much money did you receive in donations last year?

2977.41

Does the body have Temple facilities suitable for E.G.C. Gnostic Mass?

Yes.

Does the body have Temple facilities suitable for M.M.M. initiation rituals?

Yes.

Please describe the facility or facilities you have used for Mass in the last year. Was the venue rented or donated? Please be as detailed as possible.

We rent the temple for $1200 per month.

Please describe the facility or facilities you have used for [Man of Earth Triad] initiations in the last year. Was the venue rented or donated? Please be as detailed as possible.

Our Lodge is rented and has five rooms: a temple, classroom, office, kitchen and bathroom. In addition there are two closets, one locking for initiation equipment and one open for general use. The temple (1000 sq. ft.) is used for Mass and Initiations as well as large events where extra seating is needed. The classroom (750 sq. ft.) is used for teaching classes, facilitating discussion groups, repose for initiation, pre/post socializing at Mass. The office (150 sq. ft.) is used primarily for computer use, communication and for research at the microfilm collection, but also contains all office supplies and a locked box for donations.

Were there other venues used for local body functions? What were they?

Infrequent use of the home of the Deputy and Secretary for business meetings and informal meet-and-greet receptions.

Which of the above venues are covered by liability insurance?

The Lodge is covered; private residence is not.

Please indicate approximately what percentage of local body events took place at each venue you have named.

More than 99% at Lodge

Less than 1% at private residence

Outreach

Does your local body have a website link on the USGL website?

Yes.

Does the body have a contact email that is easily located? (Y/N)

Yes.

Please indicate the approximate date on which that email was last tested for functionality.

Jan 3, 2008 ev

Does the local body publish a journal or newsletter? (Y/N)

Yes.

If yes, name of publication

Lion & Serpent

Frequency of publication

Occasional

Means of distribution

Paper copies to local shops and mailed to members and subscribers; electronic copies to Internet

Is it available at any commercial venues? If so, what are they?

Yes, at Moonshadow, a local occult shop which carries books, statuary, etc.

Was a copy of each print publication sent to the USGL Publications Secretary? (Y/N)

Yes.

Does the body have a library? (Y/N)

Yes.

If yes, where is it located?

At the Lodge.

Who owns the books?

The Lodge.

How many books are in the library?

About 350

Is there a protocol for allowing the public access to the body's library? Explain, if so.

Members of the public are welcome to browse our library in person and to make special arrangements to view the microfilm archive. Only Lodge members and initiate library cardholders are entitled to check out titles in circulation. Our complete Library Policies are available at Library/Policies

How do you ensure that all members of the body are informed about local events?

• Online calendar
• Special events listing
• Initiate announcement group
• Lay affiliates and friends announcement group at amicustempli@yahoogroups.com
• Verbal announcements after every event

EGC Activity

Does the local body have all of the Mass equipment needed for performance of Mass?

Yes.

If not, please explain what is missing

N/A

To whom does the Mass equipment belong?

The Lodge

Number of EGC Masses performed last year

64

Number of Baptisms

6

Number of Confirmations

4

How many body members acted in the following Mass roles last year?

• Priest: 6
• Priestess: 7
• Deacon: 10
• Children: 13

Of these, how many are ordained?

• Priest: 5
• Priestess: 4
• Deacon: 5

Initiation Activity

Number of active initiators in the body

6

Are there initiators from other local bodies who regularly initiate for your body? (Y/N)

No.

If yes, how many?

N/A

Please list the names and local body affiliations of your chartered initiators.

[Redacted]

How much of the requisite equipment do you have in order to perform each of these degrees?

[All needed equipment for all Man of Earth Triad Degrees]

Is there any initiation equipment that the local body uses that does not belong to the body? Explain.

N

How many initiations were performed last year?

• Minerval: 6
• First: 4
• Second: 5
• Third: 4
• Fourth: 2
• PI: 2
• Total initiations: 23

Were any of these performed cooperatively with another local body? Explain.

No.

How many people traveled to take initiation with the body last year?

2

Other Activity

How many classes, lectures, or discussion groups did the body host last year?

114

Please list up to 15 of the topics covered

Certified Initiator Training; Advanced Initiator Training; Magickal Peer Review; Study Groups for each of the MoE degrees; Astrology 6-part series; Yoga (professional grade instruction); Qi Gong; Enochian Watchtowers; Star Sapphire; The Collects; De Lege Libellum; Centers of Pestilence (Liber AL Study and Discussion); Self-Initiation Forum; Chinese Cosmology and the Unicursal Hexagram

How many seasonal rituals, holy day celebrations, Rites of Eleusis, or other rituals did the body celebrate last year?

13

Please briefly describe some of these other rituals

• Thelemic Holy Season Devotionals: 22 days of morning meditations and readings from the holy books corresponding to the 22 paths on the Tree of Life.
• Three Days: Each day consisted of a short invocation followed by a recitation of the chapter with feasting and fellowship afterwards.
• Equinox in Aries: Ritual invocation of Aries via Israfel & 963
• Walpurgis Night: Spirit feast ritual involving live music, butoh dancers. Temple was left open for the entire night for communion with the spirits and banished the next day.
• Solstice in Leo: Musical invocation of the Sun in Cancer
• Rite of Venus: Hosted by SML, performance by the Eleusyve players
• 777 ritual: "Marriage of Babalon and Lucifer" June 7, 2007 e.v.
• Equinox in Libra: A night in the kaaba, invocation of Thoth and oration of the introduction from De Lege Libellum
• Last Night in Troy: A dramatic divinatory ritual centered around Cassandra and the City of Troy.
• Kephale O - Solstice in Capricorn: Celebration with a full night in the temple of silent meditation and vigil for the Sun's return followed by a morning climb to Mt. Tabor with an invocation of the Sun and morning Resh. Second day involved a invocation and midnight mass for all involved.

What element of the body's activity do you take particular pride in?

I am very proud of our members. Time and again, the members of Sekhet-Maat Lodge have shown that they are more than capable to do all that is necessary in the work of the Order. In 2007 e.v., the members of Sekhet-Maat Lodge increased their contributions substantially for the purpose of attaining self-sufficiency. In spite of the fact that our rent went up over 15% early in the year, the members stepped up to the plate and more than made up for this. In 2006 e.v., our ratio of dues to regular expenses hovered near 70%. This year, even with the increase in rent, that ratio skyrocketed up to about 97%, enabling us to divert income from other sources into significant improvements, not only to our furniture and equipment but also to our programs and services.

Some of the improvements that we made in 2007 e.v. include:

• [Redacted Minerval equipment upgrade]
• [Redacted I° equipment upgrade]
• [Redacted III° equipment upgrade]
• We have improved the look of our exterior, by removing boards in the windows and replacing it with a blue drape. This incidentally also seems to have had a positive impact on our power and gas consumption.
• We painted our temple room walls red. See Interior Painting 2007 ev for photos.
• We implemented a new Gnostic Mass veil structure which is more stable, quieter, and better looking.
• We opened a pass-through from the kitchen to the temple, and added new shelving in the kitchen. All was covered in green formica to match our existing countertops.
• We acquired a font to replace the small altar previously used, to be in closer compliance with the rubric.
• We established a “rainy day” fund with a starting balance of $1000, to be used as necessary should we be required by circumstance to move to a new location.
• We increased the number of classes offered, from 97 in 2006 e.v. to 114 in 2007 e.v.
• We offered six degree-related classes, based upon the materials in the USGL study guides, in addition to our regular offering of walk-throughs of each degree.
• We offered many more hands-on workshops this year.
• We have developed an Advanced Initiator Training program which has been offered twice in 2007 e.v.
• We cataloged our entire library and published this on our website.

Is there something that this body does that other bodies may benefit from learning about? If so, please describe

We have many years of experience coordinating educational and celebratory events which bring in additional funding. Also we feel that we have perfected a formula to ensure stable financial growth through broad-based contribution by members.

Membership

How many local body members are there right now?

44

What is the average number of members over the past year?

44

Please describe the metric you use to define membership

Membership is defined here as all initiate members, initiate affiliates, and lay affiliates who have signed agreement to our bylaws and standing rules. For more information, see our bylaws at Bylaws and standing rules at Standing Rules.

On average, how many people attended

• Gnostic Mass:

Avg. 10 attendees per Mass

Avg. 1.155 new attendees per Mass (67 newbies total)

• An average class: 5-7
• An average seasonal ritual: 25-30

Approximately how many OTO initiates from other areas attended local body events?

20

Approximately how many non-OTO EGC members attended events?

2

Approximately how many people who are neither OTO nor EGC members attended events?

150

Do body members regularly attend events at another local body in your area? If so, which body(ies)?

No.

Facility and Facility Plans

Does your local body hold activities in a private residence? If so, please describe.

Business meetings and informal meet-and-greet receptions are held infrequently at a private residence.

Is this facility directly connected to a residence?

No.

Is this facility on the same physical property as a private residence?

No.

Is this facility part of a commercial business or other non OTO entity?

No.

Is the facility used for purposes other than OTO events?

Yes.

If yes, describe

Occasionally, the facility is used by members for private rehearsal, ritual practice, or private group events such as weddings. On rare occasions, the facility is rented to other groups on a per diem basis.

In whose name is the facility rented, leased or owned?

The Lodge

Does the body have a contingency plan in the event that the body were to lose its facility? If so, please explain

Yes. In 2007 ev, we established a "Rainy Day" fund to assist with moving expenses should the need arise.

How is the facility paid for?

Membership dues and pledges pay for 97% of the regular rent, utilities, and consumables expenses.

Which of the following does the facility have, independent of and separate from a residence, business, or other venue?

Please "X" all that apply:

• (X) Entrance from the street
• (X) Bathroom
• (X) Temple
• (X) Meeting or Classroom
• (X) Initiation Repose Rooms
• (X) Kitchen
• (X) Other
• If "Other", please explain: Sacristy

What is the approximate square footage of the facility?

2000

Is the facility under OTO regulations at all times, or only during OTO events?

At all times.

Achievements & Goals

See: Goals/2007 ev and Goals/2008 ev

Order Related

How do you keep up with Order regulations and policy changes?

Kaaba yahoogroup and direct communication

Do you proactively contact the EC, Grand Lodge Officers, or other responsible officers if you have questions regarding policy? (Y/N)

Y

Please indicate the revision year of the following documents in your possession, or write "Don't have" if you don't have them

• The Camp, Oasis and Lodge Master's Handbook: October, 2001 e.v.
• The EGC Manual: August 15, 2004 e.v.
• Bylaws of OTO USA: April 19, 2003 e.v.

Do you have a Mentor? (Y/N)

Y

If no, would you like one?

N/A

Additional Information

Regarding dues amount: Reported dues amount is a baseline. Pledgers contribute more and some undergoing temporary financial hardship contribute less. Reported "total funds collected" reflects income from dues and pledges only.

Regarding "fundraisers" (a term that is not defined herein): we have in the past treated any event which incidentally raised funds as a "fundraiser," but in reality none of our events this year have been held with the explicit purpose of raising funds. For all the events that have raised funds through event fees, vending, and alcohol sales, fundraising was only a side-benefit and an expendable one since our regular expenses are paid with dues. The primary purpose of events has in all cases been either educational or celebratory, or both. Therefore we have reported here that we do not hold "fundraisers" and that we have not raised any money at "fundraisers," but we did raise a substantial amount of money incidentally through sales and fees at our educational and celebratory events. After expenses, this amount is $3663.76. Furthermore, the funds raised in this manner are prohibited (by the Master) from being used to pay rent, monthly bills, or consumables expenses; all these are covered by dues and pledges almost exclusively (about 3% were paid with misc. donations).

Regarding average number of members through the years: we do not calculate number of members on a monthly basis. Every member is a member indefinitely, until they terminate their membership or it is terminated for lack of payment. Most choose to pay on a monthly basis but many choose to pay quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, and sometimes people fall behind for a time. We do not consider such fluctuations to have any effect on our total number of members. Instead, membership numbers change when someone terminates, or we have a new initiate. So an "average" in this context does not make sense to us and we're not sure how we could calculate such a thing.

Feedback: The section on goals seems incoherent and meaningless to us. For example, we are to mark "G" for ongoing tasks as well as thus-far-unachieved goals, thereby creating significant ambiguity about whether a given goal is a new project, or if it is something we have done for years. Also, many of our actual goals do not really fit into the question set you have provided. We have answered the questions to the best of our abilities, but to see our real strategy for 2008, please see: Goals/2008_ev

Feedback: Dramatic Ritual is the most challenging of the three forms of Ceremonial Magick as explained by AC in Chapter I of MTP. Therefore no need to differentiate as in "magical/dramatic".

Feedback: With respect to the term “outreach,” nothing is out of reach. We use the term “promulgation,” which we feel more appropriately reflects and upholds the mission and policies of O.T.O.