...thus we gather up all the threads of human passion and interest, and weave them into an harmonious tapestry, subtly and diligently with great art, that our Order may seem an ornament even to the Stars that are in the Heavens at Night. In our rainbow-coloured texture we set forth the glory of the whole Universe -- See thou to it, brother Magician, that thine own thread be strong, and pure, and of a colour brilliant in itself, yet ready to mingle in all beauty with those of thy brethren!
-- Aleister Crowley, Liber CXCIV: An Intimation with Reference to the Constitution of the Order
Thelemic Symposium is a panel discussion and question/answer session engaging the considerable experience and knowledge of three long-time Thelemites. We are proud to present this, the third annual Symposium, featuring panelists Kjetil Fjell, Bonnie Henerson-Winnie, and James Wasserman.
Kjetil Fjell comes to Portland from Trondheim, Norway, where he has been active in the OTO for the last ten years. Known for his Thelemic scholarship and research, Kjetil also pursues active interests in art, politics, philosophy and psychology. ( more... )
Bonnie Henderson-Winnie is the founding Past Master of Sekhet-Maat Lodge, an artist in many media, a prolific ritualist, and has worked in opera, theatre, dance, and film for nearly a decade. ( more... )
James Wasserman has played a key role in numerous seminal publications of the Crowley literary corpus. He is also the author of Art & Symbols of the Occult and The Templars and the Assassins, and will release his new book at the reception following this Symposium. ( more... )
The Symposium will begin with the panelists introducing themselves by way of biographical and/or editorial commentary explaining their perspective on Thelema and how they came to embrace it.
After the introduction, each panelist will answer the following three questions. They have had time to prepare answers to these questions, and they may at their option discuss each others' answers during this portion of the Symposium.
What practices do you employ to keep your focus on Thelemic principles in a culture so immersed in codependency and consumerism?
Thelema has experienced one hundred years of growth. How would you express your vision of the Law of Thelema integrating with individuals, groups and society over the next two hundred years?
How does the Tunis Comment support or hinder development toward the ideal expressed in the motto of the A.'.A.'. - The Method of Science, The Aim of Religion?
Following the "prepared answer" section, the audience will have an opportunity to pose questions to the panelists.
Finally, the Symposium will dissolve into a wine and hors d'oeuvre reception (see below).
