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{{Infobox organization
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|abbreviation = IOT
|abbreviation = IOT
|motto =
|motto =
|formation = 1987
|formation = 1978
|key_people = [[Peter J. Carroll]]<br />[[Ray Sherwin]]
|key_people = [[Peter J. Carroll]]<br />[[Ray Sherwin]]
|purpose = [[Chaos magic]] society
|purpose = [[Chaos magic]] society
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|remarks =
}}
}}
The '''Illuminates of Thanateros''' is an international [[Magic (paranormal)|magical]] organization focusing on practical group work in [[chaos magic]]. The idea was first announced in 1978, while the order proper was formed in 1987. This [[fraternity|fraternal]] magical society has been an important influence on some forms of modern [[occultism]].
The '''Illuminates of Thanateros''' is an international [[Magic (paranormal)|magical]] organization founded in 1978, focusing on practical group work in [[chaos magic]]. This [[fraternity|fraternal]] magical society has been an important influence on some forms of modern [[occultism]].


== Name ==
== Name ==
"Thanateros" is a portmanteau of [[Thanatos]] and [[Eros]] — Greek gods of death and sex (respectively). The idea is that sex and death represent the positive and negative methods of attaining "magical consciousness".<ref name="libernull">{{cite book |title=Liber Null & Psychonaut |year=1987 |isbn=0877286396 |author=[[Peter J. Carroll]]}}</ref> The word "Illuminates" is used in accordance with the claimed tradition of calling such societies — in which those who have mastered the secrets of magic help bring others to mastership — "the [[Illuminati]]".<ref name="libernull" />
"Thanateros" is a portmanteau of [[Thanatos]] and [[Eros]] — Greek gods of death and sex (respectively). The idea is that sex and death represent the positive and negative methods of attaining "magical consciousness".<ref name="libernull">{{cite book |title=Liber Null & Psychonaut |year=1987 |isbn=0877286396 |author=[[Peter J. Carroll]]}}</ref> The word "Illuminates" is used in accordance with the claimed tradition of calling such societies — in which those who have mastered the secrets of magic help bring others to mastership — "the [[Illuminati]]".<ref name="libernull" />

Its formal name is The Magical Pact of the Illuminates of Thanateros,<ref name=greer>{{cite book |title=The New Encyclopedia of The Occult |author=[[John Michael Greer|Greer, John Michael]] |page=240 |publisher=[[Llewellyn Worldwide]] |year=2003 |isbn=1567183360}}</ref><ref name=thebook>[http://www.iot.org.uk/pdf/the_book_english.pdf ''The Book: The Secrets of the Illuminates of Thanateros'']. 2002.</ref>{{rp|12}} which is usually shortened to "the Pact".<ref name=thebook />{{rp|5}}


== History ==
== History ==
=== Early ===
=== Early ===
In the late 1970s, [[Ray Sherwin]] and [[Peter J. Carroll|Peter Carroll]], two young [[United Kingdom|British]] occultists with a strong interest in [[ritual magic]], began to publish a magazine called ''[[The New Equinox]]''. Both were connected with a burgeoning occult scene developing around a metaphysical bookstore in [[London]]'s [[East End of London|East End]] called The Phoenix. Both men quickly became dissatisfied with the state of the Magical Arts and the deficiencies they saw in the available occult groups. So in 1978 they published a small announcement in their magazine proclaiming the creation of a new kind of magical order, one based on a hierarchy of magical ability rather than invitation, a magical [[meritocracy]]. They described it as a "spiritual heir" to the [[Zos Kia Cultus]] and a "fusion of [[Thelema|Thelemic]] Magick, [[Tantra]], The Sorceries of Zos and [[Tao]]".<ref>''[[The New Equinox]]'', 1978</ref>
In the late 1970s, [[Ray Sherwin]] and [[Peter J. Carroll|Peter Carroll]], two young [[United Kingdom|British]] occultists with a strong interest in [[ritual magic]], began to publish a magazine called ''[[The New Equinox]]''. Both were connected with a burgeoning occult scene developing around a metaphysical bookstore in [[London]]'s [[East End of London|East End]] called The Phoenix. According to themselves, both men quickly became dissatisfied with the state of the Magical Arts and the deficiencies they saw in the available occult groups. So in 1978 they published a small announcement in their magazine proclaiming the creation of a new kind of magical order, one based on a hierarchy of magical ability rather than invitation, a magical [[meritocracy]]. It was to incorporate elements of [[Thelema]], [[Zos Kia Cultus]], [[shamanism]], [[tantra]] and [[Taoism]].<ref>Pete Carroll, Ray Sherwin. ''The New Equinox''. Morton Press, Yorkshire.</ref>{{nonspecific|date=December 2011}}


Carroll and Sherwin began to publish private monographs detailing their system of magical practice, some of which had been articles in ''The New Equinox'', others intended as instruction to members of their order. The new style of magic they introduced, focusing on practical skills as opposed to metaphysical systems, became known as [[chaos magic]]. In the 1980s they began to attract a following in [[England]], [[Germany]] and [[Austria]], including influential occult writers and practitioners.
Carroll and Sherwin began to publish private monographs detailing their system of magical practice, some of which had been articles in ''The New Equinox'', others intended as instruction to members of their order. The new style of magic they introduced, focusing on practical skills as opposed to metaphysical systems, became known as [[chaos magic]]. In the 1980s they began to attract a following in [[England]], [[Germany]] and [[Austria]], including influential occult writers and practitioners.


Before the [[Eighties]] were over, Sherwin resigned in protest that the IOT was beginning to resemble the hierarchical orders that were once anathema to the concept of the group.{{cn|date=December 2011}} Carroll carried on and made the IOT known to occultists around the world largely through his books ''Liber Null'' and ''Psychonaut''.
In 1980, Peter Carroll and Frater Vegtan formed The Church of Chaos in [[Sydney]], [[Australia]]. It was, in style, what the IOT would become. The group was active for six months.<ref name=thebook />{{rp|6}} In 1984 The Circle of Chaos was formed, but began to fragment after three years.<ref name=thebook />{{rp|7}} In 1986 Carroll and [[Ralph Tegtmeier]] (Frater U.D.) jointly ran a public seminar, some time after which there was made a decision to form a new magical order. The formation of The Pact was announced in August 1987.<ref name=thebook />{{rp|7}}

In late 1980s, Sherwin resigned in protest that the IOT was beginning to resemble the hierarchical orders that were once anathema to the concept of the group.<ref>[[Jaq D. Hawkins|Hawkins, Jaq D.]]. [http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/chaos/chaosdef.htm "Defining chaos"].</ref>


===Crisis===
===Crisis===
In the early 1990s the order experienced a [[Schism (religion)|schism]] as a result of conflicts about the practice of "Ice Magic",<ref>{{cite book |title=The Blood of the Saints |author=[[Alan Chapman{{!}}Chapman, Alan]] |coauthors=[[Duncan Barford{{!}}Barford, Duncan]] |publisher=Heptarchia Press |year=2009 |isbn=0956332102 |page=284–285}}</ref> one of the proponents of which was Frater U.D.<ref name=icewar>{{cite web |title=The Ice War |url=http://www.philhine.org.uk/writings/ess_icewar.html |author=Peter J. Carroll ("Stokastikos") |publisher=''[[Chaos International]]'' 23}}</ref> Frater U.D. and a few others were [[excommunication|excommunicated]].<ref name=icewar /> Many German members left the order.<ref>Mayer, Gerhard (2008). ''Arkane Welten: Biografien, Erfahrungen und Praktiken zeitgenössischer Magier''. Ergon Verlag. ISBN 978-3-89913-618-0</ref>
In 1990 and 1991 the group experienced what was called the ''Ice Magick Wars'' around differences between other prominent members and [[Ralph Tegtmeier]]. Many German members left the group.<ref>Mayer, Gerhard (2008). ''Arkane Welten: Biografien, Erfahrungen und Praktiken zeitgenössischer Magier''. Ergon Verlag. ISBN 978-3-89913-618-0</ref>

Numerous persons who were associated with the IOT during the 1980s disliked the increasingly draconian and un-chaotic Pact policies and dogmatic pronouncements at the close of the decade. A substantial portion of these disgruntled became members of non-affiliated chaos magic groups, such as the Z(Cluster), KIA, Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth, and Black Hole Sun. Others kept their IOT membership, while choosing to remain outside Pact.


After publishing ''Liber Kaos'' Carroll retired from active participation in the order, though remains on good terms with many of the longstanding members.<ref>{{cite web |title=Message 0 |url=http://specularium.org/index.php?option=com_blog&view=comments&pid=5&Itemid=137 |author=Carroll, Peter J. |date=Dec 16, 2010}}</ref>
Shortly after, Carroll published ''Liber Kaos'' and retired from active participation in the Pact. He explicitly stated this was not a consequence of disagreement with the state of the Pact but a matter of his personal development. He remains committed to the IOT.


===Today===
===Today===
The Pact remains active as of 2012, as well as numerous reformed chaos temples.
⚫
The order and several of its temples worldwide remain active as of 2012. The IOT has acquired a less outspoken leadership, out of a desire to creating the ideal zone of privacy and creativity. Although most of what has occurred within the IOT is a matter of confidentiality, numerous changes have been put in place, in an attempt to preclude the mistakes of the past. The order also replaced the former charter ''Liber Pactionis'' with ''The Book'', which gives another viewpoint of the path that some consider more realistic.<ref name=thebook />{{rp|9}}

Although temples do not generally advertise their existence, at least one each in Baltimore<ref name="IOT North America: Links">[http://iota.goetia.net/links.php IOT North America: Links]</ref> and Milwaukee<ref name="IOT North America: Links"/> currently do. The IOT is also active in [[Illuminates of Thanateros#External links|a number of other countries]].

⚫
The Pact of the IOT has acquired a less outspoken leadership, out of a desire to creating the ideal zone of privacy and creativity. Although most of what has occurred within the IOT is a matter of confidentiality, numerous changes have been put in place, in an attempt to preclude the mistakes of the past. The Pact also replaced the former charter ''Liber Pactionis'' with ''The Book'', which gives another viewpoint of the path that some consider more realistic.<ref name="iota.goetia.net">[http://iota.goetia.net/files/the_book_english.pdf The Book: The Secrets of the Illuminates of Thanateros]</ref>


== Structure ==
== Structure ==
The order organizes itself along the somewhat "traditional" lines of a fraternal occult order, with initiations into progressive degrees denoting magickal skill, administrative responsibility and leadership within the group. It is notable that unlike other occult societies with a degree system, the order rewards progression in degree with hardly any privileges, but "punishes" it with added duties and responsibilities.
The Pact organizes itself along the somewhat "traditional" lines of a fraternal occult order, with initiations into progressive degrees denoting magickal skill, administrative responsibility and leadership within the group. It is notable that unlike other occult societies with a degree system, the Pact rewards progression in degree with hardly any privileges, but "punishes" it with added duties and responsibilities.


{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align:left"
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align:left"
|+'''Degree structure of the IOT'''<ref name=thebook />{{rp|14}}
|+'''Degree structure of the IOT'''<ref name="iota.goetia.net"/>
|-
|-
| '''No.''' || '''Title''' || '''Description'''
| '''No.''' || '''Title''' || '''Description'''
Line 61: Line 64:
There is a "side-degree" called ''Priest/Priestess of Chaos'' that involves social and magical service to others, including outside the IOT. It may be undertaken as an addition to the 3°; all holders of the 2° and 1° are expected to be able to fill the role. There are also two special degrees, ''0°=5°'' and ''Elder'' for 2° and 1° members who retire from their duties, described as identical to the 3° and retirement respectively.
There is a "side-degree" called ''Priest/Priestess of Chaos'' that involves social and magical service to others, including outside the IOT. It may be undertaken as an addition to the 3°; all holders of the 2° and 1° are expected to be able to fill the role. There are also two special degrees, ''0°=5°'' and ''Elder'' for 2° and 1° members who retire from their duties, described as identical to the 3° and retirement respectively.


There also are several offices which may be taken, most notably including the ''Insubordinate'', a low-ranking (4° or 3°) member who ideally is to be informed about all work of a high-ranking member he or she is assigned to, and charged to criticize and ridicule it, channel feedback from others concerning it, and will veto it if necessary. Every Adept, Magus, and Magister Templi (leader of a Temple) has an Insubordinate.<ref name=thebook />{{rp|20}}
There also are several offices which may be taken, most notably including the ''Insubordinate'', a low-ranking (4° or 3°) member who ideally is to be informed about all work of a high-ranking member he or she is assigned to, and charged to criticize and ridicule it, channel feedback from others concerning it, and will veto it if necessary. Every Adept, Magus, and Magister Templi (leader of a Temple) has an Insubordinate.<ref name="iota.goetia.net"/>


The IOT does not charge membership or [[initiation]] fees. This is a difference from many other international magical orders, and indeed from most fraternal organizations. Unlike such groups as the [[Ordo Templi Orientis|OTO]] or various offshoots of the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], the IOT is a non-incorporated society, rather than a legal entity or non-profit corporation.
The IOT does not charge membership or [[initiation]] fees. This is a difference from many other international magical orders, and indeed from most fraternal organizations. Unlike such groups as the [[Ordo Templi Orientis|OTO]] or various offshoots of the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], the IOT is a non-incorporated society, rather than a legal entity or non-profit corporation.


Members are obliged to [[Confidentiality|keep silent on internal affairs and the identities of their fellows]]. The latter rule does not seem to apply to deceased persons, as it is not a secret [[William S. Burroughs]],<ref>Grant, Douglas. [http://www.ashejournal.com/index.php?id=166 Magick and Photography, Douglas Grant, ''Ashé Journal'' 2(3 Magick and Photography] in ''Ashé: Journal of Experimental Spirituality'', vol. 2, no. 3</ref> [[Timothy Leary]],<ref name="Shekinah">Fäustchen, Frater. "Für und wider Magie und Liber MMM"] in [http://www.roterdrache.org/shekinah_1.html Shekinah] no. 1. ISBN 978-3-939459-11-8.</ref> and [[Robert Anton Wilson]]<ref name="Shekinah"/> have been members.
Members are obliged to [[Confidentiality|keep silent on internal affairs and the identities of their fellows]]. The latter rule does not seem to apply to deceased persons{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}}, as it is not a secret [[William S. Burroughs]],<ref>Grant, Douglas. [http://www.ashejournal.com/index.php?id=166 Magick and Photography, Douglas Grant, ''Ashé Journal'' 2(3 Magick and Photography] in ''Ashé: Journal of Experimental Spirituality'', vol. 2, no. 3</ref> [[Timothy Leary]],<ref name="Shekinah">Fäustchen, Frater. "Für und wider Magie und Liber MMM"] in [http://www.roterdrache.org/shekinah_1.html Shekinah] no. 1. ISBN 978-3-939459-11-8.</ref> and [[Robert Anton Wilson]]<ref name="Shekinah"/> have been members.


The order consists mostly of largely autonomous Temples<ref>[http://www.iot.org.uk/pages/chaosmagic.html IOT British Isles: Chaos Magic and the IOT]</ref> arranged into autonomous geographical Sections or Satrapies, e.g. [[Austria]], [[United Kingdom]], [[USA]], [[Germany]], [[Brazil]] etc. The individual temples exchange results and inspirations through newsletters, magazines, e-mails, inter-temple visits and the annual Pact meeting.<ref>[http://iota.thanateros.org/about.php IOT North America – About]</ref>
The Pact consists mostly of largely autonomous Temples<ref>[http://www.iot.org.uk/pages/chaosmagic.html IOT British Isles: Chaos Magic and the IOT]</ref> arranged into autonomous geographical Sections or Satrapies, i.e. [[Austria]], [[United Kingdom]], [[USA]], [[Germany]], [[Brazil]] etc.


==Relation to the occult subculture==
==Relation to the occult subculture==
{{quote|Magic will not free itself from occultism until we have strangled the last astrologer with the guts of the last spiritual master.|Pete Carroll<ref>Carroll, Peter. ''Psybermagick'', p. 46</ref>}}
{{quote|Magic will not be free from occultism until we have strangled the last astrologer with the entrails of the last spiritual master.|Pete Carroll<ref>Psybermagick</ref>{{pn|date=November 2011}}}}
Chaos magicians have frequently reacted to more traditional, [[Neopaganism|religious]] or [[Occultism|occult]] approaches to magic with scorn or derision. This applies in particular to the IOT, which has been described by [[Phil Hine]] as "the Order for 'serious' Chaos Magicians in the same way that the OTO exists for 'serious' Thelemites."<ref>[[Phil Hine|Hine, Phil]]. ''[http://www.textfiles.com/occult/ERIS/cc.txt Condensed Chaos: An Introduction to Chaos Magic]''. New Falcon Publications. ISBN 1-56184-117-X</ref> The view that occultism is rife with superstitions and needs to be reformed or replaced by a bolder and more critical approach to magic has been prominent in programmatic texts from early on.<ref>[http://www.philhine.org.uk/writings/ess_mach.html Peter J. Carroll: The Magic of Chaos]</ref> Still the IOT is commonly understood by outsiders to be an occult<ref>Greer, John Michael (2003). [http://books.google.de/books?id=xAmMNnJlfnoC&pg=PA240&dq=Illuminaten+von+Thanateros The New Encyclopedia of the Occult]. Llewellyn Worldwide. ISBN 1-56718-336-0</ref> or neoshamanic<ref>Gallagher, Eugene V, Ashcraft, W Michael (2006). [http://books.google.de/books?id=oZiScvbS6-cC&pg=RA2-PA102&dq=Illuminates+von+Thanateros Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America]. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 0-27598-712-4</ref> organization.
Chaos magicians have frequently reacted to more traditional, [[Neopaganism|religious]] or [[Occultism|occult]] approaches to magic with scorn or derision. This applies in particular to the IOT, which has been described by [[Phil Hine]] as "the Order for 'serious' Chaos Magicians in the same way that the OTO exists for 'serious' [[Thelema|Thelemites]]."<ref>[[Phil Hine|Hine, Phil]]. ''[http://www.textfiles.com/occult/ERIS/cc.txt Condensed Chaos: An Introduction to Chaos Magic]''. New Falcon Publications. ISBN 1-56184-117-X</ref> The view that occultism is rife with superstitions and needs to be reformed or replaced by a bolder and more critical approach to magic has been prominent in programmatic texts from early on.<ref>[http://www.philhine.org.uk/writings/ess_mach.html Peter J. Carroll: The Magic of Chaos]</ref> The IOT has issued statements that profess a degree of [[elitism]].<ref>[http://www.iot.org.uk/pages/libermmm.html IOT British Isles: Liber MMM and the Novice]</ref><ref>[http://iota.goetia.net/initiation.php IOT North America: Initiation]</ref> Still the IOT is commonly understood by outsiders to be an occult<ref>Greer, John Michael (2003). [http://books.google.de/books?id=xAmMNnJlfnoC&pg=PA240&dq=Illuminaten+von+Thanateros The New Encyclopedia of the Occult]. Llewellyn Worldwide. ISBN 1-56718-336-0</ref> or neoshamanic<ref>Gallagher, Eugene V, Ashcraft, W Michael (2006). [http://books.google.de/books?id=oZiScvbS6-cC&pg=RA2-PA102&dq=Illuminates+von+Thanateros Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America]. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 0-27598-712-4</ref> organization.


The group has a comparatively difficult application procedure and appears to reject a great majority of applicants.{{cn|date=January 2012}} However, chaos magic has long spread beyond the IOT as evidenced by the large community of practitioners throughout the world. IOT members such as [[Ramsey Dukes]], Dave Lee, Julian Vayne and many others continue to produce a large part of the literature available as regards chaos magic. Other sources of chaos magic literature include [[Kenneth Grant]] and [[Jaq D. Hawkins]].
The Pact claims to be involved in continuous magical research<ref name="iota.goetia.net"/> but appears hesitant to let others participate in the process. The group has a comparatively difficult application procedure and appears to reject a great majority of applicants. However, chaos magic has long spread beyond the IOT as evidenced by the large community of practitioners throughout the world. IOT members such as [[Ramsey Dukes]], Dave Lee, Julian Vayne and many others continue to produce a large part of the literature available as regards chaos magic. Other sources of chaos magic literature include [[Kenneth Grant]] and [[Jaq D. Hawkins]].


The presence of [[hierarchy]] in the IOT has been the cause of a lot of dispute around it in the chaos magic scene. Opposers think the concept is un-chaotic and limiting to individual members, while defenders believe the tradeoff in chaoism allows for much more effective group work, especially on an international scale.{{cn|date=January 2012}}
The presence of [[hierarchy]] in the IOT has been the cause of a lot of dispute around it in the chaos magic scene. Opposers think the concept is un-chaotic and limiting to individual members, while defenders believe the tradeoff in chaoism allows for much more effective group work, especially on an international scale. Many chaos magical practitioners prefer to work in unique settings devoid of any structure at all.{{cn|date=November 2011}}


While little activity of the IOT is visible to the outside public, the order has held annual open seminars for nearly two decades.<ref>[http://ekstasis.info/ EKSTASIS!]</ref>{{not in source|date=December 2011}} Many [[:Category:Chaos magicians|notable chaos magicians]] have been speakers there.
While little activity of the IOT is visible to the outside public, the order has held annual open seminars for nearly two decades.<ref>[http://ekstasis.info/ EKSTASIS!]</ref>{{not in source|date=December 2011}} Many [[:Category:Chaos magicians|notable chaos magicians]] have been speakers there.
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}

==Sources==
===Third party===
* Evans, Dave (2007). ''The History of British Magic After Crowley''. Hidden Publishing. ISBN 0-95552-370-2
* Greer, John Michael (2003). [http://books.google.de/books?id=xAmMNnJlfnoC&pg=PA240&dq=Illuminaten+von+Thanateros The New Encyclopedia of the Occult]. Llewellyn Worldwide. ISBN 1-56718-336-0
* Gallagher, Eugene V, Ashcraft, W Michael (2006). [http://books.google.de/books?id=oZiScvbS6-cC&pg=RA2-PA102&dq=Illuminates+von+Thanateros Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America]. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 0-27598-712-4

===Primary===
* [[Peter Carroll|Carroll, Peter]] (1987). ''Liber Null & Psychonaut''. Weiser Books. ISBN 0-87728-639-6
* [[Peter Carroll|Carroll, Peter]] (1992). ''Liber Kaos''. Weiser Books. ISBN 0-87728-742-2
* [[Phil Hine|Hine, Phil]] (1993). ''Prime Chaos''. New Falcon Publications. ISBN 1-56184-137-4
* [[Phil Hine|Hine, Phil]] (1995). ''Condensed Chaos''. New Falcon Publications. ISBN 1-56184-117-X
* Frater .717. (1992). ''Handbuch der Chaopsmagie''. Bohmeier Verlag. ISBN 978-3-89094-257-5
* Illuminates of Thanateros. [http://www.iot.org.uk/pdf/the_book_english.pdf The Book (English)] (charta and history)
* Illuminates of Thanateros. [http://www.717.info/iot/the_book/index.htm The Book (English and German)] (charta and history)


==External links==
==External links==
Line 90: Line 108:


{{DEFAULTSORT:Illuminates Of Thanateros}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Illuminates Of Thanateros}}
[[Category:Organizations established in 1987]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1978]]
[[Category:Chaos magic]]
[[Category:Chaos magic]]
[[Category:Magical organizations]]
[[Category:Magical organizations]]

Revision as of 19:17, 6 April 2012

Illuminates of Thanateros
AbbreviationIOT
Formation1978
PurposeChaos magic society
Region served
Australia, Austria, Brazil, British Isles, Bulgaria, Germany, North America, South America, Switzerland[1]
Key people
Peter J. Carroll
Ray Sherwin
Websitewww.iot.org.uk
iota.thanateros.org

The Illuminates of Thanateros is an international magical organization founded in 1978, focusing on practical group work in chaos magic. This fraternal magical society has been an important influence on some forms of modern occultism.

Name

"Thanateros" is a portmanteau of Thanatos and Eros — Greek gods of death and sex (respectively). The idea is that sex and death represent the positive and negative methods of attaining "magical consciousness".[2] The word "Illuminates" is used in accordance with the claimed tradition of calling such societies — in which those who have mastered the secrets of magic help bring others to mastership — "the Illuminati".[2]

History

Early

In the late 1970s, Ray Sherwin and Peter Carroll, two young British occultists with a strong interest in ritual magic, began to publish a magazine called The New Equinox. Both were connected with a burgeoning occult scene developing around a metaphysical bookstore in London's East End called The Phoenix. According to themselves, both men quickly became dissatisfied with the state of the Magical Arts and the deficiencies they saw in the available occult groups. So in 1978 they published a small announcement in their magazine proclaiming the creation of a new kind of magical order, one based on a hierarchy of magical ability rather than invitation, a magical meritocracy. It was to incorporate elements of Thelema, Zos Kia Cultus, shamanism, tantra and Taoism.[3][not specific enough to verify]

Carroll and Sherwin began to publish private monographs detailing their system of magical practice, some of which had been articles in The New Equinox, others intended as instruction to members of their order. The new style of magic they introduced, focusing on practical skills as opposed to metaphysical systems, became known as chaos magic. In the 1980s they began to attract a following in England, Germany and Austria, including influential occult writers and practitioners.

Before the Eighties were over, Sherwin resigned in protest that the IOT was beginning to resemble the hierarchical orders that were once anathema to the concept of the group.[citation needed] Carroll carried on and made the IOT known to occultists around the world largely through his books Liber Null and Psychonaut.

Crisis

In 1990 and 1991 the group experienced what was called the Ice Magick Wars around differences between other prominent members and Ralph Tegtmeier. Many German members left the group.[4]

Numerous persons who were associated with the IOT during the 1980s disliked the increasingly draconian and un-chaotic Pact policies and dogmatic pronouncements at the close of the decade. A substantial portion of these disgruntled became members of non-affiliated chaos magic groups, such as the Z(Cluster), KIA, Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth, and Black Hole Sun. Others kept their IOT membership, while choosing to remain outside Pact.

Shortly after, Carroll published Liber Kaos and retired from active participation in the Pact. He explicitly stated this was not a consequence of disagreement with the state of the Pact but a matter of his personal development. He remains committed to the IOT.

Today

The Pact remains active as of 2012, as well as numerous reformed chaos temples.

Although temples do not generally advertise their existence, at least one each in Baltimore[5] and Milwaukee[5] currently do. The IOT is also active in a number of other countries.

The Pact of the IOT has acquired a less outspoken leadership, out of a desire to creating the ideal zone of privacy and creativity. Although most of what has occurred within the IOT is a matter of confidentiality, numerous changes have been put in place, in an attempt to preclude the mistakes of the past. The Pact also replaced the former charter Liber Pactionis with The Book, which gives another viewpoint of the path that some consider more realistic.[6]

Structure

The Pact organizes itself along the somewhat "traditional" lines of a fraternal occult order, with initiations into progressive degrees denoting magickal skill, administrative responsibility and leadership within the group. It is notable that unlike other occult societies with a degree system, the Pact rewards progression in degree with hardly any privileges, but "punishes" it with added duties and responsibilities.

Degree structure of the IOT[6]
No. Title Description
/ Novice not considered a member, undergoes novitiate and prepares for initiation
4° Neophyte gets to know the group from inside, not given any instructions, may leave or be expelled without explanation
3° Initiate full member, offers magical abilities to the IOT, departure or expulsion requires explanation
2° Adept required to actively endeavor for the group, inspire others, organize and lead
1° Magus required to also coordinate the IOT internationally

There is a "side-degree" called Priest/Priestess of Chaos that involves social and magical service to others, including outside the IOT. It may be undertaken as an addition to the 3°; all holders of the 2° and 1° are expected to be able to fill the role. There are also two special degrees, 0°=5° and Elder for 2° and 1° members who retire from their duties, described as identical to the 3° and retirement respectively.

There also are several offices which may be taken, most notably including the Insubordinate, a low-ranking (4° or 3°) member who ideally is to be informed about all work of a high-ranking member he or she is assigned to, and charged to criticize and ridicule it, channel feedback from others concerning it, and will veto it if necessary. Every Adept, Magus, and Magister Templi (leader of a Temple) has an Insubordinate.[6]

The IOT does not charge membership or initiation fees. This is a difference from many other international magical orders, and indeed from most fraternal organizations. Unlike such groups as the OTO or various offshoots of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the IOT is a non-incorporated society, rather than a legal entity or non-profit corporation.

Members are obliged to keep silent on internal affairs and the identities of their fellows. The latter rule does not seem to apply to deceased persons[citation needed], as it is not a secret William S. Burroughs,[7] Timothy Leary,[8] and Robert Anton Wilson[8] have been members.

The Pact consists mostly of largely autonomous Temples[9] arranged into autonomous geographical Sections or Satrapies, i.e. Austria, United Kingdom, USA, Germany, Brazil etc.

Relation to the occult subculture

Magic will not be free from occultism until we have strangled the last astrologer with the entrails of the last spiritual master.

— Pete Carroll[10][page needed]

Chaos magicians have frequently reacted to more traditional, religious or occult approaches to magic with scorn or derision. This applies in particular to the IOT, which has been described by Phil Hine as "the Order for 'serious' Chaos Magicians in the same way that the OTO exists for 'serious' Thelemites."[11] The view that occultism is rife with superstitions and needs to be reformed or replaced by a bolder and more critical approach to magic has been prominent in programmatic texts from early on.[12] The IOT has issued statements that profess a degree of elitism.[13][14] Still the IOT is commonly understood by outsiders to be an occult[15] or neoshamanic[16] organization.

The Pact claims to be involved in continuous magical research[6] but appears hesitant to let others participate in the process. The group has a comparatively difficult application procedure and appears to reject a great majority of applicants. However, chaos magic has long spread beyond the IOT as evidenced by the large community of practitioners throughout the world. IOT members such as Ramsey Dukes, Dave Lee, Julian Vayne and many others continue to produce a large part of the literature available as regards chaos magic. Other sources of chaos magic literature include Kenneth Grant and Jaq D. Hawkins.

The presence of hierarchy in the IOT has been the cause of a lot of dispute around it in the chaos magic scene. Opposers think the concept is un-chaotic and limiting to individual members, while defenders believe the tradeoff in chaoism allows for much more effective group work, especially on an international scale. Many chaos magical practitioners prefer to work in unique settings devoid of any structure at all.[citation needed]

While little activity of the IOT is visible to the outside public, the order has held annual open seminars for nearly two decades.[17][failed verification] Many notable chaos magicians have been speakers there.

References

  1. ^ IOT World
  2. ^ a b Peter J. Carroll (1987). Liber Null & Psychonaut. ISBN 0877286396.
  3. ^ Pete Carroll, Ray Sherwin. The New Equinox. Morton Press, Yorkshire.
  4. ^ Mayer, Gerhard (2008). Arkane Welten: Biografien, Erfahrungen und Praktiken zeitgenössischer Magier. Ergon Verlag. ISBN 978-3-89913-618-0
  5. ^ a b c d The Book: The Secrets of the Illuminates of Thanateros
  6. ^ Grant, Douglas. Magick and Photography, Douglas Grant, Ashé Journal 2(3 Magick and Photography in Ashé: Journal of Experimental Spirituality, vol. 2, no. 3
  7. ^ a b Fäustchen, Frater. "Für und wider Magie und Liber MMM"] in Shekinah no. 1. ISBN 978-3-939459-11-8.
  8. ^ IOT British Isles: Chaos Magic and the IOT
  9. ^ Psybermagick
  10. ^ Hine, Phil. Condensed Chaos: An Introduction to Chaos Magic. New Falcon Publications. ISBN 1-56184-117-X
  11. ^ Peter J. Carroll: The Magic of Chaos
  12. ^ IOT British Isles: Liber MMM and the Novice
  13. ^ IOT North America: Initiation
  14. ^ Greer, John Michael (2003). The New Encyclopedia of the Occult. Llewellyn Worldwide. ISBN 1-56718-336-0
  15. ^ Gallagher, Eugene V, Ashcraft, W Michael (2006). Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 0-27598-712-4
  16. ^ EKSTASIS!

Sources

Third party

Primary

  • Carroll, Peter (1987). Liber Null & Psychonaut. Weiser Books. ISBN 0-87728-639-6
  • Carroll, Peter (1992). Liber Kaos. Weiser Books. ISBN 0-87728-742-2
  • Hine, Phil (1993). Prime Chaos. New Falcon Publications. ISBN 1-56184-137-4
  • Hine, Phil (1995). Condensed Chaos. New Falcon Publications. ISBN 1-56184-117-X
  • Frater .717. (1992). Handbuch der Chaopsmagie. Bohmeier Verlag. ISBN 978-3-89094-257-5
  • Illuminates of Thanateros. The Book (English) (charta and history)
  • Illuminates of Thanateros. The Book (English and German) (charta and history)
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