Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Please find below an author's profile for Lon Milo DuQuette, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of his talk here.
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
ASK BABA LON: Answers to Questions of Life and Magick
"What inspired you to take on this subject?"
20+ years of answering letters from magicians around the world.
"Do you have a particularly memorable moment associated with researching or writing your book?"
Many. Too many to itemize.
"Is your work, “ASK BABA LON: Answers to Questions of Life and Magick”, suitable for the average Thelemite?"
Is there such a thing as an "average Thelemite?"
"What should someone be familiar with to get the most out of your book?"
Magick and the work of Aleister Crowley, the O.T.O. and A.'.A.'.
"Where can we purchase “ASK BABA LON: Answers to Questions of Life and Magick?"
Bookstores and the internet.
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your presentation?"
I want them to laugh. I want them to cry. I want them to kiss $19.95 goodbye!
"What are you working on now?"
8 = 3
"What books are you reading right now?"
I'm not reading a book right now.
"What authors inspire you most?"
Mark Twain, Aleister Crowley.
"Do you have a particular routine or approach for writing?"
Yes. Pretty much all the time.
Love is the law, love under will.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Author and Presenter Sotlight - Dr Richard Kaczynski
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Please find below an author's profile for Dr. Richard Kaczynski, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of his talk here.
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
My presentation is titled "The Forgotten Founder: Henry Klein and the Early History of O.T.O." Whenever someone talks about the founding of O.T.O., it usually begins "A charter was given to Theodor Reuss, Franz Hartmann and some other guy." I'm going to look at the life of that "other guy," the events leading up to those three getting their famous charter, and what happened in the following eleven years...up to and including Aleister Crowley forming M.M.M. and becoming the UK Grand Master.
"What inspired you to take on this subject?"
Having completely rewritten my O.T.O. capsule history for the revised edition of "Perdurabo," it bugged me that I had birth and death dates plus a brief bio for Theodor Reuss and Franz Hartmann, but nothing at all for Henry Klein. As I dug around, I discovered that, basically, nobody knows anything about him. And this is a big piece of our history! I mean, he's a charter member of O.T.O.; he remained Grand Registrar General until the day he died; and he co-signed Aleister Crowley's certificates. His story needed to be recovered from the depths of time.
Once I started digging, I found *way* more than I could put into "Perdurabo." And the more I dug, the more I found. I quickly realized that I can't talk about Klein's role in O.T.O. without also talking about its origins; and once I started digging there, I discovered how much of *that* story has never been told, either. The "monograph" in my presentation's description has since turned into a full-fledged, two-part book.
"Where did your research travels take you?"
Since this project has been 99% original research, it meant tracking down primary source materials. Most of these exist in only one library, archive or other institution in the entire world...and unfortunately they're not all in the *same* library or archive! On top of that, much of O.T.O.'s early history is not recorded in English-language literature. So I've had to dig up documents from as far away as Germany, France, Italy, England and even Australia. I've hit up American institutions from California to Michigan to Massachusetts to D.C. From government agencies to Masonic museums to commercial data warehouses to private archives, I've been very fortunate to find people who are very helpful and friendly to academic researchers.
"What was your greatest "aha" moment?"
It was a really big deal for me to discover how Henry Klein and Theodor Reuss knew each other. It wasn't through esoteric Freemasonry, and what it *was* subsequently had an interesting connection to Aleister Crowley, too. If you want to know the rest, you'll have to come to my talk. ;o)
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your presentation?"
Since everyone in the audience will be an O.T.O. member, I hope they come away with an appreciation of where we came from; how Henry Klein fits into that story, how Aleister Crowley fits into that story, and maybe even how *they* fit into it.
"What are you working on now?"
In addition to wrapping up the Klein project, I'm working on a collection of early poetry and essays by J.F.C. Fuller and Victor Neuburg, and an annotated edition of Crowley's "Sword of Song." I have two different novel ideas that I'm dying to get to. And I still plan to write a history of 19th century Western Esotericism...provided it doesn't turn into a series of books!
"What books are you reading right now?"
Gerald Yorke's "Aleister Crowley, The Golden Dawn and Buddhism." Phil Baker's "Austin Osman Spare." Maria de Naglowska's "The Light of Sex." Daniel Schulke's "Lux Haeresis." Darcy Kuntz's new edition of "Hermetic Arcanum of Penes Nos Unda Tagi. 1623." Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule's "Coagula." Boris Karloff's "Tales of Mystery" #33. I'm also looking forward to receiving my copies of Austin Spare's "Book of Pleasure" and David Beth's "Atua."
Love is the law, love under will.
Please find below an author's profile for Dr. Richard Kaczynski, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of his talk here.
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
My presentation is titled "The Forgotten Founder: Henry Klein and the Early History of O.T.O." Whenever someone talks about the founding of O.T.O., it usually begins "A charter was given to Theodor Reuss, Franz Hartmann and some other guy." I'm going to look at the life of that "other guy," the events leading up to those three getting their famous charter, and what happened in the following eleven years...up to and including Aleister Crowley forming M.M.M. and becoming the UK Grand Master.
"What inspired you to take on this subject?"
Having completely rewritten my O.T.O. capsule history for the revised edition of "Perdurabo," it bugged me that I had birth and death dates plus a brief bio for Theodor Reuss and Franz Hartmann, but nothing at all for Henry Klein. As I dug around, I discovered that, basically, nobody knows anything about him. And this is a big piece of our history! I mean, he's a charter member of O.T.O.; he remained Grand Registrar General until the day he died; and he co-signed Aleister Crowley's certificates. His story needed to be recovered from the depths of time.
Once I started digging, I found *way* more than I could put into "Perdurabo." And the more I dug, the more I found. I quickly realized that I can't talk about Klein's role in O.T.O. without also talking about its origins; and once I started digging there, I discovered how much of *that* story has never been told, either. The "monograph" in my presentation's description has since turned into a full-fledged, two-part book.
"Where did your research travels take you?"
Since this project has been 99% original research, it meant tracking down primary source materials. Most of these exist in only one library, archive or other institution in the entire world...and unfortunately they're not all in the *same* library or archive! On top of that, much of O.T.O.'s early history is not recorded in English-language literature. So I've had to dig up documents from as far away as Germany, France, Italy, England and even Australia. I've hit up American institutions from California to Michigan to Massachusetts to D.C. From government agencies to Masonic museums to commercial data warehouses to private archives, I've been very fortunate to find people who are very helpful and friendly to academic researchers.
"What was your greatest "aha" moment?"
It was a really big deal for me to discover how Henry Klein and Theodor Reuss knew each other. It wasn't through esoteric Freemasonry, and what it *was* subsequently had an interesting connection to Aleister Crowley, too. If you want to know the rest, you'll have to come to my talk. ;o)
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your presentation?"
Since everyone in the audience will be an O.T.O. member, I hope they come away with an appreciation of where we came from; how Henry Klein fits into that story, how Aleister Crowley fits into that story, and maybe even how *they* fit into it.
"What are you working on now?"
In addition to wrapping up the Klein project, I'm working on a collection of early poetry and essays by J.F.C. Fuller and Victor Neuburg, and an annotated edition of Crowley's "Sword of Song." I have two different novel ideas that I'm dying to get to. And I still plan to write a history of 19th century Western Esotericism...provided it doesn't turn into a series of books!
"What books are you reading right now?"
Gerald Yorke's "Aleister Crowley, The Golden Dawn and Buddhism." Phil Baker's "Austin Osman Spare." Maria de Naglowska's "The Light of Sex." Daniel Schulke's "Lux Haeresis." Darcy Kuntz's new edition of "Hermetic Arcanum of Penes Nos Unda Tagi. 1623." Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule's "Coagula." Boris Karloff's "Tales of Mystery" #33. I'm also looking forward to receiving my copies of Austin Spare's "Book of Pleasure" and David Beth's "Atua."
Love is the law, love under will.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Registration Closes July 30th!
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Just a reminder that registration for NOTOCON VIII closes on Saturday, July 30th, 2011. Click here to register! See you in just over a week here in The Motor City!
Love is the law, love under will.
Just a reminder that registration for NOTOCON VIII closes on Saturday, July 30th, 2011. Click here to register! See you in just over a week here in The Motor City!
Love is the law, love under will.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Author and Presenter Sotlight - Dr David Shoemaker
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Please find below an author's profile for Dr. David Shoemaker, NOTOCON presenter and author, for his book "Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries 1920-1923." You can find the complete description of his talk here.
"Please tell us about your other book "Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries 1920-1923." What inspired you to take on this subject?"
Jane Wolfe's Cefalu Diaries are a real treat for anyone interested in the origins and development of Thelemic magical practice. Crowley’s handwritten comments are laced throughout these pages, giving valuable insights into his teaching methods and his state of mind during this pivotal period of Thelema’s development. The diaries also give a vivid sense of daily life at the Abbey, and the nature of the relationships among its primary residents. Wolfe’s studies at the Abbey with Crowley, from 1920 to 1923, would serve as her foundational training for the remaining decades of her life, and she became one of Crowley’s most important aides and confidantes as Thelema spread to the United States. As a pivotal participant in the O.T.O. community in Southern California from the late 1930s through the mid-1950s, Wolfe was able to convey much of the essence of Crowley’s system of training to the local initiates (including Soror Meral), most of whom would never have the chance to work with Crowley in person.
"Where did your research travels take you?"
To my filing cabinets! We have a wealth of original archival material, including much correspondence involving Crowley, Jane Wolfe, Soror Meral, Karl Germer, Marcelo Motta, Cameron and Jack Parsons, and many others. One of my primary goals for the coming years is to bring as much of this material to the public as possible.
"Do you have a particularly memorable moment associated with researching or writing your book?"
As I was initially reviewing the original diaries, I was struck by Wolfe's obvious commitment to her magical work, and by the thoroughness and care shown by Crowley as he painstakingly reviewed and commented on the diaries. It was truly inspiring to get this glimpse into their early magical relationship, and to see the embryonic Thelemic culture of the Abbey taking shape.
"Is your work "Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries" suitable for the average Thelemite?"
Yes! Jane Wolfe was a complete beginner when she began her work at Cefalu. Her practices were basic, and Crowley's comments reflect the type of advice that beginners would most need. There is much to be gained from this book, for both the beginner and the advanced practitioner or Thelemic historian.
"Where can we purchase this book?"
Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries 1920-1923 can be purchased directly from the College of Thelema of Northern California here or via Amazon.com here.
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your book?"
As you can likely imagine, holding and examining these diaries in person immediately transports the reader back in time to the Abbey. The intensity with which Wolfe pursued her Great Work, lovingly typing her entries for Crowley’s review, is palpable as the pages are turned. It is my hope that readers of these diaries will be inspired to continue and intensify their own Great Work, including the all-important practice of the magical diary, for this is truly the best way to honor the life and work of those whose hands created these pages.
Love is the law, love under will.
Please find below an author's profile for Dr. David Shoemaker, NOTOCON presenter and author, for his book "Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries 1920-1923." You can find the complete description of his talk here.
"Please tell us about your other book "Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries 1920-1923." What inspired you to take on this subject?"
Jane Wolfe's Cefalu Diaries are a real treat for anyone interested in the origins and development of Thelemic magical practice. Crowley’s handwritten comments are laced throughout these pages, giving valuable insights into his teaching methods and his state of mind during this pivotal period of Thelema’s development. The diaries also give a vivid sense of daily life at the Abbey, and the nature of the relationships among its primary residents. Wolfe’s studies at the Abbey with Crowley, from 1920 to 1923, would serve as her foundational training for the remaining decades of her life, and she became one of Crowley’s most important aides and confidantes as Thelema spread to the United States. As a pivotal participant in the O.T.O. community in Southern California from the late 1930s through the mid-1950s, Wolfe was able to convey much of the essence of Crowley’s system of training to the local initiates (including Soror Meral), most of whom would never have the chance to work with Crowley in person.
"Where did your research travels take you?"
To my filing cabinets! We have a wealth of original archival material, including much correspondence involving Crowley, Jane Wolfe, Soror Meral, Karl Germer, Marcelo Motta, Cameron and Jack Parsons, and many others. One of my primary goals for the coming years is to bring as much of this material to the public as possible.
"Do you have a particularly memorable moment associated with researching or writing your book?"
As I was initially reviewing the original diaries, I was struck by Wolfe's obvious commitment to her magical work, and by the thoroughness and care shown by Crowley as he painstakingly reviewed and commented on the diaries. It was truly inspiring to get this glimpse into their early magical relationship, and to see the embryonic Thelemic culture of the Abbey taking shape.
"Is your work "Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries" suitable for the average Thelemite?"
Yes! Jane Wolfe was a complete beginner when she began her work at Cefalu. Her practices were basic, and Crowley's comments reflect the type of advice that beginners would most need. There is much to be gained from this book, for both the beginner and the advanced practitioner or Thelemic historian.
"Where can we purchase this book?"
Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries 1920-1923 can be purchased directly from the College of Thelema of Northern California here or via Amazon.com here.
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your book?"
As you can likely imagine, holding and examining these diaries in person immediately transports the reader back in time to the Abbey. The intensity with which Wolfe pursued her Great Work, lovingly typing her entries for Crowley’s review, is palpable as the pages are turned. It is my hope that readers of these diaries will be inspired to continue and intensify their own Great Work, including the all-important practice of the magical diary, for this is truly the best way to honor the life and work of those whose hands created these pages.
Love is the law, love under will.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Author and Presenter Sotlight - Colin Campbell
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Please find below an author's profile for Colin Campbell, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of his talk here.
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
I will be speaking on the concept of the Great Work, pre-Crowley and post-Crowley, with general reference to the Tree of Life and the psychological implications as I see them. Following this, we shall explore where that ultimate realization leaves the individual, and the recognition of the concept of God as a mental phenomenon that can be harnessed and controlled as any other.
"Has your research influenced your own magical practice?"
I think it’s rather the other way around – my magical practice has influenced my research.
"What should someone be familiar with to get the most out of your book?"
“The Concordance to the Holy Books of Thelema” was really designed for the Kabbalistic bit-twiddler like myself, which is why it took the form that it did. If I am investigating one of the Holy Books, which I consider separate entities along a common theme, I have a great deal of analysis at my fingertips with respect to word usage, &c. For example, did you know that the first person pronoun (I) is used 111 times in “The Book of the Law” and the first person possessive (my) is used 111 times in “Liber Cordis Cincti Serpente”?
“The Magic Seal of Dr. John Dee” (currently out of print) is meant for anyone interested in Enochian magic, specifically in the tradition of evocation or enthusiasts of The Sigillum Dei in general.
"Where can we purchase “The Concordance to the Holy Books of Thelema?"
My work, as well as great number of works of interest to Thelemites, can be purchased through the wonderful people at Teitan Press or Weiser Antiquarian.
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your presentation?"
That the Great Work is not something other people do. It’s something everyone can and should do, rather than “looking in from afar.”
"What are you working on now?"
Oh, that’s almost always a secret!
"What authors inspire you most?"
Anyone that is willing to put themselves out there.
"Do you have a particular routine or approach for writing?"
I try to approach my work in the grimoire style, illuminated (or not) both by modern research and personal experience. I hope to leave the reader with an understanding of how to go about the matter at hand, something the grimoires themselves – as notes for personal study in most cases – generally fail at to one degree or another.
Love is the law, love under will.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
NOTOCON VIII FAQ
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Here are the FAQs for NOTOCON VIII...
Q. Who can attend NOTOCON VIII?
A. NOTOCON attendance is open to all active initiate members in good standing of OTO. All attendees must pre-register for NOTOCON and be of the Minerval degree or above.
Q. Can my spouse attend? What about my kids?
A. Significant others are allowed to attend in special instances only. If you are an initiate of III° or above, you may submit the name of your significant other to info@notocon.org. Pending the discretion and approval by the Supreme and Holy King, your partner will be allowed to attend and be required to pay the full registration fee. This is an adult only conference.
Q. Are there childcare options with other parents?
A. Some parents have expressed interest in coordinating childcare. Please contact Soror Margaret at info@notocon.org for this information. NOTOCON will not coordinate for parents or provide facilities for children, only provide contact information.
Q. Can I rent a car to get around?
A. If you plan on renting a car, please go to the link below for a list of all rental companies at Detroit Metro Airport. Please make your reservation before you leave. Make sure that the rental car company will accept whatever form of payment you are offering ahead of time. Experienced travelers report that only Enterprise Rental will accept a debit card, despite the Visa or MasterCard symbol on it. The deposit will be between $ 299 and $ 499. All other rental car companies will only take an actual credit card. Please check ahead of time if you plan on using a Discover or American Express card.
http://www.metroairport.com/transportation/
Q. What are the driving directions from the airport to the hotel?
A. Driving directions from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to the Hyatt Regency Dearborn: Approximately 13 Miles
Head northeast on William G. Rogell Drive toward East Service Road, then stay straight to go onto Merriman Road. Merge onto I-94 East toward Detroit. Take the M-39 exit, number 204, toward Southfield Freeway; merge onto M-39/Southfield Freeway NORTH via exit on the left. Take the US-12 exit, number 6, toward Michigan Ave. Merge onto Michigan Ave/US-12 WEST, and then veer slightly right onto Evergreen Road, then right again onto Valley View Drive. Make a right onto Town Center Drive and approach the Hyatt Regency Dearborn Hotel.
Q. How do I get from the airport to the hotel if I don’t have a car or want to rent one?
A. You can find a taxi at that same link:
http://www.metroairport.com/transportation/
You may also write to us at transportation@notocon.org to find someone to share a taxi with to and from the airport.
Cab fare to and from the airport is approximately $45 each way plus gratuity.
Q. What is the dress code for the banquet?
A. This is traditionally a formal attire event, but a suit or cocktail dress is certainly fine as well. Generally there is a diverse array of Thelemic finery.
Q. Is smoking allowed in the inside the hotel?
A. Smoking is not allowed inside any public building in Michigan.
Q. Can we share rooms and how do I make those arrangements?
A. Yes, you may share rooms. Please contact Soror Margaret at info@notocon.org to
make roommate arrangements.
Q. Is there a deposit required by the hotel at then time of check-in?
A. The Hyatt Regency will require a $50 per day deposit on your Visa, MasterCard or debit card. For example, a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night registration would require a deposit of $150.
Q. Should I wear my white robe to the Gnostic Mass?
A. Your white confirmation robe is optional, but please note there may not be a private area for you to robe up without encountering the other hotel guests.
Q. What is the weather forecast for Detroit, MI?
A. Average temperature in Detroit, MI for August is in the 70s and the average rainfall is 3.1 inches.
Q. What else is there to do? What are the local attractions?
A. Please see both the Hotel and Environs and Detroit Attractions posts on the NOTOCON blog. You can get there by clicking the Blog button on the website.
Q. Are there massage services available there?
A. The hotel does not have a spa; however, there will be a massage therapist available through hotel services. There may also be local Brethren available by appointment.
Q. Can I come early or stay late?
A. Absolutely!
Love is the law, love under will.
Here are the FAQs for NOTOCON VIII...
Q. Who can attend NOTOCON VIII?
A. NOTOCON attendance is open to all active initiate members in good standing of OTO. All attendees must pre-register for NOTOCON and be of the Minerval degree or above.
Q. Can my spouse attend? What about my kids?
A. Significant others are allowed to attend in special instances only. If you are an initiate of III° or above, you may submit the name of your significant other to info@notocon.org. Pending the discretion and approval by the Supreme and Holy King, your partner will be allowed to attend and be required to pay the full registration fee. This is an adult only conference.
Q. Are there childcare options with other parents?
A. Some parents have expressed interest in coordinating childcare. Please contact Soror Margaret at info@notocon.org for this information. NOTOCON will not coordinate for parents or provide facilities for children, only provide contact information.
Q. Can I rent a car to get around?
A. If you plan on renting a car, please go to the link below for a list of all rental companies at Detroit Metro Airport. Please make your reservation before you leave. Make sure that the rental car company will accept whatever form of payment you are offering ahead of time. Experienced travelers report that only Enterprise Rental will accept a debit card, despite the Visa or MasterCard symbol on it. The deposit will be between $ 299 and $ 499. All other rental car companies will only take an actual credit card. Please check ahead of time if you plan on using a Discover or American Express card.
http://www.metroairport.com/transportation/
Q. What are the driving directions from the airport to the hotel?
A. Driving directions from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to the Hyatt Regency Dearborn: Approximately 13 Miles
Head northeast on William G. Rogell Drive toward East Service Road, then stay straight to go onto Merriman Road. Merge onto I-94 East toward Detroit. Take the M-39 exit, number 204, toward Southfield Freeway; merge onto M-39/Southfield Freeway NORTH via exit on the left. Take the US-12 exit, number 6, toward Michigan Ave. Merge onto Michigan Ave/US-12 WEST, and then veer slightly right onto Evergreen Road, then right again onto Valley View Drive. Make a right onto Town Center Drive and approach the Hyatt Regency Dearborn Hotel.
Q. How do I get from the airport to the hotel if I don’t have a car or want to rent one?
A. You can find a taxi at that same link:
http://www.metroairport.com/transportation/
You may also write to us at transportation@notocon.org to find someone to share a taxi with to and from the airport.
Cab fare to and from the airport is approximately $45 each way plus gratuity.
Q. What is the dress code for the banquet?
A. This is traditionally a formal attire event, but a suit or cocktail dress is certainly fine as well. Generally there is a diverse array of Thelemic finery.
Q. Is smoking allowed in the inside the hotel?
A. Smoking is not allowed inside any public building in Michigan.
Q. Can we share rooms and how do I make those arrangements?
A. Yes, you may share rooms. Please contact Soror Margaret at info@notocon.org to
make roommate arrangements.
Q. Is there a deposit required by the hotel at then time of check-in?
A. The Hyatt Regency will require a $50 per day deposit on your Visa, MasterCard or debit card. For example, a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night registration would require a deposit of $150.
Q. Should I wear my white robe to the Gnostic Mass?
A. Your white confirmation robe is optional, but please note there may not be a private area for you to robe up without encountering the other hotel guests.
Q. What is the weather forecast for Detroit, MI?
A. Average temperature in Detroit, MI for August is in the 70s and the average rainfall is 3.1 inches.
Q. What else is there to do? What are the local attractions?
A. Please see both the Hotel and Environs and Detroit Attractions posts on the NOTOCON blog. You can get there by clicking the Blog button on the website.
Q. Are there massage services available there?
A. The hotel does not have a spa; however, there will be a massage therapist available through hotel services. There may also be local Brethren available by appointment.
Q. Can I come early or stay late?
A. Absolutely!
Love is the law, love under will.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Author and Presenter Spotlight - Vere Chappell
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Please find below an author's profile for Vere Chappell, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of his talk under "Presentations."
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
Sexual Outlaw, Erotic Mystic: The Life and Works of Ida Craddock
"What inspired you to take on this subject?"
Ida Craddock was an amazing woman who fought for sexual freedom during the years leading up to the New Aeon. Aleister Crowley was greatly impressed by her writings, and praised her in the Equinox. But her life story and her works were not widely known until now.
"Has your research influenced your own magical practice?"
Yes, Ida Craddock’s writings on sexual mysticism in particular have enhanced my own understanding and practice of the subject.
"Is your work, "Sexual Outlaw, Erotic Mystic: The Essential Ida Craddock" suitable for the average Thelemite?"
Absolutely. It illuminates and helps to contextualize our mysteries, in addition to telling an inspiring story of someone who put their own life on the line for the cause of freedom against tyranny, superstition and oppression.
"What should someone be familiar with to get the most out of your book?"
No prior expertise is required. The book is accessible to beginners and advanced readers alike.
"Where can we purchase "Sexual Outlaw, Erotic Mystic: The Essential Ida Craddock" ?
http://www.sexualoutlaw.com/
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your presentation?"
The book! Seriously, I do not think anyone can come away from hearing her remarkable story without being moved and inspired. Even though she lived over 100 years ago, we are still fighting the same battle for sexual freedom to this day. Nevertheless, we owe Ida Craddock a debt of gratitude for the important work she did to help pave the way.
Love is the law, love under will.
Please find below an author's profile for Vere Chappell, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of his talk under "Presentations."
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
Sexual Outlaw, Erotic Mystic: The Life and Works of Ida Craddock
"What inspired you to take on this subject?"
Ida Craddock was an amazing woman who fought for sexual freedom during the years leading up to the New Aeon. Aleister Crowley was greatly impressed by her writings, and praised her in the Equinox. But her life story and her works were not widely known until now.
"Has your research influenced your own magical practice?"
Yes, Ida Craddock’s writings on sexual mysticism in particular have enhanced my own understanding and practice of the subject.
"Is your work, "Sexual Outlaw, Erotic Mystic: The Essential Ida Craddock" suitable for the average Thelemite?"
Absolutely. It illuminates and helps to contextualize our mysteries, in addition to telling an inspiring story of someone who put their own life on the line for the cause of freedom against tyranny, superstition and oppression.
"What should someone be familiar with to get the most out of your book?"
No prior expertise is required. The book is accessible to beginners and advanced readers alike.
"Where can we purchase "Sexual Outlaw, Erotic Mystic: The Essential Ida Craddock" ?
http://www.sexualoutlaw.com/
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your presentation?"
The book! Seriously, I do not think anyone can come away from hearing her remarkable story without being moved and inspired. Even though she lived over 100 years ago, we are still fighting the same battle for sexual freedom to this day. Nevertheless, we owe Ida Craddock a debt of gratitude for the important work she did to help pave the way.
Love is the law, love under will.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Transportation To and From the Airport
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Concerning getting from Detroit Metro Airport to the hotel and back again, we have done some research and have found the following. It seems that all taxi services and sedan services cost about $45 plus tip between Detroit Metro Airport and the Hyatt Regency Dearborn, our hotel. There are several services to choose from if you wish to make prior arrangements.
There is Metro Airport Taxi, Metro Cars, 1-866-DTW-TAXI, and many others.
Or you can always hail a cab right outside the terminal you land in.
If you want to rent a car, be aware that experienced travelers in the Order have told us that Enterprise is the only car rental company you can use a debit card with. The others require an actual credit card. The on airport rental agencies are as follows: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
Love is the law, love under will.
Concerning getting from Detroit Metro Airport to the hotel and back again, we have done some research and have found the following. It seems that all taxi services and sedan services cost about $45 plus tip between Detroit Metro Airport and the Hyatt Regency Dearborn, our hotel. There are several services to choose from if you wish to make prior arrangements.
There is Metro Airport Taxi, Metro Cars, 1-866-DTW-TAXI, and many others.
Or you can always hail a cab right outside the terminal you land in.
If you want to rent a car, be aware that experienced travelers in the Order have told us that Enterprise is the only car rental company you can use a debit card with. The others require an actual credit card. The on airport rental agencies are as follows: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
Love is the law, love under will.
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The deadline for reserving your room at the great NOTOCON only rate is fast approaching. You only have until July 12th, 2011 to get the great $99 rate!
NOTOCON VIII will be held at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn in Dearborn, MI. For more information on the hotel in general, please click here. To reserve a room with our exclusive Passkey Link, click here.
Hyatt Regency Dearborn
600 Town Center Drive
Dearborn, MI 48126-2793
313-593-1234
The Hyatt can provide two double beds or king sized bed for the excellent rate of $99 per night plus the 14% hotel tax. Larger rooms and suites are available. These beautiful rooms offer great views, iPod docks and free complimentary internet access in all sleeping rooms. On the premises, you will find a 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. Spa services are available at an additional charge. You may eat in the hotel at Guilio & Sons, which offers a fabulous breakfast bar or menu options including smoked salmon, fresh fruit, imported cheeses and omelets, as well as lunch and dinner. Perks Coffee Bar has coffee, cappuccinos, lattes and snacks. The Archimedes Bar provides a spacious and comfortable place to meet, offering drinks for philosophers of all types.
Our Friday night reception will be held in the rotating Rotunda Ballroom at the top of the hotel, which provides stunning 360° views.
The hotel borders Fairlane Town Center, which offers shopping amenities and restaurants including Coffee Beanery, P. F. Chang’s, Big Fish Seafood, Bravo! Cucina Italiana and more.
Again, hurry to get your great rate before July 12th!
Love is the law, love under will.
The deadline for reserving your room at the great NOTOCON only rate is fast approaching. You only have until July 12th, 2011 to get the great $99 rate!
NOTOCON VIII will be held at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn in Dearborn, MI. For more information on the hotel in general, please click here. To reserve a room with our exclusive Passkey Link, click here.
Hyatt Regency Dearborn
600 Town Center Drive
Dearborn, MI 48126-2793
313-593-1234
The Hyatt can provide two double beds or king sized bed for the excellent rate of $99 per night plus the 14% hotel tax. Larger rooms and suites are available. These beautiful rooms offer great views, iPod docks and free complimentary internet access in all sleeping rooms. On the premises, you will find a 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. Spa services are available at an additional charge. You may eat in the hotel at Guilio & Sons, which offers a fabulous breakfast bar or menu options including smoked salmon, fresh fruit, imported cheeses and omelets, as well as lunch and dinner. Perks Coffee Bar has coffee, cappuccinos, lattes and snacks. The Archimedes Bar provides a spacious and comfortable place to meet, offering drinks for philosophers of all types.
Our Friday night reception will be held in the rotating Rotunda Ballroom at the top of the hotel, which provides stunning 360° views.
The hotel borders Fairlane Town Center, which offers shopping amenities and restaurants including Coffee Beanery, P. F. Chang’s, Big Fish Seafood, Bravo! Cucina Italiana and more.
Again, hurry to get your great rate before July 12th!
Love is the law, love under will.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Author and Presenter Spotlight - Dr. David Shoemaker
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Please find below an author's profile for Dr. David Shoemaker, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of his talk under "Presentations."
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
"The System of Aleister Crowley's A∴A∴ : Methods and Tools of Attainment."
The methods and tools of Aleister Crowley’s A∴A∴ form the foundation of personal spiritual development in the New Aeon. While much has been written about these training methods, and the vast majority are easily available in print or online, there has been little focus on the question of WHY these methods are effective. Why are they placed as they are within the curriculum of A∴A∴ ? How exactly do these practices lead the aspirant toward Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel? In this lecture, I will explore the psycho-spiritual processes active in the system of A∴A∴ and provide answers to these and many other fundamental questions. This lecture will be open to all NOTOCON attendees, regardless of degree.
"What book would you like to profile for us?"
Phyllis Seckler (Soror Meral): The Thoth Tarot, Astrology, & Other Selected Writings. Published in 2010 by the Teitan Press, in collaboration with the College of Thelema of Northern California.
"What inspired you to take on this subject?"
Soror Meral was my direct Superior in A.'.A.'., my most beloved teacher, and my best friend. I was very fortunate to be able to work with closely with her over the last decade of her life, and the memories of these years will always be close to my heart. As the custodian of her literary estate, I was eager to collect the best of her writings, many previously unpublished, into a well-edited and beautifully produced book format. Her story is central to the unfolding of post-Crowley Thelema, but was largely untold, and I felt it was time to correct that imbalance. Quite simply, if you haven't familiarized yourself with Soror Meral's work and life, you don't have a full understanding of the last 50 years of Thelemic history!
"Do you have a particularly memorable moment associated with researching or writing your book?"
While I had, of course, been studying Soror Meral's writings for many years, it was only when we collected her serialized essays into larger works, essentially small books, that the real scope of her genius came through. She had a phenomenal grasp of the interconnections between Thelemic philosophy, Tarot, astrology, Qabalah, and depth psychology. It was a joy to re-experience her mind in action in this new format.
"Is your book "Phyllis Seckler: The Thoth Tarot, Astrology, & Other Selected Writings" suitable for the average Thelemite?"
Absolutely! Soror Meral wrote for readers of all levels of experience. Beginners will appreciate her providing basic foundational materials such as tables of correspondences, and more advanced readers will enjoy how she weaves it all together!
"Where can we purchase it?"
This book can be purchased directly from Weiser Antiquarian Books, the College of Thelema of Northern California, or Amazon.com.
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your book?"
Soror Meral's work laid the foundation of our current understanding of Thelema. She trained several generations of students, including many leading lights of contemporary Thelemic culture and thought, and she was one of the people primarily responsible for the resurgence of Thelema as a living system of attainment. Nothing made her happier than to see students doing the Great Work and finding success.
"What are you working on now?"
In addition to my ongoing personal magical work, and my Order responsibilities, I am working on a collection of essays based on my Living Thelema podcast segments. I will also be continuing my efforts to publish archival material, including important correspondence involving Karl Germer, Jane Wolfe, Jack and Cameron Parsons, Soror Meral, Israel Regardie, and Marcelo Motta.
Love is the law, love under will.
Please find below an author's profile for Dr. David Shoemaker, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of his talk under "Presentations."
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
"The System of Aleister Crowley's A∴A∴ : Methods and Tools of Attainment."
The methods and tools of Aleister Crowley’s A∴A∴ form the foundation of personal spiritual development in the New Aeon. While much has been written about these training methods, and the vast majority are easily available in print or online, there has been little focus on the question of WHY these methods are effective. Why are they placed as they are within the curriculum of A∴A∴ ? How exactly do these practices lead the aspirant toward Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel? In this lecture, I will explore the psycho-spiritual processes active in the system of A∴A∴ and provide answers to these and many other fundamental questions. This lecture will be open to all NOTOCON attendees, regardless of degree.
"What book would you like to profile for us?"
Phyllis Seckler (Soror Meral): The Thoth Tarot, Astrology, & Other Selected Writings. Published in 2010 by the Teitan Press, in collaboration with the College of Thelema of Northern California.
"What inspired you to take on this subject?"
Soror Meral was my direct Superior in A.'.A.'., my most beloved teacher, and my best friend. I was very fortunate to be able to work with closely with her over the last decade of her life, and the memories of these years will always be close to my heart. As the custodian of her literary estate, I was eager to collect the best of her writings, many previously unpublished, into a well-edited and beautifully produced book format. Her story is central to the unfolding of post-Crowley Thelema, but was largely untold, and I felt it was time to correct that imbalance. Quite simply, if you haven't familiarized yourself with Soror Meral's work and life, you don't have a full understanding of the last 50 years of Thelemic history!
"Do you have a particularly memorable moment associated with researching or writing your book?"
While I had, of course, been studying Soror Meral's writings for many years, it was only when we collected her serialized essays into larger works, essentially small books, that the real scope of her genius came through. She had a phenomenal grasp of the interconnections between Thelemic philosophy, Tarot, astrology, Qabalah, and depth psychology. It was a joy to re-experience her mind in action in this new format.
"Is your book "Phyllis Seckler: The Thoth Tarot, Astrology, & Other Selected Writings" suitable for the average Thelemite?"
Absolutely! Soror Meral wrote for readers of all levels of experience. Beginners will appreciate her providing basic foundational materials such as tables of correspondences, and more advanced readers will enjoy how she weaves it all together!
"Where can we purchase it?"
This book can be purchased directly from Weiser Antiquarian Books, the College of Thelema of Northern California, or Amazon.com.
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your book?"
Soror Meral's work laid the foundation of our current understanding of Thelema. She trained several generations of students, including many leading lights of contemporary Thelemic culture and thought, and she was one of the people primarily responsible for the resurgence of Thelema as a living system of attainment. Nothing made her happier than to see students doing the Great Work and finding success.
"What are you working on now?"
In addition to my ongoing personal magical work, and my Order responsibilities, I am working on a collection of essays based on my Living Thelema podcast segments. I will also be continuing my efforts to publish archival material, including important correspondence involving Karl Germer, Jane Wolfe, Jack and Cameron Parsons, Soror Meral, Israel Regardie, and Marcelo Motta.
Love is the law, love under will.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Pictures of our Hotel: The Hyatt Regency Dearborn
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Here are some pictures of our wonderful hotel: The Hyatt Regency Dearborn.
Remember: you only have until July 12th to get the great $99 a night room rate! Click here to reserve a room online.
Love is the law, love under will.
Here are some pictures of our wonderful hotel: The Hyatt Regency Dearborn.
Remember: you only have until July 12th to get the great $99 a night room rate! Click here to reserve a room online.
Love is the law, love under will.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Author and Presenter Spotlight - R. Leo Gillis
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Please find below an author's profile for R. Leo Gillis, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of his talk under "Presentations."
Please find below an author's profile for R. Leo Gillis, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of his talk under "Presentations."
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
I will be presenting the results of research into the Trigrammaton Qabalah, which is based on Crowley’s Liber XXVII. The TQ establishes a new paradigm in number mysticism for the Aeon of Horus, which has its foundation in Base 3, or ternary mathematics. The implications for this paradigm are far-reaching, and touch upon all the traditional areas of a qabalah, including the Tree of Life, magic squares, gematria, and the New Naples Arrangement.
"What inspired you to take on this subject?"
The inspiration for my research was originally found in Liber AL II:55, which mandates that the prophet develop a new English Qabalah. Having found previous efforts in this vein to be sorely lacking, I took it upon myself to discover the implications of Crowley’s own work in this area, and expanded it in order to make a fully developed qabalistic system.
"What was your greatest "aha" moment?"
My greatest ‘aha’ moment came about five years after beginning my research, when I was impelled in the middle of the night to get out of bed and reach for a calculator to add up the English gematria values of all the words in the Book of the Law, but this time including the values of the verse numbers. I fully expected nothing to come of this, and even muttered to myself that I had done this a hundred times with no compelling result. Much to my surprise, the final figure was divisible by 156 to the second power! It was then that I knew that the code of the English gematria of Liber AL had been cracked.
"Where can we purchase Trigrammaton Qabalah?"
Trigrammaton Qabalah can be purchased from the lulu.com Website here.
"What is the one thing you want people to take away from your presentation?"
I would like people to understand that the TQ represents a fundamental paradigm shift in how we can approach number mysticism; just as binary numbers revolutionized computing, so ternary numbers can revolutionize the more mystical aspects of understanding numbers and how they interact with each other and with our consciousness. The decimal system had its advantages, but these are superseded by ternary maths.
"What books are you reading right now?"
Cosmos and Psyche; The Professor and the Madman; Coming of Age in the Milky Way; The Odd Quantum; The Black Swan (Nassim Talib); Fermat’s Enigma; Einstein’s Clocks, Poincare’s Maps: Empires of Time.
"What authors inspire you most?"
Buckminster Fuller, Aleister Crowley, King Wen and the Duke of Chou, The ARI (Rabbi Isaac Luria), Aryeh Kaplan, Roger Penrose, and Albert Einstein.
Love is the law, love under will.
Author and Presenter Spotlight - Soror Kayla Block
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Please find below an author's profile for Soror Kayla Block, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of her talk under "Presentations."
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
“Talismanic Magick in the Face of Uncertainty”
"What inspired you to take on this subject?"
A talisman is an object that encompasses the Will of the magician. Knowing your Will is implied by the very nature of talismanic magick. But what if you don't know your Will?
One of my best friends was in organ failure after a long struggle with a terminal illness. He was within days of death. I felt overwhelmed and helpless, but I desperately wanted to do something. I had no idea what. The time for energy work or healings was long gone. Even the time for interpersonal resolutions was in the past.
And so I began a talismanic working within a framework of uncertainty, utilizing both active and receptive modalities in magical workings.
"What was your greatest "aha" moment?"
When I realized that YHVH could be a valid formula for certain types of talismanic magick.
"Has your research influenced your own magical practice?"
The methodology that I will be speaking about at NOTOCON isn't appropriate for all magical workings, but I do incorporate it into much of my work. In various forms, I've used it for many things, not just
limited to talismanic magick.
"Is the book "Women's Voices in Magick" suitable for the average Thelemite?"
The book is a collection of women's writings about magick. Much of it is personal. Some of it is scholarly. It's suitable for any woman who is interested in ceremonial magick.
"Where can we purchase "Women's Voices in Magick?"
I will have some copies for sale at NOTOCON, but the easiest place to buy it is on Amazon.
Love is the law, love under will.
Please find below an author's profile for Soror Kayla Block, NOTOCON presenter and author. You can find the complete description of her talk under "Presentations."
"What will you be presenting at NOTOCON VIII?"
“Talismanic Magick in the Face of Uncertainty”
"What inspired you to take on this subject?"
A talisman is an object that encompasses the Will of the magician. Knowing your Will is implied by the very nature of talismanic magick. But what if you don't know your Will?
One of my best friends was in organ failure after a long struggle with a terminal illness. He was within days of death. I felt overwhelmed and helpless, but I desperately wanted to do something. I had no idea what. The time for energy work or healings was long gone. Even the time for interpersonal resolutions was in the past.
And so I began a talismanic working within a framework of uncertainty, utilizing both active and receptive modalities in magical workings.
"What was your greatest "aha" moment?"
When I realized that YHVH could be a valid formula for certain types of talismanic magick.
"Has your research influenced your own magical practice?"
The methodology that I will be speaking about at NOTOCON isn't appropriate for all magical workings, but I do incorporate it into much of my work. In various forms, I've used it for many things, not just
limited to talismanic magick.
"Is the book "Women's Voices in Magick" suitable for the average Thelemite?"
The book is a collection of women's writings about magick. Much of it is personal. Some of it is scholarly. It's suitable for any woman who is interested in ceremonial magick.
"Where can we purchase "Women's Voices in Magick?"
I will have some copies for sale at NOTOCON, but the easiest place to buy it is on Amazon.
Love is the law, love under will.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Detroit Highlights V - Detroit Institute of Arts
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the premiere art museums in the country. We are very lucky to have this gem here in Detroit, and I love sharing it with out-of-town guests.
Their collection is very diverse and amazing in it's depth. Their featured collections are:
My favorites are the Italian Art wing, with some amazing Italian Renaissance and Baroque artworks, the extensive Armor collection in the Great Hall and the stunning Diego Rivera murals in Rivera Court. Also of note is their great Impressionist art, featuring works by Degas, Gauguin, and Van Gogh, and their fantastic Egyptian collection.
The museum is located at:
5200 Woodward Avenue Detroit , Michigan 48202 Main Line : 313.833.7900
The museum hours are as follows:
If you get the chance to enjoy this gem of Detroit while you are here, please do. It is really worth it!
Love is the law, love under will.
The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the premiere art museums in the country. We are very lucky to have this gem here in Detroit, and I love sharing it with out-of-town guests.
Their collection is very diverse and amazing in it's depth. Their featured collections are:
The Department oversees four separate collection segments: the arts of Africa, Egypt
The Department of American Art covers a broad range of artistic endeavors spanning the early Colonial period through World War II. The holdings include paintings, sculptures, furniture, decorative arts and architecture.
The collections of the Department of the Arts of Asia and the Islamic World comprise thousands of works of art produced in Asia and Middle East, from antiquity through present, as well as from North Africa and Islamic Spain.
With a broad range of paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts from across Europe, the collection includes works spanning nearly all historical periods from Ancient Greece and Rome
With approximately 35,000 prints, drawings, photographs, watercolors, posters and artists books, the collection stretches from the present day back to the 1500's and includes a diverse assortment of media.
Established in 2000, the GM Center for African American Art represents one of the first curatorial departments dedicated solely to African American art at any major art museum.
This collection, which spans the period from the mid-20th century to the present day, has a particularly strong emphasis on post-World War II American art, including fine examples of Abstract Expressionist painting, Minimalism, and Pop Art.
International in scope, the DIA Performing Arts Collection contains more than 10,000 original film and theater photographs, posters and ephemera from the 1890s to the present.
My favorites are the Italian Art wing, with some amazing Italian Renaissance and Baroque artworks, the extensive Armor collection in the Great Hall and the stunning Diego Rivera murals in Rivera Court. Also of note is their great Impressionist art, featuring works by Degas, Gauguin, and Van Gogh, and their fantastic Egyptian collection.
The museum is located at:
It is about 20 - 30 minutes drive from our hotel, in the Cultural Center near Downtown Detroit.
Admission is as follows:
Adults $8
Seniors $6
Youth (6 – 17) $4
College Students (with valid school photo ID) $5
Children 5 and under Free
The museum hours are as follows:
Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
If you get the chance to enjoy this gem of Detroit while you are here, please do. It is really worth it!
Love is the law, love under will.
Detroit Highlights IV - Diamond Jack River Tours
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
A great way to see Detroit is from the Detroit River. This international waterway is one of the busiest in the world! And Diamond Jack's is the way to see it!
Rivard Plaza Detroit - located at the foot of Rivard Street and Atwater Upper Detroit River Tour. Detroit Tour Route and Sites.
Bishop Park in Wyandotte
Love is the law, love under will.
A great way to see Detroit is from the Detroit River. This international waterway is one of the busiest in the world! And Diamond Jack's is the way to see it!
You'll enjoy your Detroit River
For over 20 years theseDetroit River boats have cruised the Detroit River Detroit and Windsor
Enjoy your favorite beer and wine and choose from their many snacks and soft drinks served during the two hour narrated tour. Cruise the upperDetroit River from the Rivard Plaza dock at the waterfront at the foot of Rivard near the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit , and cruise the lower Detroit River from the Bishop Park dock in Wyandotte
What:
For over 20 years these
Enjoy your favorite beer and wine and choose from their many snacks and soft drinks served during the two hour narrated tour. Cruise the upper
What:
Two hour narrated Detroit River Tours open to the public.
When:
June 9 – September 4, 2011
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Two departure times: 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Where:
1:00 Wyandotte Tour Route and Sites heads up river about half way to Detroit
3:30 Wyandotte Tour Route and Sites heads downriver and passes by Bob-Lo Island
Cost:
Adult tickets cost $17.00
Seniors (over 60) are $15.00
Children between the ages of 6-16 are $13.00
Children 5 and under ride for free when accompanied by an adult.
Tickets may be purchased with cash - we unable to process credit cards or personal checks.
Use your AAA or AARP card for a $2 discount - up to 4 passengers per card.
Admission:
Is on a first come first serve basis – they do not take individual reservations.
Tickets are purchased as you board the boat - there is not a separate ticket booth on the dock. Boarding begins approximately 15 minutes prior to the departure time.
They suggest arriving 30 – 60 minutes before departure time to take your place in line.
Food and Beverages:
Soft drinks, beer, wine, and also a very light snack bar with such things as chips, candy and cookies are available for purchase on board.
Food and beverages are NOT allowed to be brought on the boat.
Snack bar items may be purchased with cash - They do not take credit cards or personal checks.
Love is the law, love under will.
Hotel and Environs
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
There's less than a month left to get the great $99 room rate per night at NOTOCON VIII's hotel, the Hyatt Regency Dearborn. Click on the Passkey Link Here to secure your room rate. You only have until July 12th!
To check out all the great features of this AAA Four Diamond hotel, click here and here.
The hotel is adjacent to the Fairlane Town Center shopping mall.Fairlane Town Center is Fairlane Town Center is a short drive to downtown Detroit Fairlane Town Center
Love is the law, love under will.
There's less than a month left to get the great $99 room rate per night at NOTOCON VIII's hotel, the Hyatt Regency Dearborn. Click on the Passkey Link Here to secure your room rate. You only have until July 12th!
To check out all the great features of this AAA Four Diamond hotel, click here and here.
The hotel is adjacent to the Fairlane Town Center shopping mall.
Love is the law, love under will.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Detroit Highlights III - Ford Rouge Factory Tour
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Below, you will find information on the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. This tour leaves from The Henry Ford complex in Dearborn, MI, just a few minutes by car from our hotel. Please see a previous blog post on The Henry Ford complex.
Ford Rouge Factory Tour
More than a walk along an assembly line, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour is an excursion where environmental innovation and industrial production combine.
The Ford Rouge Factory Tour is a self-guided five-part experience that includes: Legacy Theater, Art of Manufacturing Theater, Observation Deck, Dearborn Truck Plant and the Legacy Gallery. Theater seating is limited to 79 guests per show; shows run continuously until 4:00 PM and are seated on a first come first serve basis.
Legacy Theatre
Learn about the triumphs and tragedies surrounding the Rouge, much of it told through rare, never-before-seen historic footage.
Approximate time: 13 minutes
Learn about the triumphs and tragedies surrounding the Rouge, much of it told through rare, never-before-seen historic footage.
Approximate time: 13 minutes
Art of Manufacturing Theatre
A multi-sensory theater experience including a 360-degree look at how automobiles are made!
Approximate time: 14 minutes
A multi-sensory theater experience including a 360-degree look at how automobiles are made!
Approximate time: 14 minutes
Observation Deck Tour
View the world’s largest living roof from our 80-foot-high Observation Deck.
Variable time: 5-15 minutes
View the world’s largest living roof from our 80-foot-high Observation Deck.
Variable time: 5-15 minutes
Assembly Plant Walking Tour
See where the new Ford F-150s are assembled in a new lean and flexible manufacturing plant. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the final assembly process from an elevated walkway.
Variable time: 30-45 minutes
See where the new Ford F-150s are assembled in a new lean and flexible manufacturing plant. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the final assembly process from an elevated walkway.
Variable time: 30-45 minutes
Legacy Gallery
View five historic vehicles made at the Rouge including the 20,000,000th Ford, hop in a new F-150, and visit our Factory Store.
View five historic vehicles made at the Rouge including the 20,000,000th Ford, hop in a new F-150, and visit our Factory Store.
Getting There
Bus Transportation
Public tours begin on the historic grounds of The Henry Ford with busses departing for the Factory Tour every 20 minutes from 9:20am–3pm. Busses return regularly from theVisitor Center
Public tours begin on the historic grounds of The Henry Ford with busses departing for the Factory Tour every 20 minutes from 9:20am–3pm. Busses return regularly from the
ParkingWhile no public parking is available at the Factory Tour, a limited amount of school and group bus parking is available at the Visitor Center Call Center
Factory Tour Hours and Tickets
9:30am - 5:00pm
Monday - Saturday
Buses depart every 20 minutes, 9:20am – 3:00pm.
Last tour leaves at 3:00pm.
Adult Member: | $12.75 |
Adult Nonmember: | $15.00 |
Youth Member: | $9.25 |
Youth Nonmember: | $11.00 |
Senior Member: | $12.00 |
Senior Nonmember: | $14.00 |
Children 2 & under: | Free |
2011 Ford Rouge Factory Tour Closure Dates
- All Sundays
- Jan. 24
- Nov. 24
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
Having worked in an auto factory for five years (an engine plant), I can assure you you will not get a chance like this to see a plant at work. Even those of us here in Detroit, with friends and family in the auto industry, plants hardly ever open up for tours. I have heard nothing but good things about this tour. As with all things The Henry Ford does, it's first class.
Love is the law, love under will.
Dining in Dearborn II - Middle Eastern Cuisine
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
These are the Top 10 Middle Eastern Restaurants in Dearborn
1. Shatila
Categories: Desserts, Middle Eastern, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
14300 W Warren Ave
(313) 582-1952
An absolutely fantastic place for your every dessert need! It truly looks like an oasis in here. Highly recommended!
2. New Yasmeen Bakery
Categories: Bakeries, Middle Eastern
13900 W Warren Ave
(313) 582-6035
Simply awesome!
3. Hamido
Category: Middle Eastern
13251 W Warren Ave
(313) 582-0660
Great reviews, but never tried it. Will try to before NOTOCON and let you all know!
4. Cedarland Restaurant
Category: Middle Eastern
13007 W Warren Ave
(313) 582-4849
Love this place. The complimentary lentil soup is wonderful. Fantastic Middle Eastern food at really low prices! The décor is nothing to write home about, but the place is wonderful! Highly recommended.
5. Tuhama's
Category: Middle Eastern
10613 W Warren Ave
(313) 581-0714
Again, fantastic reviews, but have never been.
6. Amani's Restaurant
Category: Middle Eastern
13823 Michigan Ave
(313) 584-1890
This is an Arabic/Mid-East restaurant that really seems to know what it's doing. It has received fantastic reviews! If I get a chance to visit before NOTOCON, I’ll be sure to update you.
7. Al-Ameer
Category: Middle Eastern
12710 W Warren Ave
(313) 582-8185
Again, rave reviews for this place. Definitely want to check it out soon. Will let you know when I do!
8. LaPita Restaurant
Categories: Middle Eastern, Caterers, Sandwiches
22681 Newman St
(313) 563-7482
This is an old Dearborn
9. Ollie's Lebanese Cuisine
Category: Middle Eastern
16351 Ford Road
(313) 253-1010
Once again, good reviews, but never been. Guess I’ll just have to go and get my Middle Eastern fix very soon!
10. Al-Ajami Restaurant
Category: Middle Eastern
14633 W Warren Ave
(313) 846-9330
The food here gets great reviews. The décor, not so much. Again, one I need to try. Will let you know if I get a chance.
All of these restaurants are within a 5 to 15 minute driving distance of the hotel. I hope you get a chance to try one or two. You will get Middle Eastern cuisine no where else like you do in Dearborn!
Love is the law, love under will.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Dining in Dearborn
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
There are many places in multi-ethnic Dearborn to dine in. Since the Hyatt Regency Dearborn is located adjacent to the Fairlane Town Center shopping mall, there are many restaurants that are within easy walking distance. Here are a few, in and around the mall, to give you an idea:
BRAVO! Cucina Italiana
BRAVO! Cucina Italiana provides a white-tablecloth casual dining with great tasting Italian food and an inviting atmosphere.
China Town
China Town offers a truly unique dining adventure that unites Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai foods.
Fuddruckers
Fuddruckers serves great tasting hamburgers.
P.F. Chang's
P.F. Chang's provides contemporary, bistro-style restaurant setting, offering a unique blend of high quality, authentic Chinese cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
Starters Bar & Grill
Starters Bar & Grill offers an extensive menu, including steak and seafood entrees, as well as a full bar and 20 HDTVs.
Cinnabon
Cinnabon is known for serving fresh, aromatic cinnamon rolls made with premium Indonesian cinnamon and topped with a sweet, rich, cream cheese-based frosting.
Coffee Beanery
Coffee Beanery serves coffee beverages, as well as other drinks and food.
Kerby's Koney Island
Kerby's Koney Island, a Detroit classic, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner selections from a classic koney island-style menu.
Kyoto Kyoto Japanese Cuisine
Kyoto Kyoto Japanese Cuisine serves affordable Japanese cuisine.
Master Wok Chinese Cuisine
Master Wok Chinese Cuisine serves authentic Chinese food including vegetarian, chicken and beef entrees.
Shawarma Express
Shawarma Express serves delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, juice drinks and appetizers.
Kyoto by Benihana
Kyoto by Benihana, the national Japanese chain, offers both sushi, teppanyaki (where the chef cooks the food right at your table), and a great bar. Reversations strongly suggested.
Big Fish
Big Fish is a wonderful seafood restaurant owned by the Muer restaurant chain here in metro Detroit.
Friday's
TGI Friday's, the national chain restaurant, has a location on the outside drive around Fairlane.
In the hotel itself, there is a coffee shop called Perks, the wonderful Archimedes bar, and the great Giulio & Sons Restaurant. I have partaken at all three and highly recommend all of them.
Later, I will highlight some of the great Dearborn eateries that are within driving distance of the hotel.
Love is the law, love under will.
There are many places in multi-ethnic Dearborn to dine in. Since the Hyatt Regency Dearborn is located adjacent to the Fairlane Town Center shopping mall, there are many restaurants that are within easy walking distance. Here are a few, in and around the mall, to give you an idea:
BRAVO! Cucina Italiana
BRAVO! Cucina Italiana provides a white-tablecloth casual dining with great tasting Italian food and an inviting atmosphere.
China Town
China Town offers a truly unique dining adventure that unites Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai foods.
Fuddruckers
Fuddruckers serves great tasting hamburgers.
P.F. Chang's
P.F. Chang's provides contemporary, bistro-style restaurant setting, offering a unique blend of high quality, authentic Chinese cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
Starters Bar & Grill
Starters Bar & Grill offers an extensive menu, including steak and seafood entrees, as well as a full bar and 20 HDTVs.
Cinnabon
Cinnabon is known for serving fresh, aromatic cinnamon rolls made with premium Indonesian cinnamon and topped with a sweet, rich, cream cheese-based frosting.
Coffee Beanery
Coffee Beanery serves coffee beverages, as well as other drinks and food.
Kerby's Koney Island
Kerby's Koney Island, a Detroit classic, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner selections from a classic koney island-style menu.
Kyoto Kyoto Japanese Cuisine
Kyoto Kyoto Japanese Cuisine serves affordable Japanese cuisine.
Master Wok Chinese Cuisine
Master Wok Chinese Cuisine serves authentic Chinese food including vegetarian, chicken and beef entrees.
Shawarma Express
Shawarma Express serves delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, juice drinks and appetizers.
Kyoto by Benihana
Kyoto by Benihana, the national Japanese chain, offers both sushi, teppanyaki (where the chef cooks the food right at your table), and a great bar. Reversations strongly suggested.
Big Fish
Big Fish is a wonderful seafood restaurant owned by the Muer restaurant chain here in metro Detroit.
Friday's
TGI Friday's, the national chain restaurant, has a location on the outside drive around Fairlane.
In the hotel itself, there is a coffee shop called Perks, the wonderful Archimedes bar, and the great Giulio & Sons Restaurant. I have partaken at all three and highly recommend all of them.
Later, I will highlight some of the great Dearborn eateries that are within driving distance of the hotel.
Love is the law, love under will.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Saturday's Lunch with Lon
It has been a tradition for the last few NOTOCONs that we have a Lunch with Lon Milo DuQuette on one of the days of the conference. We will be having a great Middle Eastern Buffet Lunch with our venerated and wise U.S. Deputy National Grand Master. The lunch is included in the price of registration for the conference.
The Buffet Menu is as follows:
The Buffet Menu is as follows:
-Fattouch Salad
-Hummus with Pita Chips
-Vegetable Curry Cous Cous Salad
-Chicken Brochettes with Eggplant and Yellow Squash
-Pasta Tossed with a Warm Olive Oil and Basil Sauce with Sundried Tomatoes and Pecorino Cheese
-Dessert and Beverage
The topic of Brother Lon's talk is as follows:
“…for there are also of my friends who be hermits.”—The Hermits of the O.T.O.
Lon Milo DuQuette
For most of us, our work in the O.T.O. is focused on the mysteries and activities of the Man of Earth and Lovers triads—degree initiations, Gnostic Masses, and the education and social programs that enhance our mastery and understanding of Thelema. It takes many years to progress through these degrees, and at each step of our initiatory journey we are challenged by serious personal and magical ordeals that try our spiritual integrity, and test our patience and tenacity. In order for us to prevail and advance, our O.T.O. careers oblige us to grow to and evolve! But grow and evolve into what? Ironically, the goal of our years of butting heads with the militantly independent wills of our fellows in the Thelemic community...the goal of laboring to make the great Thelemic experiment work on a societal level...is to become a “Hermit”. Join OTO Hermit, U.S. Deputy Grand Master General Lon Milo DuQuette as he shares his thoughts and unique perspective on what it means to be a Hermit in the OTO. Not tyled.
Lon Milo DuQuette
Lon Milo DuQuette is a distinguished and well-known author of books on magickal practice, Thelema, Qabala, and myriad other subjects. He currently holds the positions of O.T.O. Hermit and U.S. Deputy National Grand Master of the O.T.O.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Detroit Highlights II - The Henry Ford
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The Henry Ford, a National Historic Landmark, (also known as the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village), is in the Metro Detroit suburb of Dearborn, just minutes from our NOTOCON hotel, the Hyatt Regency Dearborn. It is the nation's "largest indoor-outdoor history museum" complex.
Named for its founder, the noted automobile industrialist Henry Ford, and based on his desire to preserve items of historical significance and portray the Industrial Revolution, the property houses a vast array of famous homes, machinery, exhibits, and Americana. The collection contains many rare exhibits including John F. Kennedy's presidential limousine, Abraham Lincoln's chair from Ford's Theatre, R. Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion House, the Allegheny Steam Locomotive, Thomas Edison's laboratory, the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop, the Firestone Farm (still an actual working farm), the Rosa Parks bus, and a huge number of classic cars, industrial and farm equipment, and items from everyday life from our nation's founding to the present.
Henry Ford said of his museum:
“ I am collecting the history of our people as written into things their hands made and used.... When we are through, we shall have reproduced American life as lived, and that, I think, is the best way of preserving at least a part of our history and tradition...”
Having grown up here in Metro Detroit, I have spent many days exploring the Museum and Village. My family went every year to both: once in the summer to the Village and once during the colder months to the Museum. It is truly a gem!
The complex is only minutes away, by car, from the Hyatt, our NOTOCON VIII hotel.
Museum hours are 9:30 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week and admission is currently:
Adult: $15.00
Senior (62+): $14.00
Youth (5-12): $11.00
Children under 5: Free
Village hours are also 9:30 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week. Admission for the Village is currently:
Adult: $22.00
Senior (62+): $21.00
Youth (5-12): $16.00
Children under 5: Free
Unlimited Daily Ride Pass* $10.00
* Children < 5 free
It is actually hard to see everything in either the Museum OR the Village in one day, so if you want to see everything, plan on spending two full days. Our special $99 rate at the Hyatt goes for a couple of days before and after the actual dates of NOTOCON proper, so take advantage and see this wonder of American hisory.
Visit http://www.thehenryford.org/ for more information.
Love is the law, love under will.
The Henry Ford, a National Historic Landmark, (also known as the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village), is in the Metro Detroit suburb of Dearborn, just minutes from our NOTOCON hotel, the Hyatt Regency Dearborn. It is the nation's "largest indoor-outdoor history museum" complex.
Named for its founder, the noted automobile industrialist Henry Ford, and based on his desire to preserve items of historical significance and portray the Industrial Revolution, the property houses a vast array of famous homes, machinery, exhibits, and Americana. The collection contains many rare exhibits including John F. Kennedy's presidential limousine, Abraham Lincoln's chair from Ford's Theatre, R. Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion House, the Allegheny Steam Locomotive, Thomas Edison's laboratory, the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop, the Firestone Farm (still an actual working farm), the Rosa Parks bus, and a huge number of classic cars, industrial and farm equipment, and items from everyday life from our nation's founding to the present.
Henry Ford said of his museum:
“ I am collecting the history of our people as written into things their hands made and used.... When we are through, we shall have reproduced American life as lived, and that, I think, is the best way of preserving at least a part of our history and tradition...”
Having grown up here in Metro Detroit, I have spent many days exploring the Museum and Village. My family went every year to both: once in the summer to the Village and once during the colder months to the Museum. It is truly a gem!
The complex is only minutes away, by car, from the Hyatt, our NOTOCON VIII hotel.
Museum hours are 9:30 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week and admission is currently:
Adult: $15.00
Senior (62+): $14.00
Youth (5-12): $11.00
Children under 5: Free
Village hours are also 9:30 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week. Admission for the Village is currently:
Adult: $22.00
Senior (62+): $21.00
Youth (5-12): $16.00
Children under 5: Free
Unlimited Daily Ride Pass* $10.00
* Children < 5 free
It is actually hard to see everything in either the Museum OR the Village in one day, so if you want to see everything, plan on spending two full days. Our special $99 rate at the Hyatt goes for a couple of days before and after the actual dates of NOTOCON proper, so take advantage and see this wonder of American hisory.
Visit http://www.thehenryford.org/ for more information.
Love is the law, love under will.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Speakers and Presentations Pages Now Up
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
The Speakers and Presentations pages are now up and active on the NOTOCON VIII website. Please visit http://viii.notocon.org/speakers.html for the Speakers page and http://viii.notocon.org/presentation.html for the Presentations page.
Love is the law, love under will.
The Speakers and Presentations pages are now up and active on the NOTOCON VIII website. Please visit http://viii.notocon.org/speakers.html for the Speakers page and http://viii.notocon.org/presentation.html for the Presentations page.
Love is the law, love under will.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Detroit Highlights I - The Masonic Temple
Detroit is the home to the largest Masonic Temple in the world. And we would love for you to get the chance to see it while you are here for NOTOCON VIII! Therefore we are offering a tour of the Masonic Temple on Thursday afternoon, before NOTOCON officially begins. When you register for NOTOCON VIII, you will have the opportunity to register for this tour.
The docents at the Temple are very knowledgeable and really try to show you as much as they can of the beautiful spaces in the 14 story building.
The chartered bus will leave the hotel at 4:30pm on Thursday, August 4th, 2011. We expect to be back to the hotel around 7:30pm. The cost of the tour is $30, which includes the bus fare and the tour.
The following link contains interesting historical facts.
http://www.themasonic.com/history.html
The docents at the Temple are very knowledgeable and really try to show you as much as they can of the beautiful spaces in the 14 story building.
The chartered bus will leave the hotel at 4:30pm on Thursday, August 4th, 2011. We expect to be back to the hotel around 7:30pm. The cost of the tour is $30, which includes the bus fare and the tour.
The following link contains interesting historical facts.
http://www.themasonic.com/history.html
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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