Monday, August 1, 2011

Author and Presenter Sotlight - Lon Milo DuQuette

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.