What is Aspirants to Light?
Aspirants to Light is a ceremonial Fellowship with a decidedly Thelemic flavor, designed especially for people who desire participation in a spiritual community and Qabalistic ceremony, but cannot (or wish not to) make a big commitment for attendance and participation. Nonetheless, there is ample opportunity for learning and growth open to those who have the Will to do so.
How do I join?
Click the APPLY TO JOIN link at the top of this page. Follow the directions. It’s easy!
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. You must be at least 18 years of age.
How often are meetings?
There is one regular monthly meeting. (There may be other meetings for special purposes.)
How often am I expected to attend.
Your attendance is up to you, based on your interest and availability. We encourage you to attend whenever possible, but only officers have to make an actual commitment to attend.
What happens at meetings?
At the regular monthly meeting, we perform together a standard ritual, and a short teaching is given. There may be other ceremonies such as the admittance of a new member or a degree advancement. And, of course, time is always saved for socializing.
How long do I have to wait to be a ritual officer?
Some of the ritual offices are open to members of any degree, and an effort is made to give all interested members the opportunity to serve in these roles. In other words, probably you would have an opportunity for this soon after being admitted, if you choose.
How much are dues?
Each Lodge sets the amount for dues, based on the actual costs of providing meeting space and materials for the members. (For example, Los Angeles Lodge No. 1 presently has dues of $10/month.) There is no paid staff — all funds received are applied directly to costs.
Is there an admittance fee?
Yes, there is a one-time affiliation fee of $50.00.
What is available if I want to partake of the opportunity to learn more?
At each of our three exoteric degree levels, you will be provided with study materials, and will have the opportunity to apply them and then request testing. On satisfactory examination, you may then advance to the next degree (up to III°) with no further minimum time requirement in your present degree.
What is covered in the study material?
The Qabalah, including the Tree of Life, Tarot, the estoteric use of the Hebrew alphabet, the planets, yoga, ritual, and other related subjects. An initial stage is primarily theoretical, and later stages are more practical.
What if the ritual and community aspects are of more interest to me than learning and testing?
You would still be as welcomed and valued a member. After waiting a certain minimum number of months in a given degree (and memorizing short answers to a few ritualized questions, as used in the ceremony of your advancement), you may take the next degree.
Is there any hazing connected with the joining process?
No. We do nothing in our ceremonies that is intended to cause embarrassment or pain.
How do I leave the group if I find it is not for me?
By a simple written notification to the Lodge and the return of any confidential material provided to you during your membership. Also, should you change your mind thereafter, you may return at your prior degree if you have faithfully fulfilled the above requirements.
Is Aspirants to Light sponsored by another existing group?
No, although there is an indirect relationship. The Fellowship has been formed collaboratively by the grand masters of two established and respected Thelemic initiating Orders, Temple of Thelema and Cor Lucis. Those two officers, and not their respective Orders, hold the entire responsibility for the growth, well-being, and overall management of Aspirants to Light.
Do I have to pass through Aspirants to Light degrees before applying to either of those Orders?
No. You may apply for an interview with Cor Lucis or Temple of Thelema without that prerequisite. On the other hand, many people will find Aspirants to Light valuable in preparing them for the more advanced work of Initiation, and several Temple of Thelema and Cor Lucis initiates find Aspirants to Light valuable and interesting for its own sake, despite their concurrent involvement in deeper work.
Do you have more questions? Feel free to ask them. Just email AL@aumha.org.
Last updated 17 Jan 2006 E.V.