This month’s Local Body Spotlight features Golden Thread Camp in the Valley of Pittsburgh, PA.

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

Golden Thread is composed of three pillars.  One pillar is our M.·.M.·.M.·. program: performing and facilitating initiations into the Man of Earth degrees of Ordo Templi Orientis.  Another pillar is our EGC program: performing and facilitating the rituals and services of Ecclesia Gnostic Catholica.  The third pillar, our Middle Pillar, is our unique identity: the place where spreading the law of Thelema, practicing the Gnostic Mass, and offering initiations intersects with the unique culture of our geographic region and the needs of the individuals who form our community.  It is nothing short of our group identity.  And a strong identity is necessary for growth, stability, and the continued success of our ventures.  

The most important thing that we can do to support our Third Pillar is to empower our members to share their passions: whether that be leading a Yoga or meditation group, holding a class or roundtable on their favorite topic, sharing their favorite movie during our occult movie night, or having the opportunity to talk about their favorite book or graphic novel in our book club. We are a developing community, so many individuals have not have had the opportunity to share their unique ideas in a supportive environment.  The response to this approach has been powerful.  Our schedule is full of high-quality events led by people enthusiastic for the opportunity to share their unique knowledge, experience, and perspective.  This is one of my favorite parts of participating in a local body – watching members engage with their passions.  

We host two large annual events that highlight this dedication to individual creativity:  The Thelemic Unconference and The Sagittarrium Art Show.  

The Thelemic Unconference

The Thelemic Unconference is a unique event.  Unlike the typical conference where a set schedule is planned weeks or months in advance, the classes are developed at the beginning of the day by the participants themselves.  Attendees are encouraged to share their passion and knowledge on all Thelemic and Magick-based topics, using different teaching methods including roundtable discussions, hands on workshops, practice sessions, etc.  Classes or groups can range anywhere from five minutes to several hours. Attendees can also request a class or discussion on any topic. The format is liberating.  Think of it as an event full of only the conversations that happen between the classes at NOTOCON.  We just hosted our second annual Unconference and already have the third planned out.  The Thelemic Unconference is the result of the hard work and grace of Kashmira, who also serves as our Event Coordinator.  

Sagittarrium Art Show

Next, we are beginning to gear up for this fall’s Sagittarrium Art Show.  Last year we hosted this event in our previous Temple – a 400 square-foot storefront. (We have since moved to our current 2400 square foot Temple.)  We could not have anticipated the turnout.  For the duration of the event, our Temple was packed full of members, friends, and interested Pittsburghers.  We raised over a $1000 in profits for the Camp from selling prints and original pieces.  The show provided an artistic platform for members to show their work, offered inspiration the attendees, and also served to raised our profile.  It showed that Golden Thread had a part to play in the local art community.  We have expanded the scope of this year’s show to include performance such as dance, live music, poetry, and whatever else our artists dream up.  The Sagittarrium Art Show is brought to life by the dedication and passion of Courtney, who also serves as our Camp Secretary.  

Unique events such as these allow us to promulgate to the various cultural cliques in our geographic region.  A necessary step in order to establish a strong and lasting presence in the area.  

More details on these events are available on our website: goldenthread-oto.org.  Also check out our recent blog post “The Three Pillars of Golden Thread Camp” for more of our unique events in addition to an overview of our “Three Pillar” philosophy.  

Love is the law, love under will.

Terry M.

Master, Golden Thread Camp

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of U.S. Grand Lodge or of O.T.O.