This month’s Local Body Spotlight is on one of our newer local bodies, in the Valley of Boise, ID, Khephra Rising. This article was written by Sr. Sinistra with the Local Bodymaster’s encouragement and permission.

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

As a lone bastion of Thelemic practice in the geographically isolated valley of Boise, Idaho, Khephra Rising Camp beat the odds to come into being. A dedicated contingent of Thelemites worked together to create a study group at first, which grew into the chartered body we have today – with much help from our brothers and sisters around the country. The nearest bodies, in Ogden and Salt Lake City, contributed their time and effort into bringing the first Gnostic Mass and initiations ever to Idaho even before Khephra Rising had any hope of materializing. It was support like this that inspired us to reach ever higher for the golden ring of OTO officialdom.

Because of our unique location, it has been imperative for nearly anyone who wishes to be initiated to travel to other cities. Our members have been willing and eager to do this, and our sister bodies have graciously accommodated us. We owe debts of thanks to the aforementioned N.O.X. and Horus Oases in Utah, as well as Sekhet-Maat Lodge in Portland, and Horizon Lodge in Seattle.

Still maintaining our close ties with bodies who shepherded us, Khephra Rising has taken the reins and performed several Minerval initiations. First Degrees will happen in September. Throughout our short history, we’ve cultivated and maintained friendly, cooperative relations with local Pagan groups, with access to meeting spaces and classes attended by Pagans as well as our own membership. This community bonding has strengthened our visibility and stimulated curiosity in who we are and what we are about. For the last several years, long before Camp status was even dreamt of, our group, then known as Thelema, Love, and Magick represented the Law at the largest Pagan gathering in Idaho. Goddess Fest attracts Pagans, Wiccans, Druids, and more with informational and sales booths, as well as public rituals, music, classes, divination – a great venue for promulgating the Law to those who might be the most amenable to our path.

Our officers have met with other local groups to answer questions about the OTO, and we sponsor public meetings for anyone who wishes to meet and query us. Individually, our members have written and presented classes on such widely diverse topics as astrology, the history of magick, sex magick, the correspondences in 777, chaos magic, the Scarlet Women of Crowley, and an ongoing series of classes reviewing The Book of Lies. A study of Hriliu is beginning; in concert with plans to build and perform the Mass.

The Camp’s most fun event takes place every year on Crowleymas, October 12, when we draw names and have a Thelemic gift exchange and party to celebrate the lesser feast of our Prophet. This has become tradition, and all members anticipate it each year. While we have social get-togethers periodically, the focus of Crowleymas makes it the most meaningful. Great care is put into the selection of gifts for our siblings.

While progress seems slow sometimes, the very fact that our Body Master, Fr. M A B U S, had this vision and inspired all of us to achieve it speaks to the dedication and love each of us has for the Law and the goals of the OTO. The welcoming and fun atmosphere here should serve to not only strengthen our bonds with each other, but to attract new members to our fold.

Love is the law, love under will.