Annual Reports/2006 ev

From Sekhet-Maat Lodge

Each common year, Sekhet-Maat Lodge prepares an annual report to the Electoral College. Below is the majority of the substance of that report. Personal and initiatory information has been redacted, and goals from the report have been consolidated and organized at Goals.

See also:


Contents

[edit]

General Information

Which of the following does the body have? Please check all that apply.
X Financial records
X EIN
X Bank account in body’s name
- Additional savings or other kind of account
X Inventory of body equipment
What offices were filled for all of last year (with only small time lapses for changes in officers)?
X Master
X Deputy Master
X Treasurer
X Secretary
Did you hold regular business meetings?
Yes.
If yes, how often?
  • Monthly business meeting
  • Monthly meeting of Executive Committee
  • Quarterly meeting of Initiation Committee
  • Other misc. meetings occasionally
Does the body collect local dues and/or fees in addition to standard initiation fees?
yes
If yes
How much?:$35
How often?
Monthly
Total dues and/or fees collected last year
$12,506.00
Does the body hold fundraisers?
yes
If yes, describe below
As our Lodge is working toward self-sufficiency, we have reinvented our events from "rent raisers" to events designed to raise funds for specific improvements to our building and our equipment.
We hosted Thelemic Symposium this year, an annual event well known for bringing together various members from varied backgrounds and roles within the O.T.O. to discuss issues and questions important to members of the O.T.O. as well as people interested in the O.T.O. Our panelists this year were Doug and Karen James, as well as Bishop Tau Marie. The panel was followed by a reception. In addition to the panel and reception, Symposium offered an opportunity for out of town guests and non-O.T.O. attendees to meet local initiates and ask them questions about their particular path.
We also marked the Vulgar New Year’s with a party with a theme revolving around Aleister Crowley’s "Wake World" from Konx Om Pax.
How much money did you raise in fundraisers last year?
$4100.19 [gross fundraiser income]
How much money did you receive in donations last year?
$1659.24
Does the body have Temple facilities suitable for E.G.C. Gnostic Mass?
yes
Does the body have Temple facilities suitable for M.M.M. initiation rituals?
yes
Where did the majority of events take place last year?
Dedicated O.T.O. facility (nonresidential)
Briefly describe this venue
Our Lodge has five rooms: a temple, classroom, office, kitchen and bathroom. In addition there are two closets, one locking for initiation equipment and one open for general use. The temple (1000 sq. ft.) is used for Mass and Initiations as well as large events where extra seating is needed. The classroom (750 sq. ft.) is used for teaching classes, facilitating discussion groups, repose for initiation, pre/post socializing at Mass. The office (150 sq. ft.) is used primarily for computer use, communication and for research at the microfilm collection, but also contains all office supplies and a locked box for donations.
Approximately what percentage of body events took place at this venue?
99%
Is this venue covered by some form of liability insurance?
yes
[edit]

Outreach

Does the body have an email link on the Grand Lodge website?
no
Does the body have a website link on the Grand Lodge website?
yes
Does the body publish a journal or newsletter, or maintain an online journal?
yes
Name of journal
Lion & Serpent
How often was the journal published or updated last year?
Twice
Approximately how many copies of the journal do you distribute, if in print format?
100
Is it available at any commercial venues?
yes
Is it available exclusively online?
no
Were copies sent to the appropriate Grand Lodge officers, if a print publication?
yes
Does the body have a library?
yes
If yes, where is it located?
At the Lodge
Who owns the books?
The Lodge
Approximately how many books are in the library?
950
What are your primary forms of communication with your members? Check all that are regularly used.
X Informal Calls
X Announcements at events
- Telephone tree
X Local e-list
X Hard copy calendar
X Online calendar
[edit]

EGC Activity

How much E.G.C. Gnostic Mass equipment does the body have?
All
Who does the majority of the Gnostic Mass equipment belong to?
The Lodge
Number of E.G.C. Gnostic Masses the body hosted last year
65
How many body members acted in the following roles in the Gnostic Mass last year
Priestess - 8
Priest - 7
Deacon - 13
Of those, how many are ordained?
Priestess - 4
Priest - 6
Deacon - 9
Number of baptisms performed under the body last year
4
Number of confirmations performed under the body last year
2
[edit]

Initiation Activity

Number of active initiators in the body
6
Are there initiators from other local bodies who regularly initiate for your body?
no
What initiations do you currently have all equipment to perform? Check all that apply. (This does not include equipment generally provided by the initiator)
all
Who does the majority of the initiation equipment belong to?
The Lodge
How many initiations were performed last year?
Minerval - 6
First - 5
Second - 1
Third - 4
Fourth - 4
P.I. - 4
Of these, how many were performed in cooperation with another local body?
0
How many people traveled to take initiation with the body last year?
6
Total Initiations
24
[edit]

Other Activity

How many classes, lectures, or discussion groups did the body host last year?
97
Please list some of the topics covered
Ongoing class series early in the year on Liber Aleph; ongoing class series on the libri, from Liber 31 up to 66; historical classes on Tarot, Jack Parsons, Agape lodge, PK Dick; topical classes on Eris, Astrology, Music, the Grand Grimoire, Mantra, Vocal Technique; forum topics included: Syncretism, the Thelemic Calendar, Initiation, Spontaneous Magic, Magickal Fiction, Thelema and Eastern Philosophy, Magick in the Modern World, COP discussions (commenting on the Book of the Law), the Tree of Life, Tarot, and Secrecy.
How many seasonal rituals, holy day celebrations, Rites of Eleusis or other rituals did the body put on last year?
10
If the body did any special events last year that haven’t been addressed in this report, briefly describe them
Each of the four seasons Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox, and Winter Solstice were celebrated. All in very different ways. Spring Equinox was a spirited ritual by Brother JP inspired by various Thelemic writings. Our Summer Solstice ritual was comprised by Sister N from various Greek myths and revolved around Dionysus. For Autumn Equinox Sister K created an original "Reap Ritual." For Winter Solstice, we celebrated with a varied program of the various talents our members and guests presented capped by a celebration of the Gnostic Mass at Midnight.
We celebrated Thelemic Holidays such as dramatic readings and feasting for the Three Days for the Writing of the Book of the Law, a Feast for the First Night of the Prophet and His Bride which featured an original ritual by Sister K, and a celebration of Crowleymas with a drumming circle and potluck feast.
Since we transitioned to a new Lodge Master this year, we marked the occasion with a Lodge Master Installation Ceremony. We tailored the ceremony to our needs, incorporating the passing of the Sekhet-Maat Lodge Master Regalia and Talisman.
Brother N mounted an original ritual in celebration of June 6th, 2006 called 6/6/6: The Beast Unleashed. This was a ritual designed to invoke Aleister Crowley. It was quite well-attended by Lodge members and others in the local pagan/occult community.
Sekhet-Maat Lodge was also pleased to host an "Evening with the Portland Guitar Circle" in December. J.G. and H.H. of the Portland Guitar Circle performed a variety of guitar pieces inspired by the principles and practice of Guitar Craft.
We were also proud to host an evening featuring the Eleusyve Players of Seattle in July as a preview for the Rite of Venus event that will occur in 2007 at the CoHo Theater in Portland. The Eleusyve Players are well-known and well-regarded for their stirring impassioned performances Rock Opera performances of Aleister Crowley’s Rites of Eleusis. This evening featured musical compositions from the forth coming show, as well as a screening of 2005’s "Rite of Luna."
What element of the body’s activity do you take particular pride in?
Our members are some of the most earnest and hard working people in the Order today, and I am very proud of their achievements and their level of knowledge. I have asked them what they are proud of, and some of their responses follow.
On our regular and frequent performance of the Gnostic Mass:
Fr. J: "Without [all the Masses we do], we wouldn't even survive. I'm sure of it."
Fr. N: "besides keeping the temple engine running potently, and giving ample opportunity for those who would aspire to work up thru e.g.c (incidentally, there happen to be plenty of these brothers and sisters. chicken or egg? i think you know...), it gives ample opportunity to the public to explore and participate, and to those who'd enrich their personal practice with the momentum of a weekly gnostic communion and direct contact with our mysteries. (my initial work with the 93rd current was greatly accelerated in the way mentioned at the end of that run-on sentence.) ... probably a more tangible explanation of what i mean, would be to say that mass-marathons make the sky open and rain flaming frogs. put that in your report."
Other sources of pride in our membership:
Fr. N: "another thing that cannot go unmentioned is that there is ample opportunity for initiates to get involved on the initiation teams, another fantastic means of getting thoroughly intimate with the current's mysteries thru direct experience. in general, in fact, i think it is sekhet-maat's openness and encouragement to those who'd jump in and participate beyond the role of a spectator, and arming them with the tools of the lodge's prior experiences, that makes it a flagship body. ain't that but the meaning of a 'current' anyway?"
Fr. J: "I also like the Forums & Classes, particularly the latter. When we give (or receive) practical information on how to work this path, both the teachers & those taught benefit - with results that (usually) can be seen. It's the Three Jewels again - at least 2 of them. In this same vein, I've found working on an article for [Lion & Serpent] to be very satisfying."
Sr. K: "I am very proud of the fact that our lodge ... is clean, organized and has very little drama. We support and include all types, from the socially upscale and financially independent, to those of us who are less fortunate financially or socially but with skills and arts unimaginable. I love that at any event we can see the local fool and the local mage arm in arm, surrounded by such beauty, art and magick! I never dreamed I would have such beauty in my life!"
Fr. S: "Before ever coming to the lodge for my first Mass, I scoped the place out a bit (via the website), as well as other O.T.O. bodies around the nation. Sekhet-Maat IMMEDIATELY stood out, just by virtue of its incredibly full calendar! Mass every week instead of once a month - WOW! Holidays are celebrated, there are feasts (and feasts RULE!), and since joining SML, these things have only seemed to increase. … Since becoming a member, however, something else has become much more obvious. I mean, the Masses every week are totally awesome and the increased number of classes and workshops that are being held on a weekly basis are fantastic ... . But what really blows me away is the incredible (and that word is an understatement!) sense of family. I mean, yeah so we call each other Brother and Sister, but at SML it is truly meant. … I'm still getting used to it – it continues to overwhelm me at times. I guess I spent too many years being the "cold-hearted, solitary Satanist." Seriously though, I am so happy that I became a member of Sekhet-Maat Lodge. It is truly an honor to count myself among the ranks of such a wonderful, beautiful group of people!"
Is there something this body does that other bodies may benefit from learning about? If so, describe below
We have rolled out a new website which can be edited by any of our members. This allows us to put much more content online by removing the bottleneck of a single webmaster. We have also taken an extremely transparent approach with this site. Our profit and loss statements for 2005 and 2006 are all online, as are our articles of association, bylaws and standing rules, our goals, wish list, many of our policies, photos of our space, and much more. We are putting more up all the time, only omitting those items which are secure due to personal or initiatory information. We hope that other local bodies will visit, and look around, because the website approach itself might give them ideas, but also the content we are putting up may be of benefit to those who are looking for ideas or even to copy policies or procedures directly from us. We hope that the College too may find it informative to gain a deeper and broader knowledge & understanding of the work that we are doing at SML.
Counting each person once, approximately how many local O.T.O. initiates attended
75% or more of body events - 0
50% to 75% of body events - 4
25% to 50% of body events - 6
10% to 25% of body events - 20
Less than 10% of body events - 40
Approximately how many O.T.O. initiates from other areas attended body events?
15
Approximately how many (non O.T.O.) E.G.C. members attended body events?
2
Approximately how many people who are neither members of O.T.O. or E.G.C. attended body events?
52
Do you have an internal means of tracking body membership, such as local dues?
yes
If yes, explain
Local dues program & membership roll.
Members and affiliates sign the roll, signifying agreement with our bylaws and standing rules, where our dues program is made explicit. Members remain on the roll unless they voluntarily resign membership, or if their membership is terminated for lack of payment, or if they are not active members of USGL.
Membership is available for initiates of the First Degree or above. Affiliation is available to Minerval initiates and E.G.C. laity.
A complete description of the benefits of membership and affiliation is available on our website.
Do body members regularly attend events at another local body in your area?
no
[edit]

Facility

Is the facility directly connected to a residence, like a basement or dedicated set of rooms within a house?
no
Is the facility indirectly connected to a residence, like a carriage house, garage, or outbuilding?
no
Is the facility part of a commercial business or other non O.T.O. entity?
no
Is the facility used for purposes other than O.T.O. events?
yes
If yes, describe the non O.T.O. use
Occasional rental (by the day) to:
  • other local esoteric groups
  • Lodge members for private events (such as weddings)
In whose name is the facility rented, leased or owned?
The Lodge
If the facility is rented, owned or leased by the body master or a member, is it rented, owned or leased apart from the body master's or member's residence? For example, if the member or body master changed residences, would the facility still be available to the body?
Yes.
How is the facility paid for?
Funded by the general membership
Which of the following does the facility have independent of and separate from a residence, business or other venue (check all the apply)
X Entrance from the street
X Bathroom
X Temple
X Meeting or classroom
X Initiation repose rooms
X Kitchen
- Other
What is the approximate square footage of the facility?
2000
Is the facility under O.T.O. regulations (see below) at all times, or only when O.T.O. events are being held there?
At all times
[edit]

Achievements & Goals for the Year

See: Goals/2006 ev
[edit]

Order Related

How do you keep updated with Order regulations and policy changes?
X Receive information from Grand Lodge Officers
X Receive information from other body masters
X Receive information through e-lists and Order publications
- No real means of keeping up with changes
Do you proactively contact the Electoral College, Grand Lodge Officers, or other responsible officers if you have questions regarding policy?
yes
Please indicate which of these documents you possess and their revision year
X The Camp, Oasis and Lodge Master’s Handbook - revision Oct. 2001 e.v.
X The E.G.C. manual - revision Aug. 2004 e.v.
X The O.T.O. USA Bylaws - revision Apr. 2003 e.v.
Current policy requires that the Electoral College assign a mentor at all body masters below V°. Has one been assigned to you?
Not below V°
If you are V° or above, would you like a mentor?
yes
[edit]

Additional Information

  • In addition to books, our library features a small audio collection as well as a unique collection of microfilm archives (along with the equipment to view and scan microfilm) including selections from the O.T.O. archive, the Warburg Institute, and the Sloane collection of manuscripts.
  • We held a “Midnight at the Oasis” celebration of our initiatory mysteries, performing initiations 0-III in one day.
  • [redacted description of initiatory equipment upgrade from 2006]
  • In addition to baptisms and confirmations, other EGC activity included diaconate ordinations, of which we had two this year.
  • The question, "how is the facility paid for?" could allow multiple answers and essay, and one of the options should be "fund-raising activity." Sekhet-Maat Lodge is paid for by a combination of local dues, pledges, other miscellaneous donations, fund-raising events, and sales.
  • We average 4.5 events per week. Someone attending 75% of our events would be attending an average of 3.2 events per week or more, and someone attending 10% would be attending on average one event every two weeks. This is important information to use in interpreting our response with respect to the frequency of event attendance among our members.
  • One of our goals this year, not covered above, is to catalog our library, implement a computer-based checkout system, and publish the library catalog on our website.
Retrieved from "http://sekhetmaat.com:8008/wiki/Annual_Reports/2006_ev"
Views
Personal tools