Theos-Talk Archives (December 2002 Message tt00541)

Hello,

Just found an introduction to OTO website and refreshed/expanded my understanding of the intertwined roots of Thelema and Theosophy. In addition to Franz Hartmann, several individuals figure prominently in the history of each: John Yarker, Gerard Encausse (Papus), Wynn Westcott, Rudolf Steiner.

All the ins and outs of such esoterica make my head spin, but even a few minutes of reading sufficed to remind me of the root cause of occult conspiracy theories among Theosophists. That is, secret inner groups exerting control that is invisible (or semi-visible) to the exoteric organization. As long as Adyar TS members don't know where Radha's role as TS President ends and where her role as Outer Head of the Esoteric Section begins, they are existentially in the dark. Same goes for the mysterious inner workings of ULT. And of course, in the dark there are bogeymen lurking. Factions struggle for control using subterfuge, innuendo, etc.

In the interest of full disclosure, all the organizations I belong to are: Dan River Basin Association, Halifax County Literacy Council, Parsons-Bruce Art Association, Southside Area Library Association of Directors, Virginia Library Association, Virginia Public Library Directors Association. Hence my secret mission infiltrating this list is to promote appreciation of books.

Now you know,

Paul