Grades in the OTO

The Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) is an international fraternal and religious organisation with roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was heavily influenced by the works and teachings of Aleister Crowley, who incorporated Thelemic principles into its structure. The O.T.O. utilises a system of initiation ceremonies and degrees, often referred to as grades or levels, to guide its members through their spiritual development.

The O.T.O. degree structure is divided into three main categories, each encompassing several grades. These categories are the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Rosicrucian Order of Alpha et Omega, and the Order of the Silver Star. Crowley, however, revised the O.T.O. system to reflect the Thelemic principles and established a new structure consisting of the Man of Earth Triad, the Lover Triad, and the Hermit Triad. Here is a list of the O.T.O. degrees according to Crowley's system:

0. Minerval

I°. Man and Brother / Woman and Sister

II°. Magician

III°. Master Magician

IV°. Perfect Magician and Companion of the Holy Royal Arch of Enoch

P.I. (Perfect Initiate)

V°. Sovereign Prince of Rose-Croix

VI°. Illustrious Knight (Templar) of the Order of Kadosch and Companion of the Holy Graal

VII°. Theoreticus and Prince of Light

VIII°. Practicus and Perfect Pontiff of the Illuminati

IX°. Initiate of the Sanctuary of the Gnosis

X°. Rex Summus Sanctissimus (Supreme and Most Holy King) – National Head of the O.T.O.

XI°. Initiate of the Eleventh Degree (specifically related to the governance of the O.T.O.)

Additionally, there are two more degrees, which are not part of the initiatory structure but have specific roles:

XII°. Frater Superior (International Head of the O.T.O.)

Outer Head of the Order (O.H.O.) – the overall leader of the entire organisation

It is essential to note that the O.T.O. system is complex, and the grades listed here are not exhaustive. Other sub-grades, titles, and variations may exist within different lineages or jurisdictions.