Ordo Templi Orientis (Typhonian)

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Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) is an occult society in the United Kingdom interested in magick and typhonian concepts. It is commonly referred to as the Typhonian Ordo Templi Orientis to distinguish it from other branches of O.T.O. The prefix "Typhonian" is only a commonly-accepted distinguisher in the range of claimants to the title of O.T.O's, rather than a formal of official part of the name of the organization.

Dave Evans writes that Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) bequeathed command of Ordo Templi Orientis to Kenneth Grant. In 1951, Grant declared, "I am authorized to operate the O.T.O. in England", assuming the X° for Ireland, Iona, and All the Britains, a title previously held by Crowley. Grant wrote a new manifesto for O.T.O. and had 5000 copies printed.^[1]

The number of members has so far never exceeded a few hundreds and there is very little activity outside the UK, USA and Brazil.^{[citation needed]} O.T.O. is still among the most well-known magical orders, apparently through the books of Kenneth Grant. In particular, it has influenced Setianism and Dragon Rouge and was instrumental in the creation of Nema's Maat Magick movement.

While the group still promotes the Law of Thelema, it appears to focus more on exploration of foreign intelligence such as extraterrestrial life and demons, and on the darker aspects of occult existence. The organisation has shifted from a formal hierarchy to a loose hierarchical framework.