O.T.O. / Dianetics nexus
This article is about a Thelema personality/topic
L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, had some early connections to the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) through his association with Jack Parsons, a rocket scientist and occultist who was a member of the O.T.O.’s Agape Lodge in Pasadena, California. Parsons was a devoted follower of Aleister Crowley, who led the O.T.O. at the time.
In the late 1940s, Hubbard and Parsons became involved in esoteric rituals, including the infamous Babalon Working, an attempt to manifest a divine feminine force using Crowleyan magick and sexual rituals. However, their relationship soured when Hubbard allegedly took off with Parsons's money and his romantic partner, Sara Northrup. Crowley was skeptical of Hubbard and referred to him as a "confidence trickster" in letters.
Despite this early exposure to Thelemic ideas, Hubbard did not remain involved with the O.T.O. Instead, he went on to create Scientology, which took a very different direction from Thelema and the O.T.O., focusing on a structured, hierarchical belief system with psychological and spiritual elements rather than ceremonial magick.
L. Ron Hubbard’s early involvement with Jack Parsons and the O.T.O. seems to have influenced some aspects of Scientology. However, Hubbard later distanced himself from occultism and even publicly denounced it. However, if you look at Scientology’s structure and practices, you can see echoes of his exposure to Thelemic and ceremonial magick ideas.
Influences of Thelema and the O.T.O. in Scientology
The Use of Rituals and Auditing
In O.T.O. and Crowleyan magick, rituals are used to attain spiritual transformation. In Scientology, auditing serves a similar purpose: helping the practitioner overcome mental and spiritual barriers (engrams) to achieve enlightenment. Some researchers argue that the "clearing" process in Scientology resembles aspects of the magickal path to achieving the "True Will."
The Concept of Thetan vs. The True Self
Thelema teaches about discovering one's "True Will," a core concept representing an individual's divine purpose. In Scientology, Hubbard introduced the idea of the Thetan, an immortal spiritual being that has forgotten its true nature. The auditing process is meant to free the Thetan, much like Crowleyan practices aim to help individuals find and embody their True Will.
Use of Cosmic Mythology
Crowley often incorporated grand cosmic myths and spiritual hierarchies into his teachings. Similarly, Hubbard developed Scientology’s esoteric doctrines, such as Xenu and the Galactic Confederacy, which only higher-level members learn about—similar to how initiatory occult groups like the O.T.O. reveal deeper secrets at higher degrees.
Magickal Experiments and Dianetics
Hubbard participated in Jack Parsons' Babalon Working rituals, which aimed to summon an incarnate goddess. Soon after, he started formulating Dianetics, the precursor to Scientology. Some scholars suggest that his experiences in these rituals influenced his belief in harnessing the subconscious mind’s power for transformation.
Crowley and Hubbard’s Writings
Hubbard referenced Crowley in a 1952 lecture, calling him a "very good friend" (even though there’s no evidence they ever met). Some phrases from Crowley’s works, such as "Do what thou wilt," resemble ideas in Hubbard’s teachings about personal power and self-determination. However, Hubbard later declared all occultism dangerous and linked it to harmful spirits (referred to as "entities" in Scientology).
Why Did Hubbard Distance Himself from the O.T.O.?
Hubbard’s departure from magick and the O.T.O. may have been due to several reasons:
- He wanted to establish himself as a religious leader rather than be tied to Crowley’s legacy.
- Scientology needed to appeal to a broader audience, and direct links to the occult could have been damaging.
- The O.T.O. was decentralized, whereas Hubbard preferred a tightly controlled, hierarchical system.
Ultimately, while Hubbard publicly rejected the occult, elements of his early exposure to Thelemic ideas seem to have influenced the creation of Scientology’s structure, mythology, and spiritual practices.
| Ordo Templi Orientis | |
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| Outline of spirituality ● List of occult terms ● List of occultists ● Outline of spirituality |
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- More information is available at [ Wikipedia:O.T.O._/_Dianetics_nexus ]
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