Thank you, all.  It's truly an honor to be granted a charter by V.H. Frater Thabion and I look forward to continue the Great Work and carry on the traditions of the OTA.  Poke has been a wonderful teacher and mentor to me over the years and I am truly grateful for the experience.  

To address your questions, Stephen Stokes, and to perhaps illustrate to other Associate Members:  The Associate Member program can be a wonderful tool to advance your studies within the OTA.  As you pointed out however, to actually progress throughout the grades, one does need to make a trip to Rivendell.  While you may be granted the right to advance, and even given a certificate stating as such, a physical trip to Silverado, or to a lodge granted with the appropriate authority,  must be undertaken in order to take part in the degree rituals.  These rituals are an in integral part of the process of advancement within the OTA and their meaning and symbolism cannot be overstated.  

I live in Missouri and since 2020 I have travelled to Poke's and stayed with him as his guest, sometimes multiple times a year.  During these stays, I have participated in Seasonals, retreats, rituals, Goetic operations and the rituals of the 7 degrees of Crata Repoa.  While members that live abroad may have difficulties making such a trip, I can't stress enough how valuable such trips can be.  I highly encourage any and all Associate Members to do so, even if just for your Pastophoris Degree.  Such visits are not only valuable learning experiences in ceremonial magick, but more importantly they strengthen the egregore of the OTA.

In closing, I'd like to piggy back on what Poke closed his last blog with; "Magick means work, but the work is fun."  For years many magicians and mystics have said that Magick gives back what you put into it.  I can honestly and sincerely say that these words are true.  

Tu Es Deus

V.H. Frater Agnostos 

This is a photo of me, Frater Thabion, putting my gold seal on Wally Wallace's O.T.A. Charter, issued on September 29th, 2026. The charter is actually a Fourth Degree Chistophoris certificate which entitles the Rosicrucian initiate to found and operate an O.T.A. Lodge. Wally, V.H. Frater Agnosto, has been a Fourth Degree for years, He is in fact, a Seventh Degree. He held off asking for a charter until he had completed the program. Wally is the star of the Associate Member program. He joined in 2020, number 300, came out here on 17th of November and received his Pastophoris and four years later he recieved his Seventh Degree Propheta. You can see his wonderful temple equipment and decorations on our website. We are sending him his red hat, his Seventh Degree silver cross along with his charter. Wally should be an inspiration to all of you Associate Members. Magick means work but the work is fun. Let's Do those lessons and exercise reports and get on with the program.

V.H. Frater Thabion