Naber to Montenegro, 29-X-68 - Ordo Templi Orientis
Ordo Templi Orientis Gabriel Montenegro Vargas + the European Thelemites Hermann Joseph Metzger O.T.O. in Switzerland
Naber to Montenegro, 29-X-68
Dr. med. Günther Naber Allensbach, October 29, 68.
....
Dear Fra. Theophilus,
In the meantime I have received 3 letters from you, dating September 9,
October 4 and October 11.
Inasmuch as Br. Englert is still in Italy I was unable to get in touch
with him. Generally speaking I agree with him in the judging of the
conditions in Stein. I have been there for 10 years now as a guest and
have always been received with cortesy and hospitality. I would not
like to be ungrateful towards my hosts. If I nevertheless join the
general criticism, so it is because there are motives of importance. In
these 10 years I have not experienced any furtherment of importance
through the Order. Most of the brothers that I know are equally
disappointed. But each open criticism of this sort is being done with a
mentioning of and scolding of duties not fulfilled and with reminders
of holy vows. It is overlooked that duties can never be accomplished
without some enthusiasm and that joy of work cannot be brought about
without present example to look up to. The contrary is there the case:
one is often enough devoid of spirits through the negative example that
the authority represents. There are sure there that feel "Lust" (This
word Lust has a double meaning in German, on one hand it means
enlightment or have a mind to, on the other hand it means avoir envie,
desire, to wish for, lustfullness. The translator) but for other
fields, and there are few in favour which have found in the conduct of
P's [Paragranus = Metzger] a licence for his own and similar wishful
thinking and conduct. It is known that many others have quietly
retired from the O[rder]. The reasons are surely for "Initiates" the
obvious conduct of P's. which is contrary to his teachings and talks,
in his deficient psychogogic ability, as well as secret-mongering and
missing sincerity.
"Do as thou wilst" [sic] has there only a theoretical meaning, to have
ones own opinion is looked at as treachery or is laughed at. Therefore
one talks like the canaries do the same as its master - or one remains
silent. About essentials or spiritual problems most rarely is talked
about, the talks that are left are of the spirit of the average
beertable discussion.
The events that brought this sweldering unsatisfaction to eruption, are
important enough but also only an event. The point in question - as you
probably have heard from Br. E[nglert] - are rather primitive
womanstories which each stupid could have arranged more cleverly.
It is possible that these are appearances of psychic destruction of
alcohol or some other suffering, then one should have some patience and
indulgence.
The communication of Br. E. concerning his disignation [sic] as OHO is
right. On the legality of this act which has been executed in the
presence of witnesses is no doubt. Fra. P[aragranus = Metzger] has
voiced at that time his intentions to step in the background
altogether. However I do not know how one thinks of it in Stein today,
after one looks on Br. E. as an apostate.
The Fraternitas Saturni was founded as a thelemic Lodge of its
decesased Grand Master Gregorius at Berlin. She is not of the OTO and
has lost importance today. The work which has been done there has been
rejected by Fra. P.
The pamphlet "AtumZion" is a purely private undertaking of Br.
A[udehm]. He has been initiated in Stein but has received his essential
initiations some place.
The very hard attacks which he undertakes against Fra. P. are in my
opinion too much of a personal polemic and offer too little substantial
arguments [Note by PRKoenig: P.R. Audehm's Recollections might be published soon].
But if there should be for once something brought to light and not as
so far has to remain hidden in benevolent silence, also such action
might be justified. If and whether a reorganisation of the Order is
planned in Frankfurt and whether there is for it a de facto or de jure
possibility, I do not know. So far things are still floating.
And now dear Frater Theophilus I have given you my opinion on the
situation in the Order. On all other still open questions I will write
to you later.
I remain with my heartiest brotherly greetings.
