Thelemapedia
From Wikinfo
Thelemapedia is an open source encyclopedia focused on the subject of Thelema, a philosophical school and religious matrix established by Aleister Crowley in 1904 with the writing of The Book of the Law. It is similar in structure to Wikipedia in that it uses the Mediawiki software and its content is protected by the GNU FDL. Also like Wikipedia, anyone can join as an editor and add material on a volunteer basis. Articles are edited in wiki fashion so that materials can be added to or changed at any time. Thelemapedia was officially launched September 18, 2004 with a goal to create "the single best, most comprehensive source of information on Thelema." [1]
Thelemapedia began early in 2004 as a project of Scarlet Woman Lodge, Ordo Templi Orientis, located in Austin, Texas. However, according to the website, many editors are not members of O.T.O., and they "encourage multiple voices in the creation of [Thelemapedia] articles." As of this writing, the site has 223 members.
Although the central focus is on the subject of Thelema�which includes topics such as biographies of influential Thelemites, concepts found in Thelemic literature, and the religious and philosophical aspects of Thelema�the site also covers many topics of general interest to many Thelemites. The topic of magick comprises a major portion of the site, with many of Crowley's rituals, magical practices, terminology, & techniques, and non-Thelemic schools of magick, such as Wicca, Shamanism, Goetia, and Chaos Magic. There are major sections on Astrology, the Tarot, and descriptions of gods from various pantheons. The site also contains a section on the Qabalah as Crowley wrote about it, with full listings of "columns of coorespondances" found in his book, 777. Finally, there are many entries on sacred texts, world religions, and organiztions & orders (such as the A.'.A.'. and Ordo Templi Orientis).
Contents |
Policies
Thelemapedia tries to present information in a way similar to Wikipedia, except that articles should have a point of view that is pro-Thelema and magick. Otherwise, information seems to be presented in a straightforward manner, with many articles using material directly from Crowley. The site lists three "primary editorial principles":
- Articles should be sympathetic with the principles, culture, practices, and beliefs of Thelema whenever possible.
- Articles should promote clarity, accuracy, and the will to inform without distortion or fabrication.
- Articles should reflect knowledge that is generally accepted in the Thelemic community, drawing from expert sources or common knowledge.
Other editorial guidelines are very similar to those at Wikipedia. Two unique guidelines are:
- This is an OTO-friendly site. Thelemapedia is hosted by Scarlet Woman Lodge, an OTO body, and so naturally we discourage OTO-bashing (or the bashing of any order). However, we strongly encourage non-OTO contributors. Furthermore, we welcome contributions that might not be in line with standard OTO positions, as long as they are thoughtful, unbiased, and have a strong basis in fact or common consensus.
- Do not discuss items under seal. Because the world of Thelema includes initiatory orders, do not openly post information revealed within initiations or under oath, even if you feel you are justified to do so. However, with proper tact, you may discuss something that is considered secret if it is done completely out of context. Do so with great caution.
See also
References
- Thelemapedia. (2005). About Thelemapedia. Retrieved April 6, 2005.
- ____. (2005). Thelemapedia Editorial Policy. Retrieved April 6, 2005.
