The Abbey of Al Qiyamah is a clerk house for a variety of Esoteric and Spiritual technologies, orders, and obediences that work and meet under the banner of Congregational Illuminism. We welcome all individuals seeking Gnosis, and keep our doors open to every soul seeking to welcome Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom, and Justice into their hearts. We invite you to open your heart and allow yourself to become one with the Logos.
We stand as a beacon of light in Central New York, a place of good, peace, and happiness for all who are moved to join us. Our initiates are richly diverse, with people of different spiritual practices and backgrounds coming together to learn, grow and serve together.
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THE ABBEY OF
AL QIYAMAH
7 PRINCIPALS
(Adopted from Ormus Lodge, Atlanta Georgia)
Non Hierarchical
The Abbey of Al Qiyamah is nonhierarchical. By this we mean that our lodge places value on the principle of equality. We affirm the sanctity of all life and of the environment which nourishes and sustains us. We do not discriminate based on gender, creed, religion, sexual orientation, class, race or cultural background. Although we have grades/degrees within our lodge, we function more like a collective or cooperative where each member’s voice is given due weight and consideration. We do have Lodge Facilitators. The role of a facilitator is to aid in the process of group decision making, keeping discussions on topic and ensuring that a steady stream of activity, mutual pursuits and explorations are offered within the lodge.
Experimental
The Abbey of Al Qiyamah is experimental. By this we mean that our lodge is both exploratory and open-ended. We are not a “closed system”. We affirm the ever curious nature of consciousness to seek, to learn, to test, to question and to rejoice in the beauty and wonders of the universe. Research, documentation and peer review of collected data are highly encouraged.
Heterodox
Heterodox is the opposite of orthodox. Where orthodox means doing things one way, heterodox means doing things many ways. Our system is syncretic by nature, and what is interesting, healthy, and respectful for one person’s practice may not fit another. We empower our Clergy and Members to experiment and do those things which have personal meaning to them, rather than adhering to a strict formula. We are in agreement and alignment with the “Understandings” of The Thelemic Order. The understandings allow us to share general beliefs without forcing adherence to a strict or rigid set of absolutes. Members are expected to be “principally in sympathy with” the understandings, which is to say they mostly agree with them.
Free Illuminist
By this we mean that The Abbey of Al Qiyamah is connected to a network of other diverse groups and individuals who have voluntarily joined together to work in mutual support of each other under the banner of Free Illuminism, aka Congregational Illuminism. We affirm and uphold the following four principles as shared by many who self-identify as Free Illuminists
Spiritual growth is incompatible with authoritarian structure.
Scientific Illuminism requires a non-dogmatic, experimental approach
A free society linked in free communion should be actualized.
We facilitate, we do not lead. We do the Work, we do not extract oaths or dues, or require dogmatic beliefs.
Esoteric
The Abbey of Al Qiyamah is esoteric. By this we mean that our lodge explores the inner aspects of nature, consciousness and the universe and not just externals. We affirm that things are not always as they appear to be. Sometimes we must dig deep to access hidden vistas of gnosis that may be obscured by attachment to the status quo or stunted by an unwillingness to peer behind the veil. Without dismissing accepted knowledge out of hand, we doggedly pursue an ongoing search for more Light.
Nonsectarian
The Abbey of Al Qiyamah is nonsectarian. By this we mean that our order is not limited to any one particular worldview, spiritual path, religious creed or magical tradition. We affirm the right of all peoples of good will and sincere intent to join with us in pursuit of the Great Work.
Principled
The Abbey of Al Qiyamah is principled. By this we mean that our lodge values honor, respect, individuality, creativity, compassion and diversity. Without being uptight or prudish, we do not tolerate narrow mindedness, bigotry, racism, sexism or any unethical behavior within our lodge or within the extended communities we are part of. We affirm and celebrate the life and liberty of each individual skillfully balanced with an awareness of our impact on each other, nature and society as a whole.
Taken together, I hope that the above seven points will aid those who have an interest in The Abbey of Al Qiyamah towards understanding our basic orientation, as well as serving as a reminder for those who are already part of this community of seekers.
Tau Moses Arizmendi
The Abbey of Al Qiyamah