So, I initiated into the OTA this past Saturday. I was trying to convey to one of the other initiates some of the differences between initiations in the OTO and OTA (probably as a means of processing the experience for myself.)

- The OTA is younger, much less formed, and structured (but it seems they’re already scrambling to get bylaws finished and the rituals more codified) Poke is still deciding on what will and won’t ultimately go into the OTA rituals (apparently he defers to the GD whenever he is waffling too much.) I also still don’t have a good grasp of the OTA grade system - it’s a modified and adapted version of the Crata Repoa, and no one (though I’ve been promised it is coming) has written out how it differs and is the same as the fantasy piece that is Crata Repoa.

- The level of drama and rehearsing in the OTO is more impressive. The OTA initiators were reading off scripts and fumbling a bit through the ritual. All the OTO work I’ve been involved in or present for was from memory and involved weeks of practice rehearsals.

- The OTA I* ritual was focused on seasonal work as alchemical metaphor, and the symbolism was very straightforward. Little-to-none of it was confrontational, and it was a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. I also don’t remember any outright oaths. The inclusion of a $10 initiation fee seemed like a silly last-minute after thought, to me.