The New Priesthood of Ra?

[Alkhemist]

I believe if this organization would be stable for positive polarization it's vital that it does not try to control or contain it's members, that it's only funded by charity and that it's loving and accepting towards all who wish to take part of it.

Yes, very much so. This is one of the major issues I've been working on. There seems absolutely no good way to include a "degree system" as so many "Mystery Schools" do. Inevitably, it seems to lead to elitism.

However, there is one group of which I'm aware that seems to have escaped this problem -- the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. Although the training in Druidry is sequential, starting with Bard, through Ovate, and then Druid, there really is a great respect and support, for example, for the many musicians, artists, and poets who study only the Bardic path. Still, the Druids are looked on with a bit of awe, and possibly even subconscious envy by some, because of the very fact that one must go through all the "grades" in order to become a Druid. Still, OBOD is still the most successful group I've seen in this regard.

So, that means any sort of incremental system of recognized accomplishment would be best left out.

That being said, there will most likely still be a difference in students. Some, like myself, may be drawn to the idea of a priesthood in some form, while others might be more interested in the practical aspects of Ra's teachings. Perhaps there's really no difference? I would take some time on this one, and ask for much input.

One last point to mention. The STS path is recognized as a valid path toward the return to Infinite Intelligence. Ra's teachings are mainly STO. Would the STS be welcomed in our Priesthood/School? I think of the Harry Potter movies in which Professor Snape taught the Dark Arts to those so inclined. Or would that be shooting ourselves in the foot, so to speak, due to the very nature of the STS work?

Personally, I'm inclined toward an Order-style group, but with independent study and group input. I believe I've had experience in this area for a reason now. Nothing -- no interest or idea I've ever had -- has ever seemingly been so clearly laid out for me. This would give me a wonderful opportunity to do something worthwhile, which I see as helping (with many others, of course!) to spread the teachings of Ra for a new age of humanity. If done carefully and with love, this could be the school that Ra had envisioned, if you will, when Ankhnaten attempted the same. This time, we would not allow a love of power, elitism, or exclusion to destroy it. It could be a beautiful thing, indeed!

As this is the core of STO LOO, I believe it would be very successful, as long as it follows it's own teachings.

Oh, my, you said a mouthful! Most definitely, one of the biggest problems of any spiritual group is the failure to follow their own teachings! That is where I feel my calling is. I firmly believe that anyone who takes on the "Curse of the Magus" (basically defined as starting a potentially large spiritual group) absolutely must not fall into hypocrisy.

Thank you so much for your input.