Orders and Offices
Within the Astrum Temple, orders and offices reflect the pathways of our faith, our pursuit of gnosis, and the sacred tradition of fellowship. Holy Orders and Hermetic Orders are houses of devotion and dedication, a beacon for spiritual growth, celestial order, and community.
Concerning positions of Office, these titles carry a responsibility that embodies and imparts the universal wisdom of the ALL, ensuring our tradition continues to thrive and inspire the next generation of seekers.
Holy Orders
Vox Astra – V.A.
The Voice of the Stars is a path of priesthood for those who heed the call of the ALL. Clergy of the Vox Astra are the “voice of the faith” and are dedicated to the study of holy texts, in addition to providing counsel and development to Temple’s members, serving as spokespeople of the faith, and demonstrating the exemplary virtues of studiousness, stewardship, and compassion.
Manus Astra – M.A.
The Hand of the Stars is an esoteric inner order dedicated to balancing the Seven Ministers through the wisdom of darkness. Members work with paradox, shadow integration, and the philosophy of polarity. They lead congregations in evening Mass and preside over rites of transition. Their vow is to seek unity through the night, and to remember the stars within the void.
Ordo Templi Sancti – O.T.S
The Order of the Holy Temple is a contemplative order of monastics dedicated to the upkeep of sacred spaces, temples, and sanctums. In addition, they practice the virtues demonstrated by the Seven Angels of the Astra and their celestial courts. Rather than ministering to the public, as the V.A and M.A do, initiates concentrate their efforts on maintaining the sacred spaces of the Earth, leading a contemplative life of prayer and stewardship; embodying the wisdom of the Astra.
Hermetic Orders
Ordo Aquilae – O.A.
The Order of Aquila are the Temple’s sacred astrologists and astronomers. Initiates of this order dedicate their time to the study of the heavens. The O.A interpret the skies of the past, present, and future – aspiring to unite the sciences of the stars as a cohesive duality, so that they may guide the faithful along the path of Heaven.
Velum Lunae – V.L.
The Veil of the Moon is a deeply esoteric path for those dedicated to the inner mysteries of divinity and self transformation. The V.L are devoted to purification ritual, esoteric sciences, communion with spirits, and the holistic healing of mind, body, and soul.
Offices
Requirements
For the positions of Office, four require the mantle of Holy Orders. These positions of authority are Pontiff of Mercury, Archbishop of Luma, Luminary, and Priest. Because of their role as governing bodies of the Astrum Temple, dedicants are required to devote their intentions to the faith.
Pontiff of Mercury
Pontiff of Mercury is the highest role within the Temple, they are the Speakers within their Ecclesiastical Provinces. These Provinces house parishes, sanctums, and temples – which are governed by Luminaries (Bishops). Unlike most religions, there isn’t one centralized figure of power. Instead, the council of governing bodies that oversee the inner and outer workings of the Temple answer to their regional Ecclesiastical Pontiff. In the United States alone, there are four Ecclesiastical Provinces; the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West.
Archbishop of Luma
An Archbishop of Luma is the head officer for the congregation of Luminaries (Bishops) who preside over county districts within the state’s diocese. There is one Archbishop appointed for each state with at least five active parishes, sanctums, or temples.
Luminaries (Bishops)
Luminaries are Bishops who manage a parish within their state’s county of residence. There is one Luminary for every county within a given state throughout the regions of the US. Initiates who have taken Holy Orders and are subsequentially voted into the Council of Luma after achieving their 7Ā° earn the title of Luminary.
Priests
The priesthood is open to all initiates regardless of gender identity – those who are called to serve the ALL are welcome. Priests minister to the public and the overall community as the faces of the Astrum Temple. They perform ritual masses, bestow the sacraments, and serve local congregations.
Magisters
Magisters are the headmasters of academic offices. They create and implement educational opportunities to members and the general public, organize fundraisers, and manage institutions of learning and research.
Custodians
The role of the Custodian is to preserve, organize, and manage the physical attributes of the Temple – such as books, currency, artifacts, and information. This is an important administrative role – as a means to safeguard and distribute resources, funds, assets, and other goods. Custodians work at local diocese or archdiocese positions.
Ordo Templi Astrum 