The Ordo Templi Orientis USA YouTube channel has posted a new lecture, this one presented by Thelema, NOW! host Harper Feist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpmQJBM3akM.
“History and Use of Liber Σταυρος Βατραχου sub figura LXX (The Cross of a Frog) Liber LXX, the subject of this presentation, has something to trouble everyone: the capture, mocking, torment, and crucifixion of a frog, followed by the consumption of the legs and the incineration of the remainder of the body. As disturbing as the rite is to modern eyes, it contains several interesting keys to magical operations. The use of frogs and toads in magical operations and as familiars has a long history beginning, at least, in Classical antiquity. Theophagy and transubstantiation give heed to Crowley’s deep relationship to Christianity. It also points at the late Victorian fascination with amateur biological experiments and taxonomy.
“This presentation traces the evolution of the role of creatures of the Linnaean order anura from Classical Antiquity forward, with diversion into the image of the Sheela-na-gig. The necessity of the frog in the ritual as it applies to Crowley will also be touched upon. How the frog comes to represent Christ during the magical operation is the most disturbing aspect of this bizarre ritual and will be discussed in some length. It ends with a traditional recipe for cuisses de grenouille.
“BIO: Harper Feist has been interested in the intersection of Magick, medicine and science for most of her life. A member of Ordo Templi Orientis and an ordained priestess of Ecclesia Gnostic Catholica, she is also an active interviewer for “Thelema Now,” the official podcast of O.T.O. U.S. Grand Lodge. She is also the author of ΙΩ ΤΥΦΩΝ (Grayle Press, 2024 e.v.). In her mundane life, Harper is a Ph.D. scientist, mother and a martial artist specializing in koryu Japanese sword work.”
