The U.S.G.L. Diversity Task Force Diversity Modules - Thelema for All
The Thelema For All Diversity Modules are educational packets created by the Thelema for All Diversity Module team, a subgroup of the U.S.G.L. Diversity Task Force. The Thelema for All modules are intended to be a discussion and reflection tool and are designed to be completed by a small group or an individual in 1-2 hours. Each module focuses on a single topic surrounding diversity and inclusion and is supported by one resource, five discussion prompts, a self-reflection question, and a feedback survey. The resource can be a video, podcast, or article. The five discussion prompts are used to generate conversation about the single module topic. The self-reflection question is designed to relate the material back to Thelema.
Contact your local body leadership for more information about discussion groups or access to a module for self study.
Racial Diversity Module 1: Racial Injustice
In this foundational module, participants are encouraged to discuss ways to have hard conversations in light of fraternal bonds and explore the definitions of privilege and injustice. The resource video centers around the importance of first understanding a problem before trying to fix it. Participants will discuss ways to reduce marginalization in their own spaces and in their communities. The module finishes with a challenge to each individual to measure the material in light of Liber Tzaddi, verses 22 and 40-44.
Racial Diversity Module 2: Implicit Racial Bias
This module is centered around a 2019 documentary that explores the question “Can science alert us to bias?” In the video, different tests are administered and the results are examined. Participants will begin by discussing the difference between unconscious bias and prejudice before being asked to take the “Symbolic Racism Scale” test and consider its effectiveness in determining racial bias. The module wraps up with discussion reviewing the material in light of Liber Oz.
Racial Diversity Module 3: 13th Amendment
Passed in January 1865 and ratified in December 1865, the 13th Amendment has become a source of controversy as some believe it provides a loophole for what it was originally designed to abolish: slavery. Participants are asked to consider the impact of the amendment and its effects on policymaking and community. The discussion will include terms such as generational trauma and political advantage. Self-reflection is always a part of these modules, and in this one the participants are asked to consider the amendment and its impacts in light of the U.S.G.L. Mission and Planning Statements.
Racial Diversity Module 4: Systemic Racism
This hard-hitting module starts with a conversation about the meanings of injustice and systemic racism. Participants will explore the way history has been written and consider the existence of bias. One prompt suggests understanding what injustice truly is, finding one thing within an individual’s grasp to change, and taking the action to change it. As a Thelemite, you will be challenged to reflect on a James Baldwin quote that specifically targets self-deception.
Racial Diversity Module 5: Antiracism
This module utilizes a podcast that explores the concept of antiracism and what it means to be an effective ally. Participants will explore the concept of microaggressions and how they can creep into our conversations and interactions with others. Module participants, whether part of a larger group discussion or an individual self-study, will be asked to look at some of the terms we use in magic and esotericism and decide whether these terms should continue to be used or be replaced.
Racial Diversity Module 6: Cognitive Roots of Bias
This module begins by encouraging participants to take the Harvard Implicit Bias test and discuss the possible assumptions we make about race and gender. The prompts encourage conversation surrounding “own-race bias”, categorization, and tokenism. Participants will explore how unconscious bias can form and the areas of our culture where it might be discovered, and lastly will reflect on the materials in light of Liber Librae.
Racial Diversity Module 7: Social Constructs, Part 1
***Available for the small group discussion format only***
In this module, small groups will examine the concept of race and how assumptions can be made about an individual based on their physical characteristics. The participants are asked to consider their own identities and how social classification of race has affected them. This module is part 1 of 2. This module is only available for facilitated small group discussions.
Racial Diversity Module 8: Social Constructs, Part 2
***Available for the small group discussion format only***
In this module, the investigation into the concept of race continues by examining non-physical traits that connect people, the advantages and disadvantages created by the concepts of race, and a challenge to think about our society if we could unmake race. The module ends with a self-reflection question asking the participants to think of Thelemic figures that we give the most attention to and how that influences the diversity in one’s local body. This module is part 2 of 2. This module is only available for facilitated small group discussions.
Racial Diversity Module 9: White Supremacy Culture
Racial Diversity Module 10: Dr. King
Racial Diversity Module 11: Transformational Activism
Racial Diversity Module 12: Racism in Esoteric Thought
LGBTQIA+ Module 1: Queer Language 101: Attraction
This module explores different types of sexual and romantic attraction and introduces the terms used in the LGBTQIA+ community. The prompts help underline the importance of self-identification. The self-reflection question reviews the material in light of Liber Librae.
LGBTQIA+ Module 2: Queer Language 102: Gender
This module explores past and current vocabulary used to describe gender and gender identity. Go beyond the binary with a special gender adventure feature included with the slides. Learn how and when to ask about gender identity and what to do when a mistake is made. The self-reflection question reviews the material in light of the Commentary on Liber AL vel Legis I:51.
LGBTQIA+ Module 3: Bierasure
The “B” in LGBTQIA+ represents bisexuality, and this module explores the concept of bi-erasure. Some disclose their bisexuality, and some choose not to. Participants are asked to consider both decisions and examine assumptions that may influence someone’s choice. The module wraps up with a self-reflection question which explores Crowley’s own struggle with his bisexuality.
LGBTQIA+ Module 4: Non-Binary
Non-binary is a term that covers several different and more specific identities that are more fluid than the fixed idea of what a non-binary person should act like or dress like. The participants are encouraged to discuss language and how it shapes the way we think. The self-reflection questions ask the participants to consider the material in light of a verse from Liber Cordis Cincti Serpente.
LGBTQIA+ Module 5: The History of Pronouns
This module explores the history of pronouns and how words can change their meaning over time. The resource video examines how language shapes our environment and focuses on arguments from the 1600s surrounding the use of “you” as a singular pronoun. The module ends with a self-reflection question examining terms used in the Anthem of the Gnostic Mass.
LGBTQIA+ Module 6: Queer History
In discussions of Queer history, the Stonewall Riots usually take center stage. This module focuses on events prior to and following Stonewall. Explore the beginnings of the Daughters of Bilitis and the Mattachine Society, whose founder, Harry Hay, was the organist at Agape Lodge. The self-reflection question encourages the participants to think about the material in light of Liber Oz.
LGBTQIA+ Module 7: Ace, Aro, Ag: A is not for Ally
he “A” in LGBTQIA+ does not stand for Ally. Discover the world of the A’s—Ace, Aro, and Ag, short for Asexual, Aromantic, and Agender. The prompts encourage participants to consider points of views they may have never considered and help answer some of the common questions that arise. The self-reflection question asks participants to consider how Thelema includes this group of individuals and also how we might answer someone who takes issue with the binary language of our core material.
LGBTQIA+ Module 8: Intersex
This module explores three different video resources on the topic of Intersex. Participants will be asked to examine binary sex, extra X and Y chromosomes, the discovery of the 23rd pair of chromosomes, and the reasoning behind their label. The module concludes with the participants examining today’s definition of gender and how we might imagine it differently.
LGBTQIA+ Module 9: The Changing Landscape
This module examines how society has viewed queerness in recent history and how those views have changed. Discussion prompts ask participants to consider the Civil Rights Act of 1964, APA and WHO policy changes, as well as the AIDS crisis and current anti-trans movements. To finish, all are encouraged to consider the material through a portion of Book 4 called “The Summons”.
LGBTQIA+ Module 10: Queer Allyship
Allyship can be viewed many different ways. Sometimes people want to help but don’t know how or where to start. This module helps define what an ally is and more specifically what it means to be a queer ally. Learn nine ways to become a better ally, and finish the module by considering the material through the lens of Liber Librae.
LGBTQIA+ 11: The Queer and the Divine
Queerness and homosexuality are viewed differently across various religious communities. The video resources share two stories of how individuals reconcile their spirituality with their sexuality. One recognizes sexuality as a gift, and the other sees the experience of being in two places at once, like quantum particles. The module finishes with the self-reflection question that centers on Crowley’s revelation of the importance of queer sexuality.
Consent Module 1: Establishing and Honoring Boundaries, Part One
The first part of this two-part module asks the participants to examine their current boundary-setting abilities, then offers methods to improve their abilities and exercises to practice these methods. The self-reflection question explores the significance of applying boundary-setting to the accomplishment of the Great Work.
Consent Module 2: Establishing and Honoring Boundaries, Part Two
The second half of this two-part module challenges the participants to explore how they react to hearing other people’s boundaries, to understand that another person’s set boundaries may have nothing to do with you but with their own limits and space needs, and to realize that assumptions and miscommunication can cloud our perception. The self-reflection question asks the participants to consider how, as magicians, we need to be aware of our own translations of circumstances.
Consent Module 03: Divine Feminine
This module includes a podcast that looks at different aspects of the Divine Feminine. Explore what it means to “be yourself” and how labels can influence that concept. The participants are also encouraged to examine the more shadow-y aspects of the Divine Feminine and consider the benefits of embracing it. The module wraps up with the self-reflection questions where participants will have an opportunity to observe the Divine Feminine through a Thelemic lens.
Consent Module 04: Disarming Rhetoric
The definition of rhetoric is examined from different perspectives and explores the different degrees of the communication tactic. In targeting extremist rhetoric, participants are encouraged to discuss different tools to disarm it. The module wraps up with a self-reflection question based on an essay written by one of our own and titled “As Brothers Fight Ye” which explores the difference between arguing and rhetoric and how we should maintain Pax Templi.
Accessibility 01: The Language of Disability, Part 1: Person First, Identity First
The first module of the Accessibility series examines the language around disability and accessibility. Learn about person-first language and identity-first language, demeaning vocabulary, and the Social Model of Disability, and be introduced to the concept of ableism. The module finishes by examining the content through a quote from The Confessions of Aleister Crowley: An Autohagiography.
Accessibility 02: Language of Disability, Part 2
Accessibility 04: Hospitality
This module considers various aspects of hospitality and how one might overcome related obstacles to provide the best possible experience. Participants will explore best practices for inclusion that can be utilized immediately. The module finishes with a quote from “Duty” and asks if we have a duty to provide reasonable accommodations.
New Facilitators 01: Facilitating Discussions - Tough Conversations
The New Facilitators modules are written to give facilitators the tools and insights necessary to lead productive discussions in our local spaces. The first module lets participants explore and practice skills useful in discussions, allowing them to examine where their strengths and weaknesses may lie. The module finishes with a quote from The Confessions of Aleister Crowley: An Autohagiography.
New Facilitators 02: Facilitating Discussions - Co-regulation
The second New Facilitators module explores the techniques of self-regulation and co-regulation, both useful tools when emotions run high to bring participants back into their logical minds and continue the conversation. Participants will explore psychotherapist and Buddhist practitioner Tara Brach’s RAIN method of self-regulation and are asked to participate in its practice, before exploring the art of co-regulation and being given another practice opportunity.
New Facilitators 03: Implicit Bias and Microaggressions
The third New Facilitators module discusses implicit bias and microaggressions from the perspective of a facilitator. Participants will explore how to identify their own biases and interrupt those thought processes. They will practice identifying and responding to microaggressions. The module finishes with a quote from Liber III vel Jugorum.