How does one become a member of Bast Temple?
First, interested parties must get in contact with the officers of the lodge. Contact Bast Temple.
The second step is to arrange a meeting with at least one of the lodge officers. This meeting will occur in a public place, most likely a coffeeshop in downtown Denver.
Under no condition, will the phone numbers of any of the membership be shared with non-members; initial contact will not take place over the phone.
After meeting with an officer(s) of the lodge, and they report back to the membership of the lodge, the potential member will be given information about the next public "meet and greet" meeting.
After attending the public meeting, the interested party can officially apply for membership in the lodge. Upon recieving the formal application, the active members of the lodge will vote on whether or not to admit the applicant.
Why is the membership of the lodge limited?
Due to the fact that Bast Temple, and its Mother Order (BIORC), being recently formed, we do not have the resources of the "big-name" Orders. Our meetings are currently held in a place with limited seating.
There is also the fact that Bast Temple is a physical lodge. Human nature dicates that not everyone will be a good fit for lodge membership; the welfare of the lodge takes priority over potential personality problems and conflicts.
Because of the difficulties of human interaction and our limited resources, the members of the lodge reserves the right to limit its membership.
How much are membership dues?
$120 dollars a year.
My personal finances are currently tight. Is there any way to get a reduced dues rate?
Yes. A member can apply for a temporary reduced dues rate. The voting membership has final say on whether or not, a reduced dues rate is granted. I don't live in reasonable traveling distance of Denver, Colorado--are there any other options for me? How about an Online or Correspondence School?
The Mother Order of Bast Temple, the BIORC, is currently creating a correspondence course. The beta-test of the course is scheduled to begin in January 2012. It will be sent to associate members of the BIORC through postal mail, and will cost $xxx a year (figure unavailable at this time).
If you are interested in enrolling in the course when it becomes available, please contact the BIORC. Contact the BIORC.
I am not interested in belonging to an Order or lodge, and would rather do self-initiation--can anyone help me?
Yes, there is an Order, Ordo Stella Matutina, that runs an online group (Hermetic Sanctuary of Ma'at) for people who are working with the book Self-Initiation Into the Golden Dawn Tradition by Chic and Tabitha Cicero.
Why are all officers of Bast Temple elected?
During the formation of Bast Temple, it was decided that the custom (held by Hathoor Temple) of electing all lodge officers was a tradition worth upholding. By electing officers, the lodge can limit the possibility of an officer abusing the power of their position.
Most of the decisions of the lodge are made by the vote of active members of the lodge, except those that fall into the domain of an officer or the Mother Order. This page was last updated on 16 September 2011.