Our innermost grade is the first to be encountered. The Grade of Lovers is the province of those whose Will is to work within the community, fraternity, and fellowship of our Order. I assume that all candidates for initiation into the Grade of Lovers consider themselves to be Masters of the Temple, or whatever they deem to be the equivalent in whatever system of internal initiation they are working. When working with other Masters, I see no need for hoodwinks, dire oaths, or stodgy 19th Century Egypto-Victorian Masonic ritual forms. Initiation comes in many forms.
Mutual initiation is the ideal, as no karma accrues thereby.
Local groups are free to charge dues, set up grand temples, or what- ever else they feel may benefit their work. For me, embodiment of the essence of the OTO does not imply preaching, nor does it even necessarily connote mentioning the Chthonic-Auranian OTO by name. Yet, this commitment to embody the essence of the OTO does not neces- sitate becoming a slave to consistency. Sovereigns are just that. We are beholden to no person or governing body beyond our own personal interpretation of Will.