The Spiritual Father of Ordo Templi Orientis was Carl Kellner (Renatus,
Sept. 1, 1851 - June 7, 1905), a wealthy Austrian paper chemist. Kellner
was a student of Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism and Eastern mysticism, and
traveled extensively in Europe, America and Asia Minor. During his travels,
he claims to have come into contact with three Adepts (a Sufi, Soliman
ben Aifa, and two Hindu Tantrics, Bhima Sena Pratapa of Lahore and Sri
Mahatma Agamya Paramahamsa), and an organization called the Hermetic
Brotherhood of Light.
In 1885, Kellner met the Theosophical and Rosicrucian
scholar, Dr. Franz Hartmann (1838 - 1912). He and Hartmann later
collaborated on the development of the "ligno-sulphite" inhalation
therapy for tuberculosis, which formed the basis of treatment at
Hartmann's sanitarium near Saltzburg. During the course of his studies,
Kellner believed that he had discovered a "Key" which offered a
clear explanation of all the complex symbolism of Freemasonry, and,
Kellner believed, opened the mysteries of Nature. Kellner developed
a desire to form an Academia Masonica which would enable
all Freemasons to become familiar with all existing Masonic degrees
and systems.
In 1895, Kellner began to discuss his idea for founding an Academia
Masonica with his associate Theodor Reuss (Merlin or Peregrinus,
June 28, 1855 - Oct. 28, 1923). During these discussions, Kellner decided
that the Academia Masonica should be called the "Oriental Templar Order."
The occult inner circle of this Order (O.T.O. proper) would be organized
parallel to the highest degrees of the Memphis and Mizraim Rites of Masonry,
and would teach the esoteric Rosicrucian doctrines of the Hermetic
Brotherhood of Light, and Kellner's "Key" to Masonic symbolism.
Both men and women would be admitted at all levels to this Order, but possession
of the various degrees of Craft and High-Grade Freemasonry would be a
prerequisite for admission to the Inner Circle of O.T.O.
Unfortunately, due to the regulations of the established
Grand Lodges which governed Regular Masonry, women could not be made Masons
and would therefore be excluded by default from membership in the Oriental
Templar Order. This may have been one of the reasons that Kellner and
his associates resolved to obtain control over one of the many rites,
or systems, of Masonry; to reform the system for the admission of women.
The discussions between Reuss and Kellner did not lead
to any positive results at the time, because Reuss was very busy with
a revival of the Order of Illuminati along with his associate Leopold
Engel (1858-1931) of Dresden. Kellner did not approve of the revived Illuminati
Order or of Engel. According to Reuss, upon his final separation with
Engel in June of 1902, Kellner contacted him and the two agreed to proceed
with the establishment of the Oriental Templar Order by seeking authorizations
to work the various rites of high-grade Masonry.
