{{tag>thelemites}}  
====== Phyllis Seckler ======

Phyllis Seckler, born on June 18, 1917, and also known as Soror Meral, was an influential figure in the development and continuation of Aleister Crowley's A∴A∴ (Astrum Argentum or Silver Star). She was a dedicated occultist, Thelemite, and teacher who played a crucial role in the preservation and expansion of Thelemic practices, particularly in the United States.

Seckler was initiated into the A∴A∴ in 1952 by Jane Wolfe, a student of Aleister Crowley and an early member of the Agape Lodge of the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) in California. Phyllis Seckler would later marry Grady McMurtry, who would eventually become the head of the O.T.O. Under the tutelage of Wolfe, Seckler advanced through the grades of the A∴A∴, eventually taking on the magical motto "Soror Meral" and dedicating herself to the work of the order.

In 1976, after the death of her husband Grady McMurtry, Seckler was instrumental in reviving and reorganising the A∴A∴. She founded the College of Thelema in 1973, which served as an educational institution for teaching Thelemic principles and practices. Later, in 1996, she established the Temple of the Silver Star (T.S.S.) as an outer order to the A∴A∴, further expanding her influence and work within the Thelemic community.

Phyllis Seckler authored several books and essays on Thelema, including the four-volume set "The Thoth Tarot, Astrology, & Other Selected Writings," which compiled her teachings, essays, and correspondence. She was also a significant contributor to various Thelemic journals and publications, including "In the Continuum" and "The Magical Link."

Seckler's dedication to the A∴A∴ and her work in developing the College of Thelema and the Temple of the Silver Star helped ensure the continued growth and preservation of Crowley's teachings in the decades following his death. Her influence on Thelema and the broader occult community remains significant, even after her passing on May 31, 2004.

====Online Resources:====

  * **College of Thelema**: The official website of the College of Thelema, an institution founded by Phyllis Seckler, which offers a structured curriculum for the study of Thelema, Tarot, and other related subjects. Link: [[https://www.thelema.org/]]

  * **Temple of Thelema**: The official website of the Temple of Thelema, an organisation co-founded by Phyllis Seckler, which provides resources and initiatory work within the Thelemic tradition. Link: [[https://www.thelema.org/temple/]]

  * **Biography of Phyllis Seckler on Thelemapedia**: A brief biography of Phyllis Seckler on Thelemapedia, an online encyclopaedia dedicated to Thelema and related topics. Link: [[http://www.thelemapedia.org/index.php/Phyllis_Seckler]]

  * **A Tribute to Phyllis Seckler**: An informative article on the LAShTAL website, which pays tribute to the life and work of Phyllis Seckler, highlighting her accomplishments and contributions to Thelema. Link: [[https://www.lashtal.com/tribute-to-phyllis-seckler/]]

===Books and Publications:===

  * **"The Thoth Tarot, Astrology, & Other Selected Writings"**: A collection of Phyllis Seckler's writings, which includes essays on Thelema, Tarot, and astrology, as well as personal insights into her experiences as a student of Aleister Crowley. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Thoth-Tarot-Astrology-Selected-Writings/dp/0972658354

  * **"In the Continuum"**: The official journal of the College of Thelema, which features articles, essays, and practical guides on Thelema, the A∴A∴, and related subjects. Phyllis Seckler contributed to this journal throughout her life. Link: https://www.thelema.org/publications/continuum.html