The rite of baptism is a short public ritual that is usually given just before the celebration of the Gnostic Mass. Thelema rejects the concept of original sin—for us, baptism is a symbolic entrance into the Thelemic community of worshippers, as well as a commemoration of the individual’s “Baptism of Wisdom� or physical birth. The oaths taken are strictly between the participant and their god, and no duties or obligations are promised in service of the church or any individual.

The baptized child joins the community at what is essentially a probationary level. It is a time for exploration, study, asking questions, and a chance to participate in the Gnostic Mass. The recitation of the creed by the congregation during the baptismal ceremony represents the instruction of the child in the essential tenets of the church. The individual is not a full member of the community until he or she has learned these tenets and has made a conscious, informed decision to accept them.

The public ceremony of baptism may be administered by any Priest or Priestess of E.G.C. under the direct or indirect supervision of a Bishop or Auxiliary Bishop. The person baptized must be of at least 11 years of age, and need not be an Initiate member of O.T.O. Baptism does not confer Lay Membership in E.G.C. A public celebration of the Gnostic Mass should be offered as part of the baptismal rite, at which only the Priest and the child baptized partake of communion. Baptismal rites used within E.G.C. must be approved in advance by the Primate or the Patriarch.

Thelema rejects the idea of original sin. So, for us, baptism represents a ý symbolic birth into the Thelemic community as well as a commemoration of the individual's "Baptism of Wisdom" or physical birth. The oaths taken are strictly between the participant and their god, and no duties or obligations are promised in service of the church or any individual. The child heeds the call of Nuit, who declares, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." The child enters the portals of Her Church, where he or she is welcomed into the community of worshippers, leaving the profane world and its materialistic obsessions behind.

The baptized child joins the community at what is essentially a probationary level. The recitation of the creed by the congregation during the baptismal ceremony represents the instruction of the child in the essential tenets of the church. The child is not a full member of the community until he or she has learned these tenets and has made a conscious, informed decision to accept them.

If a member is interested in seeking Baptism in EGC they have Two (2) Sponsors who are also confirmed members of the Church. If you are interested, please contact the EGC coordinator for Sacred Serpent Sanctuary by writing to: egc@sevenspirits.org and she will provide you with a form to fill out. This must be submitted for a date to be assigned for your ceremony.