YOU GET OUT WHAT YOU PUT IN
Effort, Reciprocity, and the Fragile Foundations of Magical Orders
The promise that effort yields reward lies at the heart of many spiritual and magical orders. “You get out what you put in” is an alluring maxim, speaking to the hope that sincerity, perseverance, and dedication will bear fruit.
But is this always true? The answer depends entirely on the foundations upon which the order is built.
When the scaffolding of an organisation is strong—its rules transparent, its leadership steadfast—members can trust that their offerings will be met with reciprocity. Time and energy, freely given, are transformed into recognition, growth, and the attainment of higher mysteries. The covenant of effort and reward becomes sacred, and its fulfilment inspires further devotion.
Yet, when cracks mar the foundation—when favouritism thrives or guidance falters—the promise of reciprocity turns hollow. Members begin to question why some ascend while others, no less earnest, remain in shadow. Disillusionment sets in, leaving those who seek the transcendent feeling betrayed by the mundane. The strength of any order lies not only in the commitment of its members but in the integrity of its structure, where fairness and transparency are the cornerstones of progress.
Freemasonry Under the United Grand Lodge of England: A Living Example of Reciprocity
Among the enduring orders, Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) shines as a beacon of structured reciprocity. Though no organisation is without its flaws, UGLE’s longevity—it celebrated its tricentenary in 2017—testifies to the solidity of its practices. Its traditions, refined over centuries, provide a reliable framework for those seeking fellowship and advancement.
UGLE makes its expectations clear. Attendance at meetings, participation in rituals, involvement in charitable works, and a genuine commitment to its values are the stepping stones to recognition. Members who invest themselves in the life of the order often find their efforts acknowledged in honours such as Grand Ranks.
For those aspiring to its highest circles, there is a frank understanding that personal financial contributions may be part of the journey. Yet this expectation is neither hidden nor disingenuous; it is simply another piece of the order’s transparent structure.
Freemasonry’s principle of “being on the level” ensures that all begin as equals, with distinction earned through visible dedication. For those who seek with sincerity, UGLE offers an environment where effort and reward are gracefully balanced.
A Stark Contrast: The Hollow Promises of O.T.O.
In stark contrast to UGLE’s structured approach, my experience with Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) revealed a far weaker foundation. Despite its outward reputation, the order’s internal structure was plagued by disarray, favouritism, and inconsistent leadership, undermining the trust necessary for genuine spiritual growth.
Where clear guidelines should have existed, chaos reigned. Promotions often seemed to favour those aligned with local leaders or entrenched in the A∴A∴ lineage of Bill Breeze, turning what could have been an egalitarian order into a personality cult. The principle that sincere effort should lead to recognition was frequently ignored. Instead, those willing to play political games or curry favour with influential figures were rewarded, while others—equally or more deserving—were left behind.
Defenders of the O.T.O., particularly in public forums, often lean on the maxim “you get out what you put in” to silence critics. This phrase is wielded as a bludgeon, implying that those who voice dissatisfaction simply failed to contribute enough.
Yet, this was far from my experience. During my time in the O.T.O., I attended every single meeting, participated as an officer in every initiation ceremony, and learned by heart the intricate roles of Deacon and Priest in the Gnostic Mass, performing them with care and dedication. I even served as Treasurer for AMeTh Lodge in London for several years, ensuring the smooth operation of its finances.
Despite these contributions, I received nothing in return—no recognition, no meaningful opportunities for advancement (despite it being assured as “imminent” multiple times by the local leaders) and no sign of the reciprocity promised to those who give their all. The issue is not a lack of effort on the part of members but a fundamental failure of the O.T.O. to adhere to its own principles. Without transparency or a fair system of rewards, the order dissolves into cliques and favouritism, leaving its most committed members disillusioned and betrayed.
Strong Foundations Matter
These contrasting experiences underscore a vital truth: no organisation can thrive without strong foundations. Members must feel confident that their contributions—whether of time, energy, or resources—will be met with fairness and reciprocity. Transparency, structure, and consistency are the keys to maintaining this trust.
Freemasonry under UGLE demonstrates how a well-structured order can honour the sacred principle of effort and reward. Its traditions provide members with clarity and purpose, ensuring that dedication is met with tangible recognition. In contrast, organisations riddled with favouritism or unclear processes, like O.T.O., fail to uphold this promise, leaving members adrift and disillusioned.
In the end, the timeless maxim still rings true: you get out what you put in. But this truth flourishes only when the organisation itself is strong enough to support it. And herein lies the core of my disillusionment.
I do not claim to hold the sole perspective on these matters. I know full well that when it comes to hierarchical orders—be they Masonic or magical—the culture of your local lodge or temple will inevitably shape your experience. There will be Freemasonic lodges where pettiness festers like rot beneath polished veneers, and O.T.O. bodies where sincere dedication is met with true respect and camaraderie. These places exist, shining or crumbling, against the backdrop of the larger system.
Yet, while these exceptions flicker like lone candles, the overall trend remains as I have described it. The great arc bends toward what is flawed. Freemasonry, for all its faults, has managed to weather the storms of time because its foundations—though not flawless—are strong enough to uphold its promise. Most other orders, whether from lack of foresight, internal division, or an inability to balance authority with reciprocity, fail to achieve the same enduring stability.
Even the original Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which once shone as a beacon of esoteric achievement, eventually fractured into splintered factions, undone by infighting and disorganisation. Similarly, the Theosophical Society, which once inspired seekers worldwide, now struggles to stay afloat, forced to sell off its properties to survive.
These failures are not mere coincidences; they reflect a deeper flaw in the structure of hierarchical orders. I have spoken about this disillusionment in greater detail in one of my livestream rambles, which you can watch here:
In it, I delve further into why I believe the hierarchical structure itself may be inherently flawed for fostering actual spiritual growth or ensuring fairness among its members.
Ultimately, while the maxim you get out what you put in remains an inspiring principle, my experiences have taught me to be wary of the organisations that claim to embody it. Without the integrity of solid foundations, even the most earnest efforts can dissolve into disillusionment and betrayal.
There is so much I wish I could say, but it would be too revealing (you understand), but all I can say here is: Verily and Amen!
I am sorry to hear that despite your best efforts, which sound second to none, you received nothing in return—not even meaningful opportunities for advancement. This bold article touches on a phenomena that seemingly plagues most spiritual institutions right down to the smallest evangelical church on every other street corner. (I exclude the Temple in which I am a member because of our unique leadership.) If there is a solution it can be found in S L MacGregor Mather's end of life farewell speech where he explained how the strength of the GD and like organizations lies solely in the veracity of Brotherhood displayed among its members. This is where the challenge bears poisonous fruit yet this is also where the challenge can be overcome.