Introduction to the Academy of Reflection Curriculum

Important Notice: The Academy of Reflection (AOR) is no longer an organization and thus there is no administrative hierarchy. Much of the content in these pages is therefore provided only for historical reference. The AOR is now simply a collection of contemplative studies freely available to the public, courtesy of the Valley of Guthrie, Orient of Oklahoma, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite — Southern Jurisdiction. The Valley of Guthrie retains copyrights on all AOR materials and does not authorize their use for any commercial purposes without express written consent.

Anyone is welcome to make personal private use of AOR materials with or without the assistance of a qualified instructor. Persons wishing to work with an instructor may review instructor profiles and then directly contact the instructor of their choice.

The Academy of Reflection provides a selection of courses designed to assist its members and associates in acquiring and developing a wide range of skills and techniques in reflective, contemplative, and meditative practice. Rather than fitting into a strict progression like degrees or classes, our courses are offered with a great deal of flexibility concerning the order in which they may be taken. Every member or associate is encouraged to become familiar with our curriculum and choose his next steps for himself.

Course Descriptions

Here is what you will find in each course description:

• Required and recommended texts.
• Required and recommended prerequisite courses.
• Introductory or explanatory information as needed.
• Separation of course contents into two or more distinct phases, the last of which requires reflective writing.
• Clear and concise objectives, including how many repetitions and/or how much total time is required for completion of a phase.

We avoid including these things in course descriptions:

• Promotion of any expectation for sudden or dramatic experiences of revelatory insight or spiritual transformation, or for the development of paranormal experiences or powers. While most of the traditions referred to by our degrees contain teachings or lore of such nature, our basic approach is to leave such questions open to the beliefs, experiences and judgment of each individual. Instead, in our work together we focus upon the many psychological, moral, and social benefits to be gained by anyone doing the work.
• Lengthy historical backgrounds, symbolic analyses, or speculations, or promoting specific conclusions about the meaning of any symbol. On occasion, a course may suggest possibilities or recommend starting places in making associations between various symbols. However, our members and associates are always encouraged to experience their own insights, form their own understandings, and explore their own associations in due time.
• Information or techniques that lead too far into the depths of any specific religion, philosophical school, or esoteric system. For example, our rituals make significant reference to Kabbalah and alchemy, and thus it is fitting for some of our courses to touch on these traditions in various ways, but it is not our aim to turn our members into Kabbalists or alchemists per se. Individual members and associates are encouraged to carefully investigate any particular tradition, school, or system that interests them. AOR credit for contemplative work in such directions can be obtained through our courses in self-selected study, which are AOR 1900 & 1910.

Course Procedures

If you intend to complete a course, first make sure you have completed any prerequisites, acquire any required texts, and foresee no major problems with that course’s time requirements. If you are already experienced with the methods of a given course, your reviewer may give you credit for your prior work, or he can plan with you a modified version of any given course.

Next, notify the Superintendent of your intention prior to beginning work. He will assign a reviewer with whom you can correspond during the course. You are welcome to request a specific reviewer. The Superintendent may or may not grant your request. Once you know who your reviewer is, it is your responsibility to establish and maintain communication with him. It is also your responsibility to provide and follow your own drive and motivation. Do not expect your reviewer to prompt you to do anything. When you have worked through the course, the reviewer must attest to your progress in order for you to receive recognition for satisfactory completion. The more you document your work and communicate with your reviewer, the more likely you are to receive recognition.The Academy of Reflection (AOR) provides a selection of courses designed to assist its members and associates in acquiring and developing a wide range of skills and techniques in reflective, contemplative, and meditative practice.