Temple of Set

An esoteric evolution of Satanism advocating self-deification and the exploration of dark magic.


Origins and Foundation

The Temple of Set, a contemporary occult organization, was founded in 1975 by Michael A. Aquino and other former members of the Church of Satan. This new religious movement emerged from a schism within Anton LaVey’s Church of Satan, with Aquino and his followers seeking a more spiritually profound and less commercialized approach to their beliefs.

Aquino, who had risen to the rank of Magister Templi IV° within the Church of Satan, became disillusioned with what he perceived as a departure from the organization’s original magical and philosophical principles. In June 1975, Aquino performed a ritual known as the “North Solstice X Working,” during which he claimed to have received a communication from Set, an ancient Egyptian deity. This communication, later published as “The Book of Coming Forth by Night,” formed the basis for the Temple of Set’s foundational beliefs and practices.

The Temple of Set positions itself as a successor to earlier occult traditions, focusing on self-deification and individualism. It draws inspiration from various ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian deities, with a particular emphasis on Set, the god of chaos, darkness, and the desert.

Beliefs and Philosophy

The Temple of Set’s belief system, termed “Setianism,” centers around the concept of individualism and self-deification. Set is seen as a symbol of personal power and enlightenment, representing consciousness, individuality, and the questioning of established order. Setians believe that by embracing their unique desires and ambitions, they can tap into their inner divinity and achieve a state of spiritual enlightenment.

Central to the Temple’s philosophy is the concept of “Xeper,” an Egyptian term meaning “to become” or “to evolve.” This principle emphasizes the individual’s journey towards becoming a god-like being through conscious evolution and self-directed psychic development.

The Temple of Set rejects the notion of external authority and promotes the idea that individuals have the power to shape their own destiny through their thoughts and actions. This philosophy encourages personal responsibility and self-improvement, with members striving to embrace their individuality and pursue their goals without fear or hesitation.

Practices and Rituals

The Temple of Set incorporates various rituals and practices into its religious and philosophical framework. These are designed to help Setians connect with their inner divinity and harness their personal power. Some common practices within the Temple of Set include meditation, divination, and ceremonial magic.

Meditation plays a central role in the spiritual practices of the Temple of Set. Setians use meditation as a tool to quiet the mind, focus their thoughts, and explore their inner selves. Through regular meditation, practitioners aim to achieve a state of heightened awareness and spiritual enlightenment.

Divination is another important practice within the Temple of Set. Members use various techniques, such as tarot cards or scrying, to gain insight into their personal journey and make informed decisions. Divination is seen as a way to tap into the wisdom of the universe and receive guidance from higher powers.

Ceremonial magic is a significant aspect of the Temple of Set’s practices. Setians engage in rituals and ceremonies that involve the use of symbols, incantations, and visualizations to manifest their desires and connect with divine energies. These rituals are seen as a means to transform the self and achieve spiritual growth.

The Temple of Set defines “black magic” not as evil or malevolent sorcery, but as the practice of self-directed psychic evolution. This involves the use of ritual, symbolism, and esoteric techniques to enhance one’s consciousness and personal power. The Temple views magic as a means of altering one’s subjective universe and, by extension, influencing the objective universe.

Organizational Structure and Membership

The Temple of Set is organized into a hierarchical structure with various degrees of initiation. Members progress through these degrees based on their magical and philosophical development, as well as their contributions to the organization and its goals. The degrees, from lowest to highest, are Setian I°, Adept II°, Priest/Priestess of Set III°, Magister/Magistra Templi IV°, Magus/Maga V°, and Ipsissimus/Ipsissima VI°.

The organization is further divided into specialized sub-groups called “pylons” and “orders.” Pylons are local groups of Setians who meet regularly for study, discussion, and ritual work. Orders focus on specific areas of magical or philosophical interest, such as vampirism, Lovecraftian magic, or Germanic runes. These sub-groups allow members to explore particular aspects of Setian philosophy and practice in greater depth.

Joining the Temple of Set is a selective process that requires careful consideration. Prospective members must submit an application and undergo a thorough vetting process. The organization seeks individuals who are committed to personal responsibility, self-improvement, and the pursuit of their own desires. Membership in the Temple of Set is not for everyone, and individuals should carefully assess whether it aligns with their personal beliefs and values before seeking to join.

Once accepted, members are expected to actively contribute to the Temple’s community and pursue their own path of Xeper. The Temple of Set values quality over quantity in its membership, focusing on attracting individuals who are genuinely interested in and understand the organization’s principles.

Resources and Literature

For those interested in learning more about the Temple of Set, there are various resources and literature available. The writings of Michael Aquino and Don Webb serve as essential texts for understanding the philosophy and practices of the Temple of Set. These books delve into topics such as self-deification, ritual magic, and personal transformation.

The Temple maintains an extensive reading list covering topics such as ancient Egyptian history and mythology, Western esoteric traditions, philosophy, psychology, and the physical sciences. Members are encouraged to engage in rigorous study and to apply critical thinking to their magical and philosophical pursuits.

In addition to these foundational texts, the Temple of Set also offers a range of other resources, including online forums, newsletters, and instructional materials. These resources provide Setians with opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and deepen their knowledge of the tradition.

Events and Gatherings

The Temple of Set organizes events and gatherings for its members to come together, share knowledge, and celebrate their beliefs. These events, known as “conclaves,” are held periodically in various locations around the world. Conclaves typically include lectures, workshops, rituals, and social gatherings. They provide Setians with an opportunity to connect with others who share their interests and deepen their understanding of the Temple of Set’s philosophy and practices.

Members of the Temple of Set also have access to an online community where they can engage in discussions, seek guidance, and collaborate on various projects. This virtual space serves as a platform for Setians to connect with one another and foster a sense of community.

Controversies and Misconceptions

Throughout its history, the Temple of Set has faced controversy and misconceptions, often stemming from its association with Satanism and occultism. However, the organization maintains that it is neither a form of devil worship nor a neo-Nazi or racist group. The Temple of Set emphasizes individual responsibility and ethical behavior, rejecting the notion of moral absolutes imposed by external authorities.

Critics have accused the organization of promoting elitism and a potentially dangerous form of individualism. However, members of the Temple argue that their practices are fundamentally about personal enlightenment and empowerment, not harm or antisocial behavior.

Conclusion

The Temple of Set represents a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern individualism within the landscape of contemporary occult organizations. Its emphasis on self-deification, personal sovereignty, and conscious evolution continues to attract individuals seeking a path that combines esoteric knowledge with personal growth. While controversial and often misunderstood, the Temple of Set has maintained an influential presence in the occult and new religious movement landscapes since its inception in 1975.