An international organization advocating vampirism as the next step in human evolution, promoting individualism and self-empowerment.
Founded in 1989 by Lucas Martel in Lacey, Washington, the Temple of the Vampire (ToV) is a unique religious organization that claims to represent the authentic Vampire religion, asserting a heritage and authority exclusive to its practices and beliefs.
Origins and Establishment
The ToV’s inception was rooted in Martel’s alleged revelations from vampiric entities. Initially, membership growth was gradual, but the advent of electronic communications facilitated a rapid increase in members. Many were introduced to the Temple through word-of-mouth and social networking on the internet, leading to a global expansion of its presence.
Core Beliefs and Philosophy
Central to the Temple’s doctrine is the belief that vampires represent the next evolutionary step for humanity. The organization views the individual’s value as paramount, surpassing that of any group, tribe, nation, or species. The ToV advocates for individual freedom and empowerment, aiming to enable members to achieve control over their lives through wealth, health, personal power, and the pursuit of unlimited life extension.
The Temple selectively embraces aspects of vampire mythology that align with its principles, such as a reverence for life, the quest for physical immortality, individual elegance, wisdom, civilized behavior, worldly success, and personal happiness. Conversely, it rejects negative or destructive elements often associated with vampire lore.
Members of the ToV are taught that through vampiric transformation, they can achieve physical immortality by transferring their essence from body to body. This transformation is believed to be achievable only through strict adherence to the temple’s doctrines and practices.
The ToV introduces the concept of “Undead Gods,” with Tiamat being a particularly significant deity. These powerful spiritual entities, referred to as “Vampires” (with a capital V), are believed to possess supernatural powers and wisdom. The Temple teaches that its members can learn to tap into this vampiric energy and eventually achieve immortality themselves.
Practices and Rituals
One of the central concepts in the Temple’s philosophy is the idea of “feeding,” which involves drawing energy from the world and other people to enhance one’s own power and vitality. This practice is not understood as a physical act of blood-drinking, but rather as a metaphysical process of energy transfer. Members are taught various techniques to perform this spiritual feeding, including meditation, visualization, and ritual practices.
The temple’s practices also include ritualistic activities such as psychic vampirism, where members attempt to draw life force from others to sustain their vitality. They also incorporate elements of cryonics, suggesting that higher-ranking members arrange to have their bodies frozen upon death, hoping to be revived by future scientific advancements.
Organizational Structure and Membership
The ToV offers a hierarchical structure for its members, with different levels of initiation and advancement. Membership begins with an application process, leading to Lifetime Membership and Active Membership. New members typically begin as “Vampire Initiates” and can progress through various ranks as they deepen their understanding and practice of the Temple’s teachings.
Progression within the organization is marked by the development of what are termed ‘vampiric powers.’ Members can advance to become Vampire Predators and, eventually, Vampire Priests or Priestesses. This Priesthood is privy to the most secretive teachings of the Temple.
Publications and Resources
The Temple publishes “The Vampire Bible,” a manual of fundamental magical lore accessible to lifetime members. This book, first published in 1989, contains the group’s fundamental beliefs, rituals, and practices. According to the Temple, the Vampire Bible was channeled directly from the immortal Vampires to the founders of the organization.
Additionally, the ToV issues “Bloodlines: The Vampire Temple Journal” biennially and “Lifeforce: The International Vampire Forum” monthly. These publications serve as key resources for members to understand and practice the teachings of the Temple.
With the rise of the internet and social media, the Temple of the Vampire has expanded its reach globally. It offers live support and training to its members, maintaining an elitist stance while growing its international presence. The organization’s website provides an overview of its principles and serves as the primary communication and recruitment tool for new members.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite its claims of legitimacy, the Temple of the Vampire has faced numerous controversies and criticisms. Some religious groups have condemned the Temple’s teachings as heretical or dangerous, while skeptics have questioned the validity of its claims and practices.
Former members have reported that the organization fosters a cult-like atmosphere where blind loyalty is encouraged, and dissent is discouraged. Detractors often describe the temple as a manipulative group exploiting vulnerable individuals who seek a sense of belonging and purpose.
The Temple’s emphasis on secrecy and the controversial nature of its beliefs continue to draw scrutiny from both religious scholars and the public. The organization’s practice of charging fees for materials, courses, and initiations has also been a point of contention, although the Temple justifies these costs as necessary for maintaining the organization and providing valuable spiritual services to its members.
However, the Temple of the Vampire has garnered support from other esoteric groups, such as the Church of Satan. This association further solidifies its position within the broader context of modern occult movements. The ToV also aligns itself with Left-Hand Path ideologies, advocating for individual empowerment and spiritual freedom.
Conclusion
The Temple of the Vampire represents a unique blend of vampiric mythology, occult practices, and self-help philosophies. Its controversial nature and secretive practices have made it a subject of fascination and criticism alike. As the organization continues to evolve and attract new members, it remains a significant, if contentious, presence in the landscape of alternative religious movements.
Whether viewed as a legitimate spiritual path or a controversial cult, the Temple of the Vampire continues to challenge conventional notions of religion and spirituality, provoking ongoing discussions about the nature of belief, the limits of religious freedom, and the human quest for meaning and immortality in the modern world.
image via Vampire Temple
