In the realm of modern occultism, the Temple of Set stands as a distinct and intriguing organization. Founded in 1975 by Michael Aquino, a former member of the Church of Satan, the Temple of Set represents a departure from Anton LaVey’s Church of Satan in terms of philosophy and practices. This blog post aims to explore the evolution of the Temple of Set, its core beliefs, and the contrasting perspectives between Aquino and LaVey.
The Origins of the Temple of Set
The Temple of Set emerged as a splinter group from the Church of Satan, primarily due to philosophical and ideological differences. Michael Aquino, a prominent figure within the Church of Satan, became dissatisfied with the atheistic and materialistic approach propagated by Anton LaVey. He sought to develop a more spiritual and individualistic path, leading to the formation of a new form of esoteric satanism, the Temple of Set.
Core Beliefs of the Temple of Set
The Temple of Set centers its beliefs on the concept of Set, an Egyptian deity associated with chaos, individualism, and self-deification. Unlike the Church of Satan, which focuses on Satan as a symbol of rebellion and human indulgence, the Temple of Set emphasizes personal transformation, self-mastery, and the pursuit of individual excellence. The Temple embraces a more esoteric and mystical approach, incorporating elements from ancient Egyptian mythology, ceremonial magic, and psychological exploration.
Contrasting Perspectives: Temple of Set vs. Church of Satan
– Theistic vs. Atheistic: While the Church of Satan adopts an atheistic stance, considering Satan as a symbol rather than a literal deity, the Temple of Set embraces a theistic perspective, regarding Set as a real entity with whom practitioners can establish a personal relationship.
– Individualism vs. Collectivism: The Temple of Set places a stronger emphasis on individualism and self-deification, encouraging members to explore and develop their unique potentials. In contrast, the Church of Satan promotes collective indulgence and embraces a more group-oriented approach.
– Magical Practices: The Temple of Set incorporates ceremonial magic and ritualistic practices as means of spiritual exploration and self-transformation. The Church of Satan, on the other hand, focuses more on ritual as psychological catharsis and theatrical expression.
Michael Aquino and his Philosophies
Michael Aquino’s work with the US Army, particularly his involvement in psychological warfare, may have influenced his worldview and approach to the occult. His experiences in the military likely contributed to his interest in psychology, mind control, and the exploration of the human psyche. Aquino developed a unique synthesis of psychological and occult ideas, which he integrated into the teachings and practices of the Temple of Set.
Esoteric Satanism
The Temple of Set represents an evolution from the Church of Satan, offering an alternative approach to occultism and spiritual exploration. Michael Aquino’s divergent philosophies, influenced by his military background and psychological interests, have shaped the Temple of Set into a distinct organization, a more esoteric satanism. Understanding the beliefs and contrasting perspectives between the Temple of Set and the Church of Satan allows for a deeper appreciation of the diversity and complexity within esoteric Satanism and, more widely, modern occultism.
