Is the Temple of Set a Satanic group or an intellectual path to self-deification?
In short: Founded in 1975 by a former military intelligence officer, the Temple of Set rejects the materialistic focus of the Church of Satan. Instead, it promotes a highly individualistic religion centered on the Black Flame—a questioning intellect believed to be the key to achieving immortality through the process of self-deification.
The Temple of Set emerged from a schism within Anton LaVey’s Church of Satan. Michael A. Aquino, a high-ranking member and political scientist, resigned in 1975, citing dissatisfaction with the commercialization of degrees and the abolition of regional groups. Aquino claimed that a ritual invocation of Satan revealed that the entity’s true name was Set, an ancient Egyptian deity. This foundation myth, documented in The Book of Coming Forth by Night, positioned the Temple as an esoteric successor to LaVey’s organization.
Unlike the atheistic philosophy of the Church of Satan, the Temple of Set is openly theistic, viewing Set as a real, ageless entity who granted humanity the 'Black Flame' or 'Gift of Set.' This intellect distinguishes humans from animals and provides the potential for divinity. Setians do not worship this deity; rather, they view him as a teacher and role model for their own 'Xeper,' or 'coming into being.' This process of self-initiation aims to align individual consciousness with an immortal essence, allowing the practitioner to survive physical death within their own subjective universe.
The organization is structured around a hierarchy of degrees inspired by nineteenth-century occult orders like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Members operate within local groups called pylons, engaging in 'workings' that emphasize individual development over prescribed rituals. While some scholars categorize the Temple as 'Esoteric Satanism' due to its historical roots and use of satanic mythology, others prefer terms like 'Post-Satanism,' noting its distinct focus on individualistic, psyche-centric magic and the rejection of traditional ego-surrender found in other mystical paths.
The Temple’s history has been marked by internal leadership shifts and external controversy. Following Aquino’s death in 2019, the organization remains a niche movement with an estimated average membership of 500. Its legacy persists through its unique synthesis of Western esotericism, Egyptology, and a philosophy that prioritizes the expansion of the individual magician's existence above all else.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Temple of Set
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