Setian Plague

What do you guys (Setians) make of this?

The Setian Plague

Thank you,
Robert

There are better things in life

That isn't swaying my decision to affiliate very much.

I think the article is very broad in what may be a small minority (possibly majority, I am not aware) within the ToS. It was *MY* current understanding that the Temple of Set did not have dogma that required members of the Temple to believe in Set as a literal God or being in which the article seemed to convey. Also, it seems to be heavily biased in it's overall feel that the author was defending his own belief in Satanism, which the author seems to view Setianism as a threat to his current subjective philosophy and views.

It is clearly stated, to the public, on their website that the Temple is not a final-say on any matters, but a tool for the aspirant to Xeper to a new level of consciousness or whatever it may be. So, some may be Atheists, Theists, etc.. as it promotes individual intelligence through discussion with other people who are interested in the act of Xeper as defined by the ToS. Not a final-say on how one *must* Xeper. A sort of tool to sharpen and broaden each persons conscious reality to better and more potently be able to Xeper as they choose through such group discussion and workings.

Please correct me if I have factual errors in my post. I am admittedly new to Setianism, but currently very drawn to it and find it very logical and approachable practice and theory to me at my current level of intelligence and consciousness.

JWG said:

I think the article is very broad in what may be a small minority (possibly majority, I am not aware) within the ToS. It was *MY* current understanding that the Temple of Set did not have dogma that required members of the Temple to believe in Set as a literal God or being in which the article seemed to convey.

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That seems to be correct.
As I know, it will expected that Setians respect that the Temple of Set is a religious organization and that the Priesthood "believes" in Set, but it will not expected that the Setian "believes" in Set. As First or Second Degree member you will be free to see Set only as the principle of isolate intelligence, as archetype of conscious, individual essence in life, as symbol or something else that has a meaning for your Xeper. Its not necessary to become a member of the Priesterhood or to believe in Set, its only important to work with Set (the symbol, the principle, the neter, the god....)

The first statement in the text ist curios: the author realized that Setianism is not Satanism. I thought: WOW !!! What for an extraordinary state of understanding

Etu wrote: "What do you guys (Setians) make of this?"

The Setian Plague

Sin: "There are better things in life "

I agree.

Etu:"That isn't swaying my decision to affiliate very much."

Then the real question is- what do you make of this document?

JWG said:

I think the article is very broad in what may be a small minority (possibly majority, I am not aware) within the ToS. It was *MY* current understanding that the Temple of Set did not have dogma that required members of the Temple to believe in Set as a literal God or being in which the article seemed to convey. Also, it seems to be heavily biased in it's overall feel that the author was defending his own belief in Satanism, which the author seems to view Setianism as a threat to his current subjective philosophy and views.

It is clearly stated, to the public, on their website that the Temple is not a final-say on any matters, but a tool for the aspirant to Xeper to a new level of consciousness or whatever it may be. So, some may be Atheists, Theists, etc.. as it promotes individual intelligence through discussion with other people who are interested in the act of Xeper as defined by the ToS. Not a final-say on how one *must* Xeper. A sort of tool to sharpen and broaden each persons conscious reality to better and more potently be able to Xeper as they choose through such group discussion and workings.

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You actually Read and Understood Mowry's rant and the Temple web site! Refreshing and very well said JWG

An interesting read but dated. The article was written in 1995 presumably just following his affiliation and subsequent departure from the Temple. I would take anything written 14 years ago and obviously informed by some agenda (eg. CoS is Satanism as seen in the "fine print") with a grain of salt. That said, better to have these types of articles available for discussion than have opinions repressed. One cannot grow without these types of spiritual engagements.

My guess is that he failed to complete and exceed the 2 year period which is used to measure your involvement. Not unlike a "dry fitting" if you will, not only to be seen as a good fit, but also to test the waters for yourself.

I'm sure he's just a disgruntled x member... which is unavoidable in all environments. He has my blessings toward a better life elsewhere. Some people just like to watch the world burn, and often look for excuses which may aid to fuel the fire.

Others just want to be a victim. A dangerous cult indeed.

By Don Webb's Essential Guide:

The Setian is opposed by three powerful cults. These cults are pervasive, merciless, and untiring. They must be fought in all of their manifestations. Their names are the Cult of Stupidity, the Cult of Conventionality, and the Cult of the Victim. You should record each of your victories over them in your magical diary or your Victory Book. Your life should be a series of victories over these cults; Do not be distracted and think minor cults like Christianity are our enemies. This is Trinity we oppose:

The Cult of Stupidity teaches that it is a bad thing to be smart. The cult begins in secondary school where smart people are held not to be popular. It uses words like "nerds," "geeks," and even "brains" to exclude those individuals who concern themselves with the mysteries. It exists in the workplace where many topics are deemed "too deep" for discussion during coffee break, and a person is made to feel alienated if he were to talk about things like "why are we here."

The Cult of Conventionalityteaches that there is an idealized form for your life to take. Usually a heterosexual monogamous marriage with 2.3 children with a home in the suburbs, a TV, and at most a dozen books in the house. This cult questions every decision you make from how to achieve transportation, to whom you sleep with (or refuse to sleep with), to your own reproduction. This cult in short claims to own your body.

The Cult of the Victim teaches that only by suffering are we redeemed. This evil cult takes over good movements of social empowerment by taking away the quest of power, and replacing it with a plea for justice for past social injuries. It allow people to engage in the worst behavior, and then be forgiven because of real or imagined illness or real or imagined abuse. This cult works against anyone with a big heart--and is particularity strong in cultivated circles. Beware of anyone who uses their bad situation as a path to power. Often they do not know better, this cult is very powerful.
There are forces that oppose these cults, these are our allies in battle, and deserve a helping hand from time to time.
These cults have made inroads into all discourse, even we may spout their pernicious slogans. Watch your speech and actions for signs of their influence. Do whatever necessary to train yourself out of them, this is where Crowley's technique to avoid saying "I" and so forth are of the greatest good for the LHP practitioner. Work to remove these cults from your home and office--so you won't keep having the same influences injected into your mind every day. Ending the practice of these cults is being faithful to Maat. Maat, sometimes translated as justice but more correctly beauty, comes from the Maa, the verb "to see." The Setian must create and see justice around himself.

ViaSinistra said:

The Setian is opposed by three powerful cults. These cults are pervasive, merciless, and untiring. They must be fought in all of their manifestations. Their names are the Cult of Stupidity, the Cult of Conventionality, and the Cult of the Victim. You should record each of your victories over them in your magical diary or your Victory Book. Your life should be a series of victories over these cults; Do not be distracted and think minor cults like Christianity are our enemies. This is Trinity we oppose:

The Cult of Stupidity teaches that it is a bad thing to be smart. The cult begins in secondary school where smart people are held not to be popular. It uses words like "nerds," "geeks," and even "brains" to exclude those individuals who concern themselves with the mysteries. It exists in the workplace where many topics are deemed "too deep" for discussion during coffee break, and a person is made to feel alienated if he were to talk about things like "why are we here."

The Cult of Conventionalityteaches that there is an idealized form for your life to take. Usually a heterosexual monogamous marriage with 2.3 children with a home in the suburbs, a TV, and at most a dozen books in the house. This cult questions every decision you make from how to achieve transportation, to whom you sleep with (or refuse to sleep with), to your own reproduction. This cult in short claims to own your body.

The Cult of the Victim teaches that only by suffering are we redeemed. This evil cult takes over good movements of social empowerment by taking away the quest of power, and replacing it with a plea for justice for past social injuries. It allow people to engage in the worst behavior, and then be forgiven because of real or imagined illness or real or imagined abuse. This cult works against anyone with a big heart--and is particularity strong in cultivated circles. Beware of anyone who uses their bad situation as a path to power. Often they do not know better, this cult is very powerful.
There are forces that oppose these cults, these are our allies in battle, and deserve a helping hand from time to time.
These cults have made inroads into all discourse, even we may spout their pernicious slogans. Watch your speech and actions for signs of their influence. Do whatever necessary to train yourself out of them, this is where Crowley's technique to avoid saying "I" and so forth are of the greatest good for the LHP practitioner. Work to remove these cults from your home and office--so you won't keep having the same influences injected into your mind every day. Ending the practice of these cults is being faithful to Maat. Maat, sometimes translated as justice but more correctly beauty, comes from the Maa, the verb "to see." The Setian must create and see justice around himself.

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Don Webb's "Within You and Beyond You" deserves credit here.

Sireal said:

Etu wrote: "What do you guys (Setians) make of this?"

The Setian Plague

Sin: "There are better things in life "

I agree.

Etu:"That isn't swaying my decision to affiliate very much."

Then the real question is- what do you make of this document?

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At this point I am still culminating my opinions on Setianism and would rather listen to those more knowledgeable than myself. But that said, initially I was asking the same question about dogma and such within ToS after all it did seem hypocritical at face value. Though I eventually concluded that it is a matter of psychodrama as with anything else symbolic.

I am almost through with Dr. Aquino's 'Diabolicon' and am thoroughly enjoying it, though at first I again was taken aback because of its premise. At closer evaluation I now see the work as relevant 'fiction' to assist the Setian gnosis.

As for the 'Setian Plague' writer's diatribes against the ToS and his comparisons to Christianity I would agree that this appears to be a disgruntled member who never did 'get' the concept behind allegory.

This is all very new to me and I feel very awkward posing my veiws, of which seem confused and shallow in the wake of such a complex environment.

Yes... I wouldn't want Mr. Webb disapointed. lol.. I am in dept to him for his ability to awaken others, and myself. Even though its been 10 years, theres nothing i feel i could return as a favor with the same caliber, however.... spreading his Word's here may be a start. Lets sell some books for Uncle...

EtuMalku said:

This is all very new to me and I feel very awkward posing my veiws, of which seem confused and shallow in the wake of such a complex environment.

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Please explain? What do you find complex Sireal? The/his situation or this forum environment?

Thank you.

Just found this commentary from an Adept of the ToS on Mr.Mowery's "The Setian Plague." Another perspective and response to this article that the OP has presented to everyone.


Comments on "The Setian Plague": a Misleading Document, by Adept J.A. Davidson (1997)
h t t p :// w w w . balanone . info /comm.set.plague.html (Needed 15 posts to post link. Just fill the gaps in browser).


P.S: ViaSinistra: The quoted text was by Etu Malku, not Sireal. He he.

EtuMalku said:

As for the 'Setian Plague' writer's diatribes against the ToS and his comparisons to Christianity I would agree that this appears to be a disgruntled member who never did 'get' the concept behind allegory.

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I think the author has the classical LaVeyan/Satanist worldview. It seems, that all metaphysical concepts are equal for him. He doesn't realised that at one hand the Temple of Set is a religion, but on the other hand the Temple of Set is honoring the Prince of Darkness not only as entity, but as the principle of _isolate intelligence_, as the first form/essence of left-hand path.

He talked only about metaphysical yes/no...I think he should think about his own way and the misunderstandings between LaVeyan Satanism and left-hand path than to talk about the Setian philosophy

sinistercurrent said:

I think the author has the classical LaVeyan/Satanist worldview. It seems, that all metaphysical concepts are equal for him. He doesn't realised that at one hand the Temple of Set is a religion, but on the other hand the Temple of Set is honoring the Prince of Darkness not only as entity, but as the principle of _isolate intelligence_, as the first form/essence of left-hand path.

He talked only about metaphysical yes/no...I think he should think about his own way and the misunderstandings between LaVeyan Satanism and left-hand path than to talk about the Setian philosophy

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Yes, makes sense. However,i'm curious as to why he had been affiliated with the Temple if he's concern was to pan handle his anger out to anyone that will listen once he left... unless of course he didn't leave on his own terms. Anyhow, I'm sure the CoS welcomed him (and everyone else) with open arms after he left/terminated. This is most liklely when he decided to write this "plague"... It's more disapointing than anything.

Sad... but then again, if i were to take two years out of my life only to be turned away in the end, (if thats the case) I would be pretty disgruntled too. But wouldn't take the time to bash'em in Via web-site. I'm a more up front and personal kinda' guy. But hey, nothing happens for no reason.

It seems to me that the author of the "Setian Plague" is confused. He seems to be upset that he turned out not to be elect to the Setian Current, but did seem to find a place for himself in the CoS and the philosophy of Anton LaVey.

In comparing Setianism with Christianity, the author is quite misguided. Christians seek to serve God in total subservience, whereas Setians seek to further their own individual Xeper. I peronally think that we each have deep within ourselves an individual hidden or Dark Truth, and part of the great work of Life is to seek after and uncover that Truth and to Become it. This is part of my LHP life philosophy.

The Setian (and I speak from personal experience as a former Adept Black Magician of the Temple of Set) is not a slavish servent to the Prince of Darkness, nor is Setianism a religious dogma. The Adept Setian is free to create his/her own belief system and philosophy of life and Magical technique sometimes based upon ecclectic remanifestation. Setians are not required to "believe" in Set. It is not a matter of "believing" in Set, but rather the individual Setian Magician, through their own experiences both Magical and Initiatory have become convinced that the Dark Lord is a reality both within the OU and within themselves.

Even though I am not a member of the ToS I personally, through my experiences in life, Magic and Initiation am convinced in the existence of what I call the Lord of Darkness as a Being within the Universe (Macrocosm) whose Essence, the Black Flame, indwells within me (the Microcosm) energizing and inspiring my Will to Be and to Magic.

Forever in the Ebon Flame!
/Adramelek\:bat:

After re-reading the ‘Setian Plague’ commentary, I wish to ask some of you here what your opinions and comments are towards the diatribes I have extracted from said ‘commentary’.


My experiences and observations as a member in the TS from June 14, 1993 to February 8, 1995
This being two years, the limitation given to an I* to be Recognized, I can’t help but think this person was not Recognized and thus dismissed. Perhaps this period was time enough for the author to have decided the TOS is not suited for him/her. One cannot miss the COS plugs through out the author’s ‘commentary’ though.

The author has, on many occasion mentioned how the TOS believes in the Egyptian God Set.
This would indeed make the TOS a theistic thinking group, perhaps there is another non-theistic veiwpoint that would explain why people ‘percieve’ the Temple as theistic? The ‘non-natural’ aspect of Setianism is mentioned, would someone clear up what this actually means?
. . . of a "divine" nature . . ."divinely inspired" or "divinely Gifted".
They convince themselves that their delusions and hallucinations are actual through what they describe as a "non-natural" perspective
. . . they believe is a "Gift" granted to them by their god Set
Setians (the priesthood) likewise believe the Book of Coming Forth by Night to be the literal word of their God Set

Junior members who question the ideas and findings of their seniors are looked upon with disdain. If questions or findings of a junior member are too difficult or controversial to accept, or even consider they may be ignored altogether
I recall references to TOS as an organization of ‘Brotherly’ love and respect. Thus far any communication I have had with any Temple member has shown me this, I have found them to be very informative and very supportive, respectfully kind and patient.

Direct questions are often met with evasive, defensive, and/or demeaning remarks rather than direct responses that constructively deal with the issues.
-- even of such individuals as Dr Aquino
I have spoken personally (through email) on many occasion with Dr. Aquino and not once has he been evasive, defensive or in any way demeaning towards myself or any anoyone / thing within our discussions.

. . . "Satanic" Mandate which Michael Aquino mistakenly belives to be from “The Prince of Darkness” is nothing more than a means to justify his own ends
Exactly what ‘is’ the Book of Coming Forth by Night to be interpreted as?

It destroys the very principle on which the TS is claimed to be founded: "...to preserve and enhance the more noble concepts which The Church of Satan had conceived and outlined."
Setian philosophy and practices are inconsistent with those found in Satanism (as defined in The Satanic Bible).
I recall the TOS as being known as the worlds leading LHP school, not an establishment for Satanism. I also recall that the Age of Satan was to be a 'bridge' connecting the Aeons of Horus and Set.

". . . the Temple is not so much a “reaction’ to the doctrines or design of the Church (CoS) as it is an “evolutionary succession” to them." TOS M.A.A.

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EM

Etu,

Let's put this thing to rest.

First-a year and a half in the Temple is nothing more than a piece of the beginning, it is not even long enough to become Recognized as an Adept let alone one with a concise understanding of what the Temple is or is not. That takes Years of applied focus.

Second-Ones B**lSh*T ommeter should go off the first paragraph of Mowry's simpleton approach and utter lack of intelligence.

bottom line-he got his precious feelings hurt and whined loudly-So What!

Your own experience of the Temple and its Initiates is the best guide you have -use it.

"The text of another, is an affront to the Self"

Mowry was a member for about two years with his wife. He was an abrasive type who was always trying to be the alpha male and shout down all others in our private forums.

When no one would pay attention to him anymore for his very rude behavior he resigned while insulting most of the Priesthood he had tried to work with. He never attended a Conclave or had much interaction with the organization other than the lists.

The fact that he's spouting off about Satan in this hideously old rant just shows he was probably trying to gain some favor with the CoS.

Xeper,
Magister Robert Adams
Host, KHPR: The Voice of Darkness