These are just my own thoughts on the matter and are not connected to the official policy of any LHP organization.
Social Ferocity said:
I've becoming increasingly interested in the values of the Left-Hand path and have been reading a bit on it.
But there is something I do not understand...
Is the Left-Hand Path always associated with the Satanism, Luciferianism, or Seitan religions? It seems everywhere I look the LHP goes hand-in-hand with those religions.
Regardless of your reason for interest if you are honestly interested in the topic I recommend "Lords of the Left-Hand Path" by Stephen Flowers, PhD.
"Lords" is an extensive study of the concepts of the Left-Hand Path from the East to West and the Indo-European roots of both Eastern and Western branches of the LHP. It also discuses the general concepts which are native to LHP traditions.
In the West Satanism (theistic and atheistic) and Setian traditions are the most prominent methods of LHP practice. There are many philosophies and Schools which all three pull from (Gurdjieff/Ouspensky, Goethe, etc.) however they on their own would not be seen as a fully developed LHP tradition, thus their incorporation into the praxis of the various organizations.
"Lords..." by Dr. Flowers covers this and much more, and the bibliography alone is something which would be a tool worth the price of the book (as someone else pointed out in another thread) to anyone drawn to the Path of Spiritual Dissent : regardless if they are (or decide to be) a Satanist, join the Temple of Set, etc. or even just decide the LHP just isn't for them. In which case the same bibliography can be used to pursue whatever comparative religious studies they need to find where they feel pulled on the RHP.
To find "Lords of the Left-Hand Path" :
Lords of the Left-Hand Path - $36.00 : Runa Raven Press, Literature and Books on Rune Magic, Mythical Studies, Left-hand Path for US orders
Lords of the Left-Hand Path - $36.00 : Runa Raven Press, Literature and Books on Rune Magic, Mythical Studies, Left-hand Path for orders outside the US.
Social Ferocity said:
Or, is it possible to just consider oneself "of the Left-Hand Path"
It's possible to be a great gymnast just going to the gym on your own, discovering everything on your own and doing what is possible solo over an extended period of time and very hard dedication.
However the input and coaching of a class on gymnastics by those who have already studied and advanced in the art, and probably are on the way of Mastery in that art, will help quicken the practice and help the student refine their art (from outside advice which the student wouldn't be able to see on their own, to spotting, to first aid, to demonstrating techniques and training regimes, to comparing notes with others going along the same course). Not passive blind following, but active and dynamic interactive learning.
Regarding this please read the short volume by P.D. Ouspensky titled "The Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution". If you understand what it says about Schools then you may wish to pursue active (not passive) membership within some LHP School which resonates with what you Desire, however if you don't then make a list of all the Work you will have to do (even defining the nature of Work and where you want to be, how to develop your Self, etc.) on your own and then decide where to start. Constantly re-evaluate your progress no matter at regular times no matter what you chose, be as critical and realistic with yourself as possible. Your Needs may change/evolve or become realized as different.
For P.D. Ouspensky's book :
http://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Ma...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267985566&sr=8-1
You can find it used for ~2.10 USD.
May you truly find your Self and your Way.
Xeper!
- Werden -