Your thoughts on Dr. Michael A. Aquino

[Mindmaster]

Well, wearing a black clerical collar was and still is a common practice of some members of the Setian Priesthood III*+ during formal Setian gatherings or when administering their duty as representatives of the Temple of Set in a public forum. Initiates of the Priesthood of Set take the Function(s) of their Degree very seriously, it is a sacred obligation to both themSelves and the Lord of Darkness.

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

I still question the need for this practice myself. I understand that ToS considers itself a serious religion (hell, I consider my religion serious), but borrowing the Christian clerical garments and just wearing a pendant or pin is a bit over the top. Now if you came out all heavy metal or dressed in a ceremonial robe with hood I get it since it makes sense we'd be wearing these clothes for our purposes. Both are expressions of Satan aesthetically, but I feel no bond with the typical minster apparel of other religions. I'm not just pinning the blame on ToS however -- CoS is very much a culprit of this as well.

If to exist we merely have to be an inversion or perversion of something we haven't much a leg to stand on. We should let these ideological, theological, and symbolic dinosaurs die the death they deserve and not seek to burn them into the minds of our enemies with our blasphemous travesties of their imagery. This makes as much sense to me as putting a pair of horns on a crucified Jesus and ceremoniously declaring that this is the son of Satan. It does nothing but incite the wroth of Q. T. Public.

 

[Kori Houghton]

Well, wearing a black clerical collar was and still is a common practice of some members of the Setian Priesthood III*+ during formal Setian gatherings or when administering their duty as representatives of the Temple of Set in a public forum. Initiates of the Priesthood of Set take the Function(s) of their Degree very seriously, it is a sacred obligation to both themSelves and the Lord of Darkness.

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

I consider all clerical garb to be part of show business, not just that worn by Aquino on the Geraldo program. There are comments in the alt.satanism archives I made about Vatican rituals performed by old men in dresses. I went to Catholic schools for 12 years, and we all called the sisters "penguins". When I was 7 years old, I was chosen to participate in a children's procession at the local cathedral dressed as a nun. (The procession included a few children dressed as members of every religious order in the Church at that time, including a boy bishop with mitre and staff.) This was pre-Vatican II, so it was quite a costume. I loved it! I hated to give it back the day after, and wanted to save it for the next Halloween.

 

[Kori Houghton]

If to exist we merely have to be an inversion or perversion of something we haven't much a leg to stand on. We should let these ideological, theological, and symbolic dinosaurs die the death they deserve and not seek to burn them into the minds of our enemies with our blasphemous travesties of their imagery. This makes as much sense to me as putting a pair of horns on a crucified Jesus and ceremoniously declaring that this is the son of Satan. It does nothing but incite the wroth of Q. T. Public.

I think the major monotheisms have a lot of life in them still, as much as some of us consider them obsolete and pointless. The TOS, in my view, for the past 20 years or so has stopped presenting itself as a contemporary cutting edge fusion of sprituality, science, and the occult. Now the public image seems like more of a traditional type religion, complete with referenced doctrines and quotes from "scripture". I understand an outsider has no idea what is actually being explored and discussed among the membership. I can only comment on the packaging, not the content

 

[Adramelek]

Now if you came out all heavy metal or dressed in a ceremonial robe with hood I get it since it makes sense we'd be wearing these clothes for our purposes.

Actually there are certain Initiates of the Setian Priesthood III* + that do do something like this. Hell, I know of a Magister Templi IV* who prefers his long hair and wearing black/death metal band shirts, a black leather jacket and blue jeans and black steel-toed leather boots. Every Setian, no matter what Degree, is free to represent and express themselves, the Temple, and their own inidividual Setianism any way they like, so long as it is something not too extreme like appearing naked in public with only a Pentagram of Set hanging around your neck. :run:

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

 

[Mindmaster]

Actually there are certain Initiates of the Setian Priesthood III* + that do do something like this. Every Setian, no matter what Degree, is free to represent and express themselves, the Temple, and their own inidividual Setianism any way they like, so long as it is something not too extreme like appearing naked in public with only a Pentagram of Set hanging around your neck. :run:

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

I'm in a strange mood today so don't mind me I feel very spiritually nebulous for lack of a better word. My awareness has perked up unprovoked and now I feel like I am listening for a message, but nothing is going on. I'm all antsy... Anyway, as I see it ToS doesn't need LaVey or CoS anymore -- don't look like 'em, sound like 'em, or think like them or even cite them. The CoS is just a zombie growling, "Brraaaains!" :bat:

ToS and Demonolatry are probably the thrust of serious theistic Satanisms at this juncture.

 

[Adramelek]

I'm in a strange mood today so don't mind me I feel very spiritually nebulous for lack of a better word. My awareness has perked up unprovoked and now I feel like I am listening for a message, but nothing is going on. I'm all antsy... Anyway, as I see it ToS doesn't need LaVey or CoS anymore -- don't look like 'em, sound like 'em, or think like them or even cite them. The CoS is just a zombie growling, "Brraaaains!" :bat:

ToS and Demonolatry are probably the thrust of serious theistic Satanisms at this juncture.

You are absolutely correct Mindmaster imo, and I would venture to say that a good many other Setians besides myself would agree with you on this point. Oh, yeah! :yes: I don't think the Temple of Set has had any use for the CoS for the past 32 years.

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

 

[Mindmaster]

I think the major monotheisms have a lot of life in them still, as much as some of us consider them obsolete and pointless. The TOS, in my view, for the past 20 years or so has stopped presenting itself as a contemporary cutting edge fusion of sprituality, science, and the occult. Now the public image seems like more of a traditional type religion, complete with referenced doctrines and quotes from "scripture". I understand an outsider has no idea what is actually being explored and discussed among the membership. I can only comment on the packaging, not the content

What I know of Setian thrusts of knowledge I know mostly from online resources, but a quick peek at their reading lists for newbies indicates that they have a very progressive thrust regardless of the doctrine. I can't even go into saying it's dogma since Aquino openly admits that "The Book" is not necessarily required to be believed in. As far as I am aware you are allowed to believe whatever you want to some extent. The second degree of Adept doesn't even require a belief in Set (it merely is a title of magic ability) per Se perhaps just an appreciation of its aesthetics. It seems to me Setians are mostly solitary, and really only get together when they have to. In fact, I am pretty sure you could be completely atheist for the first two ranks. Thus, I am not really aware of this Setian-type scripture one HAS to abide considering only Priests or greater would be required to have some kind of belief in Set. There are some Setian concepts such as Xeper, The Gift of Set, etc... but that's why it isn't Thelema. (seriously, we had a good thread on this)

As to having an idea of what is being explored... Many ranking members of ToS have web sites -- KPHR (podcast) is very informative as well. In fact, if you did nothing but troll the openly available higher up sites you get a damn good idea of what is going on. Sure there are a probably a few things they're not posting (probably because they can be totally abused), but this is to be expected. Initiatory groups always expect you to initiate if you want to learn more than the common fare.

 

[Adramelek]

In the Temple of Set the First Degree Setian has a two year time limit. It is a time of mutual evaluation respectively on the part of the Temple and prospective Initiate to see if both are compatable with one another. It has been said that the Second Degree Adept is the highest degree attainable by the Initiate alone. This is true. The Degree of Adept is the Degree of Freedom and learning to Master Life.

The Priesthood Degrees III*+ cannot be approached directly. The Adept goes about his life and Work without lusting for results, and some, through their Great Work gain the attention of the Lord of Darkness HimSelf and thus begins the personal Evaluation of the Initiate by Set HimSelf (this Evaluation can actually begin to take place at any time in the Initiates life even before he enters the Temple). You see, it is Set alone who Ordains Initiates of His Priesthood by enshrining within them further of His own Essence.

The effects of Set's Touch upon the Initiate is Recognized by other Initiates especially by those of the Priesthood III*-VI*, and it is by a unanimous decision by 3 or 4 Magister Templi IV* that yes indeed this Magician has Become Priest that the Ordination is Recognized and the Initiate is asked if they are willing to accept the sacred obligations and duty of the Setian Priesthood. The Initiate can either accept or deny the Degree of Priesthood, it is absolutely up to them and no judgements will be made by any Initiate as it is a very personal decision as the Degree of Priesthood can greatly effect the personal life and Work of the Initiate. I cannot say much more about this as I have personally only experienced the First Degree and the wonder and glory of the Second Degree of Adept Black Magician of the Temple of Set. The Second Degree is also described by some as the Ruby Realm of the Elect of Set.

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

 

[fnord]

Intelligent and insightful fellow. I've had decent conversations with him and have always thought him to be honorable and thought provoking. That said, the T/S is definitely not my thing though some writings that emanate from it are definitely worthwhile.

 

[Adramelek]

Hail Fnord! For me, it was through the Temple of Set, over 20 years ago that I found my true self. The Temple became my Gate of Darkness which, through its black light, illuminated the way and lead me to my individual Truth of Being. I have sworn my eternal oath to the Prince of Darkness, faithfulness beyond death!

Xeper.
/Adramelek\

 

[1137]

I think Aquino was a bit poisoned by previous experience. Important to occultism certainly, but he'll always seem... tainted to me. Then again, that would probably please him greatly.

On the other hand, without out him Set would never have made it to the top of my pantheon, though I owe Grant a bit more there to be honest.

 

[AnnaCzereda]

I'm not his fan really and, somehow, the Temple of Set doesn't catch my interest. However, I quite enjoyed his book "Church of Satan". I didn't read the whole of it because it was quite long, but most of it was entertaining enough to give it a try. The most interesting was the part where he described the Black House. I recall something about the stuffed rats on the shelves. Are my memories correct? It's been a long time. Anyway, it's definitely worth reading.

 

[Adramelek]

This is an interesting interview with Michael Aquino.

Xeper and Remanifest.

 

[Mequa]

I have corresponded quite extensively with Michael A. Aquino, my being a former mod of The 600 Club, including both public and private correspondence.

While his academic and military credentials are impressive, as is his fame in the occult world, in my experience, when it comes to philosophical debates - and with no disrespect - the man quite simply lacks intellectual integrity. His debate style consists of dodging valid points, and his metaphysical and cosmological views are fishier than a month old salmon left in the sun to rot, in my view.

He seems convinced Anton LaVey had his own personal hotline to The Guy Downstairs, who turned out to be the Egyptian god Set masquerading as Satan who later chose Aquino as his prophet. Riiiight.

Then again, this could be part of his "mind war" strategy, Aquino having been involved in PSYOP. Either way, he made a name for himself. He is a master sophist. One could consider this an application of "Lesser Black Magic", the ability to psychologically manipulate one's fellow humans to obtain worldly fame and power, which he seemed quite successful at with his Temple of Set. I place Michael A. Aquino in the same category as the likes of L. Ron Hubbard.

I also expect Aquino to be deified after his death by some of his more ardent followers. Immortal Aquino, Son of Set, bringer of the light of Xeper, hallowed be thy name. Then again, some have argued that Setianism will wither on the vine following its founder's passing.

 

[Adramelek]

I find it quite interesting sometimes what some folks think about Aquino who are outside of the Temple of Set, such as the above poster Mequa. Of course, I have never personally corresponded with Aquino so I cannot attest to his intellectual integrity or lack thereof. I may have a great deal of respect and admiration for Michael Aquino and his works, however, I would certainly never deify the man or any other human being.

Gnothi Seauton!
/Adramelek\

 

[Sha'irullah]

I do not know much about Aquino but he is bad mouthed by many LaVeyan's who love kissing butt. So Aquino is often deemed the cast away from LaVey but I have always doubted this.
I just do not understand his interest in Egyptian mythology and reworking it, it just seems odd. As to how it got mixed into the LHP sort of baffles me as well considering it is more Neo-Pagangy . In reality though all ancient pagans were LHPish by default

 

[Eihwaz]

Here's a recent interview with Michael A. Aquino discussing his new book, PSYOP, and the Church of Satan/Temple of Set.

Radio host is annoying/a windbag (it takes nearly an hour for him to introduce Aquino and he often digresses into aimless rants).

Indeed he gets such an illustrious person on his show just to ask him a dumb question like: "Do you think the Beatles were created by the Queen of England to brainwash young people into a Satanic conspiracy?" (The radio host seems to believe such to be true).

Enjoy.

Eihwaz/Blake

 

[Adramelek]

Here's a recent interview with Michael A. Aquino discussing his new book, PSYOP, and the Church of Satan/Temple of Set.

Radio host is annoying/a windbag (it takes nearly an hour for him to introduce Aquino and he often digresses into aimless rants).

Indeed he gets such an illustrious person on his show just to ask him a dumb question like: "Do you think the Beatles were created by the Queen of England to brainwash young people into a Satanic conspiracy?" (The radio host seems to believe such to be true).

Enjoy.

Eihwaz/Blake

Thanks for this Eihwaz. I knew about Aquino's involvement with PSYOP, but I didn't know he was also involved with certain aspects of NASA; quite interesting. I very much doubt if Dr. Aquino lacked true intellectual integrity, as a previous poster suggested, that he would have ever been involved in such programs, let alone being the prime founder of an organization such as the Temple of Set. Again, thanks Eihwaz.

 

[Satans_Serrated_Edge]

A-queen-o?

Skilled con artist and spin doctor. Pied piper to the intellectually malleable.

Epic eyebrows.

 

[Adramelek]

"A-queen-o", did you get that from Blanch Barton? I think she also called him "A-queer-no".