Temple of Set Australasia: Articles - Very Short History of TOS Australia

[HOME] [NEWS] [INTRO] [ARTICLES] [BOOKS] [JOIN] [LINKS] [ARC] [FAQ]

ARCHIVAL ARTICLES

A very short history of the Temple of Set in Australasia.

by Priest Wild

2002

"I Came Into Being in the shape of Xepera, who Came Into Being on the First Occasion. I Came Into Being in the shape of Xepera, and that is how "Being" Came Into Being. I was the First Cause of First Causes and my name was more primeval than the primeval ones I made."

- Book of Knowing the Spiral Force of Ra and the Felling of Apep
XXth Dynasty, Ancient Egyptian Setian Text. (1 )

Introduction

The founding of the Temple of Set in 1975 in the USA as the world's first legally recognised religion dedicated to the Prince of Darkness drew curious individuals from around the world. The first Setian in Australia joined that year. The first Australian Priesthood member was Ordained in 1978.

The Temple's philosophy is explored through the various "Jewelled Tablets of Set" compilations containing texts such as Dr Aquino's sophisticated 'Black Magic' - a theoretical and practical book, and periodicals such as the Scroll of Set and Order and Pylon publications.

For the public, the best way to get a grasp on the diverse scope of the philosophy of the Temple of Set is to read the current Information Letter.

Pylons, Elements and Orders

Although Setians are extremely individual focused, the Pylons (usually localised groups), Elements (formal or informal study groups) and Orders (formal initiatory paths) of the Temple have been an important part of the development of the Temple of Set in Australia. These groups are designed not as social events, but places where Setians may develop their magical skills, reflect on their Initiation and embark on strange quests.

The main hub of the Temple's activities in Australasia has shifted over the years with the travels and admissions of members. Adelaide was the first Setian location - this is fitting as Australian folklore has several tales of the Prince of Darkness visiting that city of hollow spires. A few years later, in the 80's, Melbourne became the first Setian enclave in Australia with the birth of the Infernus Pylon in a Magical Working that explored the ancient symbolism of the Black Sun and its use as a symbol of Initiation, and delved into many diverse areas such as goetic evocation, Australian Satanism, Vampyre mysteries and Chinese Magic. Around this time some of the more isolated Australian Setians affiliated with the global Gates of Hell Pylon.

The black sun of Infernus Pylon functioned for many years as a beacon for Australian Setians, and over the period of a decade, had its focus shift from Melbourne, to New Zealand and then finally to Sydney under the capable leadership of Priestess Rush-Hunter. In each incarnation, subtle Workings, various newsletters were produced and some intruiging articles spawned on the role of Black Magic in Australia, and the Australian Setian experience was refined.

Elements are not geographically situated like Pylons, and often exist for specific purposes and projects. Some Setian Elements that have been or are active in Australia include the Arkte Element, MetaMind Element, Occult Institute of Technology, Gothick Runa Element, Soa Gild, Tarot Element and Dark Dreams Element.

Orders are more formal teaching structures and follow particular cultural or philosophical Black Magical principles for example the Orders of the Trapezoid, Order of Leviathan or the Order of the Vampyre to name three most widely known.

Temple of Set in Sydney

The Infernus Pylon, Yidniminkani Pylon and Nan Madol Pylon have all been based in Sydney, although with an often far flung membership.

Sydney is well suited to be a hub of the Setian network in Australia, and Setians have used their magical talents to firstly focus on their own magical endeavours, which by reflection empower the Nan Madol Pylon as the dark heart of Sydney's magical life.

The Pylon is a forum for Australasian Setians to share their fieldnotes of their journey down the "black brick road" of the Left-Hand Path, hold discussions, workshops and magical Workings, all of which is focused on the individual Setian's own 'Xeper' or Self-growth.

Pylons are also good opportunities for Setian Adepts to learn more about what their fellows are doing within the various specialized Setian Orders.

Temple of Set in Brisbane

In 2002, another Australian Pylon was founded, - the Eternal Flame Pylon, focusing on the Solar city of Brisbane. It's history is to be written by the creative and magical enclave, but from watching presentations by its talented members, I think the Eternal Flame Pylon will be another beacon for the development of the Left-Hand Path down under.

Media

The Temple of Set in Australia has kept mainly to itself, as we do not encourage superficial or sensational media coverage or membership of those seeking only the latest fad. Unlike the antics all too common with popular religions, we do not hold media stunts, target "celebrities" or go against the non-profit tenets as set out in our By-Laws.

There has, however, been one occasion when the Temple of Set in Australia did invest more time in meeting with the media, police and other interested parties to educate the general public about the lies of the "Satanic Ritual Abuse Myth" in the early 1990s. During that time, the Priesthood made several important interviews with reliable media and countered assertions that Satanism / Black Magic was criminal in any way. The Temple of Set was one of few magical organizations to stand up to the false accusations. To learn more about this disturbing period in the history of religious tolerance, see the Temple of Set's Witch Hunt archive on the main www.xeper.org site.

After the "witch-hunt" period, the Temple of Set in Australia has helped several serious scholars of religion and given limited media interviews. Some of these will be eventually transcribed for the archives section of this website.

Gatherings

Australasian Setians not only travel to the international Temple of Set gatherings, called Conclaves, but also have regional gatherings in interesting places in our home cities. The first was hosted by the late Adept Cartier and the tradition has continued. The Setian path places much importance on face to face meetings and Workings as we do not believe that Initiation can occur by "mail order occultism" or "email occultism" to update the phrase.

Diverse Members

I have often been asked if there is a common thread to Setian Initiates in Australia. Like the classic Satanic / Setian film "Rosemary's Baby" - Initiates come from too diverse backgrounds to easily classify. Some are artists, musicians, academics, students, or from fields as diverse as medicine, IT, the public service, film industry, small business, big business etc. In many cases, the only things that draw us together from all of our diverse backgrounds is to Know the art of Black Magic, to Dare to Become (Xeper) and to be able to meaningfully Speak to other Setians regarding our path when necessary. I have also noted that many Setians I have spent some time with have a rather black sense of humour, enjoy the horror books, film and art for 'educational' ( ie to get inspiration for projects and Workings) and are not afraid to seek the mysteries.

Conclusion

The history of the Temple of Set in Australia from 1975 - 2002 is more than a series of people, places and events. It is a story of a committed group of Black Magicians who because of their focus on self-growth and self-conscious individualism, enjoy the fellowship, dialogue and challenge that comes from being part of an Initiatory Magical School.

Notes:

(1) magical translation by Don Webb VI° in "Seven Faces of Darkness, 1996, Runa-Raven Press.

Temple of Set Australia
P.O.Box 144 Mt Gravatt Australia.

Updated November 16, 2004 .