|
Post by cortwilliams on Oct 8, 2012 12:33:28 GMT -6
Just got my copy of "In Search of the Miraculous" by Ouspensky. I'll be honest-At this point I'm drawn much more strongly by the Satanic, Gnostic, and Chaoist elements of the CoC(esp. as put forth by Lord Satanis in "Cthulhu Cult" and elsewhere) than I am by the Fourth Way, but I want to explore the latter, at the least, and see to what extent I may be able to make use of it in my work.
Hail Satanis! Cort
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2012 15:16:08 GMT -6
Great, brother, explore it ! You will discover that the 4th way is a perfect complement for Satanic, Gnostic, and Chaoist elements.
Remember yourself, for the emerald kingdom is at hand !
|
|
|
Post by cortwilliams on Oct 10, 2012 8:43:55 GMT -6
Thanks Master Yrreiht, yes I have started to devour its words and can already see much promise in what I have read so far. One parallel that I can see between the Gnostic paradigm and my very preliminary understanding of the Fourth Way is the mechanical/deterministic state of humanity, and the possibility of a transcendence of this state via a process of awakening(fourth way), or remembrance(Gnosticism). Interesting.
Hail Satanis! Cort
|
|
|
Post by cortwilliams on Oct 11, 2012 16:50:01 GMT -6
My understanding of the Fourth Way is still preliminary, to say the least: Still, I think I can see points of tension between the components synthesized in the CoC paradigm. Questions of emphasis arise between the various components, and depending on how they are negotiated, I could see how several distinct models of synthesis could be arrived at-And I think this is a good thing, in that it offers a dynamic potential for synthesis. This leads to me to a question: I have heard of the 3 paths(Esoteric, Adversarial, and Dreaming)-I was wondering if someone could explain the nature of these paths, and what aspects of the CoC paradigm is emphasized in each.
Hail Satanis! Cort
|
|
|
Post by I AM the Way on Oct 14, 2012 9:38:55 GMT -6
In your opinion, what are some of the distinct models of synthesis which could be arrived at?
Concerning the paths, long ago I recognized that the Cthulhu Cult and its members were comprised of three focal points or linked paradigm phases: Esoteric, Adversarial, and Dreaming. Each of these relates to and emphasizes aspects of the Fourth Way, Satanism (or, more generally, the Left Hand Path), and the Cthulhu Mythos. Specifically, our religion is about Awakening in order to manifest our will on earth in preparation for attaining a personal state of divinity, utilizing a Lovecraftian aesthetic.
It's not necessary to choose a path; however, every Cultist should be aware of this unifying trinity.
Awake!
VS
|
|
|
Post by cortwilliams on Oct 14, 2012 17:43:41 GMT -6
Hail Lord Satanis!
Thanks for the explanation, this makes sense. My question I suppose would be whether these 3 paths represent different initiatory streams within the Cultus which a cultist might choose to focus on, or if they are seen as 3 aspects of a single system of initiation.
Regarding the different types of synthesis that might be arrived at: Well I was thinking for instance, of one type of synthesis which would emphasize magico-religious work with the Elder Gods, acquiring an awareness of Their terrifying and wondrous nature and our darkly divine kinship with them, and waging esoteric warfare against the constraints of Generally Accepted Reality by bringing forth their sinister energies, both on an subjective/microcosmic level and on a macrocosmic level.
Another type of synthesis might be one which would emphasize self-empowerment, psychological self-analysis in order to acquire greater awareness of one's true will, initiating changes designed to improve one's material circumstances, to facilitate the strengthening of the will through self-discipline, and to manifest one's will on the plane of tangible material reality.
The former would partake more strongly of the qualities of Radical Subjectivism, whereas the latter would focus on successful interactions within the sphere of tangible material reality. The former would likely be more mystical in character and probably would incorporate more experiments with ceremonial magic, dreams, vision states, etc. The latter would be more practical and psychological in scope.
As I write this, I realize that ideally these two models will facilitate each other, each leading to a more effective implementation of the other. Still, depending on the degree of emphasis placed on each of these aspects, one might arrive at two or more contrasting spiritual paradigms. Hail Satanis! Cort
|
|
|
Post by cortwilliams on Oct 16, 2012 21:42:51 GMT -6
Another possibility would be a synthesis of the path which focused especially on the Left-Hand Path/Satanic aspects such as self-deification and antinomianism(the transgression of cultural and religious mores as part of spiritual practice). If this were taken in a sense which focused on ceremonial magic and the like, one might end up with something vaguely akin to the works of Michael Ford or the LHP magical order Dragon Rouge perhaps. If this were taken in more of an approach which focused on achievements in material tangible reality, one might arrive at something which looked a bit like the Temple of Set. Within the masterpiece that is Cthulhu Cult, I see a number of different initiatory streams forming into a powerful river that will overrun the floodgates of the GAR and allow those who dare to reach their own Darkly Divine potential.
Hail Satanis! Cort
|
|
|
Post by I AM the Way on Oct 17, 2012 10:22:06 GMT -6
That.As I write this, I realize that ideally these two models will facilitate each other, each leading to a more effective implementation of the other. Still, depending on the degree of emphasis placed on each of these aspects, one might arrive at two or more contrasting spiritual paradigms. Hail Satanis! Cort Yes, the two must be reconciled. The spiritual/magical and material paradigms complement each other once the third side or force has been realized. Cultists need a balanced, even-tentacled approach.
Awake!
VS
|
|
|
Post by cortwilliams on Oct 18, 2012 10:12:48 GMT -6
Cool, thanks, this makes sense. I'm a nutty Gnostic dark mystic at heart, but I respect the CoC and your excellent work "Cthulhu Cult."
Hail Satanis! Cort
|
|