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Post by A:.O:. on Jul 30, 2010 17:25:57 GMT -6
Along with one's degree, a Cultist should also choose a path. There are three paths which indicate a particular persuasion, attunement, and bias. Such individual signifiers relate to either an Adversarial, Dreaming, or Esoteric path. If we can clearly see in what direction a Cultist is going, then his brothers and sisters are better able to understand that Cultist.
The Adversarial path relates to a Satanic current.
The Dreaming path relates to a strictly Lovecraftian current.
The Esoteric path relates to The Work or what is known as the Fourth Way and Gurdjieff Teaching.
As an example, if a Cultist attains the degree of Herald of the Old Gods who found us because of his interest in dreams, the Mythos, and desires to make progress in a primarily Lovecraftian paradigm, then he should use the title Dreaming Herald of the Old Gods. Likewise, a Seeker of S'ngac, the Violet Colored Gas who comes from a Satanic background should use the signifier Adversarial in his title like so, Adversarial Seeker of S'ngac, the Violet Colored Gas. After three months of attaining a new degree, a Cultist should choose one of the three paths, adding it to his title and consciousness.
For my fellow Cultists that have already chosen a path, I ask, why have you chosen that path and not another? Do you plan on staying on that path indefinitely or do you plan on changing it when you advance through the ranks of the Cult? If so, what do you plan on changing it to? How do you think that people on the path you are on should act/behave/etc.? How do you think the path should change how you are, or have you been already living as if you were already on the path? I yet to pick a path, but I am leaning to the Path of the Dreamer. I do come from a strong Satanic background but that is comfortable and I don't want to be comfortable. I don't know enough about HP Lovecraft, and the Cthulhu Mythos at large, and I plan on changing that. If this is the path I settle on then I'll be devoting myself to the path on Lovecrafts birthday. I figure that gives me 3 more weeks to fully decide. I have petitioned High Priest Venger Satanis to become a Wizard of the Terrible Darkness, and if I am granted that elevation then I plan on staying with the path I decide upon until I have proven myself worth enough to be elevated higher. If it is the Path of the Dreamer (which is looking most likely) then I feel that will give me oodles of time to fully explore the Mythos and maybe even become an authority on the subject. ia ia Cthulhu fhtagn!
A:.O:. Herald of the Old Gods Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by lucofthelight on Jul 30, 2010 21:41:43 GMT -6
The path I have chosen refers to which direction I am going. This direction or goal is Fourth Way mastery. I would say previously to my involvement with the Work my path was that of Satanism or the Adversarial current with some esoteric leanings. I chose the Esoteric path because it best defines the road to where I'm going and includes my practices of the last 7 months. I feel the Esoteric path best suits me and my interests.
It doesn't mean I have abandoned the Adversarial as there is still that in me as well as the Dreaming but a larger percentage of me is going down the Esoteric path. There is more of a pull towards this line of thought and I'm seeing results, so I'll keep with it.
Awake!
K'ara Kaiul Esoteric Herald of the Old Gods Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by Sarak G'hash on Jul 31, 2010 1:47:17 GMT -6
Along with one's degree, a Cultist should also choose a path. There are three paths which indicate a particular persuasion, attunement, and bias. Such individual signifiers relate to either an Adversarial, Dreaming, or Esoteric path. If we can clearly see in what direction a Cultist is going, then his brothers and sisters are better able to understand that Cultist.
The Adversarial path relates to a Satanic current.
The Dreaming path relates to a strictly Lovecraftian current.
The Esoteric path relates to The Work or what is known as the Fourth Way and Gurdjieff Teaching.
As an example, if a Cultist attains the degree of Herald of the Old Gods who found us because of his interest in dreams, the Mythos, and desires to make progress in a primarily Lovecraftian paradigm, then he should use the title Dreaming Herald of the Old Gods. Likewise, a Seeker of S'ngac, the Violet Colored Gas who comes from a Satanic background should use the signifier Adversarial in his title like so, Adversarial Seeker of S'ngac, the Violet Colored Gas. After three months of attaining a new degree, a Cultist should choose one of the three paths, adding it to his title and consciousness.
For my fellow Cultists that have already chosen a path, I ask, why have you chosen that path and not another? Do you plan on staying on that path indefinitely or do you plan on changing it when you advance through the ranks of the Cult? If so, what do you plan on changing it to? How do you think that people on the path you are on should act/behave/etc.? How do you think the path should change how you are, or have you been already living as if you were already on the path? I yet to pick a path, but I am leaning to the Path of the Dreamer. I do come from a strong Satanic background but that is comfortable and I don't want to be comfortable. I don't know enough about HP Lovecraft, and the Cthulhu Mythos at large, and I plan on changing that. If this is the path I settle on then I'll be devoting myself to the path on Lovecrafts birthday. I figure that gives me 3 more weeks to fully decide. I have petitioned High Priest Venger Satanis to become a Wizard of the Terrible Darkness, and if I am granted that elevation then I plan on staying with the path I decide upon until I have proven myself worth enough to be elevated higher. If it is the Path of the Dreamer (which is looking most likely) then I feel that will give me oodles of time to fully explore the Mythos and maybe even become an authority on the subject. ia ia Cthulhu fhtagn!
A:.O:. Herald of the Old Gods Cult of CthulhuA:O and Master Satanis, I agree with what both of you are saying and that is exactly why I am doing some heavy reading on all of these paths so that I can make an informed decision on which path to take myself. It would be extreme folly to choose one path and then later on down the line discover that it wasn't what I wanted at all after devoting possibly years to a totally wrong path than what I actually wanted. Awake!
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Post by egodiabolus on Jul 31, 2010 7:02:44 GMT -6
A:O and Master Satanis, I agree with what both of you are saying and that is exactly why I am doing some heavy reading on all of these paths so that I can make an informed decision on which path to take myself. It would be extreme folly to choose one path and then later on down the line discover that it wasn't what I wanted at all after devoting possibly years to a totally wrong path than what I actually wanted. Awake! It seems to me that you and others may be reading too much into the concept of "paths" and missing High Priest Venger Satanis's stated intent. The Cult of Cthulhu can initially be viewed as a combination of three lines of thought; Satanism, The Cthulhu Mythos, and the Fourth Way (with time, you learn there is more to it). Some of our members are more attracted by or have a greater interest in one of those paths over the other two. The intent in declaring a path is so that others can readily discern what your perspectives might be based on what brought you to the Cult of Cthulhu. A person here because of their interest in Satanism will have a different perspective on things than a person here because of their interest in the Fourth Way. The intent is not that you select a path and dedicate yourself to that line of thinking from this point forward, only that if you have a particular focus of interest amongst the three, you state it. If you are not overly interest in one line of interest over the others, then you honestly have no need to declare a path.
My personal example would be that I came to the Cult of Cthulhu initially as a Satanist. This is where my perspective and bias was at. Over time, my focus has become less about Satanism and more about the Fourth Way, but regardless of the particular primary focus, I still read and investigate the Cthulhu Mythos and I am still interest in the other path (Satanism or Fourth Way).
Don't over think it, and don't treat it like some kind of dire commitment. If you start along the Path of the Dreamer because you are very fond of the Cthulhu Mythos, but a month from now find yourself engaging in the forum threads dealing with Satanism, researching books on Satanism, and feeling like Satanism may be your thing, then changing to the Path of the Adversary is just stating your current focus of interest.
Awake!
Ego Diabolus Priest of R'lyeh Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by Sarak G'hash on Jul 31, 2010 8:27:48 GMT -6
A:O and Master Satanis, I agree with what both of you are saying and that is exactly why I am doing some heavy reading on all of these paths so that I can make an informed decision on which path to take myself. It would be extreme folly to choose one path and then later on down the line discover that it wasn't what I wanted at all after devoting possibly years to a totally wrong path than what I actually wanted. Awake! It seems to me that you and others may be reading too much into the concept of "paths" and missing High Priest Venger Satanis's stated intent. The Cult of Cthulhu can initially be viewed as a combination of three lines of thought; Satanism, The Cthulhu Mythos, and the Fourth Way (with time, you learn there is more to it). Some of our members are more attracted by or have a greater interest in one of those paths over the other two. The intent in declaring a path is so that others can readily discern what your perspectives might be based on what brought you to the Cult of Cthulhu. A person here because of their interest in Satanism will have a different perspective on things than a person here because of their interest in the Fourth Way. The intent is not that you select a path and dedicate yourself to that line of thinking from this point forward, only that if you have a particular focus of interest amongst the three, you state it. If you are not overly interest in one line of interest over the others, then you honestly have no need to declare a path.
My personal example would be that I came to the Cult of Cthulhu initially as a Satanist. This is where my perspective and bias was at. Over time, my focus has become less about Satanism and more about the Fourth Way, but regardless of the particular primary focus, I still read and investigate the Cthulhu Mythos and I am still interest in the other path (Satanism or Fourth Way).
Don't over think it, and don't treat it like some kind of dire commitment. If you start along the Path of the Dreamer because you are very fond of the Cthulhu Mythos, but a month from now find yourself engaging in the forum threads dealing with Satanism, researching books on Satanism, and feeling like Satanism may be your thing, then changing to the Path of the Adversary is just stating your current focus of interest.
Awake!
Ego Diabolus Priest of R'lyeh Cult of CthulhuYes, thanks so much for clearing that up for me. They all seem to compliment each other. Right now I am currently reading an ebook called Chaos Magick Using the Cthulhu Mythos and it is a fine example of such blending but not as in depth as Master Satanis' works which I follow to the letter. Awake!
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Post by I AM the Way on Jul 31, 2010 9:28:33 GMT -6
A:O and Master Satanis, I agree with what both of you are saying and that is exactly why I am doing some heavy reading on all of these paths so that I can make an informed decision on which path to take myself. It would be extreme folly to choose one path and then later on down the line discover that it wasn't what I wanted at all after devoting possibly years to a totally wrong path than what I actually wanted. Awake! It seems to me that you and others may be reading too much into the concept of "paths" and missing High Priest Venger Satanis's stated intent. The Cult of Cthulhu can initially be viewed as a combination of three lines of thought; Satanism, The Cthulhu Mythos, and the Fourth Way (with time, you learn there is more to it). Some of our members are more attracted by or have a greater interest in one of those paths over the other two. The intent in declaring a path is so that others can readily discern what your perspectives might be based on what brought you to the Cult of Cthulhu. A person here because of their interest in Satanism will have a different perspective on things than a person here because of their interest in the Fourth Way. The intent is not that you select a path and dedicate yourself to that line of thinking from this point forward, only that if you have a particular focus of interest amongst the three, you state it. If you are not overly interest in one line of interest over the others, then you honestly have no need to declare a path.
My personal example would be that I came to the Cult of Cthulhu initially as a Satanist. This is where my perspective and bias was at. Over time, my focus has become less about Satanism and more about the Fourth Way, but regardless of the particular primary focus, I still read and investigate the Cthulhu Mythos and I am still interest in the other path (Satanism or Fourth Way).
Don't over think it, and don't treat it like some kind of dire commitment. If you start along the Path of the Dreamer because you are very fond of the Cthulhu Mythos, but a month from now find yourself engaging in the forum threads dealing with Satanism, researching books on Satanism, and feeling like Satanism may be your thing, then changing to the Path of the Adversary is just stating your current focus of interest.
Awake!
Ego Diabolus Priest of R'lyeh Cult of Cthulhu Yes, the CoC is a combination of all three... and more as Master Diabolus stated.
The purpose of choosing a path is multi-faceted, and some facets shall not be seen until at least a year has passed. Not only does it assist other Cultists in knowing your agenda and bias, but paths will help keep you focused on specific goals.
In a way, it is like a dedication. Obviously, every Cultist is dedicated to the CoC as a whole, but the conscious struggles of an individual must take a direction for them to be highly effective. I believe Cultists will be able to reach farther if their focus is narrowed to either an Adversarial, Dreaming, or Esoteric path.
When one becomes part of the Priesthood, the top three degrees, such an esteemed Cultist may eschew paths. However, I strongly encourage everyone who is not a Priest of this Cult to examine where they came from, who they are, and where they are going. Paths can be changed, but should only be altered infrequently and with good reason.
When the updated and expanded Cthulhu Cult is released, my tentative deadline of August 20th is looking more and more like a pipedream every day, I might include a Dedication Ritual for each path. Until then, do something special upon deciding, even if it's as simple as meditation.
By His loathsome tentacles,
Venger As'Nas Satanis High Priest Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by Sarak G'hash on Jul 31, 2010 16:22:43 GMT -6
So be it. I choose the Path of the Adversary since it has always had a deep meaning for me.
Awake!
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Kai'Sigth
Adeptus
Dreaming Herald of the Old Gods
Posts: 32
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Post by Kai'Sigth on Aug 1, 2010 17:21:07 GMT -6
Perhaps I was too hasty in my decision of my chosen path. My occult background is primarily that of LaVeyan/Modern Satanism. So perhaps I should really think upon the decision.
I was drawn to the CoC for the Lovecraftian aspect, it is what whispered and nagged at me to join and when I left; to come back again. Satanism had very little pull in my decision to join this Cult.
Though I do call myself a Satanist as well as a Cultist. I would like to recant my decision to choose the Path of the Adversary. At least for now, while I've had some time to meditate upon the choice.
Awake.
Kai'Sigth Herald of the Old Gods Cult if Cthulhu.
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Post by Apsara Kamalli on Aug 1, 2010 19:07:37 GMT -6
Satanism is a way of life in our home, so I didn't feel the need to investigate it further at this time. HP Lovecraft isn't necessarily an interest of mine yet.
For me, the Fourth Way is what brought me here. There really was no question. I am new to the teachings and the philosophy, and my intent is to learn as much as possible.
Awake!
Apsara Kamalli Esoteric Herald of the Old Gods Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by Sarak G'hash on Aug 1, 2010 20:16:43 GMT -6
Perhaps I was too hasty in my decision of my chosen path. My occult background is primarily that of LaVeyan/Modern Satanism. So perhaps I should really think upon the decision. I was drawn to the CoC for the Lovecraftian aspect, it is what whispered and nagged at me to join and when I left; to come back again. Satanism had very little pull in my decision to join this Cult. Though I do call myself a Satanist as well as a Cultist. I would like to recant my decision to choose the Path of the Adversary. At least for now, while I've had some time to meditate upon the choice. Awake. Kai'Sigth Herald of the Old Gods Cult if Cthulhu. I think this site might interest you. It has been an eye opener for me to say the least. It shows satan in little different light than most satanic sites. www.in-satans-honour.com/Awake!
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Post by andrewbloodworth on Oct 11, 2010 14:34:26 GMT -6
Satanism is a way of life in our home, so I didn't feel the need to investigate it further at this time. HP Lovecraft isn't necessarily an interest of mine yet. For me, the Fourth Way is what brought me here. There really was no question. I am new to the teachings and the philosophy, and my intent is to learn as much as possible. Awake! Apsara Kamalli Esoteric Herald of the Old Gods Cult of Cthulhu What brought me here was CoC, I was so interested in it. Fourth Way teachings I fell in love with right away, its for sure the way to be. Fell in love with Lovecraft too. Everything is here, everything included with the CoC is amazing. So much to absorb and couldn't see myself anywhere but here. My intent is to learn as much as possible too. Awake! Ia Ia Cthulhu fhtagn
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Post by ieuan on Oct 19, 2010 15:15:15 GMT -6
Interesting, the Fourth Way as a left hand path tradition is what keeps me fired up about the Cult of Cthulhu, what intuitively brought me here was H P Lovecraft and The Cthulhu Mythos. I have very little interest in satanism, since I have just a naturalist view of it. The Fourth way methods is what keeps me centered, now that I am starting to self observe, it is hard not to relate my so called reality to this system, it has me questioning the actions in the moment, and is changing my world view, for now I have an anchor to come too. The Cthulhu Mythos is more of the dreaming world, and I find myself wanting to use this for escaping, instead of staying in the now. Satanism to me is more of a mechanical thought process. The Fourth Way makes me observe self and actions of self, prelude to responsibility. Being in the Now is equated to Heaven for me, or glimpses of Heaven, when I have those moments of being present. The more I can stay in the now, I think the more I will be able to observe the Cthulhu Mythos in the right perspective along with Satanism. I think a commitment to the Esoteric Path will serve this machine well, and broaden my perceptive on the Dreaming and Adversary Paths. Esoteric it is.
The Cult of Cthulhu shall never die!
Talek Herald of the Old Gods Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by boksmutant on Oct 20, 2010 11:01:16 GMT -6
Id go with the Dreaming path as well. Esoteric second. Im not as familiar with satanism as Id like to be.
Dreaming because Ive always been a fan of HPL. And Ive spent most of my time analyzing the practicality of such fantastic beings anyway. I know Sci-fi & horror.
Esoteric because Ive had experience with self development for a long time.
digg.
Awake!
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Post by Audra Lightning on Nov 15, 2010 2:35:59 GMT -6
Greetings A:.O:.
I'm making an effort to pound out some decent posts here, so I'll respond to your questions. I am now a Messanger of the Outter Angles.
I'll take this piece by piece by piece. Hope you don't mind the weird format.
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For my fellow Cultists that have already chosen a path, I ask, why have you chosen that path and not another?
I have chosen the path of the dreamer because the mythology that H.P. Lovecraft created speaks to me on a deep level. Also, I have a fascination with and history of exploring unusual states of conciousness which HPL wrote quite allot about.
Do you plan on staying on that path indefinitely or do you plan on changing it when you advance through the ranks of the Cult? If so, what do you plan on changing it to?
Depends. Is the dreaming path working? If it stops working, I'll change to something I think will work better.
How do you think that people on the path you are on should act/behave/etc.?
I generally don't think about how other peopel should behave, so this one threw me for a loop. I just don't know realy. I'd expect a dreamer to experiment with things such a lucid dreaming, astral projection, meditation, maybe spychodellic drugs, perhaps even things like physical pain and physical endurence.... That, and I'd expect a dreamer to work withing a Lovecraftian framework, but that can mean allot of things to allot of people.
How do you think the path should change how you are, or have you been already living as if you were already on the path?
In some ways, the past has already changed me... Put more accurately, H.P. Lovecrafts work has changed me. He's offered me an interesting framework from which to understand and attempt to comprehend my own smallness and the chaotic nature of the universe. There are times when I feel like his mythos is real, when I am shaken to the core. It's very hard to describe. Although I believe it is ultmately all within my own mind, there are times when I feel connected to another universe, Lovecraft's universe.... If that isn't a testament to how fantastic his writing was, I don't know what is.
As to how the dreamers path might change me... well... I'd expect to know more about myself and my capabilities, to draw inspiration from my dreams and sleep paralysis states for writing and hopefully to expland my mind beyond that which is traditionally understood and human.
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By the Bloody Toung of Nyarlathotep
Audra Lightning
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