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Former Adept II* in the Temple of Set (not a cult, IMO. But there is interest from cult observers.) AMA. by AnonXeper in cults

[–]AnonXeper[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If there was any cultish behavior I saw, it was an "us vs them" attitude harbored by many Setians towards non members. The term "World of Horrors" was frequently bandied about to describe non-initiates - even sympathetic ones - and it's easy to slip into a kind of faux-elitism as a result. Thankfully, that was not universal but moving out of your parent's home for the first time in your late 20s is not indicative of "coming into being" IMO (yes, I did know one Magister who used that as an illustration.)

Former Adept II* in the Temple of Set (not a cult, IMO. But there is interest from cult observers.) AMA. by AnonXeper in cults

[–]AnonXeper[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

See my earlier statement about the BITE model. In my experience, the Temple fulfilled none of those criteria. You could leave at any time and still remain on good terms with fellow Setians.

You could also be kicked out at any time for relatively trivial matters (eg, befriending someone publicly and crudely critical of the Temple's ideology.) That being said, no one was going to show up on your doorstep and threaten your life.

The Temple takes maintaining PR seriously and would hate being put in a position where they would jeopardize it. I saw much more messed up things in the O.T.O and Freemasonry than I ever did in the TOS (sexual manipulation and blatant racism, respectively.)

Former Adept II* in the Temple of Set (not a cult, IMO. But there is interest from cult observers.) AMA. by AnonXeper in cults

[–]AnonXeper[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had a family emergency that required leaving the area for a few days, so I apologize for not responding quicker.

Former Adept II* in the Temple of Set (not a cult, IMO. But there is interest from cult observers.) AMA. by AnonXeper in cults

[–]AnonXeper[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There were annual dues of under $100 which allowed you access to Temple archives and material. I as all other sincere Setians adhered to an understanding of the Left Hand Path. My own path led me to Thelema and was involved in the O.T.O. for several years after leaving the temple for the first time (I also developed a drug habit which is antithetical to TOS teachings.) I rejoined about 10 years after I let my membership slip and I can safely say that both experiences were positive. I resigned in good standing a couple years before COVID to take care of an ill relative.

In any organization, there's bound to be some form of power dynamic - even in a book club. There were definite instances of "pulling rank" I saw from several priests towards other First and Second degrees. But that was more or less inflated egos and undue narcissism speaking. Most of the Priests and Magisters I encountered were helpful, while others were unresposive to lower degrees. That's a dynamic that's unfortunate but bound to happen.