Photo by Michael D. Beckwith
The Temple of Set hosts a number of annual gatherings of its members, from smaller regional groups, usually hosting 10 or fewer, all the way up to the International Conclave, which sees Setians attending from all over the world. It’s often said that an initiate of the Temple cannot truly understand and experience the Temple of Set until they’ve attended one of these gatherings.
While it’s certainly possible to engage in a perfectly acceptable and meaningful Initiatory process over a great distance, while never occupying the same physical space as another Setian, the incredible power of spending time in the presence of a group of Setians can’t be overstated.
Over the space of three to four days, we might participate in workshops, present our current work to each other, and of course DO magic…some well-planned, some spontaneous. (I recently attended a Black Mass that was executed beautifully, with less than 24 hours’ planning).
No less important, though, are the in-between times. A Setian might find herself having lunch with a Magus, and finally get the opportunity to ask for some clarification on that Word. A candid conversation between two initiates who never knew they were facing the same challenges, leads to new breakthroughs. And of course, the unspeakable power of laughing together.
Photo by Jorge Láscar
All of these things, and many more like them, compose what is known as The Living Temple. Those of us who regularly find ourselves in the company of other Setians understand well that the Temple of Set is more than the sum of its teaching and its members. It doesn’t exist in our documents, our website, or our archives.
The true fullness of the Temple of Set is experienced in the living, breathing, evolving presence of other people. Our gatherings are where our real magic is born.
XeperAustin 