The correct spelling of the term "temple of set" is determined by its phonetic structure. The first word, "temple," is pronounced with the /t/ and /ɛ/ sounds as represented in IPA phonetic transcription by /ˈtɛmpəl/. The second word, "set," is pronounced with the /s/ and /ɛ/ sounds as represented in IPA phonetic transcription by /sɛt/. Together, the word is pronounced /ˈtɛmpəl əv sɛt/. It refers to a religious and magical organization founded in the United States during the 1970s.
The Temple of Set is an esoteric religious organization founded by the American writer and occultist, Michael Aquino, in 1975. It emerged as a distinct branch of the Church of Satan, but over time developed its own unique teachings and practices. The theology of the Temple of Set revolves around the Egyptian deity Set, whom they revere as the embodiment of individualism, personal power, and spiritual enlightenment.
The Temple of Set aims to provide a spiritual path for its members that promotes self-transformation and self-improvement. Its members seek to embrace their own divine potential and cultivate a deep understanding of their inner selves. Central to their philosophy is the idea that each individual possesses an inherent creative power and can shape their own destiny.
The rituals and practices of the Temple of Set draw inspiration from various occult traditions, including ceremonial magic, Gnosticism, and Eastern mysticism. These practices include meditation, divination, astral projection, and energy manipulation. Members of the Temple of Set engage in individual exploration and study their own inner consciousness to gain insight and achieve personal growth.
While the Temple of Set shares some similarities with other occult and esoteric organizations, it is important to note that its members uphold a strict code of ethics that emphasizes respect for one's own individuality and the autonomy of others. The organization operates as a close-knit community and emphasizes intellectual rigor and personal responsibility in its teachings.