Scientology, Satanism, Left-Hand-Path

Scientology's Occult Roots
L. Ron Hubbard patterned himself (and Scientology) after the famed English "black magician" and occultist, Aleister Crowley. Crowley founded the esoteric religion of "Thelema" which asserts that every human is a god trapped in a physical body. This is the model for Scientology's belief that individuals are superior spirits called "thetans." Crowley's Thelema teaches occult practices intended to enable the divine spirit to release themselves from the physical body. Hubbard devised Scientology practices and particularly "auditing" to acheive the same goal.

Crowley, in addition to founding his own occult church, was also a novelist, world traveler, adventurer, student of hermetic and eastern religions, channel to non-human entities, magician, libertine, drug experimenter and addict. Hubbard's enthusiasms, appetites, and practices mimic Crowley.

Hubbard used the occult writings of Aleister Crowley as the intellectual foundation of Scientology. Hubbard discovered Crowley's "Book of the Law" at age 16, joined Crowley's 'Ordo Templis Orientis' at 24, and became a lifelong practitioner of Crowley's 'black magic.' Hubbard based Scientology on the tenets of Crowley's "left-hand-path" -- a phrase black magicians use to describe the immoral opposite of tradition religion.

Deification of the 'self' is the primary goal of left-hand-path adherents. This is the objective of Scientology, which teaches individuals they are spiritual "thetans" with personal power over "matter, energy, space, and time."

Scientology's secret upper levels are an adaptation of Crowley's "left-hand-path" ideas. Jews, Christians, and Moslems seek a path "to" God or "one-ness" with the Creator. Left-hand-path zealots believe they "become" gods imbued with power over the universe. Scientologists achieving the cult's highest rank, "OT8" attain left-hand-path powers over multiple universes.

Aleister Crowley popularized the phrase left-hand-path, which is a Hindu concept westernized by Madame Blavatsky. More specifically, the phrase is used by occultists to describe immoral ritual practices antipodal to traditional religions. Left-hand-path embodies specific doctrines that Hubbard used as the foundation of Scientology. Those roots are there, but Hubbard uses numerous tricks and deceptions to camouflage the left-hand-path in Scientology.

Before examining left-hand-path in Scientology, we need to look at Hubbard's life-long devotion to occult practices and his association with Crowley's 'black magic'.

Hubbard was introduced to Crowley's "Book of the Law" at the age of 16 and joined Crowley's "Ordo Templi Orientis" after leaving the Navy. Like Crowley, Hubbard dedicated himself to hypnotism, the occult and 'sex magick' These are probably the only subjects Hubbard studied consistently and non-superficially throughout his lifetime.

Hubbard's eldest son, L. Ron Hubbard, Jr., revealed his father's 'black magic' after leaving the church and changing his name to Ron DeWolfe. DeWolfe helped his father develop many of Scientology's doctrines and training routines and used those routines as a high level "auditor" to members of the church.

DeWolfe, the former 'heir apparent' to the 'church', revealed that Scientology doctrine stemmed from: "... [My father's] own secret life, which was deeply involved in the occult and black-magic. That involvement goes back to when he was sixteen, living in Washington. D.C. He got hold of the book by Alistair Crowley called The Book of Law. He was very interested in several things that were the creation of what some people call the Moon Child. It was basically an attempt to create an immaculate conception -- except by Satan rather than by God."

Dewolf described his upbringing in Satanism and 'black magic':

"I believed in Satanism. There was no other religion in the house! Scientology and black magic. What a lot of people don't realize is that Scientology is black magic that is just spread out over a long time period. To perform black magic generally takes a few hours or, at most, a few weeks. But in Scientology it's stretched out over a lifetime, and so you don't see it. Black magic is the inner core of Scientology --and it is probably the only part of Scientology that really works." Inside the Church of Scientology: An Exclusive Interview with L. Ron Hubbard, Jr. Penthouse, June 1983

In 1983, many readers found these revelations too fantastic to believe. But the truths of DeWolf’s allegations is supported through other sources. Biographers, Russell Miller and Jon Atack both report Hubbard's joining a chapter of Crowley's "OTO" after leaving the Navy in 1945.

Hubbard and Ritual Magick
Hubbard gained experience practicing Crowley's 'ritual magick' with Jack Parsons, known as "Frater Belarion" and head of the occult "Church of Thelema" in Pasadena, California. The rituals of Crowley's "OTO" were made public in 1973.

The "Church of Thelema" was located in Parsons' house, which he shared with Hubbard and several kindred spirits. Hubbard and Parsons formed a close bond. The two men designed rituals to create a "moonchild" - impregnating Marjorie Cameron as the embodiment of the Goddess 'Babylon', the "Eternal Whore".

Jon Atack, describes Parsons' and Hubard's preparation for this incarnation of a "child of Satan"

Prior to the ritual insemination, Parsons sojourns in the Mojave Desert, communicating telepathically with the 'Goddess Babylon', throughout the month of February. He learns Hubbard is to serve as Babylon's medium and must relay instruction to Parsons during the ritual. In effect, Hubbard becomes Parsons 'occult' - 'master of ceremonies'.

Parsons and Hubbard continued these rituals to create a "Moonchild" through Marjorie Cameron, over the first several days in March. These events are quoted at length to indicate the extent to which Hubbard involved himself in 'Black Magic'. More examples could be given. Parsons and Hubbard invoked numerous excercises, visions and conjurings.

Hubbard's participation in Parsons "Church of Thelema" was more than youthful flirtation with the 'dark side'. Hubbard continued his devotion to Crowley and the practice of 'Black Magic' throughout his life.

Even after the publication of "Dianetics in 1950, Hubbard openly paid homage to Crowley.

Jeff Jacobsen, in his essay, "The Hubbard Is Bare" tells us:

Narcotics
The use of narcotics to enhance occult insight is a characteristic left-hand-path practice. Like Crowley, Hubbard was a lifelong drug abuser. Both believed narcotics enhanced trance states providing access to alternate realities. Hubbard called this, "Narcosynthesis" and found amphetamines or "uppers" most effective. Hubbard was a longtime abuser of Benzedrine and recommended the drug,

'''Narcotics figured prominently in Hubbard's 'research' - which included feeding Phenobarbital to his children. DeWolfe reveals:'''

'''Benzedrine fueled visions Ron DeWolf's shared with his dad. These became the basis for Hubbard's Scientology text, "History of Man":'''

Like Crowley, Hubbard used hypnosis and trance states to make contact with beings from other realms. Crowley's sketch of a trance induced contact named "Lam" looks remarkably like Hubbard's alien emperor, "Lord Xenu". Hubbard's interest in Crowley's left-hand-path and the occult did not diminish even in later years. In 1976, Hubbard studied 'occult' books while hiding out in Washington, D.C. Hubbard's personal assistant, Kima Douglas, stated:

In 1982, Gary Weber, once a member of Hubbard's elite "Commodore's Messengers", was sent to Scientology's 'St Hill' Organization in East Grinstead, UK. Gary recounts a rare opportunity to visit Hubbard's personal library where volumes on witchcraft and esoteric subjects were much in evidence:

Left-Hand-Path
"Left-Hand-Path" is how occultists describe their immoral path to enlightenment. In Latin, "left" means "sinister". "Left-handed" has a long association with evil intentions. The dichotomy between LHP/RHP is not used by traditional religions. You won't find a Catholic Priest saying he follows the "right-hand-path" - it's simply a dichotomy Satanists use to differentiate themselves from 'the opposition'.

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Left Hand Path In Scientology
Caroline Letkeman's superb "Left Hand Path In Scientology" compares Scientology doctrines against the research of Dr. Stephen Flowers, presented in "Lords of the Left Hand Path". The balance of this essay draws upon Caroline's work, which she very kindly allowed. The complete text of Left Hand Path In Scientology is available at her website.

The major attribute of left-hand-path is the belief that individuals can become 'gods'. Flowers describes this 'deification of the self' as having four essential elements, self-deification, individualism, initiation, and magic.

The following sections compare Traditional Religion, Left-Hand-Path, and Scientology, in terms of each of Dr. Flowers key elements.

Self-deification
"(1) Self-Deification - [In left-hand-path religions] attainment of an enlightened (or awakened), independently existing intellect and its relative immortality."

- Stephen Flowers, PhD

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As Caroline Letkeman puts it:

Individualism
"(2) Individualism - [In left-hand-path religions] the enlightened intellect is that of a given individual, not a collective body."

- Stephen Flowers, PhD

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Scientology's dominant liturgical activity does not involve the whole congregation. It is a personal therapy called "auditing" intended to increase individual ability. Attached to a rudimentary lie detector called an "e-meter", Scientologists perform training routines created by Hubbard. The counselor ("auditor") who facilitates this process is prohibited from offering personal advice or making side comments. Scientology's secret upper 'OT' levels are self-administered. Scientologists perform the secret routines in isolation, a process called "solo auditing". Scientology is about personal attainment of divinity, not church-like group activities."

Hubbard hides this left-hand-path narcissism in a clever deception that gives the appearance of church-like group activity. Scientologists promote "clearing the planet" which requires every citizen of earth to complete Scientology's upper level training. Scientologists, selling books and services to "clear the planet," are engaged in a church-like group activity. To outsiders this has the appearance of religious proselytizing. The deeper left-hand-path foundations are hidden public view and from rank and file Scientologists, as well.

In practical application, "clearing the planet" would require every person on earth to engage in Scientology's isolated training, re-ignite their god-like thetan, and gain personal dominion over 'matter, energy, space, and time'. While Hubbard proclaims, "clearing the planet" is a group objective, there's no communitarian 'groupiness' to it. It would amount to a solo activity of the 9 billion inhabitants of earth.

Hubbard says 'thetans' are in danger of losing their god-like individuality by "merging with the rest of the universe". Merging with the material world (including the "weaker beings' who inhabit it), is the worst possible fate for a 'thetan' and the "lowest point on [Hubbard's] tone scale". This left-hand-path doctrine is a stark contrast to traditional religions that teach unity, brotherhood, and becoming 'one' with the Creator.

Letkeman tells us, "Scientology doctrine states specifically that man is not ultimately part of “the All, or a Unity" and offers a Hubbard quote that deserves close reading:

What prevents a 'thetan' from merging with the material world is Scientology, itself. This subtle twist of left-hand-path doctrines, ultimately mandates that ALL Scientologists become subservient to Hubbard.

In Left-Hand-Path religions, an individual can achieve powers about equal with Satan, himself. In Scientology, a 'thetan' can rise no farther than Hubbard!

This is a clever snare. Hubbard says 'thetans' (on their own) are in constant danger of dissolution through contact with organizations of "weaker beings" - (regular folks, like Presbyterians). Flighty 'thetans' need Hubbard and Scientology to coordinate their powers against those "weaker beings". They need Scientology to protect their dominion over 'matter, energy, space, and time'. In short, Thetans need to belong to a totalitarian organization, led by L. Ron Hubbard!

As Caroline Letkeman describes:

Hubbard keeps thetans 'in line' through Scientology's ethics policies. This is contrary to the flexible morality prevalent in left-hand-path, but it keeps 'thetans' 'in the fold.' Scientologists submit to "security checks" and personal confessionals, answering questions such as, "Have you had an unkind thought about L. Ron Hubbard." "Have you had unkind thoughts about Scientology?" while hooked up to a rudimentary 'lie-detector' called an 'e-meter'.

In these 'confessions' Scientologists are not revealing sins so much as admitting breaches of policy. In that sense, Scientology conforms to the flexible morals of left-hand-path. In Scientology, 'anything goes' so long as it doesn't violate policy. Punishments are meted out by ranking Scientologists. Forgiveness, such as it is, comes not from a 'Higher Power' but by the acquiescence of fellow 'thetans' As Letkeman relates:

Initiation
"(3) Inititiation - [In left-hand-path religions] the enlightenment and strength of essence necessary for the desired state of evolution of self are attained by means of stages created by the will of the magician, not because he or she was "divine" to begin with"

- Stephen Flowers, PhD

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Scientology disguises the left-hand-path foundation underlying the "grade chart" by publicly promoting the "Bridge to Total Freedom" as equivalent to religious "Grace". However, the difference is blatant. Traversing Scientology's "Bridge to Total Freedom" requires thousands of hours of training and indoctrination. In traditional religions, the Grace of Creator is granted to every congregant immediately and with no strings attached.

Letkeman contrasts "the fall" in traditional religion to Hubbard's notion of individual 'thetans' suffering a "devolutionary cycle" when faced by organized groups of 'weaker beings'. Here Hubbard mixes left-hand-path, deceptive echoes of traditional religion, and his own ideas. Left-hand-path is adapted to serve Hubbard's 'divinity' and made to look 'respectable'. Scientologists are fallen souls - (looks like traditional religion). They are really 'thetans' who can rise again to god-like power - (left-hand-path). Thetans need Scientology to maintain their divinity - (Hubbard's path).

Letkeman gives us more detail:

Hubbard's Eight Dynamics
Hubbard's 'eight dynamics' are another deception intended to make the left-hand-path in Scientology appear 'respectable'. Left-hand-path doctrines are diametric opposites of what would be found in traditional religion. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Hubbard's 'eight dynamics'. Letke says:

Traditional religions also talk about such things as:

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But traditional religion emphasizes these ideal in terms of subjugating oneself to a Higher Power, loving others, devotion to community, and caring for all God's creation.

Hubbard's meaning is the direct opposite:

In Scientology what Hubbard means by 'taking care of the dynamics' is knowing oneself to be:

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Scientology's fundamental belief, survive, (the survival and ascendancy of a god-like thetan) is diametrically opposite the belief of traditional religions. Traditional religions subsume the individual in a 'oneness' with a Creator, teach the subjugation of personal will, emphasize love for others, charity for all, care for the environment, and husbandry of all living things in God's creation. Hubbard's 'eight dynamics' deceptively 'look' like they embrace traditional moral values, but in reality, Scientology's 'survival and ascendancy' of god-like 'thetans' is diametrically opposite traditional religions. The 'eight dynamics' codify the left-Hand-Path in Scientology.

Magic
"(4) Magic - [In left-hand-path religions] practitioners of the left-hand path see themselves as using their own wills in a rationally intuited system or spiritual technology designed to cause the universe around them to conform to their self-willed patterns."

- Stephen Flowers, PhD

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Letkeman elaborates how these powers manifest as the evolution of the thetan's will attaining ever-higher levels in Scientology:

{{BquoteRef|Scientology differentiates the “will” in terms of determinism. One can be “other-determined,” by which is meant he is the unwitting effect of his reactive mind or of others’ intentions. [11] One can be “self-determined,” [12] which means that he can control himself and his immediate environment, not including the determinism of others. At the level of Clear, one is “self-determined.” Optimally, however, the person is “pan-determined,” [13] which involves the capacity for him to control the outcome of everything in his area. An “operating thetan” is pan-determined.

Hubbard’s “pan-determinism” simply extends the individual’s right to control the will of others in his vicinity. Although Hubbard does not overtly define the word “Pan” in the Satanic sense, it may be appropriate to consider it in this light. Hubbard jokingly (?) announced his title of “Prince of Darkness” in PDC Lecture 1 on 1 December 1952. The Scientology training system creates psychological “Hubbard replicas.” The accepted interpretation of Hubbard’s “pan-determinism”, however, is that as one becomes more “OT”, he can responsibly apply ethics to his dynamics, which ultimately includes everything and everyone. Hubbard provides for this in OT Maxims:

{{Ind|THE POWER {defined as light-year kilotons per microsecond) OF A THETAN IS MEASURED BY NOTHING ELSE THAN THE DISTANCE (defined as spherical spatial length) AROUND HIM IN HIS ENVIRONMENT THAT HE CAN CONTROL. {{Font |text-align = right|-- L. Ron Hubbard}}}} |last = Letkeman |first = Caroline |title = Scientology and The Left-Hand Path |year = 2001 |url = http://www.carolineletkeman.org/propaganda/left-hand-path.html |name = Caroline Letkeman 2001 }} }}
 * {{CiteWeb

"Hubbard closely associated “will” with his philosophical triangle of “Knowledge-Responsibility-Control.” The KRC triangle is Hubbard’s answer to Aleister Crowley’s Law of Thelema (Will): “Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole of the Law.” As with the Rosicrucian philosophical triangle, raising one corner of the triangle raises the other two corners. Therefore, as one’s knowledge is increased, his responsibility and his ability to control are raised. As one’s ability to control is increased, so too does his knowledge and responsibility increase. And as one increases his responsibility, his control and knowledge factors increase. For a further discussion on KRC, see Scientology and the KRC Triangle.

Antinomianism
"Antinomianism is the Second Criteria Identifying Left Hand Path Religions"

- Stephen Flowers, PhD

Antinomianism describes the degree to which a religion considers itself outside the bounds of established authority and law. As Letkeman explains, "The second of the two main criteria given by Flowers in determining whether the path is a left-hand path is Antinomianism."

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According to Dr. Flowers antinomian, left-hand-path religions are not 'breaking the law', they believe that laws outside their cosmic doctrines do not exist.

As Flowers puts it:

Scientology, generally, disregards constituted authority and has a long history of flaunting, circumventing, and breaking the law. In this regard, Scientology is antinomian and left-hand-path.

According to Caroline Letkeman:

Scientology's antinomianism therefore extends to the most serious crimes. Even murder and arson are to be dealt with inside of Scientology, beyond the view of the existing authorities and outside the laws of society.

Scientology organizational crimes evidence the 'church's' antinomian disregard for legal authority.

Letkeman claims:

In the following, Hubbard asserts that Scientology's importance gives it greater legitimacy than the existing legal authorities. Scientology presumes critics 'guilty until proven innocent' and claims power to act, even when the law sees no cause for action. Hubbard writes, "We are not a law enforcement agency". What he means is Scientology stands above any law enforcement agency, empowered to prosecute critics legitimate legal authorities presume innocent. Hubbard's severe antinomianism clearly fits Dr. Flowers' characterization of Left-Hand-Path

Summary
Caroline Letkeman's essay superbly addresses the features of Scientology that place the cult within Dr. Flowers classification of Left-Hand-Path religions. Considering Hubbard's lifelong devotion to 'occult' practices and particularly Aleister Crowley's Satanism, this is not surprising. Hubbard admired Crowley, patterned his 'black magic', drug use, and hedonistic lifestyle after Crowley. Hubbard cribbed Crowley's writings to build the foundations of Scientology.

Hubbard loved games, gamesmanship, tricks, trickery and deception. It's likely Hubbard enjoyed concealing the left-hand-path underpinnings of Scientology within the rubric of a seemingly legitimate right-hand-path religion. Tragically, Hubbard's 'game' followed it's own thetanic path, evolving into a ruthless criminal cult - abiding it's own rules, abusing its members, and deceiving society to gain wealth and power. The soul of Scientology adheres ardently to Aleister Crowley's most fundamental principle:

"Do as thou wilt, shall be the whole of the law"

Glossary
The following comes from Caroline Letkeman's essay Scientology and The Left-Hand Path.

THETAN

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OPERATING THETAN

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