Temple of Set (Michael Aquino)
Esoteric Left-Hand Path organisation founded by Michael Aquino (1975) splitting from Anton LaVey's Church of Satan. Distinctive Set-veneration theology. Aquino's history including the 1980s Presidio child-care abuse allegations (never charged) drew sustained scrutiny.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
0 — esoteric Left-Hand Path organisation; moderate control with documented Aquino controversies.
In context
The Temple of Set practices a self-deification Left-Hand Path framework distinct from LaVeyan Satanism. Michael Aquino, a US Army intelligence officer, was investigated but never charged in the 1980s Presidio Child Care Center abuse allegations. The organisation continues quietly. Internal control is moderate; ranking and degree-progression structure creates devotional ties.
Key control doctrines
- Set-veneration Left-Hand Path
- Multi-degree initiation hierarchy
- Self-deification framework
Legal cases & controversies
- 1980s Presidio allegations (Aquino never charged)
Evidence by BITE axis
- Substantial commitment to esoteric practice
- Multi-degree initiation
- Founder's writings authoritative
- Closed-membership organisation
- Left-Hand Path framework
- Critics framed as spiritually inferior
- Devotional ties to lineage
- Mild departure social cost
Timeline
- 1975Aquino splits from Church of Satan; founds Temple of Set
- 1980sPresidio Child Care Center allegations
- 2019Aquino dies
Sources
- Various academic studies of Left-Hand Path
- 1980s Presidio allegations coverage
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. Search the source title plus the group name to find the original.
Recovery resources
See the full curated list at /resources.