The Unsorted BBS Collection/thegreatunsorted.tar/thegreatunsorted/texts/txtfiles_misc/vamp12.faq

Text File | 1995-03-26 | 14KB | 268 lines

The Order of the Vampyres of the Temple of Set

I've been trying to sell this interview for a awhile, in the meantime
-- if you think the readers of the Vampyre list might enjoy it, you
can post it there as long as you note that it is copyright (c) <I>Don
Webb 1992.

Don Webb
6304 Laird Drive
Austin, TX 78757
MCI 420-0716


Interview With the Vampyres by Don Webb

It is my good fortune to have met two of the most elegant creatures
who walk the face of the earth -- the Grand Masters of the Order of
the Vampyre of the Temple of Set.  You can bet I had a hard time
finding out about the mysterious Temple of Set -- I had to phone San
Francisco, talk with directory assistance, and get their phone number.
Recently when the moon was full and the mist floated languidly I met
with them in a secret place for this interview.  I won't try and
describe the flashing eyes of Ms. Lilith Aquino or the hypnotic gaze
of Mr. Robertt Neilly -- some things words can not do .....

1.  What is the relationship of your organization to the Temple of Set?
RN:  The Order of the Vampyre is like a Standing Committee of the
Temple of Set.  In this respect, and as a special interest group, its
primary focus is the exploration of 'things vampyric.'

   In the Order of the Vampyre, Setians develop in all ways, but do
so under the auspices of a vampyric specialty.  The many results of
the work they do, stemming as it does from and of the Order, may be
shared with the entire membership of the Temple, or perhaps reach a
more selective audience.

LA:  You could compare the various Orders within the Temple to the
graduate studies department of a university.  Once our initiates get a
basic grounding in the general fields of knowledge and ability, they
then can 'specialize' in a specific area or areas that they are
particularly interested in and drawn to.  But always the various
Orders remain a part of and within the Temple of Set and its mandate and policies.

2.  Why do you use the archaic spelling, 'Vampyre?'

RN:  The term 'Vampyre' has many special connotations for us.  For
example, the spelling has the flavour of 'Olde English'.  But on a
deeper level, it represents a more ancient and primal form or focus.
It speaks to us of the nobility of this much maligned creature.

   A Vampyre is an ancient Being.  It--or those embracing and
engendering its qualities--are bringing to life (again) the
timelessness and agelessness of an archetypal creature which I feel
lived prior to man's emergence, lives even now, and will survive man's
(spiritual) decay.

   A Vampire is the popularized, hollywood version of the 'undead'
(read unthinking or unaware) and static creature which seems to exist
only to gratify its physical needs; perhaps physical immortality.  The
'Vampyre', conversely, is a Living, Awakened creature which seeks to
immortalize its core Self or soul.  If, for the sake of argument, one
adopts as a given that both kinds of creatures exist, then clear
differences may be seen.  The 'Vampire' exists at an instinctual level
only, and would seem to live a rather tragic existence.  The 'Vampyre'
however, via initiatory work, has 'quickened' her soul and in doing so
acquired a host of other qualities along the way.

3.  Why is the Vampire becoming such an important culture hero -- we
    see him in films, books, comix, etc. at an ever growing rate?</B>

RN:  Beyond the erotic, the vampire, or those possessing vampyric
qualities, is a hero because it is s/he who makes and administers
her/his own Laws.  Vampyres are without masters.  Their ethical
standards, while embracing time-honoured traditions, practices, and
the laws of the land, extend beyond the normal veils of society.
Life, death, and all states of existence in between, are being
constantly redefined by the Vampyre.  It's obvious that many people
could find this element attractive.

   The vampire is a perfect response to any authority figure who is
uninspired, unintelligent, and generally unmoving.  It may be argued
that many traditional figures in authority--whether family, law, or as
part of a company's hierarchical structure--are not this way.  To
those who are capable of sustaining their Balance, the Vampyre tips
his cowl!  To the others, it poses a dilemma and threat.  And the
threat emanates in their minds, not in the Vampyre's.

   The vampire is in control.  Most of us admire this fact if for no
other reason than that for us, some degree of effort is required, from
time to time, to maintain control!  Yet the vampyre simply, and
elegantly, dances around issues of self-control.  If he loses his
temper, it is a conscious act.  If the vampire decides to, she can
experience the depths of emotions; or choose to ignore them
unilaterally.

   If for no other reason, the Vampyre is a cult(ure) hero because
it brazenly makes a statement like this: 'Existence for me has become
meaningful.  It is my Will that I shall survive the physical
inactivity of what we know as death.  I am Alive now, and will
continue to be Alive while exploring the arenas which are now, or will
be, within my grasp.'  Finally, in the vampire there exists power ...
or at least the illusion of power.  Many will not recognize, nor care,
whether the power is illusory


LA:  I think a very strong reason, especially in these times, is the
power that the Vampyre has over his/her own life and destiny.  Many
people feel helpless and frustrated by the state of the world, and
their lives in particular, and not in control of most things.  The
Vampyre is always in control, uses the powers that he/she possesses to
benefit themselves, and in some cases, those that he/she cares for.
There is also a strong element of someone that is very 'different'
from the mainstream not only triumphing over it, but in a rather
spectacular and satisfying way.

   Obviously, one of the most compelling attractions is the very
erotic and sensual, sexual aspect of this Being.  The anticipation and
titillation of the danger, as well as the actual seduction and
interaction between Vampyre and admirer.  I don't like to use the word
victim, since it denotes a lower, less advanced level of creature who
preys on others, rather than the mutual and beneficial exchange of
energy, knowledge, and delicious erotic delights that occurs between
the higher Being we of the Order of the Vampyre espouse, and his or
her admirer/lover/mate etc.

   Read Elaine Bergstrom's novel Shattered Glass  to get an idea of
the type of Vampyre we refer to.  In my opinion she has a real grasp
and understanding of the concept of the Vampyric Essence, although she
probably has no idea that she does! Her family of Vampyres, headed by
the Vampyre Stefan Austra, is very close to the Order of the Vampyre's
perception of this Essence.

   As for the next great on-screen Vampyre, the dark intensity of
Sam Neil, who did such a magnificent portrayal of Damien Thorn in the
moving 'Final Conflict,' is at once erotic and elegantly noble, with a
touch of danger.  A compelling combination!  He would make a
magnificent Vampyre.

4.  What powers and practices of the traditional Vampire do you seek
    to emulate?

RN:  In answering this question, it is important that the reader
realize that emulating the traditional vampire is not one of our
goals, nor a significant portion of our mandate.  It's true that we
are interested in tools, and window dressings.  But such practices are
subject to alteration, to being redefined, or even being discarded.

   This being stated, there are certain techniques that have proven
useful. For example there is the infamous 'Command To Look'.  Can one
expect to really communicate with another sentient being without being
able to (attract and) hold their gaze?  Much that is subtle, yet
powerful, is communicated through the eyes.  When you embrace the gaze
of another, you indicate your commitment, for however brief a period
of time, towards direct contact.

   Voice is an important factor for the would-be Vampyre.  Through
tone, inflection, pacing, and a variety of other techniques, we in the
Order are interested in the intensity, directness, and effectiveness
of our communications.  We are not interested in sounding like
Dracula; unless of course that would serve some useful purpose at the
time!

   One Vampyric quality which seems to evolve as the Initiate does,
and which rightfully belongs in realms of both kinds of vampires, is
something we call Vampyric Presence.  Earlier on, we spoke of essence.
The two have a connectivity.

   Vampyric Presence is unmistakable, yet difficult to identify.  It
is a paradox.  Yes, you feel the Presence ... but you're largely
unable to come to terms with your feelings.  What is it about person
'X', or their control of 'Factor X', that makes the hairs on the back
of your neck stand up?  Why is it that when you are around friend 'X',
you immediately get aroused?  What is about these people that cause
you to experience fear, trepidation, loathing, or some other equally
emotive feeling?

   Actors and actresses may possess a form of this 'presence'.  Yet,
Vampyric Presence, when it exists at all, differs from all other kinds
of presence.  It exudes ancientness.  It excites unnaturally.  It
demands personal investigation.

5. If I wanted to experience the essence of the Vampyre what should I
   do?

LA:  Go see Grand Master Neilly...and some of the other initiates of
the Order of the Vampyre!  They are surrounded by this Essence since
they are this Essence.  It is a natural part of them so that they are
not artificially 'projecting' it, but simply being it.  Read some of
the books mentioned by myself and Grand Master Neilly in relation to
the Vampyric qualities we have discussed.

   Try to reach within yourself and evoke what you understand this
Essence to be.  It takes some trial and error, but you will gradually
come to understand at least a part of it, which is enough to enable
you to experience a bit of it yourself.  Please pay particular
attention to Grand Master Neilly's remarks concerning the archetypal
force that is the Vampyre before you undertake any personal evocation
of it in yourself.

RN:  Go see Grand Master Aquino!  The 'essence' of the Vampyre
surrounds us.  The ways in which it can be experienced are basically
two-fold: Invoke the essence or presence within.  Or seek to evoke the
same from others who you feel to be vampyric.

   There are some 'dangers'.  For example, many who seem vampyric
are nothing more than smoke and mirrors.  Such talents are useful, but
those who are genuinely vampyric merely uses those as facades and
tools.  Legitimate Vampyres possess substance, and they do not
disappear when the veils are stripped away.

   Be wary of psychic vampires.  Such are these, that they zap you
of your energy and vitality.  Psychic vampires are people who have
decided to be a plague.  They may plague you personally, or even
become parasites to otherwise healthy people in society at large.

   If you seek to promulgate your own vampiric (or Vampyric) essence
in order to experience it, do so with the following prerequisite.  You
do not know what a Vampyre is, hence, do not know the ways in which it
will manifest itself.  The Vampyre is an archetypal force.  It exists
in the racial and collective mind of man.  It can be a primal force:
as such, it may be overwhelming.

   Do you really want to experience the Vampyre?  Then seek out a
love of the richness of life.

[At this point, Lilith Aquino quoted from Carla Banaff's 'New World':]
'Once you're there, you'll know that you're inside...you can't turn
back once you've opened your eyes'

6.  The Temple of Set grows from a single idea called 'Becoming,'
    which they call Xepering (pronounced 'khef-fer-ing') after the
    Self-created Egyptian god.  How is the Vampyre an example of what
    the Temple of Set calls 'Becoming?'</B>

RN:  When the Temple of Set promotes 'Becoming', it is speaking about
real self-evolution.  Growing another arm or leg, growing another year
older, or gaining knowledge or remembering something you've read are
not equivalents or examples of Becoming.  Yet some of those events can
lead to it.  When we say 'Xeper' to another Initiate, we are saying,
'Become'.  Becoming, or Xepering, is a process which promotes personal
evolution.  In that, one increases her capabilities, experiences
herself at a deeper level of existence, and indeed creates change
within her 'psycho-centric' self.  Becoming is a dynamic process, a
condition, an environment.

   The Vampyre is an example of 'Becoming'.  He has made some
crucial decisions in his life.  He probably decided some long time ago
that he was unique.  Does that mean better, worse, elite, poorer?  Not
necessarily any of those.  The Vampyre is unique because she has set
herself apart from others.  She has recognized that she is different,
and has stated that she intends to explore and foster the difference.
Once the 'sleeper has Awakened', he pursues life with new sensory
tools.  He seeks to change his outlook, his vantage point, his
perspective.  All of these actions produce real change and legitimate
Becoming.

The interview was at an end.  They rose from my table and walked into
the mist.  The mist swallowed them, the secret of the night claiming
its own.  And suddenly it seemed very cold.

If you wish to contact the Temple of Set directly write for the
General Information Letter to:

Temple of Set
P.O. Box 470307
San Francisco, CA 94147
U.S.A.