Image: Violetta Kostyreva

“All the various types of teachings and spiritual paths are related to the different capacities of understanding that different individuals have. There does not exist, from an absolute point of view, any teaching which is more perfect or effective than another. A teaching’s value lies solely in the inner awakening which an individual can arrive at through it. If a person benefits from a given teaching, for that person that teaching is the supreme path, because it is suited to his or her nature and capacities. There’s no sense in trying to judge it as more or less elevated in relation to other paths to realization.”

Namkhai Norbu

I am asked questions all the time, I think that this late in the game I am used to it for the most part. I still get bombarded with basic, beginner questions and I take a deep breath, answer as politely as I can, and send the newly born Seeker on his/her way.

Besides being asked “What is Luciferianism”, which I have covered in a past blog, the second most asked question is, “How did you find your way to Luciferianism?”

This is a multi-layered answer, and not a clear one, at that; I will try my best to tell my story of how I sparked the Black Flame within myself.

It seems to be common belief that you have to start at a specific point, or that you need specific books, or tools, initiations into sects, or societies to gain the knowledge of Luciferianism, or anything Occult related; this couldn’t be further from the truth.

We are all individuals, we all view the world and believe subjectively, to say that there is one starting point would make no sense. How can there be one starting point for ALL of us?

I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church, my Father and his parents being Orthodox Polish Roman Catholics. Which in my opinion they can be stricter than the notorious Italian Roman Catholic. I say this in a light hearted manner, and am not trying to offend any ethnicity, or religion.

In order to understand me, and my story, you need to understand my Slavic, and Roman Catholic roots.

Even though I was forced into the Church, and man was I defiant, I am grateful for the knowledge learned there. The Bible itself may be a bunch of stories but in order to understand the whole you have to understand that piece.

So many Occultists, and Witches, Luciferians etc. completely discredit the bible, and won’t even read it. In my opinion, it is essential reading. How else are we supposed to combat those who wish to oppress us other than with their own words? Fight fire with fire, right?

Magick has always been a part of my life, rebellion, defiance, and visits from Celestial beings have been, too; one would think that when I broke away from the Church that Occultism, or some form of Paganism would be the first stop on my path.

On the contrary.

I started to devour every historical book that I could find with text on Philosophy, religion, and taboo belief systems throughout the world; I studied, and I studied, and I studied some more. Then I reached the point where some important questions had to be asked in order for me to continue forward on my path.

• Do I believe in a Supreme being?
• Is this being omniscient?
• Are there multiple Gods/Goddesses?
• What do I think about pre-destiny? And, who is behind it?
• Where does my Magick come from?
• How was this world created?
• Where do we go when we die?
• Why am I here?
• Is there such a thing as Karma?
• Do we reincarnate?

After these questions were answered I was able to start forming my personal Philosophy, I did not want to label it as anything other than “my belief” and for a while, I was all over the board because I couldn’t find anything to fit, so I didn’t force it, I let it be.

Then I found Hinduism through a book called Life of Pi. There was one quote that stuck out to me out of all the brilliant ones in that book.

“Faith is a house with many rooms.”

The context of the quote was how Pi was led to God from Hinduism, to Islam and then to Christianity.

Now, I may be against religion, but it was a profound moment for me at that time.

It gave me validation that my path didn’t have to be straight, it didn’t have to be neat, or follow any rules because there are many rooms—many levels to Philosophy, and there is no rule book out there that tells me I cannot believe the way I want to.

Once I was “given permission” at the age of 19 reading that book, I was liberated from the confines of society, and labels in general. I began to feel my Soul, and Magick blossom.

I reveled in the mysticism that Hinduism provides, loving the dualistic approach to all their deities. I loved the destruction of Kali, and Shiva, I admired the courage of Hanuman, and the beauty of Krishna. Most of all I admired the resilience, and power of my Beloved Ganesh.

The stories are rich in spirituality, and symbolism that can be applied to almost any, and everything in life, but it didn’t fit for me personally, as much as I wanted it to.

I cannot worship. I refuse to worship.

I almost border Atheism with my absolute disgust for worship of a deity.

It was through further reading on Kali, and Shiva that I came to find the LHP and how they are both bold symbols of destruction of the old self to be born anew, both tied in with darkness, serpent energy, and strength; most importantly, justified rage.

I started to stray away from Hinduism, still keeping close connections to certain deities, and made my way to theistic Luciferianism. I am also a practicing traditional Witch; I have a hard time, personally, identifying as Pagan, even though by definition Luciferianism is Paganism. I will always debate that point, “wrong” or not.

I don’t like labels, and I don’t like thinking about limitations because there are no limits. Any restrictions or obstacles that I may face I know I have the knowledge, tools, and ability within myself to handle whatever comes my way.

There is no set course to your destination and there is no starting point, you just have to start.

May the Black Flame light your way.