T

Thhee SSccrroollll ooff SSeett ___________________________________

[3] Recollections in Honor of Shetat
------------------------------------------------------------- - by Robertt W. Neilly IV°
Issue Number 91
Volume XIII-4 My memories of Shetat span ranges of time,
August 1987 subject, and circumstance. Particularly clear in my
Editor: Constance L. Moffatt IV° mind are those once-per-year events we call
Issue Editor: Robert H. Moffatt IV° conclaves.
Copyright © 1987 Temple of Set Most vivid, of course, is Set-VIII. There was the
------------------------------------------------------------- [Priesthood’s Houdini Seance] dinner at the Magic
[1] May She Persist in her Castle. Shetat was sitting just off to my left, all other
Remanifestation - and Xeper Initiates at different spots around the table.
- by Robert H. Moffatt IV° One could always be assured of a lively
conversation with Shetat. Her genuine, outspoken,
The death of Constance Marie Moffatt was yet balanced manner was one of her most favorable
recorded by medical authorities in a Marina Del trademarks in my opinion.
Rey, California hospital as having occurred at 7:15 And there were the other meetings during Set-
AM, August 26th, 1987. The reported cause was VIII, both formal and informal, in which Shetat
vital organ failure due to septic shock from chronic exhibited her unique presence as always. One spot
diverticulitis with fatal complications, the main ones where Magistra Moffatt was not present, yet one
being very low blood pressure and moribund where her presence was called upon by Khensu, was
dehydration at the time of admittance. She rallied for the Set-VIII Conclave Working. As he reached out
32 hours after receiving emergency surgery and to touch her being, I was privileged enough to be
massive doses of antibiotics. In traditional terms she within hearing and feeling range.
is survived by a brother, a spouse, two sons, a In a way this is one of the things that we as
daughter and a grandchild. Setians are all about. The bond that we share can be
In Temple of Set terms, Constance M. Moffatt, so tangible as to instantly bring to the foreground
Magistra Templi is memorialized in myself (her life- one of our own when called upon in such magical
mate of 28 years) and in the many members who circumstances.
have become her friends or acquaintances. We have I believe it was during Set-III that Shetat and I
all felt her profound touch and are saddened by her first got a meaty opportunity to work together. We
apparent exit. I am shattered. I am left with a stark acted as “facilitators” during some of the I°, II° and
emptiness that right now seems impossible to fill. I III° meetings. While some of what was discussed
send warm thanks for the many Setian expressions during these get-togethers was tumultuous, with
of sympathy which continue to arrive and which spirited conversations [not unusual among Setians],
help to alleviate my pain. I feel we all benefitted from our meetings. In a large
A special commemorative issue of Nightwing part this had to do with Shetat’s presence. Not only
has just arrived, and I am proud to reprint a poem was she a lively conversationalist, she was also
and parts of an article by the Co-Grand Masters of compassionately interested in Setian matters, in
the Order of the Vampyre in this issue. Setians, and in the sanctity of our Temple.
Judging from all reports, Shetat was loved most The month of August XIX was the time of
for being so ingenuous - frank, warmly Shetat’s first pre-Set-V letter, and also the time of
spontaneous, and free from pretense. my becoming a IV°. Being an official hostess of
We will with her that she not rest in the peace of Set-V, Shetat was concerned with the I° to III°
oblivion, and not cease to Remanifest in her new meetings she would be chairing. Here are some
environs, and that she continue to Xeper. excerpts from her letter:
___________________________________ As
As II see
see it,it, we
we will
will be
be -- as
as we
we were
were before
before --
[2] Shetat purely
purely moderators.
moderators. Mainly Mainly we we want
want to
to get
get all
all
- by Lilith Aquino IV° the
the Setians
Setians conversing.
conversing. II don’t
don’t know
know how
how you
you
feel,
feel, but
but I’d
I’d like
like toto see
see all
all at
at the
the meetings
meetings have
have
Softly through the Gates, beyond the great their Crystal Tablets .. II hope
their hope youyou don’t
don’t mind
mind mymy
Pentagram, starscapes bear silent witness to vistas of asking
asking you,
you, but but wewe were
were aa goodgood team
team three
three
wonder: blue luminescence, tears, and light - years
years ago.
ago.
reflections of her brilliant being.
When a rose is plucked, some of the fragrance No, Shetat, I didn’t mind. It was an honor.
remains behind. Of all the qualities of Shetat I came to know, I
will continue to remember her ferocity in the
protection of our sacred Temple and members
Scroll of Set - August 1987 - Page 2

therein. I’ll dwell on her patience when it came to Conceive of yourself as an eternal, changing
understanding & Understanding why people or constant [not as contradictory as it sounds] and all
things were the way they were, and I will continue to else in the objective universe as variables. You will
call upon her presence, a combination of the many soon find the necessity for faithfulness in self. You
dynamic elements from which I can clearly sense are alone on your evolutionary path of Setian
her being. initiation. Know and love yourself.
Through the inherent magic of Xeper and 2. As you come to know and remain faithful to
Remanifest do I continue to sense Shetat’s yourself, learn to be faithful to the “Quest of the
challenge. Grail”, the Magnum Opus. Strive to overcome
___________________________________ yourself. Study, work, and understand for the sole
[4] Satanic Ethics sake of the study, work, and understanding. Find
- by Raymond Gregoire II° joy in the work.
I also take this in another far-reaching way. Pay
How often have we, the Elect of Set, seen the honor unto the Prince of Darkness - he whose name
stereotypical Hollywood Satanist? You know the was revealed to us as Set, he who brought his Flame,
type - those poor, self-deceived [easily manipulated] Gift, and Word to young mankind that we might
people who will wear only the darker shades of emulate him and become not only masters of the
black - it’s the Devil’s color, you know - and Earth but true gods as well. Xeper.
perhaps don a neat little Tetragrammaton they 3. Beware of creating self-imposed limitations.
bought out of a Heavy Metal catalog. These are the If you have never done something, how do you
people you see devoted to scowling and glaring at know you can’t? I plan on my immortality. I always
everyone and committing general self-destruction in have. Why assume otherwise?
the Devil’s name, to make damned sure that we see 4. Speaking of assumptions: Never assume you
how “evil” they are. know all. It has been said that a wise man is aware
How often do we hear the media ranting and of his own ignorance. A Black Magician should
raving about all of the horrors we real Satanists also know the depths of his/her wisdom, yet must
perpetrate against their children and pets in our never fall into the megalomaniacal pit of assuming
decadent, sadistic ceremonies? Again, to prove our that he has all of the answers.
enjoyment of blind destruction. 5. In all of your studies and experiences, don’t
How often have we noticed all of the misuse and limit your base of knowledge, quantitatively or
misinterpretation of the Satanic Bible and, for qualitatively. There is an endless supply of
example, the Book of the Law? situations you may encounter wherein you’ll gain
Not only do all of these and various other valuable ideas for many practical applications.
factors tend to increase the general hysteria of Mr. I spoke with a Satanist awhile back, and
and Mrs. John Q. Citizen, they also simply make it remember his sad, disappointed look when I
harder for a true Satanic magician to be heard and mentioned some of the books I read. They were
appreciated. If We are known, however. to be considered “unmagical”. This is fine. I have gained
sincere, just, and ethical practitioners of the Black a host of practical tools from not limiting myself to
Arts, we rise up in direct opposition to the mob and the “occult” book section.
are respected all the more by those who really matter 6. We can’t totally and permanently escape
- the intelligent, serious seekers. from society, lest we “lose the balance” and
All of this prompted me to devise my own set of become mystics. We must - with our initiated
ethics. I emphasize my own because, as evolving perspective augmented by clarity and will - learn to
Black Magicians having a clarity and will beyond at least work within that cultural structure and
that of profane society, we must each endeavor to change it accordingly. For a very workable LBM
develop an individual set of values, responsibilities, principle, consider Anton Szandor LaVey’s formula
and principles from our various self-realized for success: “One part outrage to nine parts social
perspectives. respectability.”
Here then, is my own list of ethics: 7. Learn to be reasonably tolerant of the blind
1. First and foremost is to develop a firm masses in every way. Don’t destroy for the sake of
knowledge of and faithfulness to oneself - the “real destruction. Anton LaVey also said, “The only
you”, the ba of the Egyptians, the Thelemic “true value of a fool is as a recipient for the assertion of
will”, the psyche of the Greeks, etc. It is this self one’s will.” How true! So often it is devilishly
which shall evolve to new realms of Becoming, and tempting to irreverently tear to shreds someone’s
this understanding should be the aim of every inane philosophy. Yet if their minds are made up
Setian. and they don’t care to listen, they won’t. If they do
listen, you would be yanking the feeble crutch of
Scroll of Set - August 1987 - Page 3

complacence from under them - disarming them and the two. Learn the many “I”s of your own
possibly making manipulation more complicated, as subjective universe and those around you, yet learn
now they are in a guarded/defensive position. In any as much of the objective universe as possible, to use
given situation ask “Why?”, “What end-result as a tool. Learn to differentiate the two, and work
shall come of this?”, and - with a capitalistic flair - within both.
“What’s in it for me?”. Personally I think any true 12. Along with self-deceit and voluntary
Setian should have acquired such a high sense of ignorance, pretentiousness should be despised for
self-respect and love that such practices as above the insipid weakness that it is. By following the
wouldn’t be necessary for petty ego- above ethics of self-observation, criticism, tolerance,
aggrandizement. responsibility, faithfulness to the work and self, and
Sometimes, I admit, I immensely enjoy tearing above all else honesty, pretension should take care
through an obviously hypocritical, self-righteous, of itself.
obnoxious dolt’s “world view”; and that in itself is 13. Finally one of the most important and
fine. Just don’t destroy for the sake of destruction. necessary facets of life - without it one may go mad.
Destroy to purify, then create. What is this grand key? What elusive quality is it
8. Speaking of society, conscientious [and which so many people seem to lack? In one word:
conscious] misdirection poses no problem as long levity. Laugh a little. Lighten up. Learn to laugh at
as you’re aware of the various elements involved yourself and your surroundings. We are the Elect of
and the potential consequences you might the Majesty of Set. Revel! Indulge in life.
encounter. Superficial truth is easily warped and Appreciate its beauty. Xeper.
manipulated, so - according to the individual ___________________________________
situation - a slight bending of the truth poses no real [5] II° Recognition: Raymond Gregoire
problem. But outright, unsubstantiated lies for
whatever reason should be avoided. This is no great Raymond Gregoire was recently recognized as
moral platitude; it is just far easier and more an Adept II° by Priestess Colleen Whitaker. To
beneficial to never be trapped within your own self- quote an introductory letter from him: “I believe
created web of inconsistencies. that, as a body of Elect beings striving to overcome
Unless you’re very good at lying, you’ll be ourselves, we must adhere to a sense of initiated
found out eventually. Like the proverbial boy who ethics, personal responsibility, accountability, and
cried wolf, people learn to accept things in relation true will. I welcome meaningful contact with all
to the source. Besides sheer honesty gains much other members of the Temple of Set, and those
respect from both secular and nonsecular society Setians in the Pacific Northwest.”
and opens up many new doors. Misdirect, if you
will, profane society. Yet don’t have false fronts to ___________________________________
your family in the Temple. They wish to see the real [6] Conversation with a Super-Saint
you, unencumbered with petty egotism. Most of all - - by Robert H. Moffatt IV°
and this is of prime importance - never lie to
yourself. My recent life-mate, Magistra Constance
9. Strive to become your own worst critic. Learn Moffatt, made a thoughtful observation a few weeks
to self-observe, self-criticize, and change that aspect ago:
in you that you wish changed. Observe, analyze, “Here I am, a Satanist,” said she, “yet I’m
change, Xeper. considered a stand-out saint at work [as past
10. A new entry which has come up and has principal-teacher at a Roman Catholic school].”
integrated my Xeper process is that of the My comment was: “That’s because your Setian
“deidentification process” [Cf. Flames from Hell personality exudes from your being and gives you
#I-1, Gates of Hell Pylon]. I modify this by what I the charisma of an Assisi or a Neumann and much
term “selective identification”. more. One who must Remanifest one’s own ethic
Deidentify to your heart’s content. Realize your from moment to moment without deferring to a
relation to the Majesty of Set, and then revel and dictated set of religious doctrines must shine
identify with that realization. through as an isolated god. Your being ever-
Learn to consciously identify with those things responsible for your own magical state is the
which you wish to assimilate into your own ‘saintly’ or godly character quality that comes
subjective universe, such as the assumption of god- through in you.”
forms, and disregard or manipulate those things This meaning of responsibility has intrigued us
which you don’t. in recent years and influenced our Order of the
11. The path of the mystic is internal. That of Scarab. It is at the core of the regenerative-
the magician is external. Find the balance between Remanifesting process of the ever-self-creating
ancient Egyptian deity Xepera.
Scroll of Set - August 1987 - Page 4

I know that this accomplishment in Shetat ___________________________________

returns her to her highest self triumphant. [9] Book Review: The Norse Myths
___________________________________ by Kevin Crossley-Holland
[7] Quotes from Mail concerning Shetat Pantheon Books, 1980
- reviewed by Jim Grady II°
“Know that I feel and sense Shetat and will
continue to will towards her unique touch and For those of us less versed in the ventures of
presence.” - Robertt Neilly IV° Odin and his accomplices, I might suggest this book
“My magical senses tell me there is no void in for several reasons.
our Priesthood as a result of the change; I sense First, there is an extensive introduction covering
instead a transition.” - James Lewis V° such helpful information as the cosmology,
“Even when we disagreed I respected her pantheon, and life-style of the Norsemen.
opinions and considered her a real Compleat Witch Second, the author has included a section of
as well as a Magistra Templi.” - Margaret Wendall notes on each of the thirty-two myths explaining
IV° various points of the particular myth in question.
“She is not someone whom we want to ‘rush The author is also quite deliberate in his position:
through’ our thoughts. We want to set a special part “My retellings, though, accept that the gods are
of our hearts aside for her, and share our thoughts gods, not cunning men, and certainly not
with others in the way that they should be. And that Christians.”
means when we can do so decently. We together, I Third, there is a glossary which helps in keeping
understand with many others, keep thinking that it is you informed of “who’s who” and a rather well-
imagined or a dream, and that she’s still here.” - organized bibliography for those desiring to pursue
Michael A. Aquino VI° the subject further.
“Remember, she’ll be with you forever.” - The Norse Myths I find valuable because it is
Linda Reynolds III° both entertaining and scholarly. It is very helpful as
___________________________________ a reference work. If you become tired of flipping
[8] No Change in Scroll Editor Billing through bibliographies, glossaries, etc., there are the
- by Robert H. Moffatt IV° myths themselves, from the creation of the world to
Ragnarok and all points between.
Just before Set-VIII, and before her material ___________________________________
departure from our environs, Scroll Editor [10] IV° Recognition: Robert Menschel
Constance M. Moffatt wrote for this issue: - by Michael A. Aquino VI°
ItIt is
is with
with great
great pleasure
pleasure that
that II confirm
confirm that
that It is with the greatest pleasure that I may
Magister
Magister Robert H. Moffatt agreed to
Robert H. Moffatt agreed to resume
resume announce, with the unanimous concurrence of the
duties
duties as as Editor
Editor of the Scroll of Set starting
of the starting with
with Masters of the Temple and the Council of Nine, the
the
the last issue. Magister Moffatt and I are
last issue. Magister Moffatt and I are sharing
sharing Recognition of Robert Menschel to the degree of
responsibilities
responsibilities as as Co-Editors.
Co-Editors. Master of the Temple IV°.
Magister
Magister Moffatt served
Moffatt served as as Scroll Editor
Editor Since his entry into the Temple ten years ago,
from
from May XIV to June XVIII and
May XIV to June XVIII and was was thethe Shuti has carved a unique and effective reputation
production
production manager manager and and “architect”
“architect” of of the
the for himself as an Adept and then a Priest of
Scroll during
during the
the times
times that
that II have
have assumed
assumed the the undramatic yet intense dedication to the principles
role
role of Editor. He has enjoyed a career
of Editor. He has enjoyed a career as as aa of the Æon. He has worked quietly but diligently
successful
successful publisher
publisher -- editor
editor of of newspapers,
newspapers, aa with many other Setians of all degrees, and few are
trade
trade magazine, and several newsletters at
magazine, and several newsletters at the senior Initiates in the Temple who have not
various
various intervals
intervals since
since 1955,
1955, and and brings
brings that
that benefitted from his counsel.
skill
skill and
and experience
experience backback to
to the
the official
official Temple
Temple Magister Menschel’s Recognition to the IV°
newsletter.
newsletter. was formalized at the Set-VIII Conclave. May he
thus enter into the City of the Pyramids.
Since this issue and those to come are so
influenced by her hand, and since her inspiration
and spirit linger with us, the name of Constance
Moffatt IV° will remain in the publisher’s box as
Co-Editor for the remainder of Volume XIII.