Ordo Sinistra Vivendi (formerly Order of the Left Hand Path) An Introduction THE SINISTER WAY The OSV is an esoteric warrior Order embracing both the Left Hand and Right Hand paths within the context of what it terms The Sinister Way. Because Westerners have been dualised by Judaeo-Christianity, they incorrectly see the LH and RH paths as representing "evil" and "good" respectively. The original meanings of the two paths however are: LHP: Anima/Yin, feminine principle of the universe, intuitive, receptive, dark. RHP: Animus/Yang, male, logic, active, light principle. Rather than moral dualities, they reflect how nature operates via interacting polarities. When an individual or a culture incorporate both polarities as a totality, there is balance. SATAN The sinister Way recognises the need to restore balance through opposition (heresy); to create through destruction. The best-known archetype of opposition to stasis is Satan, from Hebrew "adversary and accuser". This is the entropic force which energises the universe, functioning in a state of perpetual flux - chaotically, rather than in an orderly & predictable manner. SINISTRA VIVENDI - THE SINISTER WAY Sinister from Latin translates as "on the left", signifying that which goes against the norm. The OSV uses the term to signify the universe's entropic force. SYMBOL The goat and pentagram symbol of the OSV as shown on the cover, symbolises the carnality of man: man as animal, rather than as separated from nature which the spiritual dogmas believe. The goat is an individualist rather than herd-like. Even Christianity recognises the symbolism, with man separated into "goats" on the left, & Christian sheep on the right. It's also Pan, the half-man, half-animal god. The self- devouring world serpent is a universal archetype symbolising the entropic force: creation - destruction - renewal. MAN AS ANIMAL Anti-nature dogmas such as Christianity state that man is separate from nature. Satanism holds that man is part of nature, an animal whose behaviour is genetically based. This the modern sciences of genetics and sociobiology verify. The instinct is still the dominating force for human and all other animal behaviour. Therefore, the individual cannot be more than what he is genetically-endowed with; although he can be less than his genetic potential if repressed by influences which aren't in accord with his true nature (Will). Satanism unfolds the real nature of the individual; what the Greeks called physis. SATANIC ETHOS The Satanist frees himself from the bondage of dogma; he unfolds that which he is. But he is the antithesis of the self-destructive nihilist the pseudo- satanists proclaim themselves to be. What animal consumes drugs and alcohol to the point of illness or death? What animal deliberately weakens itself? Only man does this, with his so-called 'higher consciousness' seeking to over-ride his animal instinct. What is evil? That which weakens. What is good? That which strengthens, the individual, to paraphrase the Satanic philosopher Nietzsche. FAUSTIAN SOUL The Satanic 'soul' can be described as 'Faustian'. We stand for wisdom undefiled and unfettered by any dogma. Our desire for knowledge, and to see the scope of human thought extended unto infinity, is insatiable. We desire to see humanity play amongst the stars. Professor R.S. Knox's description of the Faustian soul in his introduction to the 1924 edition of Marlowe's Doctor Faustus states: "The Faustus legend becomes for us a symbol of humanity's splendid struggle to reach for the stars, the tragedy of infinite aspiration." CONSTITUTION PURPOSE (1) The aim of the OSV is to (a) encourage the unfolding of the full potential of its adherents; (b) herald the dawn of a Faustian Civilisation. ADMINISTRATION (2) Leadership is vested in the Magister. (3) The Priesthood collectively forms the Magister's Advisory Council. (4) Upon the resignation or death of the Magister, the Council shall elect one of its own to assume the position. ORGANISATION (5) The basic unit is the Coven. (6) At least 3 members in a given area may form a Coven, which assumes responsibility for its own actions. (7) Where there is no priest/ess a Coven Master/Mistress may be elected to preside over the Coven. MEMBERSHIP (8) There are two levels of Membership: Official Member, and Priest/ess. (9) Membership is attained by completion of an Entrance Examination by those at least 18 years old. (10) Priest/esses are appointed at the discretion of the Magister. CONDUCT (11) Members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting Satanic honour. (12) A Priest/ess or Coven Master/Mistress may suspend a subordinate, subject to review by the Magister. (13) The Magister shall have ultimate responsibility for the interpretation and amendment of this Constitution. Revised 14 April 1993ev Ordo Sinistra Vivendi PO. Box 5293 Dunedin New Zealand MEMBERSHIP Aspirants to Membership must undertake an Entrance Examination by correspondence. The cost is $20 (US$12) and includes a copy of the OSV's principle text Sinistra Vivendi. A membership card is issued upon acceptance into the Order. All applicants must be at least 18 years old. There are no refunds. Please make all cheques & Money Orders payable to Realist Publications. ______________________________________________ ENROLMENT FORM Understanding the above conditions, I hereby apply for enrolment for the Entrance Examination. I enclose payment of $ ____________ Please print or type clearly: Name: _________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________ _______________________________________________ Signed: __________________ Date: ______________ EOF