Customer Reviews

Uncle Setnakt's Essential Guide to the Left Hand Path

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A concise, reader-friendly treatise on the virtues, vices and practical application of Left Hand Path philosophy, one which encourages constructive antinomianism as a path to positive Self transformation.

Uncle Setnakt talks candidly about the very hard work involved for those taking up the path of the Left, effortlessly weaving a sublime sense of humor and the sobriety of experiential wisdom to underscore key elements of his lessons.

The author also offers numerous suggestions for *practical* application of Left Hand Path principles in the "real world" (including a rather extensive solitary magical rite entitled "The Grand Initiation"), but ultimately leaves the burden of success and fulfilment entirely upon the reader - as it should be. Aside from _Lords of the Left Hand Path_ by Stephen Flowers, I would indeed list this as the ideal starting point for those unfamiliar with Left Hand Path philosophy and practice. Highly recommended!

Setnakts guide to the LHP provides those few who find that permanent positive change in ones life comes as a result of hard work. This book isn't for everyone. There are no quick fix solutions in its pages but instead a curriculum for becoming more effective in life through increasing awareness of the self and awareness of the world and creating change in both through initiating action . Webb provides the magician/philosopher with a framework for creating change. There are detailed chapters concerning LHP philosophy and others concerning magic. There is even a very useful reading list for the inspired to seek out other effective sources.

This book is an excellent guide for beginners who are studying the Left-hand Path. For those who want to follow the Path of Nobility, but who do not know where to begin or do not know anyone esle who follows this Path, this book is Essential!

Uncle Setnakt (aka Don Webb, High Priest of the Temple of Set) has put the "left hand path" into a perspective which is probably contradictory to most people's traditional views on the subject. Such fearsome subjects as black magic, "evil" and Satanism are not defined in terms of malevolence, murder and mahem, but rather as a process by which an individual can attain excellence without the necessity of transcendental obeisance or assistance.

My first impression of this book was that it was kind of a "Chicken Soup" amalgam of disciplines, philosophies and exercises which seemed somewhat anathema to stereotypical Left Hand Path traditions. After the initial cursory perusal, I started over again from the beginning and SLOWLY began to assimilate the ideas presented. I began to realize that nearly every sentence had a potency of its own. I was becoming elucidated by the "darkness" and the psychology of "Coming Into Being" began to cohese with my inner being. My synapses were beginning to fire with excitement!

I am now in the process of reading this book again for the third time...this time with empirical intent rather than simply a vicarious mental acknowledgement of the subject.

The information presented in this book will revolutionize your thinking about magic and the LHP. By putting these ideas into practice, you will discover a cognative evolution being manifested in your life. I highly recommend this book for anyone serious about changing their lives and stepping beyond the occultic dungheap passing for magic these days. Thanks Unc!

I would like to start by saying that I am not a Setian nor do I ever plan to be involved with the Temple of Set. That being said, I found this book to be incredibly valuable to my own spiritual path and an important milestone in my dechristianizing.

The wealth of this book lies in its metaphysical model. It proposes a Supreme Being (referred to in the pages as "The Prince Of Darkness" perhaps for shock value) which encourages you to challenge your perceptions instead of accepting what a priest tells you, seek strength instead of weakness, transformation instead of conformity, freedom instead of moral restriction, glorious magic instead of pious toadying, and fulfillment instead of spiritual malaise. It also contains many good resources and suggestions on how to accomplish this.

While magic takes a leading role, the only real ritual in the book is the "Grand Initiation" which is Abramelinesque in its scope. Speaking as someone who has completed the ritual (well, more or less), I can tell you that the promised effects are real, albeit more subtle then most would-be wizards would want them to be. It also develops some good magical habits. If you are interested in this book because it might "betray temple secrets" or teach you how to curse people you don't like, you will be disappointed (though you might want to check out Don Webb's other books like "Mysteries of the Temple of Set" or "The Seven Faces of Darkness"). Despite this, Uncle Setnakt shares some important magical insights that can benefit a wide range of fields. It is a book I come back to again and again.

An Excellent little book, don't let the "little" fool you. This book is packed with premium LHP information. RunaRaven Press is an excellent outlet, prompt, great service and very fine literature.

JCK

Wonderfully written and packed with great information. For beginners and advanced practitioners alike. You cannot go wrong with this book. It has become a companion to both friends and family. This is a book that we have all read, re-read and reccomend to all.

An excellent introduction to the paradigmic practice of the (Setian) LHP; a profound grimoire for those that have the ability in transending a limited mind-set. Granted this work will never attract the masses in large numbers; but then again, I firmly believe the author intended it that way. "Never throw your pearls before swine as they say!" Coupled with The Seven Faces Of Darkness, one will have a very strong foundation of Setian philosophy to build upon. "Thank you Magus Don Webb for introducing sound scholarship and keen insight by bringing forth the power of Xeper!"

This book is a refreshing breath of fresh air in a field largly dominated by frauds, swindlers, and out right nut jobs. I found it informative and without biase. Though the Autor is himself conected to an organized temple he gives no direct pitch to them. If you have read much of this liturature, then you must appricate how rare this is.
A quick warning to the newbe in the field. Don Webbs style is strait to the point and down to earth, this is not intended as discuragmnet to any readers. But give it a chance, and honestly try some of the exercises and most of all be honest with your results and i think you will be well along the path. A very heartfelt thank you to Mr. Webb for his honest and clear look at the work as it is, and not as so many comercial books would paint like to paint it for us.

This is a repost of a review I deleted a few years ago, when I went back to college. Considering all that I have learned in college, I consider this to be a valid Philosophical system, so I am reposting the review:

I never thought I would be reviewing a book about a subject that is generally lumped-in with "Satanism," but after many long email conversations with rational individuals, and reading a lot of "Uncle Setnakt's" views and columns online, I decided to give this book a chance. I am actually very impressed with this "Guide to The Left Hand Path." As I read the book, I remember thinking, "What, Satanism with Manners?" Apparently, the Setians figured out some things that a lot of Satanists I have met would be better off to practice, as well. I am starting to think of Setian philosophy as "Common Sensism."