An alter is an additional personality contained in a single body. So named in reference to alter ego, and as a nod to the “altar” at which one prostrates themselves during The Black Work, an alter is often seen as something undesired in non-Left-Hand Path circles. Conspiracy theorists and certain religious fundamentalists associate the term with abusive psychological trauma and conditioning, often linking it to the U.S. government’s MKUltra experiments or similar projects. Psychologists do not use the term, but would relate its effects to those of dissociative identity disorder. The creation of alters, however, is a deliberate splitting and compartmentalization of various personas for ritualistic purposes.
The primary purpose of alters is to bear the brunt of demonic invocation, up to and including possession. By dividing up one’s personality and sending certain alters into the subconscious, one can allow the demonic to manifest their energies and will on the mind and spirit without having to endure the worst aspects of the demon’s presence on their life. I’ll explain it this way: the demonic, unlike the Judeo-Christian way would have you believe, are not evil. They are not good. They are not ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’ These are attributes devised and assigned to human beings by other human beings – even if human beings have written scripture that tries to claim otherwise. Demons are above and beyond this; they are apotheosis incarnate. They are powerful, empowering, intelligent, helpful . . . and dangerous.
Satanists reject the claims of Roman Catholics that humans in the throes of the demonic are somehow sinful, or that they are bound to evil. Some of the terminology used for the presence of these spirits, however, is suitable. Demonic oppression, for instance, when stripped of its Christian fear-mongering implications, is an accurate way to describe a dark intelligence that is acting in a way dangerous or deadly to a human being – whether that demon was purposely summoned or has chosen to inhabit a particular area or pursue a person. Regardless, being in the presence of the demonic can be overwhelming and, indeed, oppressive if protective measures are not taken. It is not the job of the demonic to censor themselves or repress or disguise their true nature simply because they have helped us with something we called upon them for. It is not the responsibility of these entities to exercise leniency on those who have botched a ritual, or bitten off more than they can chew due to naïveté or foolhardiness.
Everyone who dares to pursue the acausal and work with the Current 432 must be ready to accept and handle the incidentals and consequences of their practices. One must also keep in mind that once they open a door – a konduit – they have exposed themselves to the spiritual realm, and even those unwanted and uncalled upon may take interest, or even choose to vex or torment someone. A practitioner may also run the risk of being targeted (i.e. cursed) by another practitioner, or may even be collateral damage in a curse not intended for them. People born with generational curses/tainted bloodlines, and people born with natural gifts (“sensitives”) are also naturally more at risk.
This is where alters come in. A ritualist can take on the persona of an alter before invoking a demonic spirit, so that its energies can be channeled through that particular personality, leaving the person’s primary personality unaffected. This is especially advisable if you’re working with a particularly dangerous demon or one in which background knowledge is lacking (many run this risk when calling up non-Goetic spirits). If you intend to allow yourself to become possessed by a demon, the spirit should be drawn into one of your alters so that in can reside only in a small percentage of your mind and spirit, affecting only a portion of your mental faculties and psyche. There is excessive bravado amongst some Theistic Satanists who offer incantations for demonic invocation – without mention of the implicit dangers and the vast power and ferocity of the spirits being channeled. In truth, invocation without the right circles of protection – and the presence of alters – can go deadly wrong.
The creation of an alter requires a bit of psychodrama, strength of will, purposeful dissociation, and – advised but not mandatory – a mind-altering substance. While I do not condone or encourage the usage of illegal drugs, there are naturally occurring plants with psychoactive properties that can lubricate the mind and spirit. Speaking of spirits, alcohol may also do just fine. This mind-altering substance could even be in the form of music, such as ritual ambient, or soundscapes at certain frequencies. Whatever helps you feel a break between yourself and your immediate reality, and whatever allows you to surrender control.
First, create an alternate personality and gather and assemble its various traits. Here’s what I mean: Come up with a new name, and then assign that name certain attributes that are different than your own; a different posture, a different manner of speaking (using a different accent may even help). Give this personality interests that are different from your own – they mustn’t all be different, just enough so that the distinction is clear. Find a quiet space and time when you won’t be bothered – nights are recommended, and during a time when the moon is in the waxing gibbous stage of its lunar cycle is even better. Practice mentally seeing yourself as this new personality. During this time, try and think of your primary personality as something foreign; something strange and confusing, meant to be disregarded and forgotten.
As you’re doing this, consume your substance (alcohol, music, etc.) and allow yourself to dissociate – try and feel a separation between your spirit and your physical body, and a detachment from reality. As you feel yourself drifting, try and arouse the sensation within yourself of falling . . . falling into darkness . . . into a black void. Feel yourself isolated and think of yourself as a blank canvas. Then meditate on the new personality you’ve created and on its attributes. Wallow in the thoughts and feelings you’ve assigned to this alter, allow yourself to feel a sense of joy and excitement over the interests you’ve assigned to it, and work yourself up into anger and disgust over the things this personality dislikes or hates. Spend a significant amount of time “within” this new personality, and when you feel you’ve adopted the role so deeply as to become one with it, bring yourself back into the moment and let yourself reconnect with the physical world around you.
Then spend time engaging in the thoughts and interests of this alter. If you need to speak, use that alter’s cadence and accent, and let the mental voice that orders your thoughts do the same. If a thought enters your mind that feels like it belongs to your primary personality, tell yourself that it’s not right; that you should feel a sense of fear and panic, as this thought did not originate from the new “you” that is your alter. Banish the thought and reorient yourself mentally. Use the physical movements, posture, and mannerisms of this new personality constantly while you’re in this role. If you happen upon things that fall into the category of your primary personality’s interests, do something that disgusts or hurts you in this moment, and associate that feeling with the “interest.” You may drink something that you hate the taste of, or make a small cut on your finger. Continue to do this each time an interest is aroused that does not fall in line with the interests of your alter.
Continue this practice for as many days and/or nights as you think you require, beginning with the process of dissociation and concluding with the acting out of this alter. When you feel it’s time to return to your primary personality, meditate to empty your mind, then forget about the alter as if it were a dreamlike experience until it’s time to change personalities again. Eventually, your alter will begin to seem to take on a life of its own, its personality acting and coming to the surface independently of your primary one. When you feel this alter has been given sufficient independence, shift fully into it before your demonic invocation, and if a full-on possession is intended, channel the demon into the alter.
You can repeat this practice to create additional alters until your needs and purposes are fulfilled. The application of alters can also be useful in everyday life and in interactions with the mundanes/grey masses. The Satanist, like the Satanic/Luciferian archetype itself, should practice deceit and manipulation of the common people when it suits and empowers him or her. The weakness of mundanes presents an easy opportunity for exploitation, and their energies are better in your hands. As such, operating within the parameters of a particular alter may prove suitable when working with colleagues or acquaintances you dislike or need something from, or when encountering anyone whom you must bend to your will to achieve a goal.
The primary personality of one involved in the Current 432
can be overwhelming and even come across as threatening. It may be necessary to
utilize an alter with attributes more palatable to the grey masses. An alter
with a humble or meek persona, even if it is disingenuous and performative, may garner sympathy, engagement, or other results you seek from a person for
whatever reason. On the other hand, a persona with a forceful, bold, and
disagreeable personality may prove important in matters of business or in
dealing with an enemy or rival. Having these alters within your mind is akin to
having psychic safety nets. While these are of high importance in grappling
with the totality of the spiritual darkness one works with, they also hold
practical merits when utilized in everyday life. The creation of any alters is
absolutely not necessary, but for those who are intimidated by the scope of the
demonic or the idea of opening themselves up to the acausal as a whole, they
may prove an invaluable resource.
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