Michael Aquino is a name that has sparked intrigue, controversy, and fascination in equal measure. Known for his involvement in the United States military and his contributions to occultism, Michael Aquino’s life and work have left a lasting impact on both these spheres. This article takes a closer look at the man behind the headlines, unraveling the complexities of his life, beliefs, and the lasting legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Military Career of Michael Aquino
Michael Aquino was born in 1946 and had a reasonably conventional upbringing. He attended university and eventually earned a Ph.D. in political science. However, Aquino’s life would take a unique path that combined his academic pursuits with military service and spiritual exploration. His dedication to the U.S. military was evident early, as he joined the U.S. Army and eventually rose to lieutenant colonel.
Aquino’s military career was primarily focused on psychological operations, also known as psyops. His role in this area involved shaping the perception and behavior of both enemy forces and civilian populations. This experience would later feed into his other, more mystical pursuits, but more on that later.
Critical Points of Aquino’s Military Career
- Rank: Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army.
- Specialty: Psychological operations (psyops).
- Service Period: Aquino served for several decades, which impacted how psychological warfare is perceived.
His military experience gave him a unique perspective on using influence and perception—skills he later applied in unexpected areas. His deep understanding of psychological operations intertwined with his later explorations of the occult, blending logic, military strategy, and mysticism.
The Occult Journey: From the Church of Satan to the Temple of Set
While Michael Aquino’s military service was significant, it is his involvement with occultism that has gained him widespread notoriety. In the 1960s, Aquino became affiliated with Anton LaVey’s Church of Satan, an organization that was devoted to the exploration of Satanism as a form of personal liberation and self-deification.
However, by 1975, Aquino had become disillusioned with LaVey’s direction of the Church. He believed that LaVey had started focusing more on materialism and sensationalism rather than the deeper spiritual aspects of Satanism. As a result, Aquino decided to break away and form his religious movement: the Temple of Set.
The Formation of the Temple of Set
The Temple of Set, founded by Michael Aquino in 1975, focused on worshipping the ancient Egyptian deity Set, whom Aquino identified as a being of ultimate self-consciousness and individuality. The Temple emphasized spiritual growth and self-empowerment, encouraging its members to explore their highest potential through the concept of “Xeper”—an ancient Egyptian term meaning “becoming” or “evolving.”
Core Beliefs of the Temple of Set:
- Xeper: The idea of continual self-evolution and growth.
- Setian Philosophy: Emphasizes individualism, self-deification, and personal enlightenment.
- Mystical Practices: The Temple promotes magical practices to help individuals achieve a higher state of being.
Aquino’s emphasis on Set as a symbol of individual power and self-improvement resonated with many who were seeking a more philosophical and spiritual alternative to LaVey’s brand of Satanism. Under Aquino’s leadership, the Temple of Set became one of the most influential organizations within the modern occult world.
Michael Aquino’s Writings and Philosophy
Michael Aquino was not just a military officer and occult leader but also a prolific writer and thinker. His writings delve deeply into the philosophical underpinnings of Setianism and his psychological operations work. His most significant works include The Book of Coming Forth by Night and MindWar.
Key Works by Michael Aquino
- The Book of Coming Forth by Night is considered the foundational scripture of the Temple of Set. It claims to be a revelation from the god Set to Michael Aquino, outlining the fundamental principles of Setianism and the importance of personal spiritual evolution.
- MindWar: This book reflects Aquino’s military background, blending his knowledge of psychological operations with his occult philosophy. In MindWar, Aquino explores how psychological and spiritual tactics can influence individuals and entire societies.
Themes in Aquino’s Writings
- The Power of the Mind: Aquino’s writings consistently emphasize the importance of the mind in shaping reality. This aligns with his military work in psychological operations and his spiritual beliefs in self-deification.
- Spiritual Evolution: Through his exploration of Xeper, Aquino encouraged his readers to continually seek self-improvement, not just in the material world but on a deeper, spiritual level.
- Influence and Control: Aquino was fascinated by the idea of influence, whether in the context of war or spirituality. His work explores how individuals can harness spiritual and psychological tools to achieve personal power and mastery.
Michael Aquino and Controversies
For all his accomplishments, Michael Aquino was no stranger to controversy. His involvement in the occult and his position in the U.S. military raised eyebrows and led to various conspiracy theories. At one point, he was even linked to allegations of child abuse in the early 1980s, a scandal that became known as the Presidio case.
The Presidio Allegations
In 1986, while Aquino was stationed at the Presidio Army base in San Francisco, accusations of child abuse emerged, with Aquino being named as a potential suspect. These accusations stemmed from the fact that Aquino was openly involved in Satanism and occult practices, which led to media frenzy and public suspicion. However, after thorough investigations, no charges were ever brought against him, and Aquino maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal.
While the accusations were never proven, the Presidio case permanently impacted Aquino’s public image. It also fueled conspiracy theories about his involvement in secretive government projects and occult rituals, although experts have largely dismissed these claims.
Why the Controversy?
- Occult Involvement: Aquino’s open association with the occult made him a target for sensationalist media coverage and public fear during a time when Satanic Panic was sweeping the nation.
- Government Position: His military position and expertise in psychological warfare only added to the air of mystery and suspicion around him.
Despite these controversies, Aquino continued his work unabated, remaining a prominent figure in military and occult circles.
Legacy of Michael Aquino
Michael Aquino passed away in 2019, but his influence in the military and occult worlds endures. He is remembered as a pioneer in psychological operations and a transformative figure in modern occultism. Through his work with the Temple of Set, he established a new spiritual path that emphasizes self-improvement and personal enlightenment.
Moreover, his contributions to psychological warfare have impacted military strategy and tactics, influencing how information and perception are used in modern warfare. His blending of these seemingly disparate fields—military strategy and occult philosophy—has solidified his place as a unique and controversial figure in both areas.
Contributions to the Occult
- Founder of the Temple of Set, one of the most influential modern occult organizations.
- Introduced the concept of Xeper, which continues to influence occult practices worldwide.
- Authored several critical texts by both occultists and scholars of religious study.
Contributions to Military Strategy
- A leading figure in the development of psychological operations (psyops).
- Author of MindWar, a work that continues to be studied in military academies.
- An innovator in using psychological tactics in warfare, blending spirituality and military science.
The Future of Aquino’s Teachings
Even after his death, Michael Aquino’s teachings inspire military strategists and occultists alike. The Temple of Set remains active, with new generations of followers continuing to explore Aquino’s vision of spiritual evolution. Military professionals still study his work in psychological operations, showing how far-reaching his influence truly is.
While Aquino’s life was controversial, his contributions to military science and occult philosophy are undeniable. His unique blend of spirituality, psychology, and strategy ensures that his legacy will continue to shape our thinking about the mind, power, and the pursuit of personal enlightenment.
Conclusion
Michael Aquino was a man who operated at the intersection of two worlds: the complex, tactical realm of military operations and the mysterious, transformative world of occultism. His life was marked by his dedication to both, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and provoke thought. Whether you view him as a brilliant mind or a controversial figure, there’s no denying Michael Aquino’s impact on psychological warfare and modern occultism. His work, from founding the Temple of Set to his innovations in psyops, continues to be relevant, making him a figure whose life and ideas are worth studying.
Ultimately, Michael Aquino’s legacy is one of complexity, challenge, and innovation—offering lessons that will endure for years.
