Black Mass Appeal: Modern Satanism for the Masses
Episode 174 - The Left-Hand Path
Release Date: July 23, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 174 of Black Mass Appeal: Modern Satanism for the Masses, hosts Tabitha and Daniel delve deep into the concept of the Left-Hand Path within modern Satanism. Joined by guest Dina, the discussion navigates through historical contexts, philosophical underpinnings, and personal insights, offering listeners both newcomers and seasoned practitioners a comprehensive exploration of the topic.

Episode Highlights

1. Celebrating Tabitha's Birthday [00:24 - 03:45]

The episode kicks off with a personal touch as Tabitha shares highlights from her recent birthday celebration. Daniel humorously laments missing a "left behind" episode but quickly shifts focus to commend Tabitha's party, attended by numerous members of Satanic Bay Area (SBA) and Black Mass Appeal (BMA) alumni.

Notable Quote:

Daniel [02:16]: "Folks, you have no idea. Taba is putting in a deeply heroic effort making this show happen."

2. Listener Review and Patreon Shout-Outs [03:43 - 07:03]

The hosts express gratitude towards their listeners, featuring a positive review from Rob who praises the podcast passionately. Following this, Daniel and Tabitha acknowledge their Patreon backers, Henry and Future Deja Vu, emphasizing the community's role in sustaining the show.

Notable Quote:

Rob's Review [03:52]: "At risk of sounding like a total fanboy, there isn't an aspect of this podcast that I wouldn't recommend. It's all great. Keep up the great work, folks."

3. News Segment: Texas Statue Vandalism [07:03 - 18:19]

Tabitha presents a news piece about the beheading of a golden statue titled Witness at the University of Houston. Originally intended to celebrate women and justice, the statue faced backlash from a Texas anti-abortion group, labeling it "satanic." Amid Hurricane Beryl, the statue was vandalized, sparking discussions on artistic freedom and societal reactions to Satanic symbols.

Notable Quotes:

Daniel [10:33]: "But it's definitely part of the story."

Daniel [12:53]: "It was violent, hateful and misogynistic act."

The hosts express frustration with university responses and societal intolerance, highlighting the intersection of politics, art, and Satanism.

4. Exploring the Left-Hand Path [18:22 - 107:00]

The core of the episode centers on understanding the Left-Hand Path (LHP). Guest Dina, an organizer for Satanic Bay Area and member of the Satanic Temple, brings academic rigor to the discussion, supplemented by Tabitha and Daniel's perspectives.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Definitions and Philosophical Foundations: Dina explains LHP as a journey of individualism, self-deification, and a rebellion against societal norms and divine ordinances. The discussion contrasts LHP with the Right-Hand Path (RHP), which emphasizes conformity and union with universal reality.

  Notable Quote:

  Dina [24:34]: "I do agree with that statement."

• Historical Context and Origins: The conversation delves into the negative connotations of left-handedness in various cultures and religions, tracing back to biblical references and societal prejudices. Tabitha shares personal anecdotes about her grandmother being forced to switch to right-handedness, highlighting generational impacts.

  Notable Quote:

  Tabitha [35:23]: "I really like that. The word left in German is Awkward. Like same."

• Influence of Helena Blavatsky and Aleister Crowley: The hosts explore how these occultists shaped modern interpretations of LHP, often intertwining it with black magic and rebellion against divine order.

  Notable Quote:

  Daniel [33:04]: "Tabloid. Do you want to take the next one?"

• Modern Interpretations and Personal Empowerment: Guest Dina shares her journey from evangelical Christianity through various spiritual practices, culminating in her embrace of the Left-Hand Path as a means of self-improvement and recovery from addiction.

  Notable Quote:

  Dina [90:47]: "This is how they're trying to be extra edgy and spooky."

• Critiques and Divergent Views: The discussion also covers criticisms of LHP terminology as being pompous or reductive, with Tabitha and Daniel debating the necessity and accuracy of these classifications within Satanism.

  Notable Quote:

  Tabitha [89:09]: "It's got baggage. It's got baggage."

• Recovery and the Left-Hand Path: Dina narrates her experience hosting a Left-Hand Path-based recovery meeting, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's darker aspects as a path to healing and empowerment.

  Notable Quote:

  Dina [93:35]: "It's about the individualism and it's self-oriented, it's free thinking."

5. Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement [107:00 - End]

As the episode wraps up, Daniel reflects on the discussion's impact on his perception of the Left-Hand Path, acknowledging the term's evolving nature and its significance for personal growth within the Satanic community. Tabitha reiterates the importance of individual paths over rigid classifications, advocating for personal empowerment and self-discovery.

Notable Quote:

Daniel [97:00]: "It's about the individualism and it's self-oriented, it's free thinking."

The hosts encourage listeners to connect via their social media platforms and express appreciation for their Patreon supporters, reinforcing the community-centric ethos of the podcast.

Conclusion

Episode 174 of Black Mass Appeal provides an insightful and multifaceted exploration of the Left-Hand Path in modern Satanism. Through historical analysis, personal anecdotes, and philosophical debates, Tabitha, Daniel, and Dina offer listeners a nuanced understanding of individualism, rebellion, and self-empowerment within the Satanic tradition. Whether you're Satan-curious or deeply involved in Satanic groups, this episode serves as both an educational and empowering resource.

Follow Black Mass Appeal:

• Email: us@blackmassappealpodmail.com
• Website: blackmassappeal.com
• Social Media: Black Mass Appeal on Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, and Threads

Satanic Bay Area:

• Website: satanicbayarea.com
• Twitter: @SatanicSF
• Tabitha on TikTok: @dailybafformations

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments to focus solely on the episode's substantive discussions.