View source for Grigorist Temple of Satanael

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The '''Grigorist Temple of Satanael''' ('''GToS''') is a [[theistic Satanism|Satanic]] religious organization that defines the religion of [[Satano-Grigorism]] and maintains Grigoripedia. It is the ''only'' modern religious organization fully and systematically devoted to the Watchers as a pantheon. Its faith is one of the very few Satanic religions that integrate the Watchers into their beliefs and practices in any capacity.

The Temple is the central organization that sustains the Satano-Grigorist faith. It supports and mentors Satano-Grigorists, researches the [[Watchers]] and [[nephilim]], develops rites and practices, produces both public and private resources, and provides revealed scripture.

== History ==
The Grigorist Temple of Satanael was founded in 2022 by three worshippers of [[Satanael]] who became interested in the [[Watchers]], noticed that there was not much information publicly available about them, and resolved to compile information on them, both from research and personal experience. This project, at its beginning, was primarily a collaborative effort to discover as much as possible about the Watchers and gather it into a digestible format that could be shared with the public. The founders did not set out to build a religion with the knowledge they gained. Originally, they planned to release the information only once it was complete, which would take a very long time. They soon realized that their project had become substantial enough that it might already be of great use to those who felt called to the Watchers, and that it might progress faster with more accurate information if others were able to join, learn, and contribute their personal experiences to the project. This became the beginning of a modern religious organization founded on very ancient stories: a Temple devoted to these deities that they were studying and worshipping. These founders became the first three kāhinūma (Elders) of the Grigorist Temple of Satanael.

The original name of the organization was "Temple of Satanael," abbreviated TeSa, but the Elders were troubled by the fact that this name did not mention the Watchers in any way. Since the beginning, the Watchers had always been part of it, and that was not adequately conveyed by the original name. Allies of the Temple's founders also pointed out another issue, which was that there was a name for the organization, but no name for the actual religion it was devoted to. Several names were considered and rejected, such as Temple of the Watchers, Temple of Satanael and the Watchers, and Satanic Temple of the Watchers. Eventually, the idea of using ''Grigori'' — another name for the Watchers — led to the coining of the name "Grigorist Temple of Satanael" for the organization and "Satano-Grigorism" for the religion. These names adequately represented both Satanael and the Watchers.

== Structure ==
The structure of the Grigorist Temple of Satanael is designed to encourage members to support each other and to make mentorship easily available. Leaders within the organization are called '''''kāhinūma''''' (Elders). The Temple is designed to have more than one ''kāhinu'', and it runs optimally with a minimum of three. However, when there are no willing and/or suitable members to become additional ''kāhinūma'', the Temple may operate with only one.

In addition to the title of ''kāhinu'', there are three more titles, often called '''membership tiers'''. These tiers are based purely on experience and advancement in Satano-Grigorist study and practice. Evaluation for progression to the next tier is usually done proactively by the ''kāhinūma'', but if a member wishes, they may request such an evaluation at any time. If a ''kāhinu'' believes a member has learned and practiced enough to advance to the next tier, they will reach out (typically in private), share their observations of the member's progress, and ask them if they feel ready. After this conversation, if the member feels ready, they advance to the next tier. If they do not feel ready, they may inform their ''kāhinu'' and share any concerns they have about areas they have not sufficiently improved in; if they request advice, the ''kāhinu'' may counsel them on how to improve weak points in their study or practice.

Even though the Temple has a distinct leadership body and membership tiers, it stands against looking down on others who are less advanced. In addition, ''kāhinūma'' always emphasize that their word is never to be taken as infallible and that they, too, are merely human. Especially when new members are present, it is common for ''kāhinūma'' to speak about the importance of all members' opinions during ''qibūsatu'' (religious assembly). ''Kāhinūma'' do not shame other Satano-Grigorists for asking questions or for criticizing their statements. The Temple encourages all members to constructively criticize their Elders, themselves, and each other, since growth cannot occur without questioning and criticism.

=== ''Lamadu'' (Neophyte) ===
A '''''lamadu''''' has just begun their Satano-Grigorist journey. Requiring guidance and direction on most practices, these new members typically rely heavily on mentorship from more experienced Satano-Grigorists as they navigate the faith.

This stage of membership can be overwhelming, due to the complexity of the religion and the sheer amount of new information a new Satano-Grigorist must absorb. While the Temple’s organized framework is designed to mitigate these challenges, they remain real and difficult to overcome. As a ''lamadu'' gains experience and becomes familiar with the fundamentals, their learning curve gradually flattens. Once they have advanced and stabilized enough, they progress to the next tier.

{{Ugaritic grammar table|lamad}}

=== ''Žamaru'' (Devotee) ===
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{{Ugaritic grammar table|žamar}}

=== ''Ātinu'' (Sage) ===
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{{Ugaritic grammar table|ātin}}

=== ''Kāhinu'' (Elder) ===
{{Empty section}}

{{Ugaritic grammar table|kāhin}}

== Eligibility criteria for membership ==
To be eligible for membership to GToS, an [[Nikaru#Aspirants|aspirant]] must meet the following criteria.
# The aspirant has thoroughly read the ''[[Satano-Grigorist Pocket Guide]]''.
# The aspirant agrees with the [[Satano-Grigorism#Core beliefs|core Beliefs]] and rejects the listed [[Satano-Grigorism#Incompatible beliefs and practices|incompatible beliefs and practices]] listed by the Temple.
# The aspirant has a rational basis for their alignment with Satano-Grigorist beliefs.
# The aspirant's subjective personal values align comfortably with Satano-Grigorist moral principles, such as Selfist ethics.
# The aspirant is ready and willing to commit to Satano-Grigorism, including the study and discipline required to progress within it.
# The candidate understands that they will be expected to take the religion seriously and practice it to the best of their ability.

== Joining the Temple ==

=== The Seeker's Pledge ===
Upon acceptance, an aspirant is presented with the '''Seeker's Pledge'''. This Pledge does not bind the person to the Temple or the Satano-Grigorist faith in any way. It is an agreement to pursue truth and the virtues of the Self taught by [[Satanael]] and the [[Watchers]]. Membership to the Temple requires affirmation of the Seeker's Pledge; this process is known within the Temple as "pledging in."

=== Entry ===
After someone has accepted the Seeker's Pledge offered by a ''kāhinu'', they are no longer an aspirant; they have officially become a member of the Grigorist Temple of Satanael.

Immediately after pledging in, a new member is given access to the Temple's private communities for religious discussion and congregation. They are then asked whether they prefer a masculine (''lamadu'') or feminine (''lamadatu'') title, and a ''kāhinu'' assigns their chosen title.

=== Welcoming ===
After titling, an announcement is made to the entire Temple, informing everyone that there is a new member and wishing the blessings of Satanael upon them. Other members typically come together to welcome them. At a new member's first qibūsatu, the group prayer at the beginning usually includes a prayer to Daletu'il, the Watcher of doors and new beginnings, to help them step across the threshold and into their new faith. The qibūsatu host typically goes over some basics for the new member and answers any questions they may have.

== Leaving the Temple ==
It is far easier to leave the Temple than to join it. The only thing a member must do to leave the Temple is notify leadership of their exit and leave the Temple's private communities. Satano-Grigorists do not hold grudges against ex-members for deciding to leave, since the Temple only accepts willful and non-coercive membership; pressuring people to stay in the organization would contradict the values of Satanael.

== Revocation of membership ==
As with any organization, the Grigorist Temple of Satanael occasionally encounters issues severe enough to require formal action. Of course, the Temple prefers to address issues through direct discussion and criticism; removal of a member is a last-resort option and very few members have ever been formally removed. However, in cases where a member’s behavior is severely disruptive or harmful to themself or others — and they have failed to respond to repeated attempts at confrontation and criticism — a drastic measure such as removal is unfortunately the only remaining option. The Temple may choose one of two formal routes for removal of such individuals from the organization.

=== Expulsion ===
The first formal removal option is '''expulsion'''. While it is milder than excommunication, expulsion from the Grigorist Temple of Satanael still requires a unanimous decision by the ''kāhinūma'' after thorough discussion. Although it is not mandatory, a special [[qibūsatu]] may be convened to discuss the expulsion with members of the Temple. Upon expulsion, the member is informed of the decision by one or more of the ''kāhinūma'' and may be allowed to remain in the Sanctum until they have discussed the reasons for their expulsion. Following this, their membership is revoked. Unlike excommunication, expulsion does not preclude the possibility of rejoining the Temple. If the individual demonstrates significant personal growth and behavioral changes later on, the kāhinūma may vote to allow their return.

=== Excommunication ===
The second formal removal option, '''excommunication''', is much more serious. Issues significant enough to warrant excommunication are very rare. In order to excommunicate a member, the ''kāhinūma'' must vote unanimously in favor, and there must also be reason to believe that the harmful behavior is very unlikely to change or improve, even with time. Because of the gravity of this measure, a special ''qibūsatu'' should be called if at all possible. As with expulsion, an excommunicated member may be allowed to remain in the Sanctum long enough to discuss the circumstances of their removal, if they so desire. Then, their membership to the Grigorist Temple of Satanael is permanently revoked, and a ''kāhinu'' removes them from the Sanctum. Excommunication bars an individual from ever returning to the Temple, even if they claim to have changed.

=== Interaction with former members ===
The Grigorist Temple of Satanael trusts its members to manage their own personal relationships, including those with expelled or excommunicated individuals. It does not police members, prohibit them from interacting with anyone, or restrict their free will in any other way. Not only would ”shunning” be contrary to Satano-Grigorist values, it would also be completely unnecessary. By removing the disruptive individual from the organization, the Temple ensures that other members can choose whether or not to interact with them at their own discretion, without being forced to tolerate harmful behavior in their religious space. Satano-Grigorists are, however, discouraged from going out of their way to harass ex-members (or anyone, for that matter), since such behavior is immature, pointless, and detrimental to personal growth.

== How to contact the Temple ==
=== Online platforms ===
GToS maintains a presence on multiple different platforms, including Discord, Reddit, Substack, Twitter (X), and more. On most public-facing platforms, its username is '''gtosofficial''' or '''officialgtos'''.

The main public community run by the Temple is a Discord server known as the [https://discord.gg/HQSfYSkHYv GToS Outreach Server], which is the best and fastest way to contact Temple Elders and members. Those who refuse to use Discord may reach the Temple by posting in its [https://www.reddit.com/r/satanogrigorism dedicated subreddit], sending a private message to the Temple's [https://www.reddit.com/u/grigorist-temple/s/eICTzWHyB4 Reddit account], reaching out on [https://substack.com/@gtosofficial Substack], or sending an email. The Temple also maintains a [https://linktr.ee/gtosofficial Linktree] page, which includes a contact form as well as links to all official GToS accounts on major platforms. All of these methods will have a much slower turnaround time than joining the Discord server, so it is highly recommended to use Discord if possible.

=== Email ===
The Temple's preferred email address is [mailto:contact@satanael.org contact@satanael.org]. However, the older Gmail address,  [mailto:grigorist.temple@gmail.com grigorist.temple@gmail.com], is still available at this time.

The next ''[[Satano-Grigorist Pocket Guide]]'' will replace the Gmail with the new contact email listed above. The Temple plans to retire the Gmail address at some point in the future, but an exact date has not yet been chosen. Announcements will be made on Temple platforms when the retirement is officially decided.

== See also ==
* [[Satano-Grigorism]]
* [[Satanael]]
* [[Watchers]]

[[Category:Religions and ideologies]]

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