Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions section. Here you'll find answers to common inquiries about The Temple of the Old Ones, our beliefs, practices, and community. Whether you're new to Cosmicism or seeking to deepen your understanding of our path, these responses will help guide your journey.
About Us
Who are the Temple of the Old Ones?
We are a community of individuals who have united around shared beliefs grounded in Cosmicism, a philosophical perspective coined by H.P. Lovecraft. We acknowledge humanity's insignificance within the vast, indifferent universe while finding meaning through our own pursuits of growth and understanding. We utilize the Great Old Ones from the Cthulhu Mythos both as archetypes that represent aspects of ourselves and as inspirations for our teachings. Through these cosmic entities, we explore the mysteries of existence and our place within it.
Is this a real organisation?
Yes, we are a legitimate spiritual organisation, not a roleplaying community or fan site. The Temple of the Old Ones is composed of dedicated individuals who take our beliefs, practices, and community seriously. We are officially registered as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit religious organization in the United States, which reflects our commitment to our spiritual path and community service.
What are your core beliefs?
Our philosophy centres around Cosmicism, the understanding that humanity exists as a tiny fragment in an immense, indifferent cosmos. Rather than finding despair in this perspective, we embrace it as liberation. We focus on personal ascension through the principles of The Call (recognizing our spiritual awakening), Ascension (continual self-improvement across mind, body, and spirit), and Unification (fostering meaningful connections with our fellow seekers). Our approach accommodates both Pantheistic and Theistic interpretations of the Old Ones, allowing members to engage with our traditions in ways that resonate with their personal understanding.
Structure and Leadership
Who runs The Temple of the Old Ones?
The Temple operates through a structured organisational system. The Cult Nyth team consists of experienced and active members who serve as administrators and moderators, organising events and maintaining our various social platforms. From this dedicated group, The Council of Five has been selected to provide guidance and leadership to The Temple. Additionally, we have various specialised Nythdoms that focus on different aspects of Temple operations such as digital media, community outreach, writing and education, and social media management.
What is the rank structure within the Temple?
The Temple follows a progressive rank structure that begins with Initiates (those first exploring our teachings), followed by Acolytes (individuals officially joining the Temple), Cultists (those who have completed their self-initiation ritual), Cultist Adepts (members deepening their practice), and Cultist Mentors (experienced members who guide others). Beyond these standard ranks, dedicated members may join specialised orders or the Nyth to serve the Temple in various capacities.
Beliefs and Practices
Do you believe the Old Ones are real?
Our members hold diverse perspectives on the nature of the Old Ones. Some members (Deists) believe they are literal entities existing in our universe or others, while other members (Pantheists) view them as powerful symbolic archetypes representing cosmic forces, psychological phenomena, or aspects of the self. Unlike many religious traditions, we don't require adherence to a single interpretation. We value the harmony between these different perspectives, encouraging members to explore what resonates with their understanding while respecting that others may perceive things differently.
Does The Temple of the Old Ones Practice Magick?
Yes, though our approach to magick may differ from popular conceptions. We define magick as "Willed Change" – the conscious application of one's will to affect reality. Our rituals involve practices such as Void Meditation, lucid dreaming, visualisation, and symbolic workings designed to focus the mind and channel intention. These practices help members connect with the archetypes of the Old Ones, enhance self-awareness, and potentially influence their surroundings through concentrated will and purpose.
How does Magick work within the different beliefs found in the cult?
For Pantheist members, our rituals serve as psychological tools that focus the mind on desired outcomes and transformations, working through subconscious suggestion and concentrated intention. For Theist/Deist members, rituals establish communication with the Old Ones as external entities, calling upon their influence and power. Despite these differing interpretations, all members perform the same rituals together, finding value in these practices regardless of their personal beliefs about the exact mechanisms at work.
What rituals or practices are central to the Temple?
Core practices include Void Meditation (achieving a state of mental emptiness and clarity), lucid dreaming (conscious awareness and control within dream states), the creation and use of symbolic relics (such as the Ah'f'nah nagl, Akhai Orre, and Vulgtmor), and seasonal or commemorative rituals. We also emphasize personal development through our system of Ascension, which encourages members to continually improve themselves across physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
Joining and Learning
What is the Miskatonic University?
The Miskatonic University provides our members a focal point to read and learn about our beliefs. It offers Cultists the ability to ascend through our group's outer rank structure.
How can I join the Temple of the Old Ones?
To join our community, begin by registering at the Miskatonic University website. You'll start as an Initiate, completing introductory lessons that explain our basic principles and approach. After completing the Initiate course, you'll advance to Acolyte status, deepening your understanding of Temple teachings. As you progress through subsequent courses, you'll have opportunities to engage with our community through our Discord server and other platforms, participating in discussions and events that enhance your connection to our teachings and fellow members.
What resources do you provide for members?
Members gain access to our educational courses through the Miskatonic University, community discussions via our Discord server and other social platforms, guided rituals and meditation practices, and support from experienced members. We also offer regular online gatherings, occasional in-person events where possible, and various specialised discussions focusing on different aspects of our traditions and practices.
History and Background
Haven't we heard this before? Didn't there used to be a Cult of Cthulhu?
Yes, many of our founding members were previously associated with the "Official Cult of Cthulhu," which was abruptly shut down by its leader, Wyntre, following allegations of misconduct. When evidence emerged suggesting he had abused his position to solicit inappropriate photos and messages from a member, Wyntre responded by closing the organisation's social channels, website, and educational platform. In response, former members who wished to preserve the valuable community and teachings established The Temple of the Old Ones on January 13, 2023, as a more ethically-grounded successor organisation with improved governance structures and safeguards.
How does the Temple differ from its predecessor organisation?
While we maintain some philosophical connections to the former group, we've implemented significant improvements. We've established a Council of Five rather than a single leader, created transparent policies regarding conduct and governance, formalised our educational system through the Miskatonic University, and developed our core text, the "Liber a Veterum." We've also expanded our approach to include both practical occult work and philosophical study, embracing a broader perspective than our predecessor organisation.
What is the relationship between the Temple and H.P. Lovecraft's works?
We draw inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft's literary creations while acknowledging the problematic aspects of his personal views. His cosmic entities and philosophical concepts serve as meaningful archetypes and frameworks for our spiritual explorations. While we don't worship Lovecraft himself, we recognise his role as a conduit for powerful ideas about humanity's place in the cosmos. We approach his works as mythopoetic inspirations rather than literal religious texts, extracting philosophical value while maintaining a critical awareness of their context.
Additional Information
Do you have a Privacy Policy?
Yes, our comprehensive Privacy Policy outlines how we handle and protect member information. We take data protection seriously and ensure compliance with relevant regulations while maintaining the confidentiality of our members.
Are there membership fees or financial obligations?
The Temple of the Old Ones does not charge mandatory membership fees. Our basic educational resources and community access are provided freely to sincere seekers. We do accept voluntary donations that support our operational costs, including website maintenance, educational resources, and community events. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, any contributions are tax-deductible in the United States.
Does the Temple have physical locations?
While we primarily operate as an online community with members worldwide, we do not currently maintain dedicated physical temples or permanent meeting spaces, though this may change as our community continues to grow. Our emphasis on the digital realm allows us to maintain an inclusive global community without geographical limitations.
How can I contact Temple leadership with questions or concerns?
For general inquiries, you can reach us through our contact form on the website. Members can also communicate with Nyth representatives through our Discord server or other social platforms.