Left-hand path
The left-hand path is a term to connote religions or philosophies that operate oppositely to right-hand path religions. While not all left-hand paths share the same beliefs or metaphors, most of them operate in similar ways in favor of the individual rather than the focus on a group collective.
Historically, the term "left hand path" has roots in Tantra (practices called "Vama Marga"), which is emphasized on the Yin principle and women.
Traits of many left-hand path religions and philosophies include:
- Focus on the Self:
- Analysis
- Improvement
- Development
- Empowerment.
- A looser viewpoint on ethics
- An emphasis on independent, objective thought
- Rejection of "absolutes"
- Rules as only guidelines
- Rejection of hypocrisy
- A psychological approach to beliefs
- Beliefs are personal, not universal
- Beliefs are regarded as psychological triggers for valuable use in magick and ritual, regardless of metaphysical existence. (see also Random Belief in chaos theory)
- Religion is a practice that the individual takes the most pleasure in. (See: "The World's Most Powerful Religion" by Anton Lavey, published in the Cloven Hoof magazine)
Source: Vexen Crabtree's "Left Hand Path"