What do you think?
Rate this book
Apotheosis: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Luciferianism & the Left-Hand Path
APOTHEOSIS is the Definite Primer on Luciferian Philosophy and the practice of Magick specifically for the beginner or those curious about what Luciferianism is and how this path is similar and different from other traditions. Michael W. Ford has authored this book to offer a concise philosophical foundation for the neophyte seeking the specifics on Luciferian initiation. Edited by Timothy Donahue and forward by E.A. Koetting. 11 Points of Power & 4 Pillars of LuciferianismThe Sorcerous Words of Power of the Adversary3 Magick Keys to Ascent on the Left-Hand Path, How to summon & incarnate your Daemon, How to undergo the Test of the Devil’s Mask, Key symbols & Deific masks of Luciferianism, 12 core tools & initiations of Luciferian Magick, 9 most powerful ritual circles & triangles, The Origins and Truth about Lucifer, Satan, Yahweh & more
- GenresOccultWitchcraftSatanism
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2019
About the author
Michael W. Ford
68 books175 followersMichael W. Ford was born in 1976 to William and Judith Ford. His older brother, Mark, was a successful drummer who was on the road through most of Ford's early years. Ford began writing horror fiction as a child. In the late 1980s Ford attended The Cushman School in Miami, Florida, where he found an interest in music and history.
In 1990 Ford started playing in death-metal bands in Indianapolis, having spent time there again before relocating to Homestead and the Miami area in 1991. Ford and his family lost all of their possessions in Hurricane Andrew in 1992, as a result of which Ford moved to Indianapolis and started Black Funeral with various session members. Ford's interest in Magick and specifically Satanism was into its early phase, echoed in Ford's lyrics at the time. Ford studied the history of occultism and magick for some time before joining various left hand path orders from 1993 to 1995.
Recording with Black Funeral and Darkness Enshroud, a ritualistic-darkwave band, Ford relocated for the first time to Houston, Texas, having just recorded and released his first industrial record, Valefor - Death Magick on Cold Meat Industries "Death Factory Records" in 1996.
Michael Ford was granted the Order of Nine Angles command by Christos Beest in 1996, from which Ford operated until 1998 in Indianapolis. Ford left the active ONA due to what he has described as its Neo-Fascist stance and political ideals, which in his view are not an inherent part of Magick or Satanism.
Michael spent several years developing his Magickal practice between 1998 and 2000, when moving to Houston, Texas in October 1999 and editing his Book of the Witch Moon, where he had previously corresponded with Kenneth Grant. Ford continued working on music and recorded several ritual-music albums in the late 1990s, under the band name Psychonaut. Michael's interest in the works of Austin Osman Spare, Kenneth Grant and the mythology of the Adversary throughout the history of humanity were his primary interest during that time.
In 2001 Ford met Dana Dark, a gothic model and vocalist from Houston, and two others to begin recording ritual workings and the practice of the specific "luciferian" magick. The band recorded several albums from that point on, performing several live rituals. The group practiced magick as a Coven during this time period.
In 2003 Ford began publishing chapbooks and distributing them at low cost throughout the Satanic and Left Hand Path underground, which was designed as a type of "hit and run" guerrilla tactic. Ford had written in numerous published interviews that his goal was to upset and redefine the often-stagnant occult genre with an "Adversarial" approach. 2004 brought Michael's first contribution to a soundtrack, during his collaboration with Hexentanz, a ritual-medieval music project, with The Soil Bleeds Black and Psychonaut 75.
Ford published Luciferian Witchcraft in 2005, which quickly reached LULU.com's top 100, where it remained through 2008. Soon after Ford published numerous other left hand path and satanic books, redefining and presenting a new approach to so-called Dark paths of Magick and religion.
Ford is also the founder of The Order of the Phosphorus and The Black Order of the Dragon and a co-founder of The Church of Adversarial Light, a Luciferian Church. Ford has been an initiate and developer of the Luciferian Path for over ten years and also takes a significant interest in ancient Zoroastrian mysteries and Yatukih Sorcery. Ford is the co-owner of Succubus Productions and The Luciferian Apotheca.
He has done soundtracks for the movies Cadaver Bay and Hell Bound Book of the Dead released in 2004.
In 1990 Ford started playing in death-metal bands in Indianapolis, having spent time there again before relocating to Homestead and the Miami area in 1991. Ford and his family lost all of their possessions in Hurricane Andrew in 1992, as a result of which Ford moved to Indianapolis and started Black Funeral with various session members. Ford's interest in Magick and specifically Satanism was into its early phase, echoed in Ford's lyrics at the time. Ford studied the history of occultism and magick for some time before joining various left hand path orders from 1993 to 1995.
Recording with Black Funeral and Darkness Enshroud, a ritualistic-darkwave band, Ford relocated for the first time to Houston, Texas, having just recorded and released his first industrial record, Valefor - Death Magick on Cold Meat Industries "Death Factory Records" in 1996.
Michael Ford was granted the Order of Nine Angles command by Christos Beest in 1996, from which Ford operated until 1998 in Indianapolis. Ford left the active ONA due to what he has described as its Neo-Fascist stance and political ideals, which in his view are not an inherent part of Magick or Satanism.
Michael spent several years developing his Magickal practice between 1998 and 2000, when moving to Houston, Texas in October 1999 and editing his Book of the Witch Moon, where he had previously corresponded with Kenneth Grant. Ford continued working on music and recorded several ritual-music albums in the late 1990s, under the band name Psychonaut. Michael's interest in the works of Austin Osman Spare, Kenneth Grant and the mythology of the Adversary throughout the history of humanity were his primary interest during that time.
In 2001 Ford met Dana Dark, a gothic model and vocalist from Houston, and two others to begin recording ritual workings and the practice of the specific "luciferian" magick. The band recorded several albums from that point on, performing several live rituals. The group practiced magick as a Coven during this time period.
In 2003 Ford began publishing chapbooks and distributing them at low cost throughout the Satanic and Left Hand Path underground, which was designed as a type of "hit and run" guerrilla tactic. Ford had written in numerous published interviews that his goal was to upset and redefine the often-stagnant occult genre with an "Adversarial" approach. 2004 brought Michael's first contribution to a soundtrack, during his collaboration with Hexentanz, a ritual-medieval music project, with The Soil Bleeds Black and Psychonaut 75.
Ford published Luciferian Witchcraft in 2005, which quickly reached LULU.com's top 100, where it remained through 2008. Soon after Ford published numerous other left hand path and satanic books, redefining and presenting a new approach to so-called Dark paths of Magick and religion.
Ford is also the founder of The Order of the Phosphorus and The Black Order of the Dragon and a co-founder of The Church of Adversarial Light, a Luciferian Church. Ford has been an initiate and developer of the Luciferian Path for over ten years and also takes a significant interest in ancient Zoroastrian mysteries and Yatukih Sorcery. Ford is the co-owner of Succubus Productions and The Luciferian Apotheca.
He has done soundtracks for the movies Cadaver Bay and Hell Bound Book of the Dead released in 2004.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 20, 2021
Riddled with grammatical errors. Self-congratulatory tone, and not very good as either an introduction to beginners or a work for experienced occultists. The language is weird and the word choices are also super weird. Here’s an example of a quote: “A balance between potentially a spiritual journey with a carnal one enhances you, a living ‘Temple of the Adversary’ which is carefully and over time built”(42). This is the full sentence. There’s a lot of text like this.
I wasn’t able to glean much of value about luciferianism from this, since I was so turned off by the grammar mistakes and the douchey vibe— the author claims that this path is for “mavericks” and people who are better than everyone else (the “herd animals”), and while there is some genuine research in here I just couldn’t get past how much I disliked the narrative voice.
I wasn’t able to glean much of value about luciferianism from this, since I was so turned off by the grammar mistakes and the douchey vibe— the author claims that this path is for “mavericks” and people who are better than everyone else (the “herd animals”), and while there is some genuine research in here I just couldn’t get past how much I disliked the narrative voice.
January 8, 2022
This is great book. Great for anyone who wants to practice luciferianism but I will say there’s a few incorrect information in some parts of the book. So if your reading the Greeks information that he talks about . Some of it is incorrect. So I would suggest proceeding to reading this book with caution and do it with your own research too. Besides that it’s a great book for anyone who’s interested or wanting to learn about it.
September 25, 2022
This book is a good introduction to the Luciferian philosophy though it does mix heavily with Satanism. This is Michael Ford's own 'brand' of Luciferianism, so keep that in mind when reading. Some of these ideals are shared by other Luciferians, but some are more aligned with Satanism and Demonaltry.
There is much talk about demons, spirits and deific masks, as well as ceremonial magic and alchemy, so if that is not your thing, avoid this book. Although he states that Satanism and Luciferianism are distinct, much of what he talks about and especially the rituals depending on Abrahamic demons and figures (Cain, Abel, Lilith etc) seem to speak otherwise.
Although this book does have some good information, it is a hard read. The author's grammar is bad and many segments seem to go off into random thought. There are parts that are repeated throughout the book, and the chapters seem badly organised. It's a decent enough introduction, especially the first third or so of the book though.
There is much talk about demons, spirits and deific masks, as well as ceremonial magic and alchemy, so if that is not your thing, avoid this book. Although he states that Satanism and Luciferianism are distinct, much of what he talks about and especially the rituals depending on Abrahamic demons and figures (Cain, Abel, Lilith etc) seem to speak otherwise.
Although this book does have some good information, it is a hard read. The author's grammar is bad and many segments seem to go off into random thought. There are parts that are repeated throughout the book, and the chapters seem badly organised. It's a decent enough introduction, especially the first third or so of the book though.
November 6, 2023
A hodge-podge, with one or two good bits
Michael W Ford deserves congratulations on constructing a neo-religious spiritual tradition that attempts to synthesize various cultural mythologies. I especially appreciate his revisioning of the Adversary and demonic to something workable by spiritual practitioners with a gothic aesthetic.
I think, perhaps, Mr Ford attempts too much with this book. It is part exposition on his system, and part ceremonial magick handbook, which in theory sounds good. However, the regular reassurance that a Luciferian need not practice ceremonial magick raises the question of inclusion of such material in a book that is ostensibly aimed at beginners.
I do appreciate that Mr Ford maintains the element of individuality throughout his work, as the theme is in keeping with his presentation of Luciferianism as an individualistic religion. It is a difficult balance to hold this position and present a path for others to tread, and it is my hope that in his later work he manages this balance well.
From a philosophy point of view, I find myself wanting more from this piece. There are many terms that are not well-explored, and at various points in the text the terms are renamed. Definitions are not the most solid, making this less a philosophical text and more a modern, personal mythological text. Again, Mr Ford deserves credit for his work on this front, as developing a mythos requires much time and creativity.
From a Luciferian point of view, I find the constant references to Christianity tiring, and the elitism rather absurd. Ford’s presentation of his Luciferianism falls apart when we remove Christianity, for without it there is no Adversary, no Serpent in the Garden. Thus, his version of Luciferianism is dependent upon Christianity, especially as he openly draws from the Book of Enoch and biblical texts to flesh out his description of the Adversary.
References to Lucifer are likewise drawn from the Christian tradition, Lucifer ultimately being another Name of Power for the Deific Mask of the Adversary. Passing references are made to Lucifer from Roman texts, and much opportunity is missed by a failure to explore those connections and possible foundations for a non-Abrahamic mythos.
As to the elitism promoted by Ford: the numerous spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, the omissions of sections of sentences, this made it very difficult for me to enjoy the flow of the writing. It also, I fear, weakened what could have been an impressively creative experience. I hope that in future editions Mr Ford hires an editor to improve the text, and that in other titles he used an editor. Luciferianism deserves a crisp and lucid introduction, given the stereotypes it carries.
Overall, I gave it 2 of 5 stars because I think Ford’s message of individuals forging their own path deserves a star, and the example he gives of forging his own path and sharing his thoughts earns another star. If someone is new to ceremonial magick, this text may be a useful starting point.
Thank you, Mr Ford, for your bravery and example to us Luciferians. I appreciate your work and I look forward to reading more of it.
Michael W Ford deserves congratulations on constructing a neo-religious spiritual tradition that attempts to synthesize various cultural mythologies. I especially appreciate his revisioning of the Adversary and demonic to something workable by spiritual practitioners with a gothic aesthetic.
I think, perhaps, Mr Ford attempts too much with this book. It is part exposition on his system, and part ceremonial magick handbook, which in theory sounds good. However, the regular reassurance that a Luciferian need not practice ceremonial magick raises the question of inclusion of such material in a book that is ostensibly aimed at beginners.
I do appreciate that Mr Ford maintains the element of individuality throughout his work, as the theme is in keeping with his presentation of Luciferianism as an individualistic religion. It is a difficult balance to hold this position and present a path for others to tread, and it is my hope that in his later work he manages this balance well.
From a philosophy point of view, I find myself wanting more from this piece. There are many terms that are not well-explored, and at various points in the text the terms are renamed. Definitions are not the most solid, making this less a philosophical text and more a modern, personal mythological text. Again, Mr Ford deserves credit for his work on this front, as developing a mythos requires much time and creativity.
From a Luciferian point of view, I find the constant references to Christianity tiring, and the elitism rather absurd. Ford’s presentation of his Luciferianism falls apart when we remove Christianity, for without it there is no Adversary, no Serpent in the Garden. Thus, his version of Luciferianism is dependent upon Christianity, especially as he openly draws from the Book of Enoch and biblical texts to flesh out his description of the Adversary.
References to Lucifer are likewise drawn from the Christian tradition, Lucifer ultimately being another Name of Power for the Deific Mask of the Adversary. Passing references are made to Lucifer from Roman texts, and much opportunity is missed by a failure to explore those connections and possible foundations for a non-Abrahamic mythos.
As to the elitism promoted by Ford: the numerous spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, the omissions of sections of sentences, this made it very difficult for me to enjoy the flow of the writing. It also, I fear, weakened what could have been an impressively creative experience. I hope that in future editions Mr Ford hires an editor to improve the text, and that in other titles he used an editor. Luciferianism deserves a crisp and lucid introduction, given the stereotypes it carries.
Overall, I gave it 2 of 5 stars because I think Ford’s message of individuals forging their own path deserves a star, and the example he gives of forging his own path and sharing his thoughts earns another star. If someone is new to ceremonial magick, this text may be a useful starting point.
Thank you, Mr Ford, for your bravery and example to us Luciferians. I appreciate your work and I look forward to reading more of it.
March 30, 2024
The book is an amazing source if you want to start by the total basics of the philosophy and be encouraged to do magic, build a strong character with discipline and the courage to break the limiting habits and beliefs. It has details on those important steps and it encourages the individual to have a more independent way of thinking, aside from the masses (for which the author makes comparisons that help you comprehend the differences of those two ways of thinking and acting, as well the differences between this path of individuality and Christianity and Islam). All of those characteristics explained in synchronisity with Lucifer's character and story as a liberator of thought and a rebel with a cause. There are things to avoid making with reasoning. The author also puts the symbolism of the things you'll need for a ritual. He talks about the history of Christianity and Islam in a few pages before the end of the book and comments on them as religions, which I find great information and a good decision.
The only thing about the book I didn't like was that it has rituals in the end, but it doesn't say anything about the basics of magic (like doing protection before anything else). The rituals for the potentially new practitioner to honour deities and make vows to spirits they've probably never worked with before and have no idea what they're actually doing, are completely irrational and contradicting to the philosophy of no religions. One more thing it says is that you could do offerings to deities, but it doesn't talk about trickster spirits and how these offerings should be made. I'm not asking for much more information on these topics, as the book is mostly about the philosophy. A small paragraph with some facts and things to avoid about what it introduces to someone who is likely completely new to the world of magic would be good, though.
The only thing about the book I didn't like was that it has rituals in the end, but it doesn't say anything about the basics of magic (like doing protection before anything else). The rituals for the potentially new practitioner to honour deities and make vows to spirits they've probably never worked with before and have no idea what they're actually doing, are completely irrational and contradicting to the philosophy of no religions. One more thing it says is that you could do offerings to deities, but it doesn't talk about trickster spirits and how these offerings should be made. I'm not asking for much more information on these topics, as the book is mostly about the philosophy. A small paragraph with some facts and things to avoid about what it introduces to someone who is likely completely new to the world of magic would be good, though.
December 31, 2021
Michael W. Ford’s Apotheosis is an updated version of “Wisdom of Eosphorus” and an awesome way to start out on the Luciferian path and the Left Hand Path. Over the years, my Left Hand Path wisdom became more eclectic; thanks to Thomas LeRoy, Lisa Corrine, Mr. Ford, etc. I found this Infernal Text was Sublime and I enjoyed it very much. I will do more reading if I can in the years to come, and maybe read more books during that year and beyond. I give this book; 5 Sigil of Baphomets because of the “no holds barred” explanation on he explains Luciferianism and the Left Hand Path in his own way.
Arigatou, Mr. Ford! So it is Done!
Arigatou, Mr. Ford! So it is Done!
September 2, 2022
Book seems to have been written by two people. The first half is hard going with a lot of grammatical errors and extremely poorly written sentences and paragraphs. One could almost be forgiven for assuming the author was under the influence of some substance.
However, the second half is well written and holds some good information and is worth reading.
Overall a good book if you have the knowledge to be able to read between the dribble and ascertain the required information. I do question this as a book for beginners due to how poorly written the entire section on Luciferian philosophy is though.
However, the second half is well written and holds some good information and is worth reading.
Overall a good book if you have the knowledge to be able to read between the dribble and ascertain the required information. I do question this as a book for beginners due to how poorly written the entire section on Luciferian philosophy is though.
March 16, 2024
This was recommended by my occult mentor. Michael's style is very dry and to the point, and you could definitely accuse him of being edgy and very self-centered, but to me his style and what he conveyed in this book has its own time and place. He actually does his research pretty well, and he explains the details of what LHP is about with great success. It's a nice primer for a newcomer, although I don't know if I would see this is as a definite guide. After all, in occult works you have to carve your own way in it.
April 11, 2022
Fascinating and educational
This is a must-read for anyone even interested in Luciferianism! As a former fundamentalist Christian-turned-pagan, the education value of this book alone is worth the price. It would do people of all dualistic faiths well to read something as wonderfully put together as this!
This is a must-read for anyone even interested in Luciferianism! As a former fundamentalist Christian-turned-pagan, the education value of this book alone is worth the price. It would do people of all dualistic faiths well to read something as wonderfully put together as this!
March 1, 2020
I just finished reading this book. It's very nice. As a beginner you should focus on Will Desire and Belief.
August 18, 2020
I'm still reading this book- but this book shows up twice on my "currently reading" list.
October 7, 2020
An informative book with lots of information for beginners on the subject. Would recommend to those just starting out or who simply have an interest in understanding the basic principles.
October 28, 2021
Self-plagiarism?
August 12, 2022
Buen libro para empezar a buscar información, pero no para trabajar.
February 25, 2024
Amazing
Easy to follow and very informative. Great for anyone looking for more information on Luciferianism and the Left Hand Pathways. An awesome addition to any LHP collection!
Easy to follow and very informative. Great for anyone looking for more information on Luciferianism and the Left Hand Pathways. An awesome addition to any LHP collection!
February 17, 2023
This review is a significantly better written review of what I thought than I care to waste my time composing: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 25, 2022
Really fantastic overview of Luciferianism and how to begin practicing left-hand path magick. As someone who's new to this area of spirituality, I found it to be a really straightforward and practical guide to get started with ritual and personal self-development using the principles and guidelines of the Luciferian philosophy.
Even if you're not interested in pursuing Luciferianism or the left-hand path in your spiritual/magic(k)al practice, it still gives some really helpful and insightful knowledge on the art of ritual, magick, the occult and spiritual self-development that any magically-inclined individual will find useful. Definitely recommended.
Even if you're not interested in pursuing Luciferianism or the left-hand path in your spiritual/magic(k)al practice, it still gives some really helpful and insightful knowledge on the art of ritual, magick, the occult and spiritual self-development that any magically-inclined individual will find useful. Definitely recommended.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews