The Fire and the Wine course delves into the historical origins, ideologies, and ritual magic and devotional practices of Satanism, Luciferianism, and the Left Hand Path. Led by Shea Bilé—author, instructor, and devotee of the Left Hand Path for over 25 years—this course provides an in-depth and unparalleled journey into an entire domain of mystical praxes oft-misunderstood and hitherto granted an incomplete story. Shea Bilé’s The Fire and the Wine delivers a comprehensive and intimate exploration of the Left Hand Path—a spiritual path forged upon a crucible of radical devotion, transgression, and freedom. By the end of this course, students will have a clear and informed vision for pursuing their own path of spiritual evolution and apotheosis within the emancipatory spiritual and philosophical frameworks of the Left Hand Path.
Weeks 1-6 (History): The Devil’s Path: The Origins and History of the Left Hand Path
In these lectures, Shea Bilé delivers a comprehensive primer on the origins and history of Satanism, Luciferianism, and the Left Hand Path. Beginning with the devotional antinomianism of Vāmācāra, Bilé delves into the ancient origins of Khthonic figures and their evolution throughout history – from the earliest iconographical representations of chaos, malevolence, and discord, to the development of the revisioned demonic archetypes that serve as the bedrock for contemporary Left Hand Path devotional practice.
Bilé also examines the key historical, esoteric, and literary figures who have influenced the Left Hand Path. These scarcely-known, radically emboldened men and women throughout history cast their lot with the Other Side, profoundly shaping Left Hand Path esotericism today. Their lessons sustain, delivering us reflections on humanity, fragility, self-overcoming, and power.
Shea Bilé then explores the history of modern religious Satanism, Luciferianism, and the Left Hand Path to unravel its present-day manifestations (e.g., Temple of Set, Church of Satan, Satanic Temple, Gnostic Satanism/Luciferianism, Anti-Cosmic Satanism, Dragon Rouge, and others). He also sheds light on his personal religious praxis, a self-styled and independent religious path of devotion, freedom, and transgression.
Weeks 7-12 (Philosophy): The Devil’s Way: The Ideologies of the Left Hand Path
In these lectures, Shea Bilé delivers a comprehensive primer on the origins and history of Satanic, Luciferian, and Left Hand Path ideology. He explores the journey from ancient Eastern devotional antinomianism and divine individuation to the formative Western philosophies behind religious nihilism and apotheosis/self-godhood, culminating in the modern conceptions of the “Black Flame” – rational self-interest and spiritual egoism housed within an etiology and ontology of the spirit.
Furthermore, Bilé expands on the concepts explored in Friedrich Nietzsche and the Left Hand Path, offering a deeper examination of the ideological foundations of contemporary Left Hand Path practice. He also presents an in-depth discourse on the ideologies, laws, codes, and ethical principles that shape both historical and modern expressions of Left Hand Path thought.
What emerges is a clear vision of a living philosophy that acknowledges the tragedy and fragility of humanity while offering a blueprint for embracing it, prevailing over its challenges, and ultimately attaining a self-overcoming and apotheosis.
Weeks 13-18 (Ritual Practice and Devotion): The Devil’s Rites: Ritual Practice and Devotion Within the Left Hand Path
Shea Bilé delivers a comprehensive primer on Satanic, Luciferian, and Left Hand Path ritual practice and devotion. From ancient Khthonic gods and goddesses of chaos, malevolence, and power, to the oft-persecuted daemons of the Goetic tradition, to the Devil as conceived across Europe and around the world throughout history, these deities and divine figures of power will be elucidated with earnest faith and honest adoration. The ritual praxes associated with these gods, spirits, and their traditions will be thoroughly explored.
Shea Bilé’s own self-styled spiritual praxis will also be presented in a highly detailed and visceral narrative, providing an intimate glimpse into a living demonolatry/diabolatry tradition. A Left Hand Path religious praxis developed over the course of over two decades of impassioned devotion.
The Fire and the Wine Students will learn how to integrate these spiritual technologies into their daily lives, fostering a transgressive and emboldened ritual practice purified and fortified by the liberating spiritual frameworks of the Left Hand Path.
