How to Use the Crystal Tablet of Set

The Jeweled Tablets of Set

The defining documents of the Temple of Set are generally contained in a standing set
of books collectively entitled the Jeweled Tablets of Set (named in honor of the mythical
Emerald Tablet of Thoth, reputedly the repository of all initiatory wisdom). The individual
Jeweled Tablets are:
The Crystal Tablet of Set
The basic reference document for the Temple of Set, provided to all Setians I
upon their admission to the Temple, but equally important to Setians of all
degrees as an ongoing source of information. Think of it as the backbone
Tablet and a general handbook for the Temple of Set.
The Ruby Tablet of Set
Available to Adepts II+ of the Temple of Set. This is a collection of magical,
philosophical, and initiatory writings by Setians of all degrees. Think of it as the
Temple of Sets encyclopdia.
The Onyx Tablet of Set
Provided to all Priests & Priestesses of Set III upon their ordination. It
contains both definitive and speculative documents specifically concerning the
Priesthood of Set.
The Sapphire Tablet of Set
Available to Masters of the Temple IV+. It contains both definitive and
speculative documents specifically concerning the Magistry.
The Amethyst Tablet of Set
An appendix to the Sapphire Tablet pertaining specifically to the V.
The Topaz Tablet of Set
An appendix to the Sapphire Tablet pertaining specifically to the VI.
The Crystal Tablet of Set
Note that the Index file is a Table of Contents, divided into Standing and
Varying documents.
The Standing documents are those which define the Temple of Set, and can be
expected either not to change or to change infrequently.
The Varying documents are routinely and regularly updated. Because these include
key contact information within the Temple, it is important that you take reasonable care to
update your copies of them periodically. This is most easily done by downloading them
from the Temple of Sets private Intranet, about which you will read more in the CT. If
you have a computer but no Internet access, you can request one of these updated CDs
from the Executive Director yearly. For availability of printout updates, contact the
Executive Director.
Begin your reading of the CT with Black Magic, which discusses the general
premises defining the Temple of Set and its initiatory system. Consider BM as a point of
departure for your personal initiatory adventure, not a doctrinal document which you
are expected to believe/quote/recite/obey without thought or question. It will teach you the
language of Setian initiation, however: the terms, concepts, and processes by which
Setians find a common ground for their interaction.
BM will also introduce you to the concept of V Words, a collection of which follows
in the CT.
The Varying documents should all be self-explanatory. Generally these are ways
for you to put the Temple of Sets machinery to use in your personal initiation (which is
presumably why youre here!). Remember that each of these documents represents an
opportunity for you; it is not an end-product in itself. It can do nothing unless you use it
as it is designed to be. (Hint: read Protocol before attending a Temple of Set gathering or
signing on to one of the mailing lists.)
Above all, treat the CT as a working reference for yourself, not as something to be
read once, then relegated to your bookshelf. Put it, and its frequent updates, to use for
you. Thats what its there to be, and its present contents represent the wisdom and efforts
of many Setians over all of the years since the Temples 1975 founding. Very possibly you
will also participate in improving it for future Setians.
Electronic Format
The first Jeweled Tablets were run off on photocopy machines or printing presses
and mailed to Setians. This was a slow, laborious, and mechanically-intensive procedure.
As the Tablets grew in size, and as updates became more frequent, costs also increased
dramatically. A printed Ruby Tablet occupied several large binders and cost the Adept a
great deal of moneyfor paper and for postageeven on a nonprofit basis.
The Temples initial response to this challenge was to place the Tablets on the Temple
of Set Intranet for selective download, reading, and printing by Initiates.
In 2003 the Temple began to introduce JTs on CD-R, for ease of reference without
Internet/Intranet access. The advantage is that its all there on a disk, which you can use
with any computer and print at your convenience. The disadvantage is that it will become
outdated, and very quickly so in the case of the ever-updating CT.
As new technologies become available the Temple will continue to seek the most
efficient, inexpensive and accessible methods for distribution of its publications.
- 2 -