FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
The Temple of Chrysalis and the basics
We prefer the term “occult philosophical system of thought”, “esoteric order”, or, just movement. Though there are features resembling religion, the Temple of Chrysalis has no gods and is not dogma-dependent. You can profess any faith and still be a Chrysalid. However, as there are traits that strongly resemble a religion, we have thought about registering.
The book about the Temple of Chrysalis is estimated to be published on October 2022.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for third-party sources of information, there is a book “Oudot Tyypit” by Jarno Alastalo, including a long interview of Luminary Blackthorn.
And, the GCM Podcast features Luminary talking about what does the Temple of Chrysalis have in common with modern games.
We are Chrysalids.
Luminary Blackthorn has both created the system and founded the order.
The Principles
We worship the Chrysalis and the Imago, both of which are self-originating powers and inner divinities.
The Chrysalis is the past, present, and future of your self, whereas the Imago always refers to a greater self. These different aspects of your inner divinity you can worship in whatever way you see fit.
The Chrysalis and the Imago are comfortable objects of worship in that, originating from yourself, they incorporate any other possible deities, atheism, or agnosticism—whatever you prefer.
We also show respect to the kaleidoscopes: the six main aspects of life that can be seen as entities that are born from you.
Because without the path there is no outcome. Without the drama, there is no catharsis. “Oedipus killed his father and married his mother” is a fine and exemplary summarization, but even more fascinating is the question of what things led to this outcome. When you learn to predict and control your path, you can influence the outcome.
There is no perfection, and imperfection is perfection.
Reality shaping is affecting one’s own or others’ reality by means whose working mechanisms are not yet precisely known. It is shaping oneself or one’s environment by means of thoughts and methods augmenting the influence of thoughts. Reality shaping is magic and manifestation, but also concrete actions and psychophysical reactions.
We approach fascinating phenomena from various angles. The approach depends on the Chrysalid’s preferences and philosophy of life as well as their ability to examine things from different perspectives. The same goes for magic, for example. Because it can be studied just as spiritually or as scientifically as the individual wishes, rituals are possible for both the Chrysalid zealot and the more atheistic Chrysalid.
You can. We anyway prefer to talk about reality shaping, as that allows a broader range of interpretations for how we… well. Shape reality.
However, be prepared that the majority of Chrysalids are witches and that there will be talk about magic.
No. It is a common misconception that you should constantly chase feverishly after change and self-improvement.
A Chrysalid can stop and remain in the state that feels the best for them and where they feel like their ideal self, until they feel the need for something else. If the place in life and the Imago you have achieved are enough for you, that’s awesome! Change, after all, can be precisely not consciously seeking change anymore.
In other words, a Chrysalid masters an awareness of when they must change their circumstances and when not. They minimize the pain brought about by change, and fluidly build for themselves a world in which they can enjoy their life.
Imagine (in a very, VERY simplified way), that suffering is hunger, Chrysalis is nourishment, and the Imago is satiety. If you’re hungry, you need nourishment. If your hunger is small, there’s no need for you to rush headlong for massive buffets, but a small snack will do fine. Or, you might even pass on the snack and let your body rest in other ways to get over the hunger. But once the hunger grows too great, you’ll have to nourish yourself. What you eat and how affects the outcome. If you don’t eat, you’ll quietly waste away in time. But with appropriate nourishment, tailored to your needs, you will be sated. Satiety does not mean you wouldn’t experience hunger again some day—and the point is to see to it that you don’t fall off the cliff in your hunger. And even if you do fall, through Chrysalis, you’ll have better tools to lift yourself back on your feet.
So Chrysalis is not merely improving or bettering oneself. Chrysalis is being able to transform dissatisfaction into satisfaction. It is understanding that the limits you have been told to have are much more flexible than you realize.
Way to go, Buddha! It’s perfectly okay if it’s what gives you peace! it is important that you create exactly what you want out of your life. If the Buddha’s teachings resonate and are really and truly what you want, go for it. Whether your guide is the Buddha, Jesus, Tesla, the Spaghetti Monster, or the Luminary, the most important is to learn to discern what you yourself want and what is good for you. Except of course if it is good for you not to think about yourself at all, but to always strive for what is best for others. Here you go, paradox of the day.
Cool. And we are Chrysalids. A holy book is a terribly inefficient argument to a person who doesn’t follow the book’s religion.
Chrysoteria and payments
Temple of Chrysalis is the whole system that everything is built around. Chrysoteria is a monthly membership -based part of the website where The Temple shares monthly articles, videos and audio related to the Temple.
The full membership of the Temple requires a trial and application. Chrysoteria is open for anyone to join. Temple of Chrysalis does NOT cost. Chrysoteria does, like any service.
Temple of Chrysalis is not commercial, whereas Chrysoteria is a service. Chrysoteria is an additional part of the Temple, and even though it is considered being one of the best parts of the Temple, and the brutal fact is that those who are part of it tend to be more motivated and successfull, you are not obligated to join Chrysoteria.
Yes and no. Initiated members can get it for free. The Temple is a movement, and Chrysoteria is something that makes it possible that the movement grows faster. Because of Chrysoteria, Blackthorn can fully dedicate to the Temple of Chrysalis, developing it, growing it and serving it. She can do it also without any assistance from the community, but it’s much more effective to work a full day for the Temple than try to spare a couple hours per week to do everything.
Most likely because we take good care of those who devote and we make sure they get the extra attention that they deserve: we host live streams, voice calls, VIP chats, and more. A person who is in Chrysoteria knows much more about the system and has more topics to talk about. Chrysoteria builds the community.
And, it could simply be that Chrysoterian members have more fun. They get more content that most people came here for.
They get more – they give more. And we appreciate it.
Membership
A Chrysalid you are already, in case the ideology resonates. Wonderful! Welcome!
However, a Chrysalid is simply a follower of the Temple of Chrysalis ideology. But, not a member.
If you wish to join the inner circle and the Temple proper, you are to first declare your willingness to join by sending an application. You will then get more instructions on how to proceed. When your application and pre-task has been accepted, you become a Pre-Telea. This is followed by a trial. Once you have been initiated, your title is at first Neo-Telea, then Telea. Then, you can start gaining higher degrees and title.
Initiation into the Temple of Chrysalis is possible for a Chrysalid that accepts the Edict and has proven worthy of the Temple on their trial period. The trial period lasts for two years, or until you have with your actions, your reliability, and your loyalty demonstrated that you belong in the Temple of Chrysalis.
A Telea (initiated member) must…
- …Be over 18 years old and of sufficient maturity to understand that this is intended to be a life-long commitment, and any decision to leave must be brought formally to the Luminary and Pantheon.
- …Be of sound enough mind and to have the legal capacity to fully participate in ritual and Temple activities. The responsibility of understanding one’s boundaries belongs solely to the Telea themself. (This does not exclude anyone with mental health issues, but one must be aware of their own limitations.)
- …Follow the hierarchy of the Temple, and offer the expected level of respect and honor due to all the other higher hierarchy levels and higher degree Teleas.
- …Be prepared to commit a certain amount of resources to the Temple. This includes studying the Tenets of the Temple, learning the Temple’s esoteric knowledge, as well as a commitment of time and sometimes financial assistance.* Participation in events and rituals is an expected part of the role of Telea.
- …Understand that not all knowledge and responsibility will be given to them quickly. This must be earned and will take time. No title will be given based on the likability of a Telea, if the skills and devotion are not a match.
- …Never bring shame to the Temple and their own role in it by publicly shaming the core pillars of the Temple – such as shaping the reality with one’s mind – in an impolite way. Any such needs for questioning the core ideology of the Temple are dealt with inside the order and will not be taken lightly.
- …Make sure that their beloved-ones have a positive and accepting attitude towards the Temple so that they do not end up becoming an obstacle for participation.
- …Understand that after the First Degree, more Degrees will follow only if the Telea has proven worthy.
…Agree with the core pillars of the Temple.
* At no point will ToC demand for money, but there is an expectation that some things will have to be sometimes paid for, such as Chrysoteria membership and any official Temple events.
…Understand the high meaning of their title and appreciate it.
…Aim for progress, exploring the tools given to them.
…Participate in Temple activities.
…Be a role model for new members and act according to Telea’s rank, title, and degree.
…Act as an ambassador of the Temple.
…Be willing to support and nurture new members of the Temple.
…Understand the controversial nature of the Temple and that this nature might at times be seen in rituals in acts such as but not limited to fasting, sexuality, or the use of blood. Consent will be asked.
…Understand the hedonistic nature of the Temple.
…Continue to learn and study the ToC’s writings and always aim to be one step ahead of those who are not initiated.
…Help publicize the Temple, and “spread the word”.
…Help with the recruitment process.
…Understand that nobody else is responsible for someone else’s progress. The Temple will offer support and will help to pull a fallen Telea back up. Yet, after a certain point, a Telea who always expects to get everything on a golden plate without any contribution nor aim to do something about their own situation will no longer get the additional attention of the managing organ. (“The larva can be offered food, but it must make the decision to begin the Chrysalis.”)
No.
You answer for the possible expenses of your initiation, such as your travel expenses, yourself. And, if an event demands a participation fee, then you naturally pay your own ticket.
Other than that, you do not have to pay anything. A Chrysoteria membership is appreciated, but a Telea has the right to get the access to the information, no matter what their socioeconomic situation is. This means that an initiated member gets even Chrysoteria for free.
So no. Membership itself does not cost. You can be a member without ever having to pay a penny.
No. We don’t collect taxes or member fee or such.
If the Temple or its members offer services, program, events or content, then you would pay just as you pay about anything in your normal life. But you are not forced to participate.
No. We protect the members’ identity for example by using a Temple name. When we take group photos, we always take also a version in which people cover their faces with a black scarf.
Some roles may demand you to reveal your membership in public. But as a basic member, you do not need to come out of the cult closet.
No.
Naturally some investment is required if you really want to belong. Just like just about anything you plan to do properly in your life. You can’t join a football team and show your face once a year.
But your family will stay – unless YOU realize that you want something else.
Your friend stays – unless YOU have a reason to cut them from your life.
Your job stays – unless YOU find something better. The only reason these changes would happen is if you yourself realize something in your current life sucks. Yes, as we drive change and give people a lot to think about, many will end up executing a holistic life change. But you will never be told to give up the basics of life. You are the key.
You also don’t have to move to the Temple. We are a lucky order in that our leader is a typical Finnish person who enjoys her alone-time and space and would not be willing to stand anyone’s face at her corners for too long.
This depends largely on yourself. In the capital region in Finland, we aim to meet monthly, but nothing stands in the way of meeting more often. A rendezvous between two people can be agreed between two people, whereas the group assembles when someone takes the initiative and others agree to it.
So, you must get your own butt up and show up. But that is something you surely have already understood if you desire to be a Chrysalid.
On our Discord server, we host voice call sessions and in Chrysoteria, even live streams.
Almost monthly. Some of them are only for the First Circle (the inner circle), some also for the Second Circle and the Third Circle. And, at times, we host open gatherings.
ABOUT CORONA: Due to the Covid-19 situation, right now we unfortunately can’t host events as often as we usually do.
First and foremost, it must be emphasized that the Temple of Chrysalis is, in the end, always based on a mutual admiration and recognition between two people. However, since this kind of group calls for organization, the Temple has its own structure. In this structure, one can advance all the way up to high priest at the pace of the person’s actions, proactivity, and things done for the Temple being noted. At the quickest, a Pre-Telea can gain their first title after about 2,5 years, whereas the title of Archon is never asked for—it is given.
Although we fully allow each Chrysalid the pleasure of enjoying their status within the Temple, it is always important to remember that a person granted a status is expected to use it well and carry out the corresponding duties.
Any title must be earned.
You cannot.
Unless Luminary decides otherwise. 🙂
In principle, though, we do not take free riders. It is quite possible for you to get familiar with the activities from the role of Chrysalid or Diatrefusa, and then make the decision on whether you want more. If you do, you are truly warmly welcome!
A Telea, i.e. an initiated member, is an official member of the Temple of Chrysalis. Telea has gone through a trial period and has proven to be a member of the brotherhood. This produces a well-deserved appreciation from the entire Temple and every circle, including the uninitiated.
A Telea will have the right to participate in all Temple events. Also closed events.
A Telea becomes part of the Temple family. We make take care of our own.
A Telea has the possibility to gain rank and title.
The Temple’s esoteric information opens for a Telea, depending on their degree.
If a Telea wishes so, they can get face-to-face coaching on their own path.
Initiated members have their own private discussion area.
It is a matter of honor that the members help each other. If you’re missing something, be it a babysitter, renovation assistance, the missing amount of rent, or even a comforter during a bad day, your comrades rush to help.
A Telea receives a discount or free admission to events.
A Telea has the right to request Chrysoteria for free. They can also pay for it if he wants to, but he doesn’t have to.
The Temple offers a family seeking to ensure its members a safe haven, in which no Chrysalid gets condemned for their dreams or their thirst for something greater. The Temple offers its members activities in the forms of collective rituals, tutorials, and get-togethers. The purpose of these activities is to support each individual’s Chrysalis and provide a platform for discussion, where it is safe to break societal taboos.
The Temple must take good care of each other. Chrysalids must share knowledge of their spiritual insights and help each other forward. The Temple wishes to show its support by encouraging every member to help other members. After all, in the end, everyone has independent responsibility for their own wellbeing, their change, and their happiness. The Temple of Chrysalis merely offers tools.
What can you offer to the Temple of Chrysalis?
Yes and no. We have many traits of a cult, but not the malicious ones. So, if you think cult is only a bad thing, then probably you would not classify us as a cult. However, it’s better to dive to the deep end, you know? Extraordinary, perhaps a bit weird spiritual or occult movements are very fast labeled as cults. To us, it’s an easy solution to just lift our hands up in the air and say “Yeah, sure, whatever.”
BUT. There are reasons why you may hear us using the word.
More precisely, it might be specified that cult as a term is 10% trolling, 10% escapism, 10% filtering out the wrong kinds of people—and 70% really an actual cult.
The term “cult” is in use partly in order to set certain expectations for communality, structure, and esotericism. We don’t want people who’ll be the first to spook out if everything isn’t universal love, but if we desire, for instance, to also discuss harnessing the darker sides of a human being. 
We want to be able to examine things in a non-black-and-white way, from different angles.
On the other hand, the word cult also aims for parodic humor. Such as, say, cracking jokes about brainwashing. Humor is important to us!
The 10% escapism? Sometimes escapism, throwing oneself in, theatricality, and taking on roles can benefit a person not used to for example performing rituals. We observed that for instance taking on a role greatly helps a less experienced cultist to get in. But just to be clear: This is NOT a LARP.
Different definitions for a cult are many nowadays. Depending on the definition, Chrysalis either meets or doesn’t meet the definition of a cult, or meets it partially. Here is for example a somewhat stricter listing, in which Chrysalis doesn’t tick all the boxes:
No.
The definition of a cult is not in itself synonymous with evil. There has just often been a negative connotation to cults.
Occasionally, any spiritual group with one leader and some kind of inside knowledge or other typical structures may be branded as a cult. These as such do not make a community in any way evil.
There is no perfection, and imperfection is perfection.
Yes. Just like a company has different roles and titles as well as opportunities for advancement, the Temple of Chrysalis has designations too. A designation can be earned either by performing various tasks preparatory to the duties required by the title, or by simply earning the title by proving to meet its requirements already
Yes! Our order is led by the Luminary. She has founded Chrysalis and also functions as the primary operator behind the Temple.
Hell no.
The Luminary is, after all, rather an internal “public figure” and driving force for the order than an object of worship.
In some situations, respect can be shown according to the label, for example, by bowing or kneeling. Some perform the gesture less, while others perform vigorously even to their knees. It’s up to the individual. In addition, these situations most often involve official ceremonies, such as opening greetings. When chrysalids spend time, Luminaire is among others as an equal person.
In some ritual situations or celebrations, worship-like activities can sometimes happen organically. These situations, in which for example a number of Chrysalids unexpectedly bow in front of the Luminary, are entirely born within the chrysalids. No “worship” that targets a person has ever been demanded or solicited. Every situation where you have seen someone perform worship activities comes from the chrysalid themselves.
“Worship” can even cause feelings of awkwardness. Therefore, part of the etiquette is also that for a particularly far-reaching tribute, it is polite to ask permission first. For example, kissing one’s feet without consent could cause more uncomfortability than a feeling of superiority.
We consider ourselves a socially positive cult. This means that we don’t abuse people. We understand that the term “cult” has a really negative connotation. We also realize that due to some horrible things that some cults have done in the past, also those cults that are not harmful may cause worries.
- We do not abuse people
- We do not steal people’s money
- We do not do criminal things
- We do not require our members to live in any specific country
- We do not isolate our members
- We do not make our members go on a special diet
- We do not launder money
- We are not a suicide cult – there is no use in a cult without cultists.
Then how are we a cult?
Here are some definitions of a cult:
- “A group whose beliefs and practices are considered socially deviant” → Yes.
- “Independence and separateness from other religions (in contrast to a sect)” → Yes.
- “Membership is voluntary, selective, and often centered around a leader” → Yes. Chrysalis is based a lot on a personal brand.
- “Personal religious experience” → Yes.
- “Essentiality of mysticism and unmediated spiritual experience” → Occasionally.
- “Lacking strict dogma” → Yes and no.
Based on some definitions, we would not be a cult. Yet based on some, we would be. But what we are not is a suicidal or malicious cult.
We assure you, we are not here to harm you or your beloved ones. If you would be okay with a witch coven or a company that has a hierarchy, you should have nothing to worry about when it comes to us.
If you have any questions, we’d be happy to answer them. However, we do not answer to aggressive or harassing messages, nor threats
