"Why settle for the mundane, when stretching before you is the freedom of choice ?"
I read this phrase, written by a person greatly respected by me, over a decade ago. Not only did I completely agree with it, it is also part of an essay that has been in the back of my mind all my life since.
Although I am not a phenomenal artist myself, I do attempt to sculpt with clay and make masks and casts. For my own enjoyment, not competition. I envy talended visual artists, as I do not feel I was born with a gift for drawing or painting. Still, even for those with the gift, it is also a skill which must be developed, and I do regularly work on it while being aware that I am currently not really close to filling a prestigious gallery.
I also write, though I rarely publish - some of my writings can be seen in Lust Magazine, an e-zine which can be visited here : www.sataniclust.com. Some poems of when I was younger were published in a monthly magazine, but I was not paid for them, so I am not sure if that really counts for much (I do not get paid for Lust contributions either, by the way - that is a labour of love).
I did enjoy finding some of my schooltime scribblings again when I was going through old courses and school papers recently. I decided to keep them, not because of their high quality, but simply out of nostalgia.
My artistic (ahem) forte seems to be music. I used to play electric guitar, and was called a "natural talent" by a more experienced fellow guitarist. I have taken up the violin some time ago, but I cannot say that I practice enough. Other pursuits take up my time for the moment, and I only occasionally set aside a few hours for practicing this wonderful instrument. I do, however, set time aside to listen to quality music - mostly classical, modern classical or minimalistic.
I do like the language phenomenon, and I find that a lot of my sense of humor depends on the creative use of language. Slapstick is not really my thing, but absurdity and surreality can be. I am Belgian, after all...
I can immensely enjoy the company of friends, new and old, though I often have a need for some solitude as well. Nocturnal conversations or discussions are the best, especially after an evening of dining or other relaxing pursuits.
About the only intense physical activity, besides sex, that I can greatly enjoy, is martial arts. To be more precise, Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. This is really the martial art for me; and I say this after having tried Jiu-Jitsu, and having dabbled very briefly in Karate (don't ask me which school), Tae Kwon Do, and Aikido (again, I do not remember the exact school or style).
I have a fascinaton for bodies and faces, and I can sit mesmerized watching dancers perform. Do go and see any performance by Wim Vandekeybus and Ultima Vez if you have the chance. If you have any soul inside you, you will not regret it.
Likewise, I can really admire a well-sculpted body or other excellent depiction of the human form.
I recently formed the opinion that female bodies are made for dancing, while male bodies are for martial arts. Crossing over is allowed.
I am member of both the Church of Satan and the Temple of the Vampire .
Satanism has been called, by its founder Dr. Anton LaVey, "a religion of the mundane". Satanists do not count on an afterlife, but instead live their life to the fullest here and now. Responsibly. Relentlessly. The mundane is rarely done on autopilot, Satanists tend to naturally strive for excellence, whether they are discussing politics or mixing a martini.
But beyond the mundane lies the magical, and even though Satanism can be called a religion of the mundane, it is also a religion of the magical.
I happened upon Satanism in my teenage years, discovering the Satanic Bible, and various wannabe spin-offs, as a result of an interest in both sex and magic. And let's be fair, sex and magic are possibly the prime motivators for many people to join alternative religions. Whether the "magical" be spiritual trance states, or tangible real-world results. I'll take the real-world results anytime.
I discovered Vampirism almost simultaneously with Satanism. Almost, but not entirely : a person that I discussed Satanism with correctly suspected that I would be interested in the Temple of the Vampire. I was, and I could not wait to join the Temple and become an Active Member - something I did now more than ten years ago. I cannot even begin to estimate the value that Vampirism and the Temple have added to my life. Why settle for the mundane, indeed.
This profile will likely be updated from time to time, but do not be shy if there is anything you would like to ask me. But on the other hand, please do not waste my time either.
I am a Vampire.
I am a loyal Member of the Temple of the Vampire.
There are many people and groups that call themselves “vampire†but these are merely blood drinkers or “energy†drinkers.
From the Dayside We view blood drinkers as self-deluded at best and mentally unbalanced at worst. Crime is commonly associated with such cannibalistic practices and is therefore rejected by Us since crime is a confession of personal weakness.
From the Nightside We view “energy†drinkers as incomplete. True Nightside Vampirism requires the completion of the Lifeforce Circuit with the Advanced Members of the Temple Family. Anything less is meaningless and ephemeral in its value.
We are unique.
Ours is the only true Vampire religion in the world, and the Temple of the Vampire remains the only authorized public access to Our religion. www.vampiretemple.com is the only authorized Temple internet connection.
We do not recognize any other person or organization claiming to be Vampire.
Do not be fooled.
Copyright © 2007 Temple of the Vampire
