Left-hand path and right-hand path

In Western esotericism, left-hand path and right-hand path are two opposing approaches to magic. This terminology is used by various groups involved in the occult and ceremonial magic. In some definitions, the left-hand path is equated with malicious black magic, while the right-hand path is equated with benevolent white magic. Other occultists have criticised this definition, believing that the left–right dichotomy refers merely to different kinds of working and does not necessarily connote good or bad magical actions. Other practitioners state the difference between the two is that the desired outcome of the right is to be beside God and to serve him, while the left believe in self-deification and bow to no one.

This article is about the concept in Western esotericism. For the concept in Hinduism, see Vamachara and Dakṣiṇācāra.
"Left-Hand Path" redirects here. For other uses, see Left-Hand Path (disambiguation).

More recent definitions are based on the Indian use of the terms in tantra: the right-hand path (RHP, or dakṣiṇācāra), is seen as a definition for those magical groups that follow specific ethical codes and adopt social convention, while the left-hand path (LHP, or vamamarga) adopts the opposite attitude, espousing the breaking of taboo and the abandoning of set morality. Some contemporary occultists, such as Peter J. Carroll, have stressed that both paths can be followed by a magical practitioner, as essentially they have the same goals.

The godhood self sought by left-hand path followers is represented by the qliphah Thaumiel in the Tree of Knowledge.

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