Thetan
The True Spiritual Self
Spiritual Entity
Place of Origin: United States
Origin Date: Founded in the 1950s with the establishment of Scientology
Domain: Spiritual existence, consciousness.
Symbols: The Church of Scientology's logo and the eight-pointed cross.
Attributes: Immortality, creativity, consciousness.
Epithets: None specific.
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents in other religions, but concepts of the soul or spirit in other faiths might be loosely comparable.
Religion: Scientology
Sacred Texts: Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, The Fundamentals of Thought, Advanced Procedure and Axioms, among other writings by L. Ron Hubbard.
Iconography: Thetan itself is not visually depicted, but Scientology symbols and artwork represent the faith's concepts.
Religion: Scientology
Description
In Scientology, the thetan is the immortal spiritual being that is the true essence of an individual. Thetans are believed to be the source of life and creativity, having existed for countless eons and undergone numerous reincarnations. They are considered to be separate from the physical body and the mind.
Narratives
The Origin of Thetans
Thetans are considered immortal spiritual beings in Scientology, similar to the concept of the soul. According to Scientology teachings, Thetans have existed for trillions of years and are the true essence of individuals. They are not bound by physical form and have the ability to create and influence the physical universe.
The Story of Xenu
One of the most well-known stories involving Thetans is the story of Xenu, a galactic overlord. According to Scientology's secret "Advanced Technology" teachings, Xenu was the ruler of the Galactic Confederacy 75 million years ago. To solve overpopulation, Xenu transported billions of his people to Earth (then known as Teegeeack) in spacecraft resembling DC-8s. He stacked them around volcanoes and killed them with hydrogen bombs. The Thetans of these beings were then captured and subjected to a "R6 implant," which caused them to adhere to humans and cause spiritual harm.
The Wall of Fire
The traumatic memories associated with the events of Xenu are known as the "Wall of Fire" or "Incident II." These memories are believed to cause spiritual harm to individuals and are addressed through Scientology's auditing process. The goal is to help individuals confront and overcome these past traumas to achieve spiritual freedom.
The Role of Thetans in Human Life
In Scientology, it is believed that Thetans are the true self of individuals and are responsible for their thoughts, actions, and experiences. Thetans are considered to be the source of life and creativity. Through the process of auditing, Scientologists aim to clear their Thetans of negative influences and achieve a state of "Clear," where they are free from the effects of past traumas.
Operating Thetan Levels
After achieving the state of Clear, Scientologists can progress to the Operating Thetan (OT) levels. These levels involve advanced spiritual training and practices designed to enhance the abilities of Thetans. The ultimate goal is to achieve the state of Operating Thetan, where individuals can fully express their spiritual potential and operate independently of their physical bodies.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Thetan in Scientology
Thetan is a central concept in Scientology, representing the true spiritual self of an individual. It is akin to the soul or spirit found in other religious traditions but is unique in its attributes and significance within Scientology.
Core Beliefs
Immortal Spiritual Being: Thetan is considered an immortal spiritual being, the essence of the individual. It is the true self that exists independently of the physical body and mind. Thetans are believed to have existed for trillions of years, having lived countless lifetimes.
Source of Life and Creation: Thetans are seen as the source of all life and creation. They possess immense creative abilities and are responsible for the creation of the physical universe, including matter, energy, space, and time (MEST).
Exteriorization: Scientology teaches that the thetan can separate from the physical body, a process known as exteriorization. This separation allows the thetan to exist independently and experience a higher state of awareness and freedom.
Engrams and Clear State: Thetans are believed to carry engrams, which are negative emotional imprints from past traumatic events. These engrams inhibit the thetan's abilities and cause suffering. The goal of Scientology is to clear these engrams through auditing, allowing the thetan to achieve a state of "Clear" and ultimately become an "Operating Thetan" (OT), fully aware and functioning.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Thetan is not depicted in physical form, as it is a spiritual entity. It is described as the true self, the essence of consciousness and awareness.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with thetan include the Scientology cross and the eight-pointed star, representing the eight dynamics of existence in Scientology.
Cultural Hero: The concept of thetan is central to Scientology's teachings and practices. It embodies the qualities of immortality, creativity, and spiritual freedom.
Practices of Worship
Auditing: Auditing is a core practice in Scientology, involving a one-on-one session with an auditor. The auditor uses an E-meter to help the individual locate and address engrams. The goal is to clear these engrams and achieve a higher state of awareness.
Training Routines (TRs): Training routines are exercises designed to improve communication and confrontational skills. These routines help individuals become more aware of their thetan and its capabilities.
Courses and Study: Scientologists participate in various courses and study programs to gain a deeper understanding of thetan and its role in their lives. These courses cover topics such as communication, ethics, and the dynamics of existence.
Ceremonies and Celebrations: Scientology holds various ceremonies and celebrations to honor significant milestones and achievements. These include weddings, naming ceremonies, and graduations from auditing levels.
Festivals and Traditions
Auditor's Day: Auditor's Day is celebrated annually to honor the contributions of auditors in helping individuals achieve spiritual freedom. The day includes ceremonies, awards, and acknowledgments.
Scientology Sunday Service: Scientology Sunday Service is a weekly gathering that includes readings, sermons, and group auditing sessions. It is a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and community building.
Prayers and Affirmations: Scientologists use prayers and affirmations to reinforce their connection with thetan and their spiritual goals. These prayers often focus on achieving clarity, freedom, and understanding.
The worship beliefs and practices associated with thetan in Scientology emphasize the importance of spiritual awareness, personal growth, and the pursuit of higher states of existence. Thetan is seen as the true self, the source of life and creativity, and the key to achieving spiritual freedom.