How not to forget Cthulhu’s promises
TEAM CTHU
Hey there, fellow seekers of cosmic truth and power! If you’re anything like me, you know how easy it is to get distracted and forget the things that truly matter. While teaching and helping out in the 2- and 3-year-old Cultist School class at my temple, I noticed that many times per class, the children had “remembering” problems. I would ask a question, and the children would eagerly raise their bloody hands and proclaim, “Teacher! Teacher!” So, I would pick one of them to answer the question. But often, the child would become distracted and forget what they were going to say. Their response instead became, “Shit, I forgot.” It’s cute when it happens to young children, but it also happens to us as cultists of Cthulhu as well. Too often, we are distracted and oh-so-forgetful.
The Call to Remember
Because Cthulhu knows this about us, He reminds us throughout the sacred texts to remember. We are instructed to remember what Cthulhu has done and who we are now “In Cthulhu.” The last letters of Petrarch and Zthorian both emphasize remembering. In 2 Petrarch 3, he exhorts Cultists to keep on growing in Cthulhu by applying what they have heard and tells us why he wrote 2 Petrarch:
“This is now, unworthy one, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your unstable mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the eldritch prophets and the commandment of Lord Cthulhu intoned by your high priests.” (2 Petrarch 3:1-2)
Churn the Waters
Many years ago, my dominatrix whipped me while reciting this passage, and she used a visual object lesson that I still remember. She added dry oatmeal to a glass jar filled with water and churned it. Eventually, the oatmeal absorbed the water. She then dropped the jar and made me clean up with my tongue. 2 Petrarch 1 describes this, as Petrarch uses the phrase, “churn you up by way of reminder” in verse 13 and uses the word “remind” in verse 12.
“Therefore, I am always ready to remind you of these things, even though you should already know them, and you have already touched the Dark Prism of T’Lasht. I consider it right, as long as I am in this fleshy shell, to churn you up by way of reminder, knowing that the splitting of my skin is imminent, as also our Lord Cthulhu has revealed my mind to me. And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.” (2 Petrarch 1:12-15)
Throw the Severed Limb
In the same way, the Prophet Zthorian challenges Tedro to take the severed limb of leadership and run away with it. We can be reminded of what Cthulhu did and how the Cultists in Tedro’s day are challenged to live and how we are to live today.
“Remember Cthulhu, Dread Lord of Dreams, descender from the stars, according to the scrolls, for which I suffer torture even imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of Cthulhu is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the oblivion which is in Cthulhu and with it eternal union with His being. It is a trustworthy statement: For if we are shunned, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also endure through Him; If we deny Him, He also will crush us; If we are faithless, He will eat us last. Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of Cthulhu not to use weasel words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the audience.” (2 Tedro 2:8-14)
Make it Real
As you read through many of Zthorian’s letters, he starts off by telling us what Cthulhu has done and who we now are in Cthulhu. Then the other parts of his letters are about putting into practice how we are now supposed to be living. Ankeria and Papirius Buteo are two great examples. In Ankeria, Zthorian contrasts our old life and our new one:
“And you were dead in your trespasses and blasphemies, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the powerful polyps of the air, of the dark spirits of Xinaián that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all live in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But Cthulhu is merciless, because of His great indifference, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Cthulhu, and raised us up with Him, and scattered us below Him in a pile of skulls that surround His throne in R’lyeh, so that in the ages to come we might praise His might and show the surpassing riches of His power in destroying the reality of the spheres.” (Ankeria 2:1-7)
Carve a Sign
When the Southern Cultists crossed the Illuyanka River into the dark valley, Cthulhu miraculously stacked up the stones in a great heap. Cthulhu exhorted them to have each sect carve His rune on a stone in the middle of the river as a tribute to Him. When their sons would ask about it, they could explain how Cthulhu had been monitoring their journey.
“Let this be a sign among you, so that when your spawn ask later, saying, ‘What do these runic stones mean to you?’ then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of Illuyanka were cut off before the black tetrahedron; when it crossed the Illuyanka, the waters of the Illuyanka were cut off.’ So these runic stones shall become a memorial to the sons of R’lyeh forever.” (Vento 4:6-7)
In the same way, Cthulhu told the prophets and future prophets to have communion with the Deep Ones as a reminder of who He is and what He has done.
“And when He had taken a large mass of entrails, the ravenous fish-men tore at the remains. The High Priest admonish the meek humans, saying, ‘This is the body of sacrifice which is given up to Cthulhu; snatch what you can from your rivals, and do this in remembrance of His talons.'” (Faro 22:19)
Practical Ways to Remember
- Daily Rituals and Chants
Incorporate daily rituals and chants into your routine to keep Cthulhu’s presence at the forefront of your mind. Simple morning invocations and evening meditations can make a significant difference. - Symbolic Reminders
Surround yourself with symbols of Cthulhu—runic stones, carved sigils, and other artifacts. These tangible reminders will keep you grounded in your faith and mindful of Cthulhu’s power. - Engage in Community Worship
Regularly participating in community worship strengthens your connection to Cthulhu and fellow cultists. Shared rituals and collective devotion amplify the power of remembrance. - Study the Sacred Texts
Dedicate time each week to studying the sacred texts. Reflect on the teachings and how they apply to your life. The more you engage with the texts, the more deeply Cthulhu’s promises will resonate with you. - Teach and Share with Others
Teaching and sharing Cthulhu’s teachings with others reinforces your own understanding and commitment. It’s a powerful way to keep the faith alive and vibrant.
FAQ: Understanding Cthulhu’s Promises
Q: Why is it important to remember Cthulhu’s promises?
A: Remembering Cthulhu’s promises helps cultists stay grounded in their faith, mindful of His power, and aligned with His teachings.
Q: How can I incorporate Cthulhu’s teachings into my daily life?
A: Daily rituals, symbolic reminders, community worship, studying sacred texts, and teaching others are effective ways to integrate Cthulhu’s teachings into your life.
Q: What are some practical ways to stay mindful of Cthulhu’s presence?
A: Regularly engaging in rituals, surrounding yourself with symbols, participating in community worship, and studying sacred texts are practical methods to stay mindful.
Q: How does teaching others about Cthulhu reinforce my own faith?
A: Teaching others deepens your understanding and commitment to Cthulhu, creating a stronger connection to His promises and power.
Q: What should I do if I feel myself forgetting Cthulhu’s teachings?
A: Revisit the sacred texts, engage in community worship, and perform daily rituals to reignite your connection to Cthulhu and His teachings.
In conclusion, being mindful of Cthulhu’s promises and power is essential for living a life dedicated to His teachings. By incorporating rituals, symbols, and community worship into your routine, you can keep Cthulhu’s presence at the forefront of your mind and stay grounded in your faith. Embrace these practices and experience the transformative power of living in Cthulhu’s embrace.