The Order of the Nine Angles
Occult Extremism and Its Impact on Modern Esoteric Movements
The Order of Nine Angles (ONA) is a fringe occult group known for combining esoteric Satanism with neo-Nazi ideology, making it a unique presence in the landscape of extremist movements. Its writings and beliefs have drawn attention from researchers due to connections with violent activities and influence on other extremist actors. The group's secretive nature and opaque rituals have sparked concern among experts monitoring hate groups and radicalization.
ONA promotes a blend of mysticism and advocacy for social chaos, presenting itself as both a spiritual path and a practical guide for its followers. Investigations and academic reports have highlighted ONA’s influence on cases of neo-Nazi terrorism over recent years, underscoring its impact beyond the confines of occult subculture.
Understanding the beliefs, practices, and history of the Order of Nine Angles sheds light on how occult ideas can intersect with extremist politics, creating challenges for communities and security agencies worldwide.
Origins of the Order of the Nine Angles
The Order of Nine Angles (ONA or O9A) is an esoteric group that emerged in the United Kingdom during the mid-1970s. Its history intertwines with both the occult and far-right extremism, drawing scrutiny due to its influence and ideology.
Founders and Early Development
The ONA is most commonly linked to David Myatt, a British individual with a background in political extremism and occultism. He is believed to have played a central role under the pseudonym Anton Long, a name used in early foundational texts.
The group started as a small collective, absorbing various traditions from Western occultism, paganism, and elements of National Socialist ideology. Early works like The Definitive Guide to the Order of Nine Angles outlined the structure and beliefs that shaped the group.
ONA's development was influenced by Myatt's vision, which blended extreme esoteric practice with a rejection of conventional morality. The group operated largely through the distribution of underground pamphlets and personal correspondence, making it difficult to pinpoint exact membership.
The Meaning of the Nine Angles
The “Nine Angles” in ONA’s name refers to a set of symbolic pathways or nexions in its metaphysical system. These pathways represent transitions in consciousness or stages in initiation central to the group’s occult teachings.
ONA’s doctrine incorporates terms and symbols meant to separate it from mainstream Satanism. The nine angles also refer to a ritual structure used in its unique forms of ceremonial magic, described in detail in its published grimoires.
This symbolic language was intended to construct an alternative spiritual framework, positioning the ONA as distinct from other occult or Satanic orders. The group’s use of mathematical and mystical concepts remains a key characteristic of its texts and rituals.
Historical Context and UK Roots
ONA originated in Shropshire, England, in the context of post-war Britain, where fringe occult movements and far-right politics sometimes intersected. The 1970s saw a rise in underground occult groups and radical political ideologies.
The group arose in opposition to both mainstream religious organizations and traditional occult societies. Its UK foundation set the tone for a network that would later influence other neo-Nazi and extremist circles, particularly online.
The Order’s local, regional roots provided a base for the group’s claims of authenticity and secrecy. Over time, ONA materials began circulating more widely, eventually reaching audiences outside the UK and attracting international attention.
Core Beliefs and Practices
The Order of Nine Angles (O9A) is defined by a unique blend of esoteric philosophy, mythological cosmology, and radical self-development. Its teachings reference concepts such as Traditional Satanism, the veneration of Dark Gods, and the pursuit of self-evolution through ordeals and symbolic transgression.
Traditional Satanism and Esoteric Philosophy
O9A positions itself as an advocate of what it calls "Traditional Satanism," distinct from modern LaVeyan forms. It promotes a spiritual approach that centers on transgression, amorality, and contact with numinous forces.
Their doctrine draws heavily from Western esotericism, incorporating terms like the "Sinister Path" and the "Nine Keys of Abyssal Darkness." Rituals, hermetic symbolism, and invocations are encoded within their writings, aiming for transformative experiences.
Adherents view Satan not as a literal being, but as a constructive adversarial figure—an archetype representing the breaking of societal norms and the pursuit of personal excellence. This philosophy is merged with a rejection of mainstream values and a call for radical individualism.
Mythological Narratives and Dark Gods
At the heart of O9A mythos is a pantheon of entities known as the "Dark Gods" or "Nekalah." These beings are described as ancient, pre-human forces associated with chaos, transformation, and cosmic disruption.
The group’s rituals seek to establish contact with these entities, believing that such experiences awaken latent capacities in practitioners. Mythological narratives are used to foster a sense of esoteric tradition and to convey complex metaphysical ideas.
Stories around the Dark Gods serve as tools to challenge adherents’ perceptions and foster what O9A terms ‘Aeonic’ understanding—a cyclical view of history marked by disruption and radical change.
Left-Hand Path, Abyss, and Self-Evolution
O9A doctrine places heavy emphasis on the Left-Hand Path, which is defined by willful opposition to conventional morality and the deliberate pursuit of self-overcoming. Key to this is the concept of the Abyss, a symbolic chasm representing the boundaries of human limitation.
Initiates undergo personal ordeals intended to break psychological barriers and foster transformation. The process is described as "crossing the Abyss," requiring the practitioner to confront their deepest fears and limitations.
Self-evolution is framed as the ultimate goal, achieved through ritual practices, transgressive acts, and the embodiment of the O9A's esoteric tenets. The focus on personal testing and progression is viewed as the means to attain a higher, more potent form of existence.
Occult Techniques and Rituals
The Order of Nine Angles (ONA) employs a range of occult practices that blend ritual magick, meditation, and esoteric self-development. Their ceremonies and exercises are intended to foster personal transformation and advance initiates through a strict system of graded attainment.
Ritual Magick and Esoteric Practices
ONA rituals draw from Western occult traditions but have unique features. Core activities include ceremonial magick, invocation of so-called “dark” powers, and symbolic sacrifices. Practitioners often perform solo or group rituals aimed at channeling energies believed to strengthen individual will and character.
Rituals like the “Sinister Eucharist” or the “Consecration of the Temple” are structured, with specific scripts and required implements. ONA texts often stress the importance of direct, real-world action—some advocate blending ritual with illegal or morally transgressive acts as a test of resolve. These practices are believed to strip away societal conditioning and foster what ONA calls “personal excellence.”
Key Elements:
Ritual magick invoking “powers of darkness”
Structured ceremonies using symbols and chants
Real-world action paired with ritual for transformative effect
Meditation, Divination, and Initiatory Grades
Meditation is used within ONA both for focus and as an introspective tool. Daily or weekly meditation exercises focus on breath control, visualization, and building inner discipline. Divination, including the use of tarot or runes, helps members seek insight or guidance on occult progression.
ONA’s initiatory path is broken into hierarchical grades. Members advance based on both ritual accomplishments and demonstrated personal transformation. Each grade involves specific requirements, blending spiritual exercises with challenges designed to measure loyalty and resolve.
Initiatory Structure Overview:
Grade Key Practice Focus Neophyte Basic ritual, study Understanding doctrine Initiate Meditation, ordeal Building discipline External Adept Divination, action Personal excellence, results
Extremism and Political Ideology
The Order of Nine Angles (ONA) combines occult practices with radical right-wing beliefs, directly influencing extremist groups and individuals. Its ideology plays a notable role in shaping rhetoric and actions related to violent far-right activity.
Fascism and Neo-Nazi Influence
ONA incorporates fascist and neo-Nazi themes into its core beliefs. These elements are not superficial; the group openly praises historical fascist figures and extols Nazi Germany as an inspiration for its pursuit of a new social order.
Many ONA-affiliated channels and texts glorify Adolf Hitler and embrace symbols, language, and propaganda used by neo-Nazis. Some ONA materials directly cite neo-Nazi groups and texts as recommended reading.
ONA’s emphasis on militant action, leader worship, and the rejection of liberal democracy closely mirrors traditional fascist movements. This has drawn alliances and cross-pollination with organizations such as National Action and Sonnenkrieg Division, both of which have ties to violent neo-Nazi activity in Europe.
Neo-Völkisch and Far-Right Networks
ONA draws on neo-völkisch ideas, which emphasize racial mysticism, pagan traditions, and a romanticized vision of “Aryan” heritage. The group uses these beliefs to justify elitism, separatism, and anti-modern sentiment.
ONA’s influence is evident in far-right subcultures, particularly within the alt-right and accelerationist circles that network across encrypted platforms. These alliances span groups and individuals internationally, spreading ONA’s esoteric blend of extremism beyond its British origins.
Investigative organizations, such as Hope not Hate, have documented ONA’s role in radicalizing members of previously non-occult far-right communities. The group’s literature is actively promoted in Telegram channels known for extremist content, aiding its integration with wider far-right networks.
Racial Theories and Race War Advocacy
Race plays a central role in ONA’s doctrine. Members interpret their teachings as a call for “race war” and social collapse, framing this struggle as a cosmic or metaphysical necessity.
ONA-affiliated platforms promote extreme forms of white supremacy and openly endorse violence against minority groups. Content from these sources includes advocacy for rape, murder, and terrorism as means to accelerate societal breakdown.
Several documented cases exist where acts of violence and terrorism were traced back to individuals inspired by ONA’s writings. The group’s emphasis on racial conflict serves as both motivation and justification for its support of far-right terrorism, making it a significant concern for counter-extremism organizations.
Violence, Terrorism, and Criminal Activities
The Order of Nine Angles (O9A) is linked to acts of extreme violence, with documented incidents of murder and advocacy for human sacrifice. Its membership and ideology have influenced ties to terrorist groups, a culture that promotes violence as initiation, and reports of sexual abuse.
Documented Cases of Murder and Human Sacrifice
Several violent crimes have been linked to individuals inspired by or associated with the O9A. Notably, members have discussed or carried out murders as part of their involvement. The group explicitly encourages acts of human sacrifice as a means of progressing within its ranks.
Some cases include ritualistic killings or attempts thereof, in line with the O9A’s texts that advocate for so-called “culling” of those deemed unworthy. These incidents often blur the line between ideological violence and personal criminality. Authorities have investigated numerous suspicious deaths with alleged O9A links, highlighting a consistent pattern of violence wherever the group has gained influence.
Incident Detail Human sacrifice plots Multiple disrupted in the UK and US since 2010 Ritual murder Suspected in alleged cases in Europe and North America
Ties to Terrorist Organizations
O9A has formed connections with neo-Nazi and jihadist terrorist groups. Its ideology has influenced factions like the Atomwaffen Division and Sonnenkrieg Division, both labeled as terrorist organizations in multiple countries. Individuals holding leadership roles or active membership in these groups have openly adopted O9A symbols and teachings.
For example, Ethan Melzer, a former American soldier, was charged with plotting to aid the Islamic State (ISIS) while referencing O9A beliefs. Such cases show cross-pollination between occult extremism and established terrorist networks. The adoption of O9A language by violent cells increases operational threat and complicates law enforcement response.
Atomwaffen Division: Documented use of O9A literature during planning of attacks.
ISIS overlap: Recruitment efforts noted among converts from O9A circles.
Recent prosecutions: In the U.S. and U.K., several cases cite O9A links as evidence of intent.
Death Cult Ideology and Advocacy of Violence
O9A promotes a death cult mentality that glorifies violence and death as transformative acts. Their literature describes “culling” as a necessary trial for advancement in the group, leading to encouragement of actual killings or violent crimes. Initiates are often urged to infiltrate military or security organizations to gain skills and access.
Its founder, David Myatt, and later figures such as Joshua Caleb Sutter, have promoted extremist literature that repeatedly advocates for terrorism and personal violence. The group stands apart from other occult movements through its unapologetic embrace of physical harm as a core value. Propaganda often features explicit endorsement of murder, arson, and other crimes as legitimate expressions of will.
Key Principles:
Human sacrifice as initiation
Glorification of notorious terrorists
Infiltration of armed forces encouraged
Patterns of Sexual Assault and Abuse
Reports from former members and law enforcement point to sexual abuse within O9A-affiliated circles. In several cases, sexual assault has been used as part of “initiation” rites or as a form of coercive control. The group’s texts sometimes condone these practices, framing them as means to break taboos or demonstrate loyalty.
Some criminal proceedings in the UK and US have referenced sexual violence linked to O9A ideology, though the secretive nature of the group makes prevalence difficult to measure. Survivors have described environments where consent is routinely disregarded and victims are threatened to maintain silence. Authorities have linked certain abuse cases to specific O9A cells active in Europe and North America.
Symbolism, Deities, and Cosmology
The Order of Nine Angles (ONA) uses a complex system of symbolism and mythological references in its teachings. Its framework weaves together occult deities, esoteric cosmology, and a dualistic worldview centered on sinister forces.
Baphomet and Sinister Deities
Baphomet holds a key role in ONA symbolism, often reimagined apart from the popular goat-headed figure. Within ONA texts, Baphomet is portrayed as a dark, primal force and is frequently associated with feminine energy—in contrast to traditional occult portrayals.
The ONA pantheon includes a variety of sinister deities that represent transgression, transformation, and cosmic violence. These beings, which include entities like Aosoth and Nythra, are invoked in rituals and serve as symbols of the organization's break with orthodox spiritual traditions.
A key feature is the emphasis on transgressive action as a form of spiritual progression. Members are often encouraged to seek contact with these entities, which are described as real presences in rituals, not merely psychological archetypes.
Goddesses and Spiritual Narrative
Goddesses play a prominent role in the narrative structure of ONA mythology. The most notable is Baphomet, depicted within the group’s writings as a goddess figure tied to nature, fecundity, and death. This representation reflects a deliberate inversion of common religious motifs, centering feminine power in the praxis of the organization.
Other goddesses, such as Darkat and Nemicu, appear in mythic cycles and ritual practices. These deities are often cast as guides through challenging initiatory ordeals or as personifications of existential struggle.
The focus on goddesses is part of a wider ONA effort to restore what it asserts is an ancient, pre-Christian veneration of sinister female divinities. This narrative is embedded in the group’s rites and meditative practices.
Causal and Disturbing Acausal Realities
ONA cosmogony divides existence into the "causal" and "acausal" realms. The causal world refers to observable reality: linear time, physical matter, and everyday human experience. The acausal, by contrast, encompasses non-material realms that transcend time and conventional logic.
Acausal realities are described as inhabited by disturbingly alien or cosmic horror entities, which challenge human perception and morality. Rituals aim to bridge the gap between these worlds, allowing adherents to access deeper sources of power and insight.
Interaction with acausal realities is central to ONA's self-understanding. Members view these experiences as vital to both personal transformation and the manifestation of the order’s larger esoteric aims.
O9A’s Influence in the Digital Age
Online platforms have provided new opportunities for the Order of Nine Angles (O9A) to distribute their materials and recruit sympathizers. The group’s messaging is no longer limited to physical circles but now circulates rapidly in digital spaces, often bypassing standard moderation measures.
Operations on the Internet and Social Media
O9A-related content frequently appears on fringe forums, imageboards, and social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. Supporters use file-sharing sites and encrypted messaging platforms to distribute texts and guides.
Groups and individuals post manifestos, ritual instructions, and propaganda, sometimes leveraging hashtags to connect with larger extremist networks. Social media accounts linked to O9A are often suspended, but new ones quickly emerge.
O9A’s digital footprint is characterized by the use of coded language and symbolism. This obscures content from outsiders and helps maintain a sense of exclusivity and secrecy for members and interested parties.
Telegram Channels and Global Spread
Telegram has become a primary platform for O9A-aligned channels due to its minimal moderation and end-to-end encryption. These channels cater to international followers, with content released in multiple languages.
Key features of O9A Telegram activity:
Sharing operational guides and ideological texts
Promoting links to other extremist groups
Facilitating direct messaging for recruitment
The use of Telegram enables O9A supporters to coordinate activities, share updates about legal cases, and amplify messages across borders. This approach has accelerated the global dissemination of O9A material, connecting disparate cells and isolated individuals in numerous countries.
Key Figures and Controversies
The Order of Nine Angles (ONA) has drawn attention due to the influence of certain key figures and its ties with controversial occult circles. Multiple individuals associated with the group have played central roles in shaping its ideology, public image, and connections to related groups.
David Myatt and Anton Long
David Myatt is widely regarded as the founder of the Order of Nine Angles. He is an English occultist and former neo-Nazi with a history of involvement in several extremist movements. Myatt has written extensively about Satanism, esoteric philosophy, and Nazi ideology.
Anton Long is the main pseudonym attributed to Myatt for his ONA-related writings. Through this identity, he published key texts defining the ONA’s rituals, beliefs, and complex cosmology. Anton Long’s writings stress the importance of personal transformation, chaos, and transgressive acts, often blending Satanism and far-right extremism.
The use of multiple identities by Myatt has been a source of ongoing controversy. Critics have accused him of deliberately obscuring his authorship to mystify the group’s origins and to create a sense of a larger movement. Law enforcement and academics have linked Myatt’s personal trajectory to violent extremism, heightening concerns about ONA’s broader impact.
Other Prominent Affiliates
Other figures have been linked to the ONA and its offshoots. While Anton Long remains the most influential, later individuals adopted the group’s ethos and spread its teachings online and within extremist circles. Some of these figures have participated in or influenced acts of violence, including assaults and murders.
The group’s decentralized structure allows affiliates to operate semi-independently. This structure complicates efforts to identify leaders and makes it harder to track those responsible for criminal acts. The role of online platforms has enabled newer personalities to emerge, some amplifying the group’s most violent aspects.
Arrests and legal investigations involving ONA-linked individuals have surfaced repeatedly in Britain and abroad. Authorities remain concerned by the group’s mix of Satanism, neo-Nazism, and encouragement of extreme violence, which continues to inspire fringe extremists.
Connections to Temple of Them and Related Groups
The ONA’s influence extends to groups such as the Temple of Them, which emerged in Australia during the late 2000s. The Temple of Them was founded by individuals using pseudonyms like "T. L. Othaos." It adopted elements from ONA doctrine but incorporated its own interpretations, resulting in a distinct, if ideologically similar, presence.
Tenebrous Satanism is a term sometimes associated with newer iterations or adaptations of ONA-influenced philosophy. Groups like the Temple of Them synthesized ritual magic, nihilist ideas, and left-hand path traditions. They also promoted secrecy, elite status, and subversive rhetoric paralleling ONA approaches.
Though these groups often claim autonomy, their intellectual links to ONA are evident in shared terminology, rituals, and texts. The overlapping membership and mutual referencing create a loose network of occult extremist entities, each contributing to the persistent controversy surrounding ONA and its offshoots.
Responses and Criticisms
Public and scholarly responses to the Order of Nine Angles (O9A) focus on its extremist links, the reaction of anti-extremist groups, accusations from critics outside occult circles, and its impact on broader religious and political landscapes. The group’s ideology and actions have faced focused scrutiny from watchdog organizations, religious opponents, and commentators on extremism.
Hope Not Hate and Counter-Extremism Efforts
Hope Not Hate (HnH), a UK-based anti-fascist advocacy group, has been particularly vocal in its stance against the O9A. HnH publicly described the O9A as an “incubator of terrorism,” urging authorities to address the group’s influence due to its connections with violent extremism.
Researchers and policymakers cite HnH’s work when discussing the O9A’s role in transnational far-right and occult networks. Reports highlight concerns over the group’s recruitment tactics and links to hate crimes. Counter-extremism bodies have called for increased monitoring and legal measures against O9A activities.
Authorities in Europe and North America monitor the group’s presence online and offline. Law enforcement agencies have referenced information shared by groups like HnH in investigations involving extremist networks influenced by O9A’s literature.
Critiques from Satanism’s Enemies
The O9A faces criticism from both mainstream society and other Satanic groups. Many Christian and interfaith organizations argue that O9A represents a dangerous form of occultism that should not be conflated with more mainstream or “atheistic” forms of Satanism.
Rival Satanic organizations, including The Satanic Temple and the Church of Satan, formally distance themselves from O9A. They reject O9A’s advocacy of violence and criminal activity, emphasizing a clear distinction between their philosophies and the extremist beliefs attributed to O9A.
Public critics frequently draw a line between the O9A’s radical agenda and the broader Satanic milieu, presenting O9A as a fringe entity. These critics often campaign for educational initiatives designed to address misconceptions about Satanism while condemning O9A’s extremist activities.
Impact on Religious and Political Spheres
O9A’s influence on religious and political spheres can be seen in debates about the role of new religious movements in extremism. Its fusion of occult beliefs with far-right ideology raises concerns among religious leaders and government officials about spiritual justifications for violence.
Reports from think tanks and research bodies note that O9A’s symbolism and texts have appeared in criminal prosecutions and extremist gatherings. This presence has prompted inquiries into occult radicalization and inspired renewed critical thinking about the intersection of faith, politics, and security.
In some cases, religious and secular organizations have launched awareness campaigns about the group’s literature. Policy recommendations from academic studies and advocacy groups include stricter law enforcement and prevention programs targeting O9A-linked individuals and materials. These responses show how O9A’s activities have initiated a sustained reaction within religious and political communities.
O9A’s Identity and Esoteric Appeal
The Order of Nine Angles (O9A) defines itself through a blend of occult beliefs, radical philosophy, and personal transformation. Its teachings fuse an unconventional satanic worldview with emphasis on challenge, self-overcoming, and advancement both on individual and societal levels.
Authentic Satanic Belief and Life-Affirming Ethos
O9A advances an interpretation of Satanism that stresses lived experience over dogma. Members are encouraged to engage in practices that test personal limits and reject conventional moral constraints.
Their notion of a "life-affirming ethos" is rooted in direct, worldly engagement. This perspective emphasizes personal vitality and the pursuit of individual potential, rather than abstract spiritual promises.
Key elements include confrontations with taboo, ritual exploration, and a focus on real outcomes in life. O9A deliberately blurs boundaries between the esoteric and the practical to create a system grounded in both belief and daily action.
Creative Strife and Intelligent Revolt
Central to O9A’s ideology is the embrace of conflict and transformation through what they call "creative strife." Members are taught to challenge established norms, seeking constant growth through adversity.
Intelligent revolt is promoted not merely for its own sake but as a path to deeper self-understanding and world-changing action. O9A asserts that revolt must be purposeful and discerning, with a focus on undermining the status quo to create new possibilities.
Key Points:
Continuous confrontation with limits
Valuing adversity as a stimulant for personal and societal evolution
Rejecting passive conformity
This dual commitment to struggle—internal and external—marks their philosophy as dynamic, rather than static or purely destructive.
Personal Qualities and Human Flourishing
O9A places high importance on generating what it sees as "excellent" personal qualities. Courage, self-discipline, and self-honesty are framed as essential traits for initiates.
They view human flourishing as occurring on both earthly and spiritual levels, achieved through deliberate cultivation of skills, wisdom, and resilience. Advancement is measured by tangible evidence of change and influence, whether personal achievements or broader impacts.
Key qualities, according to O9A literature, are outlined in the following table:
Quality Description Courage Facing challenges without retreat Self-Discipline Managing desires and impulses effectively Insight Gaining understanding through direct action
Progress, for O9A, is inseparable from a process of continual overcoming, ensuring that members remain active forces in their own transformation.
