Satanism and PSYOPS: The World of Michael Aquino | Unexplained

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Satanism and PSYOPS: The World of Michael Aquino

In this captivating exploration, we delve into the enigmatic life of Michael Aquino, a figure who straddled the worlds of military intelligence and occult practices. Known for founding the Temple of Set, Aquino’s…

March 10, 2025 • 3 min read • Art Grindstone

Art Grindstone is the hard-nosed storyteller behind Unexplained.co, a veteran investigator whose life’s work sits at the crossroads of the paranormal, fringe science, and the shadows most people try not to look into. With decades spent chasing impossible stories — black-budget psychic programs, vanished Cold War experiments, desert rituals that sparked UFO waves, and the strange phenomena buried in America’s forgotten backroads — Art brings a rare combination of skepticism, awe, and journalistic precision. He’s not here to debunk. He’s not here to blindly believe. He follows the evidence wherever it leads — even when it leads someplace deeply uncomfortable. Known for his immersive, cinematic style and his ability to turn obscure research into gripping narrative, Art has built a devoted following across podcasts, long-form features, documentaries, and serialized investigations. His interviews are direct. His analysis is unflinching. His voice has become a staple in the modern paranormal renaissance — the guy people turn to when a story is too strange, too complex, or too dangerous for anyone else to touch. Off-mic, Art works with a distributed network of researchers, archivists, and field operatives who help surface the stories mainstream media ignores. On-mic, he transforms their findings into meticulous, high-impact reporting that refuses to insult the intelligence of true believers. His philosophy is simple: Take the phenomenon seriously. Treat the audience with respect. Tell the story as if the world depends on it — because sometimes it does. When Art Grindstone digs into a case, he isn’t just chasing a mystery. He’s tracing the fault lines of reality itself.

In This Report(8)

In this captivating exploration, we delve into the enigmatic life of Michael Aquino, a figure who straddled the worlds of military intelligence and occult practices. Known for founding the Temple of Set, Aquino’s journey is marked by his controversial beliefs and significant contributions to Army Psychological Operations (PSYOPS). This article uncovers the complexities of his life, from his military career to his involvement in Satanism, revealing the profound impact he had on military tactics and psychological warfare.

Key Takeaways

Michael Aquino founded the Temple of Set, a theistic Satanist faith.
He was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, specializing in psychological operations.
Aquino proposed a new form of psychological warfare called “Mind War.”
His controversial past includes allegations of ritual child abuse, which he denied.

The Rise of Michael Aquino

Michael Aquino was not just a military officer; he was a theistic Satanist who sought a deeper connection with the divine. Initially a member of the Church of Satan, founded by Anton LaVey, Aquino felt unfulfilled. He believed that the Church did not truly worship Satan but rather used him as a symbol of independence and self-determination. This led him to break away and establish the Temple of Set, dedicated to the worship of the Egyptian deity Set.

Military Career and Psychological Operations

Aquino’s military career was as intriguing as his religious pursuits. He served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, where he worked in military intelligence and led psychological operations. His dual life raised eyebrows, especially given the Temple of Set’s recognition by the U.S. government as a legitimate religious institution.

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Mind War: A New Approach to Warfare

In his influential paper, “From PSYOPS to MindWar: The Psychology of Victory,” Aquino proposed a radical shift in military strategy. He argued that traditional psychological operations were often sidelined and suggested a new approach he termed Mind War. This concept emphasized the importance of convincing all participants in a conflict that victory was inevitable.

Definition of Mind War: Aquino defined Mind War as the deliberate and aggressive convincing of all participants in a war that victory is assured.
: He advocated for conducting wars in non-lethal ways, focusing on overwhelming the enemy with arguments rather than weapons.