>>272090513
Start something that is not a cult, such as a reading group, political movement, marketing program, self-help book/group. Then turn it into a cult (but keep the window dressing).

Activists in the 60s used similar techniques. They'd want a violent protest against something specific, but gathered co-protesters by saying it was a protest for "peace". You get 100% of the numbers, while achieving the goal of 1%.

Recruitment comes from other members. Make it a pyramid: they increase in power for every member they bring on. Or make it doctrine: you are rewarded/seen as doing the cult's work if you can gather new souls to save.

Study psychology and the occult. Use meditation and other tricks to have the members go through a life-changing experience. Something like mirror or face gazing can have you see aliens, demons, angels, distortions. Meditation techniques not meant for beginners have heavy impact on initiates.

It is most important the cult leader believes in themselves. You won't see it is as a cult. You can't fake it.

Gamify a lot. Run tests of faith (have them drink non-poisonous kool-aid to get used to the idea and weed out non-loyals).

Create special in-cult language and words that only members can understand.

Promis super-human skills: astral projection, alien communication, teleportation.

Start a media company inside the cult.

Recruit from drug addicts and depressed people and young inexperienced people looking for meaning in life.
>>272090550
Post yfw the scapegoat is actually jesus