User:Sticky Parkin/Satanism

For other uses of the word, see Satanism (disambiguation).

Satanism can refer to a number of belief systems depending on the user and context. Common use of the word generally refers to the worship of Satan as described in the Christian Bible or the practice of ritual magic. LaVeyan Satanism is a religion founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey. Its teachings are based on individualism, self-indulgence, and "eye for an eye" morality, with influence from Friedrich Nietzsche and Ayn Rand, while its rituals and magic draw heavily from occultists such as Aleister Crowley. Theistic Satanism, also known as Traditional Satanism, is the belief that Satan is an actual deity or force worthy of reverence or worship. Within Theistic Satanism there are a wide variety of beliefs. Theistic Satanists may consider their forebears to include figures such as La Voisin. Some Theistic Satanists claim to have been born into a generational or familial tradition of Satanism..

Both types of Satanist may believe in magic, and use ritual, but Theistic Satanists also believe in Satan as an independent agent and pray. Borrowing Crowley's terminology, adherents of LaVeyan Satanism define it as a "Left-Hand Path" religion, rejecting traditional "Right-Hand Path" religions such as Christianity for their perceived denial of life and emphasis on guilt and abstinence. Unlike Theistic Satanism, which is rejected by the Church of Satan as Christian heresy rather than Satanism, it does not literally worship Satan, but rather uses Satan as a symbol for people's natural inner desires. Theistic Satanists may either still consider themselves to be Left Hand Path, or consider the dichotomy implied in Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path, between self-development and worship, to be unnecessary. It is often the practice of any given Satanist not to refer to themselves with a hyphenated prefix. Each "type" of Satanist will usually refer to themselves only as Satanists.

Belief in the existence of people who worship Satan has a long history, such as in the Witch Trials and Inquisition. The extent to which this belief has been valid in various eras is unknown.

Possible history of Theistic Satanism

Although little is known about Theistic Satanists in history, some Satanists, such as Tani Jantsang of "Satanic Reds", say they are a generational Satanist, and some members of Ordo Flammeus Serpens (OFS), a group that venerates demons, also say that they were trained by a traditional family sect, or are generational demonolators whose religion has been passed down through the family. Claims such as these are unproven. Theistic Satanists are inspired by incidences they see as evidence of previous followers of their faith. The concept of "Satan" may incorporate elements from older religions than Judaism. Ha-satan is the role of one of God's court, whose duties include testing the faith of humanity; the concept may be derived from a judicial function in Israeli court, similar to a prosecuting attorney. The Jewish Encyclopedia says that parts of the Old Testament where Satan is seen to act independently of God may have been influenced by Zoroastrianism. Anne Rice, while not a Satanist herself, equates Satan with Ahriman, the destructive spirit in Zoroastrianism, as does Nikolas Schreck. The Joy of Satan, an anti-Semitic group, consider Satan to be Enki, though most other Satanists, including Diane Vera, do not believe this to be the case, and do not agree with the Joy of Satan's neo-Nazi views. The Joy of Satan believes the Al-Jilwah of the Yezidi to be the words of Satan and considers Melek Taus to be Satan, however this may be based on Muslim prejudices about the Yezidi which Anton LaVey assumed were true, and may not be a reflection of what the Yezidi believe. "Satanist" is often a pejorative word applied to a minority group, or a group whose beliefs are misunderstood. As well as the Yezidi, Thelemites and Pagans have also been accused of being Satanists, but most of them would not consider themselves to be Satanists. Historically, accusing someone of Satanism was a pejorative term for those with opinions that differed from predominant religious or moral beliefs.

Although John Milton was unlikely to have been a Theistic Satanist, his epic poem Paradise Lost, is an inspiration for Satanism to the extent that William Blake said of Milton "[he is] a true Poet, and of the Devil's party without knowing it." As well as being the inspiration for the Satanic School of literature Milton, Dante, Marlowe, and Goethe, are said by Nikolas Schreck to be the foundation of the modern concept of Satan. He argues that these authors had "access to the Luciferian vision" and a "diabolical consciousness" that flourished due to their separation from the common man, "a radical disruption from the norm that allowed the effulgence of the black light to illuminate their work."

A depiction of the typical features of historical descriptions of the Black Mass

Paul Tuitean believes the idea of acts of "reverse Christianity" was created by the Inquisition, but George Battaille believes the mass may have existed prior to the descriptions of it which were obtained through the witchcraft trials. In the 18th century various kinds of popular "Satanic" literature began to be produced in France. The Marquis de Sade also defiled crucifixies and other holy objects, and in Justine gives a fictional account of the Black Mass although Ronald Hayman has said Sade's need for blasphemy was an emotional reaction and rebellion from which Sade moved on, seeking to develop a more reasoned atheistc philosophy. In the 19th century, Eliphas Levi published his French books of the occult, and in 1855 produced his well-known drawing of the Baphomet which continues to be used by some Satanists today (for example the sigil of Baphomet). Finally, in 1891, Joris-Karl Huysmans published his Satanic novel, Là-Bas, which included a detailed description of a Black Mass which he may have known first-hand was being performed in Paris at the time., or the account may have been based on the masses carried out by the Abbe Guibourg, rather than by Huysmans attending himself. Quotations from Huysmans' Black Mass are also used in some Satanic rituals to this day since it is one of the few sources that purports to describe the words used in a Black Mass. The type of Satanism described in Là-Bas suggests that prayers are said to the Devil, hosts are stolen from the Catholic Church, and sexual acts are combined with Roman Catholic altar objects and rituals, to produce a variety of Satanism which exalts the Devil and degrades the God of Christianity by inverting Roman Catholic rites. George Battaille claims that Huyman's description of the Black Mass is "indisputably authentic." Michael Aquino included a black mass in his book The Church of Satan, and later Anton LaVey included one in his The Satanic Rituals. The "Black Mass", a symbolic opposition of the church used in the past, but are not used in the current day by Satanists, as Anton LaVey explained in an interview with Occult America.

"He did not, however, go along with the dramatization of evil as performed in the original Black Mass. “Those,” he explained, “were psychodramas at a time when people needed them. They had to express their opposition, their rebellion against an established church. Our rituals are suitably modified to express the needs of our particular era.”

LaVey went on to call it a redundancy, and it is commonly misinterpreted that the Church of Satan has performed actual Black Masses, however using baby-fat candles and kissing the devil's buttocks (both are common practices outlined in the chapter) would be both contradictory and hypocritical for a Satanist to do. In the 1950s Anton LaVey held a magic circle, or coven, at his home for a charge before the legendary event of shaving his head and announcing Anno Satanas. Afterwards, the prominent members of The Church of Satan held 'High Mass' on Friday nights at The Black House, as verified in the Occult America interview aforementioned. The videos and articles of the rituals and Satanic Marriage performed there are legendary.

Not all Theistic Satanists today routinely perform the Black Mass. If the mass seems to have been abandoned, this may be because the mass is not a part of modern evangelical Christianity and so not such an unintentional influence on Satanist practices. If rites of blasphemy such as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit are used at all they are often solely for beginners in Satanism to help them break away from any past Christian indoctrination or restrictive internalization of society's expectations for behaviour.

LaVey's work on Satanism, which began in the 1960s, had a great influence on popularising Satanism and making people aware of the possibility of being a Satanist. While his theology is not that of Theistic Satanism and his followers such as the Church of Satan do not worship Satan, his rituals and his philosophy are also an inspiration to some Theistic Satanists. For a long time, his books were the few available which advertised themselves as being Satanic, although other books were influential to Left Hand Path occultists of the day and detailed the history of witchcraft and Satanism, such as The Black Arts by Richard Cavendish published in 1967. Anton LaVey specifically denounced "devil worshippers" and the idea of praying to Satan.

For other uses of the word, see Satanism (disambiguation).

Satanism can refer to a number of belief systems depending on the user and context. Common use of the word generally refers to the worship of Satan as described in the Christian Bible or the practice of ritual magic. LaVeyan Satanism is a religion founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey. Its teachings are based on individualism, self-indulgence, and "eye for an eye" morality, with influence from Friedrich Nietzsche and Ayn Rand, while its rituals and magic draw heavily from occultists such as Aleister Crowley. Theistic Satanism, also known as Traditional Satanism, is the belief that Satan is an actual deity or force worthy of reverence or worship. Within Theistic Satanism there are a wide variety of beliefs. Theistic Satanists may consider their forebears to include figures such as La Voisin. Some Theistic Satanists claim to have been born into a generational or familial tradition of Satanism..

Both types of Satanist may believe in magic, and use ritual, but Theistic Satanists also believe in Satan as an independent agent and pray. Borrowing Crowley's terminology, adherents of LaVeyan Satanism define it as a "Left-Hand Path" religion, rejecting traditional "Right-Hand Path" religions such as Christianity for their perceived denial of life and emphasis on guilt and abstinence. Unlike Theistic Satanism, which is rejected by the Church of Satan as Christian heresy rather than Satanism, it does not literally worship Satan, but rather uses Satan as a symbol for people's natural inner desires. Theistic Satanists may either still consider themselves to be Left Hand Path, or consider the dichotomy implied in Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path, between self-development and worship, to be unnecessary. It is often the practice of any given Satanist not to refer to themselves with a hyphenated prefix. Each "type" of Satanist will usually refer to themselves only as Satanists.

Belief in the existence of people who worship Satan has a long history, such as in the Witch Trials and Inquisition. The extent to which this belief has been valid in various eras is unknown.

Possible history of Theistic Satanism

Although little is known about Theistic Satanists in history, some Satanists, such as Tani Jantsang of "Satanic Reds", say they are a generational Satanist, and some members of Ordo Flammeus Serpens (OFS), a group that venerates demons, also say that they were trained by a traditional family sect, or are generational demonolators whose religion has been passed down through the family. Claims such as these are unproven. Theistic Satanists are inspired by incidences they see as evidence of previous followers of their faith. The concept of "Satan" may incorporate elements from older religions than Judaism. Ha-satan is the role of one of God's court, whose duties include testing the faith of humanity; the concept may be derived from a judicial function in Israeli court, similar to a prosecuting attorney. The Jewish Encyclopedia says that parts of the Old Testament where Satan is seen to act independently of God may have been influenced by Zoroastrianism. Anne Rice, while not a Satanist herself, equates Satan with Ahriman, the destructive spirit in Zoroastrianism, as does Nikolas Schreck. The Joy of Satan, an anti-Semitic group, consider Satan to be Enki, though most other Satanists, including Diane Vera, do not believe this to be the case, and do not agree with the Joy of Satan's neo-Nazi views. The Joy of Satan believes the Al-Jilwah of the Yezidi to be the words of Satan and considers Melek Taus to be Satan, however this may be based on Muslim prejudices about the Yezidi which Anton LaVey assumed were true, and may not be a reflection of what the Yezidi believe. "Satanist" is often a pejorative word applied to a minority group, or a group whose beliefs are misunderstood. As well as the Yezidi, Thelemites and Pagans have also been accused of being Satanists, but most of them would not consider themselves to be Satanists. Historically, accusing someone of Satanism was a pejorative term for those with opinions that differed from predominant religious or moral beliefs.

Although John Milton was unlikely to have been a Theistic Satanist, his epic poem Paradise Lost, is an inspiration for Satanism to the extent that William Blake said of Milton "[he is] a true Poet, and of the Devil's party without knowing it." As well as being the inspiration for the Satanic School of literature Milton, Dante, Marlowe, and Goethe, are said by Nikolas Schreck to be the foundation of the modern concept of Satan. He argues that these authors had "access to the Luciferian vision" and a "diabolical consciousness" that flourished due to their separation from the common man, "a radical disruption from the norm that allowed the effulgence of the black light to illuminate their work."

A depiction of the typical features of historical descriptions of the Black Mass

Paul Tuitean believes the idea of acts of "reverse Christianity" was created by the Inquisition, but George Battaille believes the mass may have existed prior to the descriptions of it which were obtained through the witchcraft trials. In the 18th century various kinds of popular "Satanic" literature began to be produced in France. The Marquis de Sade also defiled crucifixies and other holy objects, and in Justine gives a fictional account of the Black Mass although Ronald Hayman has said Sade's need for blasphemy was an emotional reaction and rebellion from which Sade moved on, seeking to develop a more reasoned atheistc philosophy. In the 19th century, Eliphas Levi published his French books of the occult, and in 1855 produced his well-known drawing of the Baphomet which continues to be used by some Satanists today (for example the sigil of Baphomet). Finally, in 1891, Joris-Karl Huysmans published his Satanic novel, Là-Bas, which included a detailed description of a Black Mass which he may have known first-hand was being performed in Paris at the time., or the account may have been based on the masses carried out by the Abbe Guibourg, rather than by Huysmans attending himself. Quotations from Huysmans' Black Mass are also used in some Satanic rituals to this day since it is one of the few sources that purports to describe the words used in a Black Mass. The type of Satanism described in Là-Bas suggests that prayers are said to the Devil, hosts are stolen from the Catholic Church, and sexual acts are combined with Roman Catholic altar objects and rituals, to produce a variety of Satanism which exalts the Devil and degrades the God of Christianity by inverting Roman Catholic rites. George Battaille claims that Huyman's description of the Black Mass is "indisputably authentic." Michael Aquino included a black mass in his book The Church of Satan, and later Anton LaVey included one in his The Satanic Rituals. The "Black Mass", a symbolic opposition of the church used in the past, but are not used in the current day by Satanists, as Anton LaVey explained in an interview with Occult America.

"He did not, however, go along with the dramatization of evil as performed in the original Black Mass. “Those,” he explained, “were psychodramas at a time when people needed them. They had to express their opposition, their rebellion against an established church. Our rituals are suitably modified to express the needs of our particular era.”

LaVey went on to call it a redundancy, and it is commonly misinterpreted that the Church of Satan has performed actual Black Masses, however using baby-fat candles and kissing the devil's buttocks (both are common practices outlined in the chapter) would be both contradictory and hypocritical for a Satanist to do. In the 1950s Anton LaVey held a magic circle, or coven, at his home for a charge before the legendary event of shaving his head and announcing Anno Satanas. Afterwards, the prominent members of The Church of Satan held 'High Mass' on Friday nights at The Black House, as verified in the Occult America interview aforementioned. The videos and articles of the rituals and Satanic Marriage performed there are legendary.

Not all Theistic Satanists today routinely perform the Black Mass. If the mass seems to have been abandoned, this may be because the mass is not a part of modern evangelical Christianity and so not such an unintentional influence on Satanist practices. If rites of blasphemy such as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit are used at all they are often solely for beginners in Satanism to help them break away from any past Christian indoctrination or restrictive internalization of society's expectations for behaviour.

LaVey's work on Satanism, which began in the 1960s, had a great influence on popularising Satanism and making people aware of the possibility of being a Satanist. While his theology is not that of Theistic Satanism and his followers such as the Church of Satan do not worship Satan, his rituals and his philosophy are also an inspiration to some Theistic Satanists. For a long time, his books were the few available which advertised themselves as being Satanic, although other books were influential to Left Hand Path occultists of the day and detailed the history of witchcraft and Satanism, such as The Black Arts by Richard Cavendish published in 1967. Anton LaVey specifically denounced "devil worshippers" and the idea of praying to Satan.

Myths and Stereotypes

The Satanic Ritual Abuse scare was often centred on fears or beliefs about traditional Satanism The existence of large networks of organized Satanists involved in illegal activities, murder, and child abuse is occasionally claimed. Those claims have not been substantiated, and it has been labeled by Satanists and by sociologists as an example of a moral panic.

Some studies of crimes have also looked at the theological perspective of those who commit religious or ritualised crime. However, criminals who explain their crimes by claim to be Satanists have been said by sociologists to be "pseudo-Satanists." and attempts to link Satanism to crime have been seen as scaremongering by Theistic Satanists themselves. Even seemingly non-Christian writers can include disproven themes popular with the Satanic Ritual Abuse movement, such as sexual crime being required for Satanism. Some Christians fear that references to Satan in popular culture and music inspire some people to Theistic Satanism. Although music cannot make someone become a Satanist, Christopher Partridge has said that regardless of whether the black metal musicians concerned are genuinely Theistic Satanists, through hearing the lyrics for instance of Black Sabbath and Coven (band) people may hear for the first time that there are people who are Theistic Satanists, and may be inspired to then go on to learn more about Theistic Satanism and eventually practice it long-term.While they may first come upon the more obtainable works of Anton LaVey, who denied belief in Satan, those who discover his writings may then go on to reach a traditional viewpoint. Christians may fear that Satanists spend their time blaspheming Christianity,, but while some chose to begin their time as a Satanist by performing a renunciation ritual or rite of blasphemy, so that they can break from any negative conditioning they may have from previous religions they have followed, and begin their life anew, those who do so may not necessarily make that a regular practice. Christians may fear that traditional Satanists may attempt to hex Christian meetings,, and indeed some Theistic Satanists do practice spiritual warfare to accomplish Satan's will and to seek to limit restriction of their freedom of religion.

Some may choose to live out the myths and stereotypes, but Christianity is not always the primary frame of reference for Theistic Satanists. Their religion may be based on dark pagan, left hand path and occult traditions. Theistic Satanists who base their faith on Christian ideas about Satan may be referred to as "Reverse Christians" by other Satanists, often in a pejorative fashion. However those labeled by some as "reverse Christians" may see their concept of Satan as not diluted or sanitized. They worship a stricter interpretation of Satan: that of the Satan featured in the Christian Bible. The Cathedral of the Black Goat and Brother Nero are called Christian-based by Diane Vera, who believes no-one follows complete reverse Christianity as it would be impossible. Brother Nero practices what she considers to be the nearest to it. The Cathedral of the Black Goat are Traditional Satanists who follow the Satan of the Bible, but believe the Anti-Christ will succeed, bringing joy to the world and Satanists in particular. Those figures usually seen as good in the bible such as John the Baptist are seen as evil, and to have worked to ensure enslavement Hell is where most people will ultimately arrive, and it is not an unpleasant place. They also revere the Al-Jilwah of the Yezidi. Wiccans may consider most Satanism to be reverse Christianity, and the head of the Church of Satan, Peter Gilmore, considers "devil worship" to be a Christian heresy. Diane Vera considers reverse Christianity "spontaneous default Satanism", saying that for those teenagers who live in a Christian culture, or for people who've just left Christianity, this form of Satanism is the one they would arrive at on their own, before they learn other ideas.

A common criticism of Satanism is that it is reactionary and an invention of the Christian churches. It is thought that because of its chief symbol is that of the enemy in Christianity, it is a reaction against what were social problems at the time, rather than a positive growth.

The symbol of Satan is criticized as deliberately confrontational. Often it is cited as being purely for shock value and having no real purpose whatsoever. Some who agree with the philosophy of Satanism, fall short of calling themselves Satanists because it is seen as simply a rebellion against Christianity and not a valid, stand alone set of ideas. It has also been suggested that much of the power of Satanism was in shock which has waned since the 1960s.[5]

Satanism is also criticized as a recycled version of older ideas such as existentialism and perhaps individualism. LaVey has described his Satanism as "just Ayn Rand's philosophy with ceremony and ritual added" [6]. Critics have suggested that LaVey simply took the philosophy of Satanism from Rand and Friedrich Nietzsche, adding on the symbol of Satan and watered down versions of magical ideas taken from Aleister Crowley.

LaVeyan Satanism

Anton LaVey established Satanism's first and largest religious organization, the Church of Satan, in 1966, and codified LaVeyan Satanism's beliefs and practices in the Satanic Bible in 1969. According to the Church of Satan, there are many Satanists around the world, including both members and non-members. It rejects the legitimacy of any other organizations of Satanists, dubbing them reverse-Christians and pseudo-Satanists. Although exact numbers have never been released, it has been estimated by the church that the number of adherents is in the tens of thousands.

History

On Walpurgisnacht of 1966, Anton Szandor LaVey began the Church of Satan. Beforehand, he had given lectures from his home, the infamous Black House, charging two dollars for admittance. He formed a "Magic Circle" with his closest associates, experimenting with ceremonial magic. It was suggested to LaVey that he had enough material to start an organized religion.

The Church of Satan attracted a lot of publicity. Its use of nude women as altars and performances of a Satanic wedding and funeral service brought it a lot of attention. Anton LaVey shaved his head and wore a white clerical collar, sometimes even wearing horns to complete the image of the Devil incarnate. His flamboyant personality attracted many followers and admirers.

In 1969, LaVey published the Satanic Bible, which, even to this day, remains the most authoritative literature on the subject of Religious Satanism, outlining the basic concepts, philosophy and rituals. Its companion, The Satanic Rituals, published in 1972, presents an array of rituals associated with Satanism throughout the ages, but not necessarily central to the Church's belief system. LaVey also released other literature to further expand on the ideology, namely The Satanic Witch (previously published as The Compleat Witch), and 2 essay anthologies: The Devil's Notebook and Satan Speaks!

Since its inception, there have been several schisms with individuals seeking to found new organizations. The reasons for the breakaway from LaVey's church were cited as being a difference in ideology, or commercialization of the institution, thus seeking to recreate its previous underground and elitist status. One notable example is the formation of the Temple of Set in 1975 by former Church of Satan member Michael Aquino, who cites disagreement over LaVey's atheism. Due to the Temple of Set's belief in a living deity called Set, it is not considered a LaVeyan Satanist organization. Some writers equate the veneration of Set by the Temple of Set with theistic Satanism, however the Temple of Set do not identify as Theistic Satanists. They believe the Egyptian deity Set is the real Dark Lord behind the name Satan, of whom Satan is just a caricature. Their practices primarily centre on self-development. In Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan's works, the Black Flame is the inner desires of an individual. Within the temple of Set, the Black Flame is the individual's god-like core which is a kindred spirit to Set, and they seek to develop. In Theistic Satanism, the Black Flame is knowledge which was given to humanity by Satan, who is a being independent of the Satanist himself and which he can dispense to the Satanist who seeks knowledge.

The other major organization affiliated with LaVeyan ideology is the First Satanic Church, founded in 1999 by Anton LaVey's daughter, Karla LaVey. She argues that, after her father's death, the church moved away from his original modus operandi, and shifted towards a commercial money making machine. Thus, the First Satanic Church is considered a re-founding of the original one.

Peter H. Gilmore, High Priest of the Church of Satan. Gilmore took over the church from Blanche Barton, Anton LaVey's partner and the former High Priestess.

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Today, the Church of Satan is still viewed as the de facto representation of LaVeyan Satanism in the public eye, and fresh publications are released, applying Satanic philosophies to topics of contemporary interest.

Beliefs

In the Satanic Bible, Anton LaVey describes Satan as a motivating and balancing dark force in nature. Satan is also described as being the "Black Flame", representing a person's own inner personality and desires. Satan is seen as synonymous with the nature and even, metaphorically, with certain conceptions of a supreme deity or God.

In his most important essay, "Satanism: The Feared Religion", the Church of Satan's current leader Peter H. Gilmore states:

Satanists do not believe in the supernatural, in neither God nor the Devil. To the Satanist, he is his own God. Satan is a symbol of Man living as his prideful, carnal nature dictates. The reality behind Satan is simply the dark evolutionary force of entropy that permeates all of nature and provides the drive for survival and propagation inherent in all living things. Satan is not a conscious entity to be worshipped, rather a reservoir of power inside each human to be tapped at will. Thus any concept of sacrifice is rejected as a Christian aberration—in Satanism there’s no deity to which one can sacrifice.

Satan is said to appear in mythology and literature around the world as a trickster, rebel, and hero. Figures such as the Greek Prometheus are said to perfectly exemplify the qualities of Satan, the prideful rebel. Satan is seen as the powerful individual who acts regardless of what others might say. Also, the word satan is derived from the Hebrew for "adversary" or "accuser" (ha-satan). Thus, combining the traditional rebellious imagery associated with Satan and other relative deities, together with the etymological aspect of the word itself, Satanists claim to be adversaries of mainstream behavior which they define as "herd conformity", seeing it as stifling to individuality, creativity, and progress.

Satanists do not believe that Satan is a god; rather, the function of God is performed and satisfied by the Satanist him/herself. That is, the needs of worship, ritual, and religious/spiritual focus are directed, effectively, inwards towards the Satanist, as opposed to outwards towards a God.

LaVey proposes, instead, that if all gods are creations of humans, worship of an external deity is worship of its creator by proxy. He suggests, then, that the rational Satanists should instead internalize their gods and therefore worship themselves; hence the Satanic maxim, "I am my own god."

It follows that Satanism shuns the idea of belief in all other deities as well. Belief in any such externalized deities is generally considered grounds for excluding someone as a Satanist, and devil worship in particular is considered nothing more than a misguided inversion of Christianity, and often dismissed as a Christian heresy.

Theistic Satanists may respectfully work with demons found in traditional grimoires.

Some people who identify as Satanists also revere other entities, for instance other demons. Such demons may include those of grimoires such as the Grimorium Verum, or Goetia, or entities such as Lillith. They may believe each person has a guardian or patron demon. Contact with demons in Theistic Satanism is usually in a respectful manner, such as that in demonolatry, rather than commanding them.

Part of the seal of Lucifer from the Grimorium Verum, used as a symbol of Satan by some Theistic Satanists

Diversity of viewpoints within Theistic Satanism

The internet has increased awareness of different views among Satanists, and led to more diverse groups, which has led the Church of Satan to assert their authority and legitimacy. But Satanism has always been a pluralistic and decentralised religion. Scholars outside Satanism have sought to study it by categorizing forms of it according to whether they are theistic or atheistic and referred to the worship of Satan as traditional Satanism or theistic Satanism. It is generally a prerequisite to being considered a theistic Satanist that the Satanist accept a theological and metaphysical canon involving one or more God(s) who are either Satan in the strictest, Abrahamic sense, or a concept of Satan that incorporates gods from other religions (usually pre-Christian), such as Ahriman. Some Theistic Satanists believe in Satan as the All, a force filling the universe, a presence in nature. These Satanists, such as Satanic Reds, are not Theistic Satanist in the manner of believing in Satan as a god with a personality, but believe in dark deism as does Diane Vera. The First Church of Satan believe the philosophy propounded by Anton LaVey himself was deism or panentheism but is propounded as atheism by the leaders of the Church of Satan in order to distance themselves from what they see as pseudo-Satanists. The diversity of individual viewpoints within Theistic Satanism, while being a cause for intense debates within the religion, is also often seen as a reflection of Satan, who encourages individualism. Many Theistic Satanists believe their own individualized concept based on pieces of all these diverse views of Satan, according to their inclination and spiritual guidance, rather than only believe in one suggested interpretation.

Seeking knowledge is seen by some Theistic Satanists as important to Satan, due to his being equated with the Serpent in Genesis encouraging mankind to partake of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, that they might become as God, and giving mankind a greater intellect. Some perceive Satan as Baphomet, a hermaphroditic bestower of knowledge (gnosis.) Other Satanic groups, such as Luciferians, and some individual Satanists also seek to gain greater gnosis. For some Satanists, this is a form of gnosticism where they view Yahweh as the demiurge and Satan as the transcendent being beyond, of whom they seek knowledge. Jehovah they believe is a creation of Satan and lies about his powers, and so his Bible is not to be trusted.Satan they believe is about freedom as opposed to all the rules and commandments of Christianity. Eating the fruit of the tree also meant that humans could not be immortal, and must make the most of their time on earth.

Self-development is important to Theistic Satanists. This is due to the Satanists' view of Satan, who is seen to encourage individuality and freedom of thought, and the quest to raise one's self up despite resistance, through means such as magic and initiative. They believe Satan wants a more equal relationship with his followers than the Christian God does with his. The main sin as the Christian god and his followers see it is that someone does not bow down to God. Some Satanists seek to remove any means by which they are controlled or repressed by others and follow the herd, and reject authoritarianism.

As Satan in the Old Testament tests people, theistic Satanists may believe that Satan sends them tests in life in order to develop them as an individual. They value taking responsibility for oneself. A dark self-spirituality may raise self esteem and reduce anxiety, guilt and doubt. Despite the emphasis on self-development, Theistic Satanists often feel that there is a will of Satan for the world and for their own lives. They may promise to help bring about the will of Satan, and seek to gain insight about it through prayer, study or magic. In the temptation of Christ in the desert, Satan says that if Jesus worships him, he can give him all the kingdoms of the earth. Satan is known in the Bible as the prince of this world, and Satanists may feel that he can help them meet their needs and desires if they pray or work magic. They would also have to do what they could in everyday life to achieve their goals, however.

Theistic Satanists may try not to project an image that reflects negatively on their religion as a whole and reinforces stereotypes, such as promoting Nazism, abuse or crime. However, some groups believe the emphasis on promoting a good image for Theistic Satanism has led to attempts to dilute and sanitize it. In particular, there is argument over animal sacrifice, with most groups seeing it as both unnecessary and putting Satanism in a bad light, and distancing themselves from the few groups that practice it.

Political controversies in Satanism

A notable group that considered themselves to be Traditional Satanists was the Order of Nine Angles. Controversy meant this group were mentioned in the press and books, as they claimed to practice animal sacrifice and agreed with human sacrifice.They also had a right-wing philosophy that attracted notoriety. Similar political views are held by the Joy of Satan, who led to some resignations from the National Socialist Movement when prominent members were discovered to be involved with the Joy of Satan, to the extent of donations from both organizations when those individuals were involved in the NSM, being asked to be sent to the same post office box address and number. The JoS have some idiosycratic beliefs about spiritual entities being extra terrestrials, valuing the work of Zecharia Sitchin. A group with very different political views to the ONA is Satanic Reds, whose Satanism has a Communist element. (s today 240) The Church of Satan has also been accused of having Nazi overtones, as it believes in social Darwinism and eugenics. However, it says these beliefs were around before the Nazis.

Lucifer (in the lower right) shown in a defiant pose.

Luciferian groups such as the Church of Lucifer and the Children of the Black Rose are particularly inspired by Lucifer (from the Latin for "bearer of light"), who they may or may not equate with Satan. While some theologians believe the son of the dawn, Lucifer and other names were actually used to refer to contemporary political figures, such as a Babylonian King, rather than a single spiritual entity, although on the surface the bible explicitly refers to the King of Babylon, those that believe it refers to Satan infer that by implication it also applies to the fall of Satan. The Church of the Black Goat believe

Satan and Lucifer are the same being in his light and dark aspects.

The diversity of views amongst Satanists, and the theistic nature of some Satanists, was seen in a survey in 1995. Some spoke of seeing Satan not as someone dangerous to those who seek or worship him, but as someone that could be approached as a friend. Some refer to him as Father,though some other Theistic Satanists consider that to be confused or excessively subservient. However, referring to Satan as his follower's father occurs in the Bible (John 8:44.) Satan is also portrayed as a father to his daughter, Sin, by Milton in Paradise Lost.

Some groups are mistaken by scholars for Theistic Satanists, such as the First Church of Satan. However, the founder of the FCoS considers what he calls "devil-worship" to often be a symptom of psychosis. Other groups such as the 600 Club, are accepting of all types of Satanist, as are the Sinagogue of Satan, an organisation that promotes freedom of religion, but aims for the ultimate destruction of religions and encourages not self-indulgence, but self-expression balanced by social responsibility.

Theistic Satanism often involves a religious commitment rather than being simply an occult practice based on dabbling or transient enjoyment of the rituals and magic involved. Practitioners may choose to perform a pact or self-dedication rite, although there are arguments over whether it is best to do this at the beginning of their time as a Theistic Satanist, or once they have been practicing for some time.

Magic

Greater Magic involves ritual and ceremony in order to focus one's emotional energy for a specific purpose. Satanic ritual is highly variable, with a basic format given in The Satanic Bible. Satanists are encouraged to use whatever elements that suit them in order to bring them to an emotional height. It must be noted that the Church of Satan claims that a better mastery of Lesser Magic will contribute to a better mastery of Greater Magic.

The ritual room is referred to as an "intellectual decompression chamber." Disbelief is temporarily suspended and the magician is encouraged to best express themselves and not hold back on what they may be feeling. Greater magic is most commonly divided into three categories: Destruction, lust, and compassion. LaVey elaborates on methods for focusing these motivations. For destruction, one can either act out or destroy a person symbolically in order to vent their anger and hatred. Lust rituals involve masturbation and orgasmic overtones. Compassion rituals concern sadness and crying is encouraged. Overall, full self expression is encouraged in Satanic ritual.

Much emphasis is placed on evocation and music. The last part of The Satanic Bible is dedicated to invocations and the nineteen Enochian Keys, originally written by John Dee. Music is encouraged because it is said to easily manipulate one's emotions, which contributes to the overall success of the rituals. Also, it is notable that Satanism draws a line at the participants, stating that a successful working is more likely with a few Satanists who are concentrated on what they are doing than many who may be distracted.

In Theistic Satanism, magic often involves respectful evocation, the use of magical correspondences, and petitioning of Satan or the demons with the use of prayer, pacts or offerings. However, it too could involve energy raising and focusing of emotion.

Satanic holidays

Main article: Satanic holidays

Satanists may celebrate the equinoxes and solstices, Walpurgisnacht (April 30th), Halloween or the other festivals of the Wheel of the Year, Imbolc and Lammas, although they may use different names for them. For Laveyan Satanists, Walpurgisnacht also marks the formation of the Church of Satan in the year 1966, or I Annos Satanas. These dates are commonly celebrated by Satanists with private or group rituals, and private parties or family celebrations.

The most important holiday in Laveyan Satanism is one's own birthday, as it is the birthdate of one's own god. This is as a reminder that to a Satanist, you are the most important being in the universe, and to honor your own vital existence and your life. LaVey recommends that a Satanist celebrate their own birthday in any way they choose, with as much pomp and ceremony as they see fit. The Satanic celebration of the birthday can also be seen as a mockery of the holidays commemorating the birth of various gods or saints in other religions.

Satanists may celebrate overtly Christian holidays such as Christmas, though the religious trappings are generally stripped from the holiday, secularizing it. Some Satanists, however, either transfer such holidays as Christmas to the Winter Solstice or decline to celebrate such holidays altogether.

See also

• Satanism
• Azazel
• Devil
• Left Hand Path
• Luciferianism
• Stregheria
• Magic

Myths and Stereotypes

The Satanic Ritual Abuse scare was often centred on fears or beliefs about traditional Satanism The existence of large networks of organized Satanists involved in illegal activities, murder, and child abuse is occasionally claimed. Those claims have not been substantiated, and it has been labeled by Satanists and by sociologists as an example of a moral panic.

Some studies of crimes have also looked at the theological perspective of those who commit religious or ritualised crime. However, criminals who explain their crimes by claim to be Satanists have been said by sociologists to be "pseudo-Satanists." and attempts to link Satanism to crime have been seen as scaremongering by Theistic Satanists themselves. Even seemingly non-Christian writers can include disproven themes popular with the Satanic Ritual Abuse movement, such as sexual crime being required for Satanism. Some Christians fear that references to Satan in popular culture and music inspire some people to Theistic Satanism. Although music cannot make someone become a Satanist, Christopher Partridge has said that regardless of whether the black metal musicians concerned are genuinely Theistic Satanists, through hearing the lyrics for instance of Black Sabbath and Coven (band) people may hear for the first time that there are people who are Theistic Satanists, and may be inspired to then go on to learn more about Theistic Satanism and eventually practice it long-term.While they may first come upon the more obtainable works of Anton LaVey, who denied belief in Satan, those who discover his writings may then go on to reach a traditional viewpoint. Christians may fear that Satanists spend their time blaspheming Christianity,, but while some chose to begin their time as a Satanist by performing a renunciation ritual or rite of blasphemy, so that they can break from any negative conditioning they may have from previous religions they have followed, and begin their life anew, those who do so may not necessarily make that a regular practice. Christians may fear that traditional Satanists may attempt to hex Christian meetings,, and indeed some Theistic Satanists do practice spiritual warfare to accomplish Satan's will and to seek to limit restriction of their freedom of religion.

Some may choose to live out the myths and stereotypes, but Christianity is not always the primary frame of reference for Theistic Satanists. Their religion may be based on dark pagan, left hand path and occult traditions. Theistic Satanists who base their faith on Christian ideas about Satan may be referred to as "Reverse Christians" by other Satanists, often in a pejorative fashion. However those labeled by some as "reverse Christians" may see their concept of Satan as not diluted or sanitized. They worship a stricter interpretation of Satan: that of the Satan featured in the Christian Bible. The Cathedral of the Black Goat and Brother Nero are called Christian-based by Diane Vera, who believes no-one follows complete reverse Christianity as it would be impossible. Brother Nero practices what she considers to be the nearest to it. The Cathedral of the Black Goat are Traditional Satanists who follow the Satan of the Bible, but believe the Anti-Christ will succeed, bringing joy to the world and Satanists in particular. Those figures usually seen as good in the bible such as John the Baptist are seen as evil, and to have worked to ensure enslavement Hell is where most people will ultimately arrive, and it is not an unpleasant place. They also revere the Al-Jilwah of the Yezidi. Wiccans may consider most Satanism to be reverse Christianity, and the head of the Church of Satan, Peter Gilmore, considers "devil worship" to be a Christian heresy. Diane Vera considers reverse Christianity "default Satanism", saying that for those teenagers who live in a Christian culture, or for people who've just left Christianity, this form of Satanism is the one they would arrive at on their own, before they learn other ideas.

A common criticism of Satanism is that it is reactionary and an invention of the Christian churches. It is thought that because of its chief symbol is that of the enemy in Christianity, it is a reaction against what were social problems at the time, rather than a positive growth.

The symbol of Satan is criticized as deliberately confrontational. Often it is cited as being purely for shock value and having no real purpose whatsoever. Some who agree with the philosophy of Satanism, fall short of calling themselves Satanists because it is seen as simply a rebellion against Christianity and not a valid, stand alone set of ideas. It has also been suggested that much of the power of Satanism was in shock which has waned since the 1960s.[7]

Satanism is also criticized as a recycled version of older ideas such as existentialism and perhaps individualism. LaVey has described his Satanism as "just Ayn Rand's philosophy with ceremony and ritual added" [8]. Critics have suggested that LaVey simply took the philosophy of Satanism from Rand and Friedrich Nietzsche, adding on the symbol of Satan and watered down versions of magical ideas taken from Aleister Crowley.

LaVeyan Satanism

Anton LaVey established Satanism's first and largest religious organization, the Church of Satan, in 1966, and codified LaVeyan Satanism's beliefs and practices in the Satanic Bible in 1969. According to the Church of Satan, there are many Satanists around the world, including both members and non-members. It rejects the legitimacy of any other organizations of Satanists, dubbing them reverse-Christians and pseudo-Satanists. Although exact numbers have never been released, it has been estimated by the church that the number of adherents is in the tens of thousands.

History

On Walpurgisnacht of 1966, Anton Szandor LaVey began the Church of Satan. Beforehand, he had given lectures from his home, the infamous Black House, charging two dollars for admittance. He formed a "Magic Circle" with his closest associates, experimenting with ceremonial magic. It was suggested to LaVey that he had enough material to start an organized religion.

The Church of Satan attracted a lot of publicity. Its use of nude women as altars and performances of a Satanic wedding and funeral service brought it a lot of attention. Anton LaVey shaved his head and wore a white clerical collar, sometimes even wearing horns to complete the image of the Devil incarnate. His flamboyant personality attracted many followers and admirers.

In 1969, LaVey published the Satanic Bible, which, even to this day, remains the most authoritative literature on the subject of Religious Satanism, outlining the basic concepts, philosophy and rituals. Its companion, The Satanic Rituals, published in 1972, presents an array of rituals associated with Satanism throughout the ages, but not necessarily central to the Church's belief system. LaVey also released other literature to further expand on the ideology, namely The Satanic Witch (previously published as The Compleat Witch), and 2 essay anthologies: The Devil's Notebook and Satan Speaks!

Since its inception, there have been several schisms with individuals seeking to found new organizations. The reasons for the breakaway from LaVey's church were cited as being a difference in ideology, or commercialization of the institution, thus seeking to recreate its previous underground and elitist status. One notable example is the formation of the Temple of Set in 1975 by former Church of Satan member Michael Aquino, who cites disagreement over LaVey's atheism. Due to the Temple of Set's belief in a living deity called Set, it is not considered a LaVeyan Satanist organization. Some writers equate the veneration of Set by the Temple of Set with theistic Satanism, however the Temple of Set do not identify as Theistic Satanists. They believe the Egyptian deity Set is the real Dark Lord behind the name Satan, of whom Satan is just a caricature. Their practices primarily centre on self-development. In Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan's works, the Black Flame is the inner desires of an individual. Within the temple of Set, the Black Flame is the individual's god-like core which is a kindred spirit to Set, and they seek to develop. In Theistic Satanism, the Black Flame is knowledge which was given to humanity by Satan, who is a being independent of the Satanist himself and which he can dispense to the Satanist who seeks knowledge.

The other major organization affiliated with LaVeyan ideology is the First Satanic Church, founded in 1999 by Anton LaVey's daughter, Karla LaVey. She argues that, after her father's death, the church moved away from his original modus operandi, and shifted towards a commercial money making machine. Thus, the First Satanic Church is considered a re-founding of the original one.

Peter H. Gilmore, High Priest of the Church of Satan. Gilmore took over the church from Blanche Barton, Anton LaVey's partner and the former High Priestess.

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Today, the Church of Satan is still viewed as the de facto representation of LaVeyan Satanism in the public eye, and fresh publications are released, applying Satanic philosophies to topics of contemporary interest.

Beliefs

In the Satanic Bible, Anton LaVey describes Satan as a motivating and balancing dark force in nature. Satan is also described as being the "Black Flame", representing a person's own inner personality and desires. Satan is seen as synonymous with the nature and even, metaphorically, with certain conceptions of a supreme deity or God.

In his most important essay, "Satanism: The Feared Religion", the Church of Satan's current leader Peter H. Gilmore states:

Satanists do not believe in the supernatural, in neither God nor the Devil. To the Satanist, he is his own God. Satan is a symbol of Man living as his prideful, carnal nature dictates. The reality behind Satan is simply the dark evolutionary force of entropy that permeates all of nature and provides the drive for survival and propagation inherent in all living things. Satan is not a conscious entity to be worshipped, rather a reservoir of power inside each human to be tapped at will. Thus any concept of sacrifice is rejected as a Christian aberration—in Satanism there’s no deity to which one can sacrifice.

Satan is said to appear in mythology and literature around the world as a trickster, rebel, and hero. Figures such as the Greek Prometheus are said to perfectly exemplify the qualities of Satan, the prideful rebel. Satan is seen as the powerful individual who acts regardless of what others might say. Also, the word satan is derived from the Hebrew for "adversary" or "accuser" (ha-satan). Thus, combining the traditional rebellious imagery associated with Satan and other relative deities, together with the etymological aspect of the word itself, Satanists claim to be adversaries of mainstream behavior which they define as "herd conformity", seeing it as stifling to individuality, creativity, and progress.

Satanists do not believe that Satan is a god; rather, the function of God is performed and satisfied by the Satanist him/herself. That is, the needs of worship, ritual, and religious/spiritual focus are directed, effectively, inwards towards the Satanist, as opposed to outwards towards a God.

LaVey proposes, instead, that if all gods are creations of humans, worship of an external deity is worship of its creator by proxy. He suggests, then, that the rational Satanists should instead internalize their gods and therefore worship themselves; hence the Satanic maxim, "I am my own god."

It follows that Satanism shuns the idea of belief in all other deities as well. Belief in any such externalized deities is generally considered grounds for excluding someone as a Satanist, and devil worship in particular is considered nothing more than a misguided inversion of Christianity, and often dismissed as a Christian heresy.

Theistic Satanists may respectfully work with demons found in traditional grimoires.

Some people who identify as Satanists also revere other entities, for instance other demons. Such demons may include those of grimoires such as the Grimorium Verum, or Goetia, or entities such as Lillith. They may believe each person has a guardian or patron demon. Contact with demons in Theistic Satanism is usually in a respectful manner, such as that in demonolatry, rather than commanding them.

Part of the seal of Lucifer from the Grimorium Verum, used as a symbol of Satan by some Theistic Satanists

Diversity of viewpoints within Theistic Satanism

The internet has increased awareness of different views among Satanists, and led to more diverse groups, which has led the Church of Satan to assert their authority and legitimacy. But Satanism has always been a pluralistic and decentralised religion. Scholars outside Satanism have sought to study it by categorizing forms of it according to whether they are theistic or atheistic and referred to the worship of Satan as traditional Satanism or theistic Satanism. It is generally a prerequisite to being considered a theistic Satanist that the Satanist accept a theological and metaphysical canon involving one or more God(s) who are either Satan in the strictest, Abrahamic sense, or a concept of Satan that incorporates gods from other religions (usually pre-Christian), such as Ahriman. Some Theistic Satanists believe in Satan as the All, a force filling the universe, a presence in nature. These Satanists, such as Satanic Reds, are not Theistic Satanist in the manner of believing in Satan as a god with a personality, but believe in dark deism as does Diane Vera. The First Church of Satan believe the philosophy propounded by Anton LaVey himself was deism or panentheism but is propounded as atheism by the leaders of the Church of Satan in order to distance themselves from what they see as pseudo-Satanists. The diversity of individual viewpoints within Theistic Satanism, while being a cause for intense debates within the religion, is also often seen as a reflection of Satan, who encourages individualism. Many Theistic Satanists believe their own individualized concept based on pieces of all these diverse views of Satan, according to their inclination and spiritual guidance, rather than only believe in one suggested interpretation.

Seeking knowledge is seen by some Theistic Satanists as important to Satan, due to his being equated with the Serpent in Genesis encouraging mankind to partake of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, that they might become as God, and giving mankind a greater intellect. Some perceive Satan as Baphomet, a hermaphroditic bestower of knowledge (gnosis.) Other Satanic groups, such as Luciferians, and some individual Satanists also seek to gain greater gnosis. For some Satanists, this is a form of gnosticism where they view Yahweh as the demiurge and Satan as the transcendent being beyond, of whom they seek knowledge. Jehovah they believe is a creation of Satan and lies about his powers, and so his Bible is not to be trusted.Satan they believe is about freedom as opposed to all the rules and commandments of Christianity. Eating the fruit of the tree also meant that humans could not be immortal, and must make the most of their time on earth.

Self-development is important to Theistic Satanists. This is due to the Satanists' view of Satan, who is seen to encourage individuality and freedom of thought, and the quest to raise one's self up despite resistance, through means such as magic and initiative. They believe Satan wants a more equal relationship with his followers than the Christian God does with his. The main sin as the Christian god and his followers see it is that someone does not bow down to God. Some Satanists seek to remove any means by which they are controlled or repressed by others and follow the herd, and reject authoritarianism.

As Satan in the Old Testament tests people, theistic Satanists may believe that Satan sends them tests in life in order to develop them as an individual. They value taking responsibility for oneself. A dark self-spirituality may raise self esteem and reduce anxiety, guilt and doubt. Despite the emphasis on self-development, Theistic Satanists often feel that there is a will of Satan for the world and for their own lives. They may promise to help bring about the will of Satan, and seek to gain insight about it through prayer, study or magic. In the temptation of Christ in the desert, Satan says that if Jesus worships him, he can give him all the kingdoms of the earth. Satan is known in the Bible as the prince of this world, and Satanists may feel that he can help them meet their needs and desires if they pray or work magic. They would also have to do what they could in everyday life to achieve their goals, however.

Theistic Satanists may try not to project an image that reflects negatively on their religion as a whole and reinforces stereotypes, such as promoting Nazism, abuse or crime. However, some groups believe the emphasis on promoting a good image for Theistic Satanism has led to attempts to dilute and sanitize it. In particular, there is argument over animal sacrifice, with most groups seeing it as both unnecessary and putting Satanism in a bad light, and distancing themselves from the few groups that practice it.

Political controversies in Satanism

A notable group that considered themselves to be Traditional Satanists was the Order of Nine Angles. Controversy meant this group were mentioned in the press and books, as they claimed to practice animal sacrifice and agreed with human sacrifice.They also had a right-wing philosophy that attracted notoriety. Similar political views are held by the Joy of Satan, who led to some resignations from the National Socialist Movement when prominent members were discovered to be involved with the Joy of Satan, to the extent of donations from both organizations when those individuals were involved in the NSM, being asked to be sent to the same post office box address and number. The JoS have some idiosycratic beliefs about spiritual entities being extra terrestrials, valuing the work of Zecharia Sitchin. A group with very different political views to the ONA is Satanic Reds, whose Satanism has a Communist element. (s today 240) The Church of Satan has also been accused of having Nazi overtones, as it believes in social Darwinism and eugenics. However, it says these beliefs were around before the Nazis.

Lucifer (in the lower right) shown in a defiant pose.

Luciferian groups such as the Church of Lucifer and the Children of the Black Rose are particularly inspired by Lucifer (from the Latin for "bearer of light"), who they may or may not equate with Satan. While some theologians believe the son of the dawn, Lucifer and other names were actually used to refer to contemporary political figures, such as a Babylonian King, rather than a single spiritual entity, although on the surface the bible explicitly refers to the King of Babylon, those that believe it refers to Satan infer that by implication it also applies to the fall of Satan. The Church of the Black Goat believe

Satan and Lucifer are the same being in his light and dark aspects.

The diversity of views amongst Satanists, and the theistic nature of some Satanists, was seen in a survey in 1995. Some spoke of seeing Satan not as someone dangerous to those who seek or worship him, but as someone that could be approached as a friend. Some refer to him as Father,though some other Theistic Satanists consider that to be confused or excessively subservient. However, referring to Satan as his follower's father occurs in the Bible (John 8:44.) Satan is also portrayed as a father to his daughter, Sin, by Milton in Paradise Lost.

Some groups are mistaken by scholars for Theistic Satanists, such as the First Church of Satan. However, the founder of the FCoS considers what he calls "devil-worship" to often be a symptom of psychosis. Other groups such as the 600 Club, are accepting of all types of Satanist, as are the Sinagogue of Satan, an organisation that promotes freedom of religion, but aims for the ultimate destruction of religions and encourages not self-indulgence, but self-expression balanced by social responsibility.

Theistic Satanism often involves a religious commitment rather than being simply an occult practice based on dabbling or transient enjoyment of the rituals and magic involved. Practitioners may choose to perform a pact or self-dedication rite, although there are arguments over whether it is best to do this at the beginning of their time as a Theistic Satanist, or once they have been practicing for some time.

Magic

Greater Magic involves ritual and ceremony in order to focus one's emotional energy for a specific purpose. Satanic ritual is highly variable, with a basic format given in The Satanic Bible. Satanists are encouraged to use whatever elements that suit them in order to bring them to an emotional height. It must be noted that the Church of Satan claims that a better mastery of Lesser Magic will contribute to a better mastery of Greater Magic.

The ritual room is referred to as an "intellectual decompression chamber." Disbelief is temporarily suspended and the magician is encouraged to best express themselves and not hold back on what they may be feeling. Greater magic is most commonly divided into three categories: Destruction, lust, and compassion. LaVey elaborates on methods for focusing these motivations. For destruction, one can either act out or destroy a person symbolically in order to vent their anger and hatred. Lust rituals involve masturbation and orgasmic overtones. Compassion rituals concern sadness and crying is encouraged. Overall, full self expression is encouraged in Satanic ritual.

Much emphasis is placed on evocation and music. The last part of The Satanic Bible is dedicated to invocations and the nineteen Enochian Keys, originally written by John Dee. Music is encouraged because it is said to easily manipulate one's emotions, which contributes to the overall success of the rituals. Also, it is notable that Satanism draws a line at the participants, stating that a successful working is more likely with a few Satanists who are concentrated on what they are doing than many who may be distracted.

In Theistic Satanism, magic often involves respectful evocation, the use of magical correspondences, and petitioning of Satan or the demons with the use of prayer, pacts or offerings. However, it too could involve energy raising and focusing of emotion.

Satanic holidays

Main article: Satanic holidays

Satanists may celebrate the equinoxes and solstices, Walpurgisnacht (April 30th), Halloween or the other festivals of the Wheel of the Year, Imbolc and Lammas, although they may use different names for them. For Laveyan Satanists, Walpurgisnacht also marks the formation of the Church of Satan in the year 1966, or I Annos Satanas. These dates are commonly celebrated by Satanists with private or group rituals, and private parties or family celebrations.

The most important holiday in Laveyan Satanism is one's own birthday, as it is the birthdate of one's own god. This is as a reminder that to a Satanist, you are the most important being in the universe, and to honor your own vital existence and your life. LaVey recommends that a Satanist celebrate their own birthday in any way they choose, with as much pomp and ceremony as they see fit. The Satanic celebration of the birthday can also be seen as a mockery of the holidays commemorating the birth of various gods or saints in other religions.

Satanists may celebrate overtly Christian holidays such as Christmas, though the religious trappings are generally stripped from the holiday, secularizing it. Some Satanists, however, either transfer such holidays as Christmas to the Winter Solstice or decline to celebrate such holidays altogether.

See also

• Satanism
• Azazel
• Devil
• Left Hand Path
• Luciferianism
• Stregheria
• Magic
• Folk religion

Further reading

• Ellis, Bill, Raising the Devil: Satanism, New Religions and the Media (Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 2000).
• Hertenstein, Mike; Jon Trott, Selling Satan: The Evangelical Media and the Mike Warnke Scandal (Chicago: Cornerstone, 1993).
• Brown, Seth "Think you're the only one?" (Barnes & Noble Books 2004)
• Medway, Gareth J., The Lure of the Sinister: The Unnatural History of Satanism (New York and London: New York University Press, 2001).
• Palermo, George B.; Michele C. Del Re: Satanism: Psychiatric and Legal Views (American Series in Behavioral Science and Law) . Charles C Thomas Pub Ltd (November 1999)
• Pike, Albert, Morals and Dogma (1871)
• Richardson, James T.; Joel Best; David G. Bromley, The Satanism Scare (New York: Aldine de Gruyter, 1991).
• Vera, Diane, Theistic Satanism: The new Satanisms of the era of the Internet]
• Zacharias, Gerhard (1980). The Satanic Cult. Translated from the German 'Satanskult und Schwarze Messe' by Christine Trollope.

External links

• Articles and essays about Theistic Satanism from about.com
• Theistic Satanism and Left Hand Path oriented links

Some other groups of theistic Satanists do not accept the bible as depicting the true Satan to the same degree, basing their concept of him on personal spiritual experience and prayer.