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Spiritual Satanism Archives - Spiritual Satanist Blog

Category: Spiritual Satanism

  • Breaking Your Pact With Satan? 3 Things You Should Know

    Breaking Your Pact With Satan? 3 Things You Should Know

    Breaking a Pact With SatanWhat if you wanted to break your pact with Satan? A reader of the Spiritual Satanist Blog asked:

    What if you do dedication really young then break a pact and move on to other occult paths? Will Satan understand your choice? Will there be revenge from his side?

    Great question! I have been asked this question before a few times and my answer is always the same: It’s ok to change your mind.

    Many times, people find Satanism in their youth. A lot of Satanists start their journey by exploring Satanism before they turn 20. It’s a common thing for people of that age to be curious and want to explore the possibilities that are out there. They are seeking identity and a sense of self. A spiritual path allows you to explore that on your own terms.

    Many feel that creating a pact with Satan is a goal, a final end on the road to becoming a Satanist. But as many of you may know, the decisions we make when we are younger don’t always work out. Circumstance change, a person evolves and may decide to leave the path of Satanism.

    So there are three things you should know about breaking a pact with Satan:

    1. A Pact with Satan is an Agreement

    A pact with Satan is an agreement with Satan, most often created to show one’s allegiance to Satan either as a servant or as an ally. What you chose to put into your pact is determined by how you feel about Satan and Satanism.

    This is why I always suggest to study and practice Satanism for at least a year before you even decide to make a pact. Making a pact doesn’t instantly make you into a Satanist. Without the knowledge that you need to create a pact, the chances that you will be satisfied with your agreement are slim.

    Not knowing how you should have made your agreement after the fact is a good reason to re-consider your pact. To avoid having to do this, do your research first and spend time living as a Satanist before you decide to finalize anything.

    2. It’s Ok to Evolve or Move On

    Satanism isn’t Christianity. In Christianity, there is no pact. You are told that you are destined to be a ‘child of god’ whether you agree to it or not. In Satanism, however, creating a pact is a choice. Being given a choice is important. This choice allows you freedom. And with your new found freedom you may find that Satan and Satanism served you at some point to move beyond the limiting lifestyle that you grew up with.

    Some find that Satanism allows them to express rebellion. This is one of the appealing aspects of Satanism – it’s denial of the socially accepted norms of Christian life. But rebellion can only serve you so far, it can only do so much for you before you either absorb it as a part of your growing experience as a Satanist, or you use that as a catalyst to move on to something that you feel is more meaningful.

    3. You Can’t Expect Satan to Act Like The Christian God

    Satan is not the same god as the Christian god. I am not aware that Satan demands subservience from followers. In general, Satanism is a path of freedom, compared to the Christian way of restriction. To believe that Satan wants revenge from those that move on is to accept a Christian view of Satan. The Christian view of Satan teaches that Satan is vengeful – but a look into the mythology of the Bible shows that the Christian god was far more vengeful than Satan!

    There are two points to consider carefully: That you entered into your agreement while still holding on to your Christian beliefs and 2: You have not taken the time to study the nature of Satan as a deity. Not knowing what to expect can lead you to imagine all sorts of things. But, if you set aside your expectations, and realize that your pact has served it’s purpose, there is nothing wrong with moving on.

    My Personal Experience with Pacts

    Personally, I have re-pacted with Satan three times. I made my first pact with Satan when I was just 13. I was so A Dark Pathyoung then and the things that I asked for, in retrospect, seemed foolish. Still, it served me in some ways.

    When I was 23, I made another pact – this time, my pact was a re-structuring of my personal beliefs and a renewal of my path in Satanism. With my second pact, I had a better idea of who I was as a person and what I wanted out of my relationship with Satan.

    My third pact came after my husband passed, in 2012, in another renewal of myself and my path in Satanism. I never felt that renewing my pact was a negative thing – in fact, it felt like it was the right thing to do and it suited me at the time.

    I also studied Wicca for about a year when I was 16, and never felt that I was betraying Satan. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the Occult in general. I have enjoyed working with Greek and Roman gods, who seemed accommodating to those that also had allegiance to other gods like Satan.

    And, in 2009, I studied and practiced rituals from the Golden Dawn, which was an enlightening experience. Through it all, I always knew that my heart belonged to Satan. All those other studies just enriched who I was and helped me to evolve into the person that I am today.

    Conclusion:

    A pact with Satan isn’t a final destination. Instead, it’s part of your journey as a Satanist. Consider how far you have come and what lies ahead. You are always free to come back with new understanding and perhaps, a better perspective on what you want out of your pact. This is especially true if like many Satanists, you made your decision when you were younger and not so wise. It’s ok to move on and find a new road if you feel it would make you more complete. The door is always there to return to when you are ready to walk the dark path again.

    For tips on staying on the Satanic Path visit: Reader Q&A Are There Daily Practices in Satanism? And also more discussion on pact making can be found at: 3 Mistakes New Satanists Make

    Like & Share this post if you enjoyed it! And, feel free to comment below.

    Have you ever considered breaking or re-negotiating a pact with Satan? Let’s discuss!

    Pheromones Attract at Love-Scent.com
  • Reader Q&A – Are There Daily Practices in Satanism?

    Reader Q&A – Are There Daily Practices in Satanism?

    Are There Daily Practices In Satanism?

    New Satanists are often curious about how to integrate Satanism into their daily lives. The question was asked, “Are There Daily Practices in Satanism?

    As far as I know, no there are no guidelines for daily practices. That is, unless, you belong to a Satanic esoteric order that gives you daily routines that you can follow.

    As far as daily routines go, you could do several things on your own, whichever you feel would benefit you the most. Having a daily practice to turn to can help you with self development, and it is a part of your spiritual journey in Satanism. Here are five practices you can explore:

    Daily Reading: A useful daily practice in Satanism is spending at least an hour per day reading a book or a resource on Satanism. There is a lot to discover out there – from the history of Satanism, reading about Satanic activism or personalities in Satanism, even learning about the Satanic panic! Start doing your own research on Satanism for at least an hour a day. Find some good books on Satanism and read as much as you can. The more you learn, the more that you know. You can find some great books on Satanism at the Left Hand Path Books Blog!

    Daily Prayer: Whether you start or end your day with a prayer, know that saying a prayer or just spending a few minutes in solitude with the spirit of Satan is beneficial to you in the long term. In a spiritual way, you will see over time how much closer to Satan you have become. My new book, the Spiritual Satanist Prayer Book: Infernal Reflections shows you how prayer is a useful way to live mindfully through Satanism every day.

    Daily Ritual: Instead of a simple prayer, you can plan out a daily ritual. First create your altar space, and do a simple invocation of Satan into your heart. Begin your ritual by putting on some Satanically inspired music of your choice. If it speaks to your heart then it’s right for you. Light a special candle for your altar. Say your invocation or prayer, and spend a moment in the glory of Satan every day. I’s a simple moment of meditation in front of your altar. If you don’t know how to set up an altar or you are just beginning, then head over to the Spiritual Satanist site – Your Satanic Ritual Space: How To Make and Keep an Altar

    Interact With Others: Find a place online where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts on Satanism. A place where you can learn instead of spend your time fighting. Satanism is evolving but there are still a few dark corners of the web where ignorance and superiority reign supreme. Ignore those places and gravitate towards social networks where you can be yourself. If you hit a brick wall, move on. These places exist, you just have to look for them. Even if you don’t post, read as much as you can for an hour a day. Make time each day to teach what you know, and to learn from others. That’s how things progress.

    Be Creative: Are you a creative person? Do you like to draw or paint? Perhaps you like to write or create music. Spending time on being creative can be a great release and it can help you to feel like a part of the Satanic current. It doesn’t matter if all you do is put your words into a private journal, you are still thinking about your experiences. Even if no one sees your Tumblr page, or reads your poetry, it’s still your own free expression of your life in Satanism. Go ahead and be creative! Let it out!

     

    I covered similar ideas to this in another post here at the Spiritual Satanist Blog: 5 Ways to Get Closer To Satan. So as you can see there are things you can do every day to stay in the spirit of Satanism. It’s all up to you and how you want to structure your life. There are no hard rules that say that you have to do things a certain way. Your life in Satanism is what you make it, so make it well!

    Flambeau Noir 2018

    2018 Flambeau Noir Tickets are going fast! This is a Left Hand Path theme convention with guest speakers and events. It’s being held in Portland, Oregon in the last week of April. There are only a few days to get your early bird ticket prices!! I will be presenting at Flambeau Noir and presenting copies of my new book, The Spiritual Satanist Prayer Book. Get your tickets here today!

    Like & Share this post if you enjoyed it! And, feel free to comment below.

    What are some of the daily practices that you do to help you live the Satanic life? Let’s discuss!

    Dark Moon Merchant
  • What Are The Advantages & Disadvantages of Being a Satanist?

    What Are The Advantages & Disadvantages of Being a Satanist?

    This post explores some of the advantages in Satanism, and disadvantages of Satanism. These are common ideas that you will find in Satanism that we all have to deal with at some point. So what are the benefits and drawbacks of being a Satanist?  Advantages and Disadvantages of Satanism

    Advantages of Being a Satanist:

    Being free from Sin!

    Once you leave Christianity (and many Satanists come from a Christian path) you are free to live without the guilt of sin. For some this is an incredible relief. But for others, it can be difficult to leave behind the ways of thinking that held you back for so long.

    Either way, Satanists aren’t burdened with the guilt of the Christian idea of sin, and this is something that not many paths can offer. So, enjoy your new found freedom, hopefully it will enable you to discover your true inner self.

    Self-Empowerment Through Personal Responsibility

    It is often said in Satanism, “Responsibility to the responsible”, meaning that you have to take responsibility for your own development in Satanism. This is not easy to do if you have spent years being told what to believe and how to act by your former religion.

    Once you take personal responsibility for your own path, it can be self-empowering in a way like no other. Until then, you are only living by other people’s rules, and why would you want to do that? Step up and take responsibility for yourself and your own actions.

    Being Part of the Satanic Current..

    Once you become a Satanist you enter into a new religious movement that is constantly evolving with the times. Unlike static archaic religions, Satanism is dynamic and always changing. You can be a part of a path that offer something new to learn and discover every day.

    People in Satanism are working to currently change the pubic perception of this path through social outreach and positive media exposure. Honestly, it’s exciting to be a part of that!

    And now, for the downsides of being a Satanist. It’s not all as good as it seems as new Satanists often find out.

    You’ll be Misunderstood, Wherever You Go

    Yes, thanks to centuries of Christian propaganda, you will be misunderstood by the majority of the population. With the recent media exposure of Satanism in a popular light, attitudes are slowly changing. But until then you will have to deal with what is called, “Christian privilege”, where Christians believe they have the right to define how society should live.

    If you live in the United States, enjoy your religious freedom but be prepared to fight for it.  You will  have to decide if coming out is the right choice for you and your job and family life. See my article: Hiding Your Satanic Faith From the Public

    Dealing with Social Isolation

    Another disadvantage in Satanism is that we, as Satanists, are not so fortunate to be able to have meetups in every city and town in the world. While Satanism is growing it is still very much an underground movement. The best we can do in most circumstances is meet up with other Satanists online. Satanism has organizations all around the world, but they aren’t brick-and mortar churches.

    In my post here at the Spiritual Satanist Blog, you can read why Satanism does not have Churches, explaining how it is not possible to have actual churches in Satanism.  But that does not mean that Satanists do not meet up – in this day and age, arranging a meetup is quite easy through social media.

     

    Having to Learn on Your Own

    It is generally accepted that Satanism is the path of the self. Therefore, you won’t find that others are generous with their knowledge. As a new Satanist, you won’t find that other Satanists are readily willing (or able) to help you learn about Satanism. Take a quick glance at any Satanist forum and you will find that new Satanists who ask questions about Satanism are often brushed off, treated badly or simply told to go find out the answers for themselves. This can be frustrating to new Satanists but obviously, that’s what we all went through when we first started out.

    You have to take it upon yourself to learn as much as you can, on your own. Ask questions carefully and research before you ask. In coming from a Christian background you may expect others to lay everything out for you and tell you what to believe, but that’s not the way it’s supposed to be. If you don’t know where to begin, most Satanists will tell you to read the Satanic Bible. That’s a good idea if you want to get a general idea of some of the common philosophies in Satanism.

    In Conclusion:

    So as you can see, there are challenges and benefits in Satanism. Before coming out as a Satanist you should consider them carefully. These are some of the common situations that I’ve experienced along the way in my own personal journey, and in talking with other Satanists. Yes, Satanism is a tough road and at times you will feel like you are all alone. But, know that you are not. There are many other Satanists in this world going through the same issues and emerging stronger and better for the experience.

    Like & Share this post if you enjoyed it! And, feel free to comment below.

    What do you think some of the advantages and disadvantages of Satanism are? Feel free to add to this post in the comments below!

     

     

     

  • How do I Pray to Satan?

    How do I Pray to Satan?

    Satanic PrayerThis question is often asked in Spiritual Satanism, how does one pray to Satan? Prayer is a spiritual act that connects you to a force greater than yourself. Prayer can seem mysterious because you are sending your heartfelt message out there to the universe, hoping that Satan will listen. But, prayer doesn’t have to seem like a mystery. It can be a useful basic spiritual tool to help you to connect with the force of Satan.

    Prayer can be a useful part of your spirituality in Satanism. Prayer can allow you to connect with the force of Satan, and to be guided by his power. The act of prayer can bring you comfort in times of need. Prayer can also focus your mind and bring you clarity. Prayer can give you a reason to stay true to your path and yourself. And prayer can also help you to feel closer to Satan.

    In Spiritual Satanism you are not required to pray to Satan. There are no rules that state that prayer should be a part of your Satanic life. But if you do decide to use prayer, know that prayers to Satan are so much more than just a means to obtain what you want. Prayer is a two way street, a form of communication with the spiritually divine.

    How to Pray to Satan

    The basics of prayer to Satan are simple; you have to say the words not just with your mind but in your heart as well. You have to feel them in your heart, with your will. You have to know that when you pray to Satan, you are speaking with him, rather than at him. If you are sincere Satan will hear what is in your heart.

    So, whether prayer is a part of your daily routine or you use it for special occasions, use this time to spiritually connect with Satan in your own private way. Open your heart to communication with Satan and you will soon see the benefits of being in spiritual union with the force of Satan.

    Spiritual Satanist Prayer Book: Infernal Reflections

    For those of you who want to make Satanic prayer a part of your daily life, read about my new book, the Spiritual Satanist Prayer Book: Infernal Reflections. The Spiritual Satanist Prayer Book shows you how you can use prayer as a tool to become closer to Satan, Lucifer, Lilith and Belial.

    Stop wondering how to connect with Satan when it’s just as easy as saying and feeling the mindful prayers that you will find in this book. This is a pocket sized book that you can take with you anywhere! Visit the Spiritual Satanist Prayer Book: Infernal Reflections page at the Spiritual Satanist site to find out more.

    Spiritual Satanist Prayer Book

    Prayers for Satan:

    Today, I posted two prayers that you can use in your own journey in Satanic Spirituality. Visit the Satanic Prayers for Devotion page at SpiritualSatanist.com.

    Have you found prayer to be useful in your own Satanic path? What kinds of prayers do you use?

    Dark Moon Merchant
  • What is the Difference Between Spiritual Satanism and Theistic Satanism?

    What is the Difference Between Spiritual Satanism and Theistic Satanism?

    Differennce between Theistic Satanism and Spiritual Satanism
    Baphmomet Artist: Kazuma Kaneko

    Today I am discussing the main difference between Spiritual Satanism and Theistic Satanism. The two are often confused for each other but they are not exactly the same.  The best way to compare them both is to contrast the work of the two main religious and spiritual leaders that have been the most active in the Satanic community in the past decade. This would be Diane Vera and myself (Venus Satanas!)

    Satanism’s Past Decade:

    I have a lot of respect for the groundwork that Diane had laid forth for the Satanic community in general in the early 2000’s. She is well respected in her field and has enabled Satanism to branch out into a more selective experience. Gone are the days when we were relegated to only choosing the Church of Satan, or face being labeled an outcast devil-worshiper or worse, an “occultnik“.

    The era of new Satanisms was lead by a few women who sought to create a new way of living through Satanism. While Theistic or religious Satanism probably existed during the 80s and 90s, as a social movement it was very much underground.

    Diane goes into detail on what the Satanism scene was like during the boom of the early 2000’s internet era with her essay: Needed: New Kinds of Satanism. she rightly states that “Satanism is not and should not be a single ideology.”, and indeed, it is not. Satanism is a variety of things to many people. We all have one thing in common though, and that is a central focus on Satan.

    As one of Satanism’s most vocal and respected proponents of Theistic Satanism, Diane Vera laid the groundwork for what was to come in religious Satanism as a social movement. She originally began teaching about religious Satanism with the Theistic organization, Cathedral of the Black Goat. After 2002 she branched out and created her own organization, the Church of Azazel and supplemental website. She is one of the few Satanists that has organized public religious meetups for Theistic Satanists. Her Church of Azazel served as an outreach and outlet for those interested in the religious worship of Satan.

    I have also worked to bring Spiritual Satanism to the forefront through my website, my blog and my videos. With the new social attitudes concerning Satanism in the early 2000’s people were willing to take a spiritual route. Beginning in 2004, I started teaching about Spiritual Satanism, which diverges from Theistic Satanism on one main point. They are similar but they are not the same.

    Theistic Satanism:

    Theistic Satanism Vs Spiritual Satanism
    Church of Azazel

    While Theistic and Spiritual Satanism may seem similar there is something that sets them apart. Theistic Satanism was made for the purpose of religious worship of Satan. It stood opposed to the atheistic, materialistic and philosophical views of the Church of Satan. Establishing the religious worship of Satanism was necessary to evolve Satanism in a useful and meaningful way for so many people.

    Theistic Satanism provided a way for those who had a religious view of Satan to worship freely without judgment from their peers. Diane Vera talks about the Church of Azazel’s creed at her website, stating:

    The Church of Azazel embodies a unique form of polytheistic Satanism/Luciferianism. Its paradigm is rooted in both a reverence for Satan/Azazel and a strong appreciation for those aspects of the modern world that are under attack by the Abrahamic religious right wing. Its theology is based primarily on present-day realities and on the relatively recent history of religion, and is not concerned with prehistoric eras or with such questions as the origin of the cosmos.

    Theistic Satanism allows for the worship of Demons and Satan, but does not profess to have ancient origins. I can appreciate this. Too many groups and organizations try to legitimize Satanism by creating a history for it. However, since the acceptance of religious Satanism, and proliferation of Theistic Satanism Orders, Churches and Groups, there are religious Satanists who do believe in an ancient origin for Satan and Satanism. So the definition remains fluid, as always.

    Spiritual Satanism:

    However, with Spiritual Satanism worship is not required nor is it part of the practices of Spiritual Satanists. According to my personal definition, Spiritual Satanism allows a person to experience Satanism on their own terms, without having rules, rituals, rites or dogma to guide their beliefs.

    At my website, I discuss how Spiritual Satanism is not a religion but a spiritual way of life. It is an independent practice that does not rely on a mythology or a church or organization for motivation and self- fulfillment. Through this independence a Satanists is able to stand out above the crowd instead of being “one of the many”.

    The Spiritual Satanist’s Relationship to Satan is described as being separated from religious worship. “Spiritual Satanism is the practice of living as a Satanist through spiritual expression. Spiritual Satanists are not obligated to worship Satan.” You can read the full excerpt at my essay: What is Spiritual Satanism?

    There is and always be a need for people to socialize and share their religious or spiritual experience through groups. We can do that nowadays through various social network outlets. As you can see, the difference Between Spiritual Satanism and Theistic Satanism is that Theistic Satanism is religious, with included rites and rituals, while Spiritual Satanism is spiritual, left up to the practitioner to decide their own methods.

    Theistic Satanism is religious and is compatible with those who want to seek an organization or church to belong to to fill their spiritual needs, while Spiritual Satanism is independent and breaks away from social conventions to be an personal path, without the need for worship. For more information on independent Satanism visit my site: What is Independent Satanism?

    My conclusion is that Satanism was meant to evolve and change with the times. It is not static and archaic like the religions of the past. But, at the same time, religion should not be abandoned by those that need it for personal expression.

    I’m also glad to blog today about Diane Vera, one of my favorite Satanists that I’ve followed throughout the years who remains an inspiration to us all.

    If you enjoyed this blog post please share and comment:

     

    Dark Moon Merchant
  • On Leaving Christianity, Reader Q & A

    On Leaving Christianity, Reader Q & A

    Infernal Greetings! Today’s Satanism question sent to me by email comes from a person named “Q” who asks:

    Leaving Christianity for Good

    “I became a Satanist but then I had a relapse into Christianity. I want to find a way to keep Satan in my life and I hope that you had some advice on leaving Christianity. Any advice that you could give I would greatly appreciate…

    A very appropriate question for this time of year, when people are trying to live their lives in a better way because of the new year.

    It’s a question I get asked often, so I would like to share it here on the Spiritual Satanist blog. Quite some time ago, I had written an article on my Spiritual Satanist site addressing this topic, My Advice on Leaving Christianity, where I discuss the methods that can be used to leave your former religion.

    Also, there is a supplemental video on YouTube, “Satanic Black Mass”, describing what happens at a black mass and the usefulness of this ritual for those leaving Christianity. Hopefully these resources may help to give some insight.

    People leave Christianity for various reasons. Some are disenchanted with the religion. Others had suffered abuse, and still other seek freedom from the limitations that Christianity provides. One of the things that i recommend is to do a personal ritual that will enable you to let go of your past. This ritual is called a Black Mass, and essentially it allows you to mock, or destroy your beliefs in your former religion. It is necessary to deconstruct something like this so that you can understand why it is important to leave it behind. Once you see it in a ridiculous or useless light it may open your eyes and allow you to step away.

    An example of the Black Mass can be found in the Satanic Bible (At Left Hand Path Books site), where it is presented as an inversion of the Catholic mass. The Black Mass serves as a cleansing from your former religion allowing you to move forward. Until you can reconcile this you may be tempted to return out of fear, guilt or obligation. Getting rid of the old will enable you to welcome the new.

    Satanism is not an easy path, and it is difficult because much of what you will do in it you will have to do on your own. Nothing good ever came from anything that was easy and Christianity may seem like the easy way out because it is familiar. That familiarity makes you want to not even try, to go back to your old ways where you were comfortable because you knew what to expect.

    I suspect that the reader, “Q” is a religious kind of person, so taking a religious approach may help as well. It would be wise to set up a time and place to have private, spiritual communion with Satan on a daily basis. Perhaps some sort of shrine or altar, something simple to start out with, can be your focus.

    Even if it is something as simple as having a photograph in a frame and a candle to light or incense to burn while you commune with Satan can be beneficial. It will give you a focus that is planted here in the material world. Take some time to get to know the character and nature of Satan. This can be done by spending time daily reading about Satanic legends. There are many stories that tap into the primal dark force that can relate to Satan, and learning from these may enable you to facilitate a better relationship with Satan. Knowledge will liberate your mind and soul.

    Make yourself familiar with these things and you will find that you are creating your own path in Satanism and in time, this will be a familiar and welcome thing. Until you are able to completely walk away from your former religion you may be tempted to return. You must be honest with yourself and strip away any pretense.

    Take some time to examine why you feel tempted to return to your former religion, but at the same time, take note of why you were unhappy to begin with. If the cons outweigh the pros, then it makes no sense to go back to something that isn’t benefiting you. If what you seek is happiness then work towards those goals. Take the time to know why you want to return to Satanism.

    Write these things down in a book and refer to them when you feel uncertain. It seems simple but just the act of writing it out can be a useful exercise that will help to cement these ideas. In dealing with guilt and fear left over by a former religion, one must realize that guilt and fear are the things that motivate people into submission. It is a tool of the religious to keep people within the fold, to guide people into behaving in certain ways.

    And in leaving this behind you will find a new freedom that nothing can match. But first you must rid yourself of the past in order to be able to move on, and you also should establish new habits that will help you to stay on track.

    Blessed Beast!
    Best Wishes in 2017,
    Venus Satanas

    **For those of you who may not know, my other project Left Hand Path Books is in full swing. you can stop by the blog and read reviews of the latest and best books in Satanism, subscribe to the monthly newsletter with insights, book giveaways, and more – Visit Left Hand Path Books today**

    Leaving Christanity for Good

  • Spiritual Satanist Chatroom – On Competition in Satanism

    Spiritual Satanist Chatroom – On Competition in Satanism

    Yesterday, in the Spiritual Satanist chat we discussed competition in Satanism. This discussion was about how Satanists compete with each other wherever Satanists congregate. They do this through thought word and deed, in forums online and in Satanist groups. Internet bullying and the act of harassing other Satanists has become common place. But, what does this competition do for Satanists? Does it build them up or tear them down?

    Competition in Satanism seemed to have started in LaVey’s church. In the 70’s, back when Lavey split with Michael Aquino, the first feud in Satanism began and the rest is history. This feud was echoed throughout Satanism even to this day, as groups, cults and organizations in Satanism compete with each other. The people in these groups even compete with members in the same group. No one is immune to this as it is found in all areas of Satanism.

    What does this competition accomplish? It serves as a temporary win to those who use their might to make right. These people who perpetrate internet bullying and fighting with others are seeking to fill that void in their life that is missing. maybe they do it to boost their ego and their self esteem. It’s something that leads to the loss of respect amongst Satanists, and that’s not right. Its not ok to be belligerent to other Satanists, because actions like that, while they bring temporary gain do nothing to serve the Satanist in the long term.

    The Sharp Divide
    Wherever Satanists gather there will be those who take the side of the atheists, and those who take the side of theists. This sharp divide in Satanism is what causes a lot of problems, in general. One side fights with the other, until there is nothing left.

    Atheistic or materialistic Satanists appreciate Satan as something that is symbolic, and theistic Satanists recognize Satan as something that is spiritual and religions. It is something that divides Satanists, just as the religious are divided with atheists. People on both sides fight for various issues, but mainly it seems to be that those who are fighting are standing up for what they believe is the right thing, the right way.. true Satanism

    There is no TRUE Satanism!

    This idea of true Satanism is a myth, its a fantasy and it does not serve Satanism. There are several reasons for this. Since Satanism is made up of a decentralized social group, there is no central doctrine that we all should be adhering to. Additionally, there is no true Satanism that we all should be conforming to. Satanism is a personal journey, and it is for this reason, that Satanism can’t be in a true form that we all should be following.

    Its this true Satanism that so many people fight for. That is something that the religious will always fight for, and atheist Satanists do the same thing! they also fight for true Satanism almost as if their philosophy was also a religion. They practice hero worship which glorifies the ego, and they bash others which serve as a foundation for their own self righteousness.
    Stratification in Satanism
    In the chatroom tonight, I pointed out that Satanists, when they fight are participating in the stagnation of Satanism. they create stratification, just as LaVey and his church had intended. There are groups out there that do whatever they can to crush haters, and crush the competition. But what are they serving up to you, as a Satanist? What benefit will you find in a life where you continually have to serve loyalty to a Satanic leader while fulfilling out his (or her) wishes to bash any other group? Shouldn’t those leaders be serving you with knowledge and information that you can use to better yourself? Shouldn’t Satanists be focused on self-development instead of fighting a fight of self-righteousness? I asked this of the folks in the chatroom.

    I told them that as long as they participate in that kind of behavior it will take away from their journey in Satanism. It will hinder growth within and it will cause a person to get sidetracked into a battle that never ends. But there are ways of combating this kind of behavior. You don’t have to participate in it, and once you know how to identify it, its easy to see where and when this kind of thing happens. And then with this knowledge, you can face this wherever it is found, and respond to it without having to get into a battle with other Satanists.

    How to combat this competition


    I suggested two things:
    First of all, you should choose your battles wisely. You don’t have to participate in every fight that comes your way. Try to have some maturity and composure, and realize that these fights don’t allow you to grow spiritually. They only detract from your original goals and desires and dreams. Its a waste of time in the long run.

    Secondly, set a good example for others. Find other Satanists that you can respect. Help other Satanists to find their own way. When you set a good example, others will follow. What is an example of this? Providing your help and expertise to another Satanist who is new to the path.. not rejecting them simply because they do not know what to do or where to go for knowledge. Help them and others will see that its is more mature and respectable to be polite and generous to others. You will benefit from this as well and perhaps have a better reputation for it, as well. when you help another to learn, you may also learn from the experience yourself.

    Don’t be aggressive just because some high priest of a church tells you that its the way to be because that’s what Satanists do.. Life isn’t a battle, its a journey. I know that its human nature to want to have an enemy, but just because something is in our nature does not mean that its the best thing to do, or even the right thing to do. When you act with conscience you will be doing something that may benefit you in the long term. Don’t participate in this competition and you will see how much free time that you will have to pursue things that will benefit you.

    This wave of vampirism and predatory behavior in Satanism is something that people are falling in line with, without questioning it. Satanists learn to question whatever life brings them, so why are they congregating in groups, flocking to them, and then using that as a way to be predatory against other Satanists? Whats so free minded about that? When you are following another person’s directions you are loosing out on making your own path in Satanism. If you are going to question everything you might as well question the way that your Satanic leaders are leading you. What are they showing you that is useful, knowledgeable and honorable? If the best that they can show you is how to put another person down then maybe its time to move on.

    Did you know that a few years ago a church of Satan member published a book on how to insult others? It was a guide to insulting other Satanist and anyone who is in your path. This kind of aggression was bred within LaVey’s group, and it has spread all throughout Satanism, to its farthest corners on both sides, meaning that it is found in religious Satanism and in symbolic Satanism!

    This is where independent Satanists have the upper hand as they are not lead by the whims of a group and its leader. Even then you will find a certain kind of aggression in independent Satanism.

    I also suggested that each one of you should make yourselves aware of local state laws regarding internet bullying. Where I live it is a misdemeanor. We have laws like this in most states in the USA. Some countries don’t have laws like this unfortunately. But as time goes on, laws like these are being made because internet bullying has reached epic proportions, and it sometimes has a fatal ending such as in the case of several students (and especially gay people) who have taken their own lives because of cruel and incessant bullying online. Know your rights and exercise them if you want to do something about internet bullying where you find it online.

    Overall, we as Satanists face a tough decision to not fight with each other. And, I am not suggesting some kind of unity, or even suggesting peace – but what I am suggesting is that each one of us has the opportunity to develop spiritually and mentally, and when you avoid these kinds of competitive battles in Satanism, then you have more time for yourself and for your own pursuits, whether they be spiritual, religious, magical or philosophical. Avoiding these fights will allow you to accomplish what you want in Satanism without having to sacrifice your time and attention to others who only want to fight online.

    I also told the chatters that wherever I have my chats set up, wherever my fans will congregate, I will never allow that kind of bullying to go on. You can enjoy a stress free environment wherever you come to chat with me and with my friends,  at my IRC chat, and even on my own facebook page.

    Till next time – HAIL SATAN!!

    Dark Moon Merchant
  • Rituals: Should they be Simple or Complex?

    Rituals: Should they be Simple or Complex?

    Satanic Ritual

    A question from a fan at my Facebook page, about connecting with the force of Satan:

    Hi Venus, Just writing to ask, what are the best ways that you have found to engage with the powers of Satan? I know that there are many ways best suitable for the individual personally, but do you feel that simple methods work better, or is it commonly necessary to practice a more so complex form of ritual magick for even the simplest of encounters with the presence of Satan? Can you be specific? Thank You.

    There are many ways to connect with this force. The best way is the way that works for you. You may have to experiment to find out what this is. It takes time and practice to really know if something is working for you. In the meantime, it can’t hurt to give it a try to see if its something that will work for you.

    You asked about simple vs. complex rituals. I have found in my practices that as time went on, my rituals were very complex and involved, and throughout time, they became more simple and direct.

    For example, my first rituals that I did, were planned to be performed on a certain day, and during that week everything was prepared for it. This helped me to be mentally prepared, too when the time came to do the ritual.

    Also, I would use incantations or speeches that I wrote to use during the ritual, as a way to evoke Satan into my ritual space. Special clothing and music was used to heighten the mood and to enable my mind and spirit to be at one with what I was doing. I have always gotten results from rituals like this. Even if the result was the experience that came from doing it.

    Outside of ritual there were other ways that I used to connect with Satan as well. Things like meditation, being in nature, or listening to certain music enabled me to feel ‘in the spirit’. Reaching out to Satan is easy because that force is always there – you just have to take the time to reach out to it and connect with it whenever you are ready.

    The rituals that I do now are very simple compared to what I have done in the past. I keep a simple altar. You can see the pictures of it at my shop. The rituals that I do now only include the lighting of a special candle, and the meditative focus on the image of the Baphomet. Satan is such an important part of my life that I don’t feel that I need to go ‘overboard’ in my expression, but I do feel the need to give recognition and respect to that force that has helped me in so many ways.

    So my recommendation is to start out with rituals that enable you to reach out to that force. Over time you may feel that you need those same rituals less, or that you want to re-think your approach regarding ritual expression. Whatever you do, your ritual should be personalized, something that you create for your own needs. And don’t be afraid to experiment or to let your ritual work evolve into something as simple or as complex as you need.

    Take a moment to visit my other site, Left Hand Path Books to read reviews on the latest and best books on Satanism, Dark Paganism, Luciferian and Left Hand Path magic!

    Left Hand Path Books
  • Satan is an Alien Being!

    Satan is an Alien Being!

    Satanic Aliens!
    This was a letter sent to me through my SpiritualSatanist.com – She is asking about another website that has some information on the demons of the goetia.

    I am 24, from Birmingham, UK – I have been a seeker within the left-hand path for about six months now. I was christian, but the religion did not seem real to me, and I did not want to sacrifice who I was for a god I did not have a relationship with. After leaving Christianity, I was sure that the occult would give me the answers and spiritual development I was searching for. I tried Wicca, but felt this wasn’t my correct path, so to cut a long story short this is where I am now.

    I have been reading a lot about the Goetia recently, but have no desire to practice evocations until I am more adept. However, I do want to practice it further down the line…I enjoyed reading of your experience with Belial, and something I have recently read on another web site could hold a few answers…

    Please check out this link: http://perdurabo10.tripod.com/id232.html
    The magician, Aaron, after summoning Belial for the purpose of remote viewing, was given the distinct impression that he was dead. I believe this is why your first image of him was of a skull and bones. There is also a possibility that a successor has taken his place… which could indicate why you were then shown a new form (although it is known spirits will change form at request). I may have just logically came to this assumption after reading both accounts, however something inexplicable makes me think this is no coincidence.

    Apart from this comparison with Belial that I wanted to make you aware of, Aaron and James have a really interesting story to tell with all of the Goetic spirits. I wondered what your thoughts were on their findings?…Anne.

    I have seen this website, years ago. Quite honestly to me it is ridiculous. Allow me to explain why.

    It is a site devoted to an alien representation of the goetia. That’s right! This guy believes (with all his heart, it seems) that the goetia demons are visitors from another world. That they were sent here to protect us from enslaving angelic forces.

    His writings are a mix of conspiracy and new world order theory, combined with occult conspiracy theory. He also believes that aliens are here to commune with us under the guise of the occult.

    I swear.. i saw something similar to this on a tv show, called “Stargate”.. where the ancient gods like Apophis and Thor, were represented as Aliens! But, I do not think that this is where he got his ideas from.

    On closer examination you can see that Aaron’s web page name is ‘perdurabo’. This was a name used by Aleister Crowley. Also, it was Crowley who claimed that his holy angelic guide was a being named LAM, who curiously looked like a ‘gray alien.’ See the picture to the right ->
    Crowley and his associates also recorded many things from the grimoires to interpret their own version of the Goetia.

    By putting all of this information together its quite easy to see the source of materials that he uses on his site. This source is from Crowley. The things that Aaron writes about are a mixed assortment of crowleyism combined with Nostradamus-like conspiracy theories, spiritual warfare (a christian belief) and extra-terrestrial ‘saviors’ from another world in the disguise of judeo-christian demons.

    This kind of writing lacks dimension, and its not very useful..but it may entertain those who are new to the occult. It has no literary value nor does any of it even make sense. I suggest you get away from his site as fast as you can. The lesson to be learned here is this: if it sounds absolutely crazy, it most likely is.

    Resources on the Goetia

    There are better places to look for information on the Goetia. Perhaps start with the Crowley version of the Goetia which you can get at amazon.com. While you are at it you might as well get a copy of the Book of Ceremonial Magic, written by AE Waite. This book is an overview of the various magical grimoires of the time. While it is lengthy it gives some interesting insight into Ceremonial Magic

    Selected books:
    The Goetia, Mathers and Crowley
    The Goetia, Crowley
    The Book of Ceremonial Magic

    Poke Runyon: (from wiki) “He founded the Ordo Templi Astartes (O.T.A.) in 1969, and incorporated it in 1971. This “Order of the Temple of Astarte” is dedicated to the revived worship of the Canaanite goddess Astarte and her consort Baal.”

    He has released books, Cd’s and also videos on Goetic Summoning. You can see a real goetia ritual being performed in some video clips available at youtube. He explains his own method of using the magic mirror and the triangle of the art. These are the devices of ceremonial summoning.

    Goetia/Solomon Magick I (youtube.com)
    Goetia/Solomon Magick II (youtube.com)
    Goetia/Solomon Magick III (youtube.com)
    Goetia/Solomon Magick IV (youtube.com)
    Goetia/Solomon Magick V (youtube.com)

    My Goetia Video Series
    I also created a series of videos available at youtube, where I talk about my theories on the goetic demons, and I discuss methods of summoning.

    The Goetia part 1 (youtube.com)
    The Goetia part 2 (youtube.com)
    The Goetia part 3 (youtube.com)

    Demonolatry
    This is the practice of summoning, and worshiping the demons of the Goetia (and demons from other sources as well). The OFS Demonolatry site began almost a decade ago, as a place for demonolators to meet online. What is so interesting about this practice is that they worship demons but they also use these forces to perform magic. The demons of this faith were developed from the studies of Richard Dukante, who created his own ritual system for working with these demons. Visit this link for more info:

    OFS Demonolatry Site

    My recommendation:
    You should do your research and double check any information that you come across, in regards to any kind of occult practice. The more that you study, the more you will find writers and websites, just like Aaron’s, that are sourced from other, much older references. These types of sites lack any kind of originality and insight, and they are not useful as occult references. You should seek out the classical sources and attempt to work with these things yourself, through practice and experimentation. Don’t just accept what you read without using some discernment and some basic common sense.

    Venus Satanas

    Left Hand Path Books
  • Explain Satanism to Me? Reader Q&A

    Explain Satanism to Me? Reader Q&A

    What is Satanism?

    I got a letter from a fan who asked, ‘Could you explain satanism to me?’.. Well, Satanism is complex, and because of this, I offered a very brief overview along with some useful links to various sources on Satanism.

    Satanism as a social movement started in the late 60’s with the creation of the Church of Satan by Anton LaVey, and it has developed into many other forms of Satanism since then. It is complex because it is so diverse, so I doubt that any one letter or post could possibly cover all the information that you need to understand it. Because of this, I am posting some links for you, where you can explore these concepts for yourself.

    Subversion Ideology
    To understand Satanism, it is important to see the difference between the christian subversion ideologies that have been used by the church for centuries, versus the social movement of Satanism that has only existed in society for the past 40 years.

    Taking this into account, you can pretty much dismiss the many stories created by Christians that portray satanism to include anything from folks who are christian but are not from the same sect, to other groups and peoples who are not christian, yet they were labeled as ‘satanic’ by the church, all the way up to the many people who have died under christian accusations of satanism (including the witch trials and inquisitions, for example).

    The Satanism Bibliography
    There is a great bibliography on Satanism that you can find at the satanservice.org site. This bibliography includes many different sources on Satanism, arranged by subject. It includes some documents that can be viewed online. While you are there at the satanservice site, take some time to visit the ‘Real Satanist’ Page, to read about notable public figures in Satanism.

    The Real Satanists Page (nocTifer)
    The Satanism Bibliography (nocTifer)

    The Satanic Bible
    The Satanic Bible is a good starting point for understanding LaVeyan or philosophical Satanism, wher Satan is recognized as a symbol for ‘the dark forces of nature’. This book is generally regarded as a resource for members of the Church of Satan. The secondary book, “The Satanic Rituals” contains information on LaVeyan Satanic ritual. Reading these two books are necessary for understanding Satanism in general. You can find a copy online at these sites:

    The Satanic Bible (Review at Left Hand Path Books, Anton LaVey)
    The Satanic Rituals (Review at Left Hand Path Books, Anton LaVey)

    Spiritual and Theistic Satanism
    In spiritual or Theistic satanism, Satan is recognized as a force or entity that Satanists relate to in a favorable way. According to Diane Vera [of theisticsatanism.com], ‘A theistic Satanist, also known as a ‘traditional Satanist’, ‘Spiritual Satanist’, or ‘Devil Worshiper’, is one who does believe in and worship Satan as a deity, or who at least is strongly inclined in that direction”.

    Some satanists of this variety (like me) are Independent and work alone without belonging to any groups or organizations, and others enjoy being in different Satanic Organizations where they can share common beliefs and practices. Overall, the beliefs of Satanists vary according to what interests them in the occult.

    Here are some reliable resources on spiritual and theistic Satanism:
    Diane Vera, theisticsatanism.com
    My website, SpiritualSatanist.com

    Conclusion:
    Satanism is the focus on Satan through philosophical, spiritual or religious practices. What Satanists choose to believe in and associate with are varied and unique. Some of the common values that Satanists share is the need to be independent, free-thinkers, and of course, a focus on Satan.

    Venus Satanas

    Dark Moon Merchant