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Satanism Archives - Spiritual Satanist Blog

Category: 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!

    Dark Moon Merchant
  • 5 Expectations vs. Realities in Satanism

    5 Expectations vs. Realities in Satanism

    I love having a Satanic chatroom. It allows me to talk to people from all around the world about Satanism. I have co-hosted the Satanity chatroom for about a decade now, so I’ve had an opportunity to meet all kinds of people who are interested in Satanism. People want to know about the expectations vs. realities in Satanism.

    I’ve met people who were just curious about what Satanism is, and Ive also met those who want to become serious and take the next step. It always surprises me and makes me laugh a little bit when I here some common tropes about Satanism being asked in the chatroom. Most of them fall into the typical Hollywood Satanism stereotype. Here are 5 of them in an expectation vs. reality scenario.

    Expectation: Satanists sacrifice animals! How Wicked!

    My 3 Legged Tabby
    I read Tabby’s tarot the other day. His card was incredibly appropriate for his situation. He sat there listening to his reading blinking his eyes.. so cute!

    Reality: no, I can’t recall knowing any Satanists who sacrifice animals. In fact, I’ve never met one in my life. I have two cats and an eclectus parrot, and I love them all dearly.

    I also foster a neighborhood cat named Tabby who hops around on three legs. He deserves a good home even though he’s still wild after a year of feeding. Animals are more connected to nature than we are. That seems kind of sacred to me, since I feel that Satan is a part of wild nature.

    But, what purpose would animal sacrifice serve, anyway? In many instances throughout history it has been used as a way to appease a god and it may be consumed in a meal.

    Outside of Satanism religious animal sacrifice is protected by the constitution. It is practiced in the Santeria religion, a religious syncretism or blend of Afro-American and Roman Cathlocisim, where the animal is consumed afterward in a meal.  There are several other religions that practice sacrifice who are protected under the humane slaughter act in the United States.

    The idea that Satanists sacrifice animals can be rooted in the Satanic Panic, and ideas created by Christian leaders who claimed that Satanists were killing animals. However, most Satanist literature doesn’t promote the idea of animal sacrifice. Satanists who participate in these kinds of things are following along with a Christian idea of Satanism, and Christians are obviously not an authority on what Satanism is or what Satanists do.

    Expectation: I will join Satanism so I can participate in orgies!

    Reality: Most Satanists are loners. In the rare times that Satanists have gathered together, it has been for public events. Satanists do not have wild orgies at these public events. While there may be a rare or odd cult put together by a small organization that focuses on sex magic, it is not something that is widely practiced in Satanism.

    Ke$ha Satanism
    Oh look! A Satanic orgy… psyche! It’s just pop artist Ke$ha from her Die Young video, which made Christian conservatives claim that she was promoting Satanic sex orgies. She admits to cashing in on the illuminati craze, just for fun. Jokes on them.

    I would also be concerned if sex was a a part of an initiation ceremony. Throughout my two decades in the occult, I’ve heard at least two personal stories of Wiccan and pagan leaders who took advantage of young initiates in that way. It could happen in any kind of occult group setting with the wrong kind of leaders. It’s just ethically wrong, no matter what religion it is.

    Also, in mention, the Satanic Bible states their disapproval about ‘Satanic orgies’ on pg 36:  “It is often assumed that sexual activity is the most important factor of the Satanic religion, and that willingness to participate in sex-orgies is a prerequisite for becoming a Satanist. Nothing could be farther from the truth!”    

    While LaVey didn’t speak for all of Satanism its a common sense general guideline that seems reasonable to many Satanists.

    Satanic orgies are another idea that is promoted by Hollywood, and the Satanic Panic lead by the super religious, who think that sex is bad, therefore all Satanists are sex crazed and hold orgies every week. You can also find examples of this in conspiracy theories suggesting that Hollywood celebrities hold private parties for orgies. How ridiculous.

    If you want to hook up with someone, you’re better off just trying a dating service instead. No one will think you are weird for that.

    Expectation: Satanists sacrifice humans!

    Reality: Yeah, right. The human Satanic sacrifice. Well I guess it wouldn’t be a Satanic themed movie without some unwitting people stumbling onto a Satanist circle in the middle of the woods on the night of a full moon – then subsequently being hunted down for a human sacrifice. The thing is, these are fictional movie portrayals. It’s not realistic at all.

    How dull it would be to have a movie showing that Satanists don’t bathe in human blood, sacrifice babies or stab virgins in the heart on a sacrificial altar? That would be one boring movie indeed. Hollywood’s duty isn’t to tell the truth, otherwise you would be watching documentaries on Satanism instead of fictional thrillers. Hollywood’s profit comes from sensationalism. Its Hollywood’s equivalent to clickbait.

    Expectation: Satan’s gonna make me rich or famous! Where do I sign?

    Reality: I’d like to know too. Maybe then I could afford a lavish lifestyle, you know, get that new Benz.

    I am not aware that Satan or any other god just hands out money. If it were that easy don’t you think everyone would be doing it?

    Free money sounds great, and it plays on the basic principle of greed. But people who promise to make you rich through Satan are just making themselves rich. Consider yourself scammed.

    Once again, it all goes back to the conspiracy theory that people who are rich or powerful attained their wealth by making a deal with the devil.

    What Satan and Satanism can really do for you however, is make your life better by making you responsible for your own actions. Maybe if you actually get out there and try, instead of praying and hoping, you can succeed. Sometimes you need to put yourself in a different situation so you can thrive. These are the things that you need to do on your own, they aren’t magically handed to you. I always say, Satan helps those that help themselves.

    Some say the greatest gift that Satan can give to you is knowledge. Satanism can help you refocus your priorities in a beneficial way. Hell, any system can do that for you – its just all in how you use it, but it’s just more edgy with Satanism and it requires some self motivation and self introspection. And, Satanism is not meant for everyone.

    Expectation: God wont listen to me, maybe Satan will..

    Reality:  This one is a bit tougher to answer. if you are turning to Satanism out of desperation, you might want to rethink your strategy. Nothing good comes from desperation.

    Satanism can provide to you a better way of living by giving you the freedom that you need to be the best person that you can be. You can live a life free from sin and guilt by realizing that you can walk away from Christianity. But until you are ready to change your mindset, you will enter into Satanism expecting to have the same rules, ideas and relationship with Satan that were handed to you as a Christian.

    Perhaps you’ll be paranoid thinking that you’re going to end up in the Christian hell. Maybe you will expect that Satan wants to command you in some way. Maybe you will think that Satan is evil, like the Christians say. Well, these are not the kinds of things that most Satanists believe or have experienced with Satan after they walk the path for a while. You have to put aside all of your assumptions and beliefs when you first enter into Satanism.

    Satanism isn’t a final destination, its a journey, and what you experience in that journey is up to you. You will have to learn the Satanic way, and it takes time to do that. Some people are lazy and just want an easy way out. That’s why Satanism isn’t for everyone, because from the outside it seems like it would be the easy way out but the reality is, its one of the most difficult paths to walk in the occult.

    For some people, taking the time to read, learn and explore is more work than they feel that it’s worth, so they are better off just staying with Christianity.  With Christianity they can just sit back and let their god do the work for them, ‘put it in gods hands’. They can be taken care of and they can lead a life without making any difficult decisions.

    Was any of this surprising?

    As you can see these are some of the common scenarios I discuss with people from time to time in the Satanity chatroom. Sometimes people are disappointed when they find out that Satanism is not what they thought it could be. As a long time Satanist, I find these ideas kind of funny, but I always try to think that the people who don’t know any better are just seeking some advice. Who knows, maybe someday these myths about Satanism will be long gone in the past, and people will have a better understanding of Satanism overall. We can only hope.

    Speaking of hope – I hope everyone had a wonderful Helliday weekend! Happy Krampusmas from Venus Satanas & SpiritualSatanist.com!

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

    What do you think are some of the most common myths about Satanism? Let’s discuss!

  • Spiritual Satanist Newsletter Contest WINNER!

    Spiritual Satanist Newsletter Contest WINNER!

    Spiritual Satanist NewsletterJust a brief post, an announcement!

    A winner was chosen last night at 12am eastern time, for the Spiritual Satanist Newsletter contest. The winner was notified by email, but they have 10 days to claim their prize.. Otherwise I will have to draw another winner! Make sure you check your sign-up emails for a special notice!

    I want to thank everyone for entering the contest and subscribing to the Spiritual Satanist Newsletter!!

    Dark Moon Merchant
  • 3 Mistakes New Satanists Make

    3 Mistakes New Satanists Make

    3 Mistakes new Satanists makeI’ve been a Satanist going on 25 years. I’ve seen trends in Satanism come and go. But there are some common mistakes that new Satanists make that I have noticed in talking with new Satanists around the world, over the years.

    The fact is, many new Satanists just don’t know where to go once they decide to become a Satanist. If you are new to Satanism, hopefully this will help you to not make the same mistakes that I’ve seen new Satanists make in the past.

    Mistake #1 Not Taking The Time To Read The Satanic Bible

    Many people over the years have asked me, “I want to become a Satanist, where should I start?”. I usually let them know that the Satanic Bible is a good place to start, for several important reasons.

    The Satanic Bible was written by Anton LaVey and it serves as the doctrine for the Church of Satan. I am not LaVeyan – by any means. The Satanic Bible is not a perfect document. It is pieced together from various sources. But the overall philosophy is something that Satanists should become familiar with when they first start out in the path of Satanism.

    The Satanic Bible enables you to understand the idea behind the basic philosophy of Satanism. The spirituality of Satanism, however, is something that you create and experience on your own. The basics behind the the philosophy is what helps you understand how to live as a Satanist.

    Without this knowledge, you are left wondering what Satanists are talking about on forums, or why they reference certain things. You want to be in the know, right? Learn how to speak the Left Hand language.

    The Satanic Bible is not a large book, you can read it in a few days. You don’t have to study it, and you don’t have to agree with everything that’s written in it, just become familiar with it. This book will give you a basic understanding of the philosophy of Satanism and the ideas behind Satanism as a social movement.

    You can pick up a copy here at my Left Hand Path Books Blog -> The Satanic Bible

    Mistake #2 Rushing Into a Pact Without Understanding the Consequences

    I’ve known a few Satanists that came to me over the years saying that they rushed into their Satanic pact before they were sure what they were doing. They eventually quit Satanism but wanted to return.

    Maybe they didn’t take the time to understand what is required to make a pact, or they didn’t have the confidence to live a Satanic life. Maybe they read somewhere that making a pact is easy and it’s all you have to do to become a Satanist. Well, its a little more complicated than that.

    Yes, pacts are an important part of Satanism. A pact enables you to create a bond between you and Satan. It is useful for self-initiation into the Satanic path. But, just performing the pact ritual itself doesn’t make you a Satanist. It’s that moment when you know the time is right, when you have everything in order, that making a pact makes sense.

    I suggest to my readers that a pact is serious business and it should be approached with caution and respect. A pact should be made after a period of time, when you have studied about Satanism and you have performed your own rituals. I usually suggest to wait a year before you decide.

    Make Satanism a part of your life, but work towards the goal of having a pact. It’s so much more meaningful than just diving in without a direction or meaning, leaving you feeling empty. If you are going to swear your allegiance, know what you are swearing for. Don’t make a pact until you study, pray, ritualize and work with Satan in your own personal way for at least one year.

    Read my page at the Spiritual Satanist Site, on Pacts and Satanic Dedication

    Mistake #3 Not Doing Your Research

    This last point ties in with points #1 and #2. Research is an important and often overlooked facet of learning how to walk the Satanic path. Nobody out there really teaches you how to research. You just do it on your own hoping that you are going in the right direction. Some people never research at all and they feel that once the answer is handed to them, they might be satisfied and feel that there is no need to ask any questions.

    For those of us with a sense of curiosity, the search for knowledge is never ending. You should take the time to research the things you read about. Don’t just take someone’s word for it without investigating. The nature of the occult makes it easy for authors to obscure their sources. With a little bit of work, you can uncover their sources and understand more than just what is on the surface. The lesson here is not to take things at face value. Do your own research and come to your own conclusions. That way, you will have not only knowledge, but also wisdom. This will carry you farther than just simple belief.

    Don’t Make These Mistakes!

    So to recap, the three biggest issues that new Satanists face are the facts that many skip the essential part of at least reading the Satanic Bible. Many new Satanists rush into pact making without considering the long term consequences. And many aspiring Satanists who come from a Christian background, are too willing to accept other’s stories about Satan, without taking the time to do their own research. If you are new to Satanism, considering these three important suggestions may help you to walk the Satanic path with more confidence.

    In Other News..

    Hey! There is still time to sign up for the Newsletter Contest, it ends in October on Halloween. You do not have to enter the contest to subscribe to the Spiritual Satanist Newsletter, it’s optional. Subscribe now!

  • 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
  • My Recent Altar! – Venus Satanas

    My Recent Altar! – Venus Satanas

    My Baphomet statue (middle). It’s sitting on it’s own stand but in front of it is my crystal ball..surrounded by my crystals!

    Around the time of the Summer Solstice this year, I acquired the final finishing piece for my altar!  On one of my journeys out of town I decided to visit a magic shop in Jacksonville; there I found many nice things..but the best of all was this Baphomet statue. It fits perfectly in my small space I have set up for magic and ritual.

    This is my first time owning a Baphomet statue, but it’s not my first time using the symbolism of Baphomet in my altar setups. Most times, I have hung a banner or an image above my altar.

    The Baphomet is symbolic to Satanists for several reasons. In it’s history it has often been a misunderstood symbol. The best way to understand it is to see it’s opposite – the lamb. The lamb and the shepherd symbolism of Christianity is contrasted with the goat, a symbol used in Judaism as Azazel, the ‘scapegoat’, the creature that bore the sins of the people and was set free in the the wilderness.

    So it was common for Christians to scapegoat other groups and religions with their chosen symbol of Satanism. This was seen with the Baphomet representing the god of the Templars who were falsely accused of being Satanic and were slaughtered by a king that sought to bury the fact that he owed them a fortune.

    The Baphomet as a spiritual symbol was made popular by Eliphas Levi, from his book, the Transcendental Magic. In his symbolism it showed the Baphomet as a hermaphrodite, encapsulating male and female energies, light and dark, above and below. The symbolism is related to the archetype of Satan found throughout the world in various cultures, in dark and demonic gods. More than this, however, it is a symbolic of initiation:

     Baphomet is not worshiped; it is God who is worshiped, this faceless God behind this formless form, this image which resembles no created being.  Baphomet is not a God; He is the sign of initiation.” – Eliphas Levi, Transcendental Magic

    What does this “initiation” mean? The Baphomet as a symbol of the void that comes into being, the nothing that becomes something, is the force of nature at work. In this we find the symbol of Satan as the force of nature, as the worldly god. It is from the darkness that light begins, so we are taken to the source, the beginning, the initiation.

    Very appropriate for Satanism! We as Satanists have adopted this symbol and have identified with it as part of our Satanic culture. I’m glad to finally have a Baphomet statue for my altar. Show your Satanic pride and get your very own Baphomet Statue for your altar from Amazon!

     

  • Is Satanism Legal in America?

    Is Satanism Legal in America?

    The question is often asked, is Satanism legal in America? This post explores why and how other religious movements outside of Christianity are questioned as being legal in a land where we have religious freedom.

    Satanism became a religion after 1969 when Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan created the first Satanic Church that people could join. Satanism as a religious movement began when the Church of Satan, who laid forth guidelines and philosophy for Satanists in their book, the Satanic Bible, provided a religious and philosophical backdrop for Satanism.

    Prior to 1969, there is no documented evidence of any Satanic organizations that promoted Satanism as a religion. You may read about anecdotal evidence claiming that there were hell-fire clubs in the 1800’s or magical orders that claimed to be Satanic. But, there were no established churches with an established doctrine until 1969.

    Providing Legitimacy

    Having an established organization along with a doctrine is part of what legitimizes a religion. Without these things we only have hearsay and there is not enough evidence to make a case. Groups that moved away from the social order of the Christian church of the time did not make a special declaration that they were Satanists, nor did they provide a doctrine, set of rituals and rites and call themselves Satanists. The same goes for the Templars, who were only labeled ‘Satanic’ by Philip IV of France, who had owed them money and was not willing to pay, instead killing them and then labeling them as a Satanic order to hide his crime. Being labeled as Satanic by Christians does not make an organization Satanic.

    Through this, you can see that throughout time, there had been no established churches related to Satanism. The only thing that existed were labels that were given to groups outside of Christianity, who were labeled as Satanic. This does not provide a legitimate background to establish Satanism as a religion. This, however, changed in 1969 when an actual Satanic organization formed and they provided the public with a doctrine that they themselves established as Satanic.

    This happened during a time in America when people were exploring options outside of Christianity. There was a revival of witchcraft, which became known as Wicca in the 1950’s through authors like Gerald Gardner. People were exploring occultism and mysticism so the emergence of an actual Satanic order was not surprising.

    Social Factors

    Beyond this one only has to look at the social data provided to us through recent studies done on Satanism. Satanism is comprised mostly of atheistic, nonreligious philosophical followers of Satanic philosophy. In a Satanic survey written in 2001, it was found that most Satanists are adults, some who have college degrees, and are found all throughout the world. This shows that Satanists are an important but small segment of society. While the majority of Satanists claim to be atheists, Satanism today, however, has also developed into a spiritual and theistic practice for many.

    On the question of what makes a religion legitimate, one must look at the common factors that all religions share. A religious legitimacy should not be based on the size or number of its followers, nor should it be based on the age or history of its existence. A more reliable measure should be how people have used it in society as a structured belief system.

    Most religions provide a place of worship, provide services to the public, and have a doctrine and set of guidelines to follow. They also provide rituals or services for birth, death, and marriage.

    While some religions that lie outside the mainstream have their own ways of dealing with this, Satanism is unique in that there are no established public places of worship. However, there are guidelines for ritual or ceremony and for birth, death, and marriage, as provided by the Church of Satan. There are also provided established guidelines and doctrines for Satanism as found in the Satanic Bible. Other groups outside of the Church of Satan provide similar rites and rituals.

    In America we have the First Amendment and the Establishment Clause, that bans any law “respecting an establishment of religion”, meaning that while Christians serve as the majority, they can not claim that America must only be Christian. The majority also does not have a right to decide what constitutes a legitimate religion based solely on a moral assessment.

    Guidelines for Establishment

    A new religion can also be established through the American government by claiming a tax-exempt status with the IRS. There are certain requirements that enable a religious organization allowance in this case. For the Church of Satan, however, they have claimed to not seek tax-exempt status, stating that “The Church of Satan has never pursued tax-exempt status and challenges all the rest of the world’s churches to stand on their own feet.”

    At one time during the 1970’s the Church of Satan had also placed information in the Army’s chaplain Handbook for Satanic Burial rites. While the same information is not available anymore in its recent update, at one time soldiers could be provided with a Satanic burial if they so chose.

    More recently there is another Satanic organization that is standing up for our rights as Satanists. The Satanic temple has worked hard to prevent people from being able to say a Christian prayer at public, government-sponsored local meetings. Allowing one group to lead a prayer goes against the establishment of religion involving government activities. They have also placed Satanic-themed holiday decorations in government spaces that were at one time reserved only for Christians.

    One of their best accomplishments so far was creating and displaying their own Satanic statue on government grounds in Oklahoma City, the same place where lawmakers decided at one time that it was okay to also display the Ten Commandments. They have also placed Satanic-themed holiday decorations in government spaces that were at one time reserved only for Christians. The government of our nation should not be taking the side of just one religion or any religion at all for that matter.

    Now that Satanism has been established for so long the activities of groups like the Satanic temple seek to further legitimize it as a religion as a part of the landscape of America.

    The only way that the government can halt the activities of a religious group is if the religious group is involved in criminal activities. Certain cases come to mind when one thinks of the Catholic church and it’s handling of their multi-million dollar payouts that ensued. But since we live in a land of Christian privilege nothing will likely come of it.

    Satanism has been an established religion for 48 years and things are not likely to change anytime soon, especially if we have activists that are willing to fight for our rights here in America regarding the establishment, and freedom of religion.

    References:

    Who Serves Satan? A Demographic and Ideological Profile: https://www.uni-marburg.de/fb03/ivk/mjr/pdfs/2001/articles/lewis2001.pdf [accessed 4/2/2017]

    Church of Satan, the Feared Religion: http://www.churchofsatan.com/satanism-the-feared-religion.php [accessed 4/2/2017]

    Church of Satan, Army Chaplain Handbook: http://www.churchofsatan.com/doa-pamphlet-no165-13.php [accessed 4/2/2017]

    Dark Moon Merchant
  • Important Women of Satanism – Diane LaVey

    Important Women of Satanism – Diane LaVey

    Diane LaVey

    I am a Satanist. I also happen to be a woman. Women in Satanism are outnumbered greatly as Satanism is generally, more attractive to males than it is females. There is still a place for us in Satanism though, and throughout the years some very important women have carved out their own niche and helped to create Satanism what it is today.

     Today’s post highlights one of the most influential women in Satanism.  Her name is Diane Hegarty but you may know her as Diane LaVey, who was married to Anton LaVey, the founder of modern Satanism. Without her work in Satanism we would not have all the great things we have today.

    Diane helped to found the Church of Satan alongside Anton back in the late 60’s. She helped to write and edit many of his books including the Satanic Bible, The Satanic Rituals, The Satanic Witch, and the Devil’s Notebook. These influential books have helped many Satanists throughout the years to discover and work with Satanism in a variety of ways.

    Working behind the scenes, she dealt with the press and the media, arranging interviews and administering the duties of the Church. During the Satanic Panic era, Diane stood up for the Church of Satan when the media had questions about Satanism and their role in the allegations and accusations of ritual kidnapping and murders.

    She served as high priestess for 25 years, helping the Church of Satan in any way that she could. It is my belief, that without her, the Church of Satan would never have become what it is today, and Anton LaVey would not have had the kind of influence that he had in society. Even still, she let him have the spotlight while she took care of all the essential things that made the Church of Satan what it was.

    Diane also spent time taking care of her children, both of which ended up having successful careers in Satanism. Her daughter, Zeena, was the first child to be baptized in a public ritual at the age of three. Later on, Zeena overtook the duties of High Priestess of the Church of Satan, from 1985 to 1990. Zeena also appeared on daytime talk television during the height of the Satanic Panic, defending the Church from the false, politically motivated Christian conspiracies that were the focus of the nation at the time.

     Without all the work that Diane LaVey did behind the scenes, Satanism wouldn’t be what it is today. From administering the duties of the church, dealing with public relations, and also helping to write and edit the Satanic Bible, we have a lot to be thankful for in this wonderful woman of Satanism. Today is International Women’s Day so take a moment to appreciate the women in your lives that have helped to make it happen!

    To view my list of important women in Satanism visit my Pinterest pin of Women in Satanism dedicated to these awesome women!

     

    Pheromones Attract at Love-Scent.com
  • Satan! Make me Rich (or Popular, or..)

    Satan! Make me Rich (or Popular, or..)

    Satanic HandshakeSo many letters over the years were sent to me by people from all over the world asking if Satan can make them rich, or popular or famous.

    In my experience, life does not work that way. If it were that easy, don’t you think that everyone would be doing it?

    The idea is that you can “sell” your soul (something that is not material) in trade for something that is material. I find that most of these letters come from Africa where folks there seem to be a bit behind the times when it comes to Satanism in general. Not only are they dealing with an ongoing Satanic Panic, it seems most of their information about Satanism comes from Christian sources, unfortunately. And we all know that Christians aren’t the most reliable source of information on Satanism. Overall, though I have met people from all around the world who believe they can “just sell their soul to get rich”.

    What are some of the common themes behind this myth? First of all, we can go back to the tale of Faust. In this German legend, Faust is a successful scholar who longs for riches and fame. So, he decides to sell his soul to the Devil in return for these gifts. The devil sends his emissary, Mephistopheles to make a bargain with Faust to serve the devil for a set number of years.

    Through this tragedy, in the end, Faust is deemed unworthy to enter into heaven and the Devil takes his soul to hell, anyway.  This cautionary tale has been retold many times and usually it shows that it is better not to compromise one’s ethics and morals in return for a quick promise of something that seems to be good. The myth persists however and is greatly misunderstood.

    Another thing to consider is that power and wealth are (according to Christians) seen as a marker of evil, and thus, those who are famous and rich must have signed a pact with the devil to get where they are today. Never mind that they might have actual talent or were born into a position that allowed them to become rich and famous; that doesn’t matter, they are in league with Satan.

    Take a moment to look up any celebrities name and see that there are conspiracy theorists that think they are in league with the devil. A great example, recently is that Taylor Swift is a biological clone or is posing as Zeena LaVey, daughter of the founder of Satanism, Anton LaVey (see: Is Taylor Swift a Secret Satanist at Hubpages).  Other examples which I find to be quite humorous: “Lil Wayne Satanist” search yielded About 80,600 results;  Rihanna Satanist (also, Princess of the Illuminati!) About 156,000 results; (so-called) Proof that Jimmy Hendrix sold his soul with About 458,000 results;  and finally – “famous musicians that sold their soul”  search yielded About 1,870,000 results on google.
    Deal With the Devil
    Satan is not a magic genie that can grant your wishes. Satan isn’t here to cater to your whims. However if you are willing to work hard to get what you want out of life and you decide to align with Satan through a pact it could only benefit you in the long run. It might give you that advantage in life that others don’t have. But such things only come through hard work and dedication and a bit of luck.

    And wouldn’t it be easier just to cast a spell for money? You can check out the Luckymojo spell archive for some quick money spells. You might find better results with easier and quicker spells to get results before you cast that spell to win the lottery though! Life has a way of making things complicated so if you cast a spell to win big money then you get into a debilitating accident, you have your 100,000$ at a price of your peace of mind. So be careful what you ask for, my friends.

     

    And yes commenting has been closed on this blog post…

    Dark Moon Merchant