“Love” is Not a Four-Letter Word – Venus Satanas
Thoughts on Satanic Love…
In Satanism, I have found that some Satanists treat the word ‘Love” as if it were a four-letter word. They say the word with contempt, with disgust. They treat it as if it were not part of the Satanist’s vocabulary. Almost as if it were something to be hated. As if it was a word not to be spoken.
Is it because some Satanists hold on to their past beliefs of Christianity, and in their struggle to let go of it, they treat all the concepts of Christianity with contempt? Words and concepts like ‘compassion’, ‘forgiveness’, and ‘love’ are seen as a condition of weakness and ignorance.
Perhaps LaVey had something to do with this contempt for love. Wasn’t it LaVey who suggested that forgiveness was only to be given in a conditional way, to those who deserved it? Didn’t he suggest that hatred for the hypocrisy of Christianity was righteous for Satanists? Do some Satanists, even though they are not LaVeyan, accept beliefs that LaVey introduced into Satanism through his own (hypocritical) philosophy?
Love is not a Christian concept. It is not owned by Christians. No religion has enough righteousness to own that word. That is because love is a human emotion, not a tool of the religious. Indeed, it has been used in that way – to change people’s attitudes about each other and about life, through a spiritual perspective. But in the end, love is a human condition, and there is nothing more Human than the Satanist who is closest to the realities of life. Isn’t that the ‘Satanic Ideal’?
The Broken Past Lives On..
Treating the word ‘love’ with contempt is a social problem in Satanism. Some of us aren’t prepared to live a life outside of Christianity, or to leave that zone of inverse-christian beliefs. So it is only natural for them to only see that word from a certain perspective. To them, it becomes a tool of the weak and the lowly, the end-product of manipulation and mind games.
It is a social problem because the word is treated with prejudice. If Satanists seek freedom and the ability to live life as they see fit, then why is love avoided or shunned? Wouldn’t it make more sense to explore -why- love is important and how it can be used outside of a Christian perspective? I certainly think so. It’s important to me.
I wrote this post today because I had asked a question on Facebook, and this question was about how Satanism has changed lives in a positive way. One person replied that he appreciated and enjoyed the love of Satan, and his comment erupted a firestorm of replies that ‘love’ didn’t exist in Satanism.
I disagree with the idea that love does not exist in Satanism, because in a world filled with possibilities and a life that is truly free, there is room for love. A true kind of love that is not false or contrived, a love that is outside of moral ideals that belong to the religious. If Satanists are willing to deny that love is worthless or has no use in Satanism, then what kind of life would that be?
If Satanists refuse to change the ideas of the past that only serve to hold them back from enjoying life, then what kind of future will they have as Satanists? Aren’t they just repeating the same mistakes of the past without creating a change that will improve their future? Satanists could be denying the opportunity to enjoy life and give up the worthless ideas and attitudes that don’t work.
A Love for Satan
Many of us got into Satanism because we had a desire to experience Satan and Satanism in whatever form that it appeared to us.. and many of us do have a love for Satan who, (for some) has guided us along our path every day since we first began our journey.
I admit that I also love Satan, and this love is a deep spiritual love that comes from the heart. Satan has always been there for me, but I have always had the freedom to choose how I will live my life. A love for Satan is not a requirement to be a Satanist, but this love for Satan, and love from Satan has been experienced by many of us in a spiritual way. This love only came through time and experience.
Where Do you Stand?
What about Self-Love? This is not the same as being selfish – I think that Self-Love is the ability to be honest and true with ourselves, to take responsibility for our actions and to have a genuine interest in making one’s life better each day. Selfish love destroys, but real and true spiritual Self-Love builds something so great that nothing can destroy it. Real and true love, from the heart, from the Will.
Maybe some Satanists lack that certain kind of confidence, and they do not love themselves. As long as they cling to the shards of their broken Christian past, and they proclaim that love is a four- letter-word, they may never get to experience one of the greatest joys in life that makes life complete.
The destructive nature of Satanism leaves many in the dark when it comes to love and the expression of emotions in a healthy and balanced way – and I can understand this. Satanism is not an easy path to be on. I think that it is one of the most difficult paths there is. It can build you up but it can also tear you down. When it all comes down to it where do you stand?
I do not think that Love is a Four-Letter word.
Satan Be With You,
Venus Satanas
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About The Author
Venus Satanas
My name is Venus Satanas and this is a bit of copy about me. I have been a Satanist since 1992, and I am the author of SpiritualSatanist.com, author and administrator of the Left Hand Path Books Review Blog, and creator of educational videos on Satanism at Youtube. That's not telling you much, so find out more about me here
I like you.
The day comes when, regardless of our particular persuasion, we have to accept the inescapable fact that without love, we have very little. I would go so far as to say that any genuine, lasting, enrichment from Satanism is, at last, down to truly loving it.
Spiritual (rather than purely materialistic or philosophical) Satanism is a very real, expansive thing which is infinitely greater than intellect in nature.
Expressed in a manner which, I grant, many would call simplistic, but I see as profound, Satanism is simply the love of darkness.
I believe that Venus is one of the great, true Satanists precisely by virtue of her love for it and I, certainly, could not possibly love her more than I do.
Late to the great party of 19 responses.
When I first heard the name, “Venus Satanas”, I thought, what a truly outstanding name. Combining the intense beauty of the Roman goddess of love, and the intense power, will and might of Satan, just fantastic. Uplifting. I’m sure I’m not the only one here who, upon hearing the name “Venus Satanas,” or watching her on YouTube, is moved by loving feelings. Which is not to say “love” but a complex combination of caring, respect and admiration from afar. (I admit to having similar but lesser feelings when I hear the name “Anton LaVey” or see him on video or hear his recordings. If this upsets some spiritual or theistic Satanists, that was not my intention.)
I claim to “know” very little, based on some of the comments, can I make some observations? As a person who has had, first, Satanism, and then metal music, play a large role in my Being, I would say both have many similarities with the potential for great harmony, but it is a difficult study.
The subject of love in metal genres ( except pop/hair metal) is rightly absent. It makes no sense. Incompatible. If one needs to hear love in music, choose a different genre. Some sub genres of metal, like death/speed metal, but overwhelmingly black metal (the second wave, with origins in Norway) – do extremely well is create the most powerfully emotive (and loud) music on earth and do a masterful job of celebrating dark themes that can include hate (blind and informed) and misanthropy. It is unfortunate that Satan and Satanic symbols can be used inappropriately as prime symbols to represent this. But Black metal is not at all necessarily pro-Satanism. The hate can be directed against Satanists and I have personally felt it. It amazes me that someone covered in inverted crosses, pentagrams and even the Sigil of Baphomet can turn dismissive, even aggressive, the second I mention myself as a Satanist. There are very few Satanists (LaVeyan/spiritual/theistic) in metal. Many people in metal culture associate Satanism with diabolism (Venus Satanas has mentioned this problem). Anti-Christian sentiment is very strong but many are caught up in it alone. I celebrate and support the latter but don't allow it to define my Self, just compliment my Self.
King Diamond needs to be credited with his contribution to Satanism by being the first musical artist to combine the greatness of his genre (first wave of black metal) with outspoken and true Satanic knowledge and spirit. Infernus is a new force in contributing theistic Satanism to the world through black metal (owner of Forces of Satan Records). Marilyn Manson, of course, a great promoter of LaVeyan Satanism. Danzig won’t call himself a Satanist but has great respect for Satanism. Slayer embraces Satanic symbolism but very wrongly rejects Satanism for being “just another religion” with our masters at the Church of Satan directing our thoughts and actions.
These so-called “Satanists” on Facebook TOLD Venus Satanas what Satanism IS, and therefore, her contempt was warranted and we support her. If they had questioned the concept of love in Satanism, that is their choice, but it is an empty argument. I would argue back they are embracing Satanism on a very superficial level, and should get past the Fifth Satanic Statement that so many "Satanists" and critics are stuck on, ad infinitum. Look at Part V of the Book of Leviathan. Perfectly clear and sensible. Love in the fulfillment of our “Self” is so profoundly great, powerful (like hate) and positive (hate can be as well), in the life of a Satanist.
I have met these types of “Satanists” before. They typically give it up in a short amount of time, and then have the pathetic nerve to loudly renounce their Satanism, and further, denounce it as being flawed for idiotic reasons (like not embracing love) that they were so lazily blind to see when first “becoming Satanists.” Good riddance.
Horns High to Jessica! 😉
HS (Thank you VS).
Thank you so much for your wonderful post. As life goes by, i know there is still a lot more foundation that i need to build as far as my life is concern. tarot readings
I agree that love is essential to a complete fullfilled life but I want to stick up for metal heads. I love heavy metal and hate and anger is a part of me. It inspires me to change what I hate if I can. However it is only one aspect of who I am. Love is definitely another aspect of who I am. I love those that I am close with such as friends and family and pets.
Venus this is extremely well put and I feel this post to be a very beneficial one.
I totally agree with you on what you state here and I feel that alot of this anti-love not only stems from those Satanists who cannot totally break free from the christian umbrella but also I feel that those whom are into what is termed now a days as religious black metal has alot to do with the influece for alot of it or those in the scene are preaching that hate is the way to power and that Satan is hate not love ,love is weak and etc..
The same I also find goes with the notion of healing in Satanism that is why I make a statement on this (simular to what you were saying here with regards to love) in my book.
Thank You for this post ,well I love all of what is presented on your site here (:
Darkest Blessings !
Kindra Ravenmoon
I completely agree with you. And I would also want to add that love is a feeling that has gone to waste, and not used correctly; my love, is more real, more deep, more powerful and beautiful than my previous experience.
carnal love is essential to satanism, losferism, taoism and tantra….It is opposed to the christian/jewish/islamic idea of an spiritual love to your god where physical sexual intercourse is only legal for pregnancy and within a lawful wedlock…women are supposed to be FRIGID as well as men should be self-repressed, uncanny, bollockless creatures
I think the good "thing" with satanism is the idea of a complete freedom about your sexual practices such as: BDSM, sodomy, faggotry and so on are NOT DEFINITEVELY part of great mass religions
ancient greek hedonism, early witchcraft, sorcery and modern wiccans defend and promote THOROUGH SEXUALITY and the passion and love involved with them
the mere idea about rejection of CARNALITY and bestial behavior ARE AGAINST NATURE
personally, I was raped by a succubus
Love is independent. If Satanists define it in the context of Christian belief they are lacking in the quality of that other four letter word – FREE
Belial9,
This is a very good essay and topic and I have to agree with a lot that is being said here.
I also think evil-guy badges are just as obnoxious as good-guy badges. Lol!
For example, in the past, I was almost embarrassed to tell other Satanists, LHP, Pagan or any witch or warlock that I used to be *gasps* the C-Word (Christian)!
After I would share this, with types who were ignorant acting like this, they would end up getting this stupid acting vampire-like knee-jerk reaction, they would start hissing and put their dark capes over their faces.
And then they would treat me just as bad as a Christian would treat an "evil atheist" or "devil worshiper" (used in the pejorative Christian sense) with rudeness or indifference.
These types almost acted like that just because I went to a Church or didn't grow up sacrificing cats and biting heads of bats that I wasn't evil enough for them.
I have told these ignorant and superstitious types to just GET OVER IT because a lot of Satanists or other LHP religions have many people with diverse religious backgrounds.
I also have to say that Satanists on MIRC are not as stupid sounding and acting as they were 10 years ago when I was on there.
The reason I say this is because this was a perfect example of this evil-guy-act they felt they had to put on to be "SATANIC". In other words, to be Satanic you had to be rude know-it-all asshole.
In my opinion, being a Satanist doesn't mean you have to act like an asshole, be rude and disrespectful to everyone or act like a douche bag all of the time to prove you have the biggest Devil Penis.
In High School, in the 80's, I found that most of the Satanists from that era were as much douche bags as the asshole jock types that enjoyed "fucking with you" too.
The only difference between the two aforementioned were the standard uniforms both wore. One shopped at Hot Topic and the other at the Sports stores.
Thank you all for your responses.. you have all made some very good points.
Jessica said: "There is an emphasis on negativity and anger in satanism. I feel the emphasis on negativity is because we or I choose things others may find as negative such as darkness, snakes, tattoos, blood letting, and communication with demons"
– This is absolutely true, and because of it, it's hard to find a balance between the dark and the light.
Gania said: "Personally I think refusing to open your heart to love is the real weakness"
– very true!! it takes courage and strength to love with a whole heart
Sortilèges said: Lack of love in Satanism may have something to do with the influence of metal music, which see Satan as a mere force of destruction.
The truth, as we both know, is much deeper. I also don't think Lavey's paradigm is against love. It's againt universal love and loving others above the Self."
– Right! LaVey was against that universal love that is commanded upon Christians, and, satanists don't have to deal with that because it does not come from the heart, it is conditional and it is a moral commandment, these things have no place in Satanism.
Midnight_Rose said: "..Even so, I'm a person who is very protective over her friends, who *gasp* loves her friends and family. Even if I don't agree with some of their beliefs, it doesn't stop me from getting along with them and still caring for them"
– This is true, this is the real love that comes from the heart.
Dante said: "Nor let the fools mistake love; for there are love and love. There is the dove, and there is the serpent." Liber Al, I:57"
– THANK YOU!!!! awesome quote from the Book of the Law
Corbeau de Marais said:
"You are of course right that the idea of Love being somehow taboo to the Satanist is absurd. Whether as agape, eros or philia, Love should be enhanced by the depths and passions of the (evolved) Satanist."
– True, true, true. I am hoping that as Satanism evolves it evolves in a good way and that we are able to get away from the negativity and replace that with some "humanness"
LadyDarkness said: "I don't see why anyone would consider love a bad thing. Especially within one's spiritual path. Love is a very important and good thing. Love helps us grow, love makes a lot of things easier, love attracts love, happiness, confidence and so much more. "
– I know.. they are foolish to think that such things aren't important for a healthy over-all wellness..
THANK YOU all for your replies!! – VS
Something just occurred to me – Satanism is probably the MOST loving spiritual path anyone can take!
Why? Well, the major religions are pretty picky when it comes to telling their followers who they can and can't love if they don't want to go to 'Hell' but Satanism says 'enjoy each other'! Ergo, loving others and enjoying your sexuality is very Satanic!
I don't see why anyone would consider love a bad thing. Especially within one's spiritual path. Love is a very important and good thing. Love helps us grow, love makes a lot of things easier, love attracts love, happiness, confidence and so much more. Closing oneself up from love is a very stupid thing to do, if you ask me. Just because Satan MAY be associated with evil and darkness does'nt that mean that you can't have love and light and all those good things. You can still love Satan, you can still love life, you can still love other people and so on. Love is something you should welcome into your life and spiritual path, whatever it may be.
Love seems to almost be an autonomic response, nearly uncontrollable. It is part of our innate, built-in sytem of instincts and reactions, thereore purely Satanic. For a Satanist to disregard or discredit this emotion is simply self denial. Self denial, as we all well know, is quite un-Satanic.
"Nor let the fools mistake love; for there are love and love. There is the dove, and there is the serpent." Liber Al, I:57
It's really just a semantics issue: the love of Satan is entirely different from the stuff the Christian god peddles under the same label. However, one thing that really gets on my nerves is when Satanists go out of their way to show how "nice" they are. If that's in your nature, fine, but doing it just to make a point comes off looking incredibly stupid.
How apt I introduce myself to you in response to a blog on Love, beautiful Venus 😉
You are of course right that the idea of Love being somehow taboo to the Satanist is absurd. Whether as agape, eros or philia, Love should be enhanced by the depths and passions of the (evolved) Satanist.
Sadly, and probably inevitably, Satanism will tend to attract those whose spiritual and intellectual depths would make a Wiccan blush, and whose psychological need to over-compensate for their own crippled emotional capacities screams in everyone's ears but their own.
And so, Love will typically embarass the rank-and-file Satanist. But as we know Venus, Love is a drug of passion, able to save and destroy, heal and harm, only those who can find a home in their heart, grand and beautiful enough for Love to thrive.
But I will disagree with you, if I may be so bold in your own bloghome … Love is more than simply an emotion. It can be expressed and explored as an emotion, but the emotional is only one of its facets.
In dark affection m'lady
Corbeau de Marais
I'm a LHP/Dark Pagan whom finds herself leaning more towards Luciferianism and even so, I'm a person who is very protective over her friends, who *gasp* loves her friends and family. Even if I don't agree with some of their beliefs, it doesn't stop me from getting along with them and still caring for them.
There's simply nothing wrong with love. It's fine to love, but obviously some people don't get that. :/
Lack of love in Satanism may have something to do with the influence of metal music, which see Satan as a mere force of destruction.
The truth, as we both know, is much deeper.
I also don't think Lavey's paradigm is against love. It's againt universal love and loving others above the Self. Satanism is a lot about knowing thyself, and a misanthropic behavior may be adequate in the early years into Satanism.
Althought Crowley was not a "modern satanist", the whole satanic love issue is revealed by studying the meaning of the infamous motto "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. LOVE IS THE LAW, LOVE UNDER WILL."
Interesting post.
Sortilèges
I agree wholeheartedly. Anyone who's ever truly loved knows that it's not for the fainthearted or weak!
Personally I think refusing to open your heart to love is the real weakness, and I shall admit one weakness I've suffered from in the past.
As you know,Venus( from my talking with you on Facebook),I'm not a Satanist and I doubt I ever will be,but I appreciate what you mentioned about "inverse Christianity" as it applies to some (MANY,in my experience!) Satanists!
Certainly it's 'cool' to look like a freak and talk about so-called 'evil' and (supposedly) mysterious things but it's so much one dimensional bull sh*t with so many alleged Satanists!
It seems like there has to be a point to it besides alienating and upsetting other people!
(and ,again in my personal experience, I'm not seeing it.)
And you're right! 'Love' isn't a vulgarity! ( It IS a four letter word though! Lol! )
~Cheryl
I agree. I have been satanic/Luciferian/Thelemic for eight years and I love my close friends and family. I also love my pets. I love our planet but not everyone in it. I have friends with various beliefs. Love is a choice and some are not ready to love and that is ok. There is an emphasis on negativity and anger in satanism. I feel the emphasis on negativity is because we or I choose things others may find as negative such as darkness, snakes, tatoos, blood letting, and communication with demons. To me those things are positive and make me happy. I also use anger as a way to motivate myself. I do not feel I am less of a satanist because I love. It is just an emotion like you said.
cool and sufficient means to increase the knowledge I would be this!