#laveyan satanism

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Satanism

The philosophy of Satanism, particularly in modern interpretations, is often grounded in individualism, self-empowerment, and a rejection of traditional religious dogma. There are various branches of Satanism, each with its own approach and interpretation. While early portrayals in history associated Satanism with anti-Christian and occultist ideas, contemporary movements largely emphasize philosophical, symbolic, and sometimes atheistic elements.

Core Branches of Satanism

LaVeyan Satanism: Founded by Anton LaVey in 1966, LaVeyan Satanism is one of the most well-known and structured forms. LaVey’s Satanic Bible outlines Satanism as an atheistic philosophy that emphasizes rational self-interest, individuality, and personal freedom. LaVeyan Satanism doesn’t worship a literal Satan but uses "Satan" as a symbol of rebellion against conformity, self-denial, and oppressive moral codes. Core principles include self-reliance, pursuit of pleasure, and rejection of guilt or shame for natural human desires.

Theistic Satanism: In contrast to LaVeyan Satanism, theistic Satanism involves the belief in and veneration of Satan as a deity or supernatural being. Followers may view Satan as a force representing wisdom, self-empowerment, or the spirit of rebellion against unjust authority. They typically emphasize spirituality, ritual, and a personalized relationship with their deity.

The Satanic Temple: Founded in 2013, The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic, socio-political organization that advocates for secularism, religious freedom, and separation of church and state. Its use of Satanic imagery and symbolism is often satirical, serving as a critique of authoritarianism, religious fundamentalism, and hypocrisy. The Satanic Temple’s guiding principles prioritize compassion, rational inquiry, and individual sovereignty.

Other Forms of Satanic Philosophy: Other branches, including Luciferianism, focus on the figure of Lucifer as a symbol of enlightenment, knowledge, and self-discovery. Unlike traditional Satanic archetypes, Luciferianism often associates Lucifer with wisdom, learning, and the search for truth.

Key Philosophical Concepts in Satanism

Individualism and Self-Empowerment: Many forms of Satanism prioritize the individual as the center of moral authority, encouraging followers to take personal responsibility and to live according to their own principles and desires. Self-reliance and self-empowerment are celebrated, often rejecting dependence on external authority for moral guidance.

Rebellion and Nonconformity: Satanism often embraces the symbol of Satan as a figure of rebellion against oppressive norms or restrictive moral frameworks. This aspect resonates with the desire for freedom from traditional dogmas and the encouragement to think critically and independently.

Pleasure and Self-Interest: Satanism frequently rejects asceticism and self-denial, advocating for the pursuit of pleasure, self-gratification, and enjoyment of life. This philosophy is rooted in a materialist understanding of existence, where one’s current life is seen as the primary focus rather than preparation for an afterlife.

Critical Thinking and Skepticism: Modern Satanism, especially within The Satanic Temple, emphasizes scientific skepticism and rationalism. It challenges superstitions, encourages questioning, and critiques traditional religious dogmas that demand faith without evidence.

Ethics and Morality: Satanic philosophies often propose alternative ethics rooted in individual responsibility rather than divine commands. LaVeyan Satanism’s “Nine Satanic Statements,” for instance, outline an ethos that prioritizes self-respect, personal boundaries, and retributive justice, but they reject traditional moral frameworks as rigid or unnatural.

Satanism in Cultural and Social Context

Satanism’s popularity and influence are, in part, responses to societal structures, particularly within heavily religious cultures. By challenging the norms, it presents a counterpoint to dominant religious narratives, emphasizing secularism and religious pluralism.

In modern contexts, Satanism also serves as a vehicle for social critique and protest. Organizations like The Satanic Temple advocate for political issues like freedom of expression and the separation of church and state, often using provocative imagery to challenge established social orders and protect minority rights.

Controversies and Misconceptions

Satanism often faces misunderstanding due to historical associations with evil and media portrayals of occult rituals. While some forms of Satanism are theistic, most modern movements are symbolic, emphasizing reason and autonomy rather than supernatural beliefs. Contemporary Satanists typically do not believe in or worship an actual Satan as defined in Christian theology.

Philosophical Influence and Modern Appeal

Satanism resonates with existentialist themes, particularly the focus on creating one’s own meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Its principles align with certain elements of Nietzschean philosophy, like the rejection of imposed moral codes and celebration of life and personal strength. It appeals to those who value self-expression, secularism, and an individual-centered approach to ethics.

Summary

Satanism, particularly in its modern forms, challenges traditional moral structures and advocates for individuality, self-empowerment, and a critical, skeptical outlook on life. It exists both as a personal philosophy and a social commentary, reshaping the symbol of Satan from a figure of evil to one of liberation, reason, and humanism.

[shouldhavestayedawayfromhere]

Kinda tired of people making satanism about being anti-Christianity. It feels like the dramatic teenager who swears they hate their ex but talk about no one else and make a show out of being "over them". It's cringe. I don't usually cringe shame cause it's everyone's personal choice and literally not my business. And yet, I find it immature to be up in Satanist (religious!) spaces and only talk about the religion you're not? Grow up please??

[cookthepenguin]

I found this on pinterest

and now I need a story about Lucifer’s rebellion with each of the angels being different old gods

[satanismeng]

How to Develop Willpower: A Psychological Approach

Avoid Procrastination

Procrastination is the enemy of willpower. Every delay, every moment of hesitation weakens your ability to exercise self-control. Research shows that consistently putting off actions undermines self-confidence and creates a vicious cycle where success becomes increasingly elusive. The best way to strengthen your willpower is to take action immediately. Don’t wait for perfect conditions; they’re likely never going to come. Act here and now, even if the circumstances seem less than ideal.

Embrace Unpleasant Tasks

The human brain gravitates toward comfort, avoiding difficulties and opting for easy tasks. However, this pursuit of comfort is a trap that hinders the achievement of larger goals. Psychologists assert that tackling challenging or unpleasant tasks builds discipline and resilience. Develop the habit of starting with the most unpleasant tasks, and over time, willpower will become your natural state. This will not only increase your productivity but also boost your confidence in your own abilities.

Define Clear Goals and Beliefs

Willpower is closely tied to a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. If your goal is vague or if you don’t believe in the possibility of achieving it, it will be difficult to mobilize the inner resources needed for success. Psychological studies confirm that belief in success is a key component of willpower. Clearly visualizing your goals, understanding their importance, and genuinely believing in your abilities will strengthen your determination and help you overcome obstacles.

[anar-chist]

[templo-de-la-sabiduria]

*Sálve Satanás*

Buenas tardes para todos, los invitamos a la Reunión gratuita que tendrá lugar toda la tarde, comenzando ahora mismo sobre:

*Anton Szándor Lavey*

Veremos su Biografía, aportes e Importancia en el Satanismo, bases del Satanismo Laveyano, cómo parte de estudio del Pénsum del Adepto de Primer grado, están todos ustedes invitados:

https://meet.google.com/cpw-zdmb-tdx

[queersatanic]

I don’t want to associate myself with Anton LaVey after having just finding out he was a nazi, but what do I call myself if not a Laveyan satanist? I agree with the teachings, not with the person, but I don’t know what to do.

You would call yourself a LaVeyan Satanist if that's what you are, but you might also consider taking a much deeper look at those teachings of his and what else is buried in them.

If you aren't already familiar with Might Is Right, the fact that our dude plagiarized it and sanded off its rougher ideas for the "Book of Satan" section of The Satanic Bible ought to tell you something about our guy's fundamental principles, which do align pretty well with white nationalism in lots of ways.

Longer post about that here.

Be a Satanist, but be critical and don't be beholden to any would-be prophets or dogmas that are harmful.

That's our advice, anyhow.

[rings-of-darkness]

Blog Post: Embracing the Abyss: My Journey into Anton LaVey's Satanism

Posted by Damien Harker | Date: 13 September, 2023

Greetings, fellow seekers of the shadows,

Recently, I embarked on a new journey into the realms of Satanism, specifically delving into the wisdom of Anton Szandor LaVey, the enigmatic founder of the Church of Satan. As a metalhead, horror enthusiast, and lover of all things dark and mysterious, it felt like a natural progression to explore this intriguing philosophy.

My initiation into the world of LaVeyan Satanism began with "The Satanic Bible," a collection of essays penned by the High Priest himself. What initially drew me in were not the sensationalized stereotypes that surround Satanism, but rather the intriguing blend of individualism, rational self-interest, and unconventional wisdom that LaVey presented.

Satanism: Beyond the Misconceptions

Before diving into the book, I had to confront the misconceptions and misconstrued notions often associated with Satanism. Contrary to popular belief, Satanism, as articulated by Anton LaVey, isn't about devil worship, black magic, or malevolent rituals. Instead, it's a philosophy that champions personal empowerment, critical thinking, and a rejection of societal norms that stifle individuality.

The Nine Satanic Statements

One of the key aspects that resonated with me in "The Satanic Bible" was the Nine Satanic Statements. These statements serve as foundational principles, challenging us to question dogma and embrace the idea that we are our own gods. It's about taking control of our destinies, acknowledging our desires, and unapologetically pursuing them.

The Satanic Rituals: A Unique Perspective

While exploring the rituals presented in the book, I found LaVey's approach to ritualistic magic to be refreshingly pragmatic. Rather than supernaturalism, his rituals are psychological tools designed to tap into the power of the mind and one's own will. This practical perspective aligns with my fascination for the mystical and the psychological, bridging the gap between the macabre and the cerebral.

Embracing the Darkness

In the world of Anton LaVey, Satan is not a literal deity but a symbol of individualism, rebellion, and the untamed aspects of human nature. It's a philosophy that encourages us to embrace our darkness and to acknowledge that we are creatures of both light and shadow. This, for me, is a profoundly liberating concept.

My journey into LaVeyan Satanism is just beginning, and I'm eager to delve deeper into its tenets, explore its symbolism, and engage with like-minded individuals who share my fascination with the dark and unconventional. I'm not here to convert anyone, but rather to share my own experiences and perspectives as I navigate this intriguing path.

So, fellow shadow-dwellers, stay tuned for more updates on my exploration of Satanism, the occult, and all things that dwell in the twilight realm. And remember, sometimes, the most profound revelations are found in the depths of darkness.

Hail Satan, and hail the pursuit of individuality and self-discovery!

Until next time,

Damien Harker 🤘🖤

[the-mycelium-system]

Calling all Satanists!

Any age, any kind of Satanism. I require some assistance. I’m doing a research paper on modern Satanism (for an English class but I chose the topic because I care about it) & I’d like to learn about the beliefs & experiences of real individual Satanists. I’ve made a google form asking questions about this. I’d appreciate it so greatly if any Satanists reading this could fill it out. It’d be best if you fill it out by Wednesday 9/13 but if not that’s okay & it’ll still be useful after that.

Thank you! Ave Satanas

Reblogs much appreciated too so hopefully more Satanists can see this

[lamblvd]

About Lucifer.

Please, if you don’t respect my religion kindly don’t interact with this, unless you’ve got a genuine question.

Lucifer, light of the morning. His birthday is today, and lately I couldn’t help but delve deeper into him, into his art. The representation of knowledge, of rebellion against God, in which I deeply see myself ever since I realized I am a Satanist.

I think there’s nothing more fascinating than the representation of Lucifer throughout history. In the Middle Ages, he was depicted as a monster, as art was the only medium through which everyone could access the knowledge of biblical history, and since they had to distinguish “good” from “evil,” he was portrayed in a brutal manner. But as the years passed, especially during the Romantic period, he came to be seen in a positive light as a bearer of knowledge.

I do see him as a positive light, a bearer of knowledge. I see him as a muse, and I’m really thankful I’ve been meditating to him.

Ave Lucifer.

[arabellas-inferno]

Satanism Explained

Satanism is a diverse and multifaceted term that encompasses a range of beliefs and practices. It is important to note that there are different branches or interpretations of Satanism, and they can vary significantly in their ideologies and values.

Here, I'll provide an overview of two distinct branches: theistic Satanism and LaVeyan Satanism.

Theistic Satanism: Theistic Satanism refers to a belief system in which individuals worship or venerate Satan as a deity. Adherents of theistic Satanism often view Satan as a real being or a representation of primal and rebellious forces. They may engage in rituals, prayers, and other forms of worship dedicated to Satan. It's worth mentioning that not all theistic Satanists engage in harmful or malevolent practices; some emphasize personal empowerment, individualism, and a rejection of societal norms.

LaVeyan Satanism: LaVeyan Satanism, also known as modern Satanism, was founded by Anton LaVey in the 1960s. LaVeyan Satanists do not believe in the existence of a literal Satan but rather see Satan as a symbol representing individualism, self-indulgence, and human potential. They embrace the idea of self-preservation and emphasize rationality, critical thinking, and personal freedom. LaVeyan Satanism promotes the pursuit of personal desires and encourages adherents to question societal norms and religious dogma.

It's important to note that the vast majority of Satanists, whether theistic or LaVeyan, do not engage in criminal or harmful activities. While some individuals may adopt the symbols or aesthetics associated with Satanism for shock value or rebellious expression, it does not necessarily indicate adherence to Satanic beliefs or practices.

Remember, this is a general overview, and Satanism is a complex and varied topic.

[the-devils-library]

The Satanic Bible, by Anton LaVey

Title: The Satanic Bible

Author: Anton Szandor LaVey

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Publishing Date: December 1, 1969 (First Edition)

ISBN-10: ‎0380015390

ISBN-13: 978-0380015399

Alright, let's start with the elephant in the room. This little book is often the only thing people read on Satanism, and for good reason - it made quite a splash when it was published.

Considered the foundational text of the Church of Satan and their specific style of atheistic Satanism (often called LaVeyan Satanism), The Satanic Bible is part philosophy, part religious teaching, and part magical instruction. LaVey is well known for his stance that humanity does not need God, and that believing in God (or Satan, for that matter) as real entities serves only to hold back our potential. However, LaVey argues that humanity does need religion, and that religion requires dogma and ceremony. The dogma and ceremony LaVey offers to the reader is based on one's own happiness and self-satisfaction, as opposed to the Christian values of self-sacrifice for the greater good. His Nine Satanic Statements, Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth, and Nine Satanic Sins are easy to read and understand, and seem to be the inspiration for other Satanist's lists of values, such as The Satanic Temple's Seven Fundamental Tenants.

LaVey embraces sexuality and indulgence, framing sexual energy as the best and most potent source of power for magical workings. Magic is described not as an appeal to a higher power but a seizing of one's own fate, aiming for success and happiness through the manipulation of the world around oneself. The practices he recommends are rooted in ceremonial magic, especially Enochian magic.

The Satanic Bible has had multiple editions and translations since its original publication and is widely available through most online book retailers, as well as sometimes being stocked in magical and metaphysical shops.

[DISCLAIMER: The Devil's Library is not affiliated with any of the previously mentioned groups or authors. It is an independent project by a single Satanist. Do not mistake my mentioning of an author or group as endorsement for their beliefs and practices.]

Beneath the cut you'll find my personal review and opinions on this book.

I've said before on this blog that I am not LaVeyan, and that's still true. While I greatly respect the concept of a non-theistic religion and I lift my glass to all those who work hard to form such religions, I prefer a theistic view of the world. On top of that, LaVey's philosophy does little for me. In truth I consider LaVey's work to not be particularly revolutionary in terms of philosophy. He was a self-admitted fan of Ayn Rand and his brand of Satanic individualism has oft been compared to Randian philosophy with a coat of occult paint slapped on top - I think that evaluation holds true. His magical system also strikes me as unoriginal, given he simply reworked the Enocheon keys. My overall evaluation of the man was that he was a lazy philosopher and a lazy magician, but a skilled showman, and that's how he pulled in as many followers and critics as he did. People were rejecting God and practicing ceremonial magic long before LaVey came along. He just cultivated a compelling aesthetic around it.

I think it's safe to say the book is a product of its time and creator. LaVey is both progressive and regressive, endorsing kink and queer sexuality while also objectifying women in his magical practice (LaVey is, as far as I can tell, the originator of the Satanic tradition of using a nude woman's body as an altar, and he makes a note that during ritual, men should wear robes, but women should dress scantily in order to titillate the men) and having some deep misunderstandings about asexuality. It's also not to be taken lightly that while as far as I'm aware, LaVey himself didn't profess to be a white supremacist, his fondness for Ayn Rand shows a fondness for fascism, he certainly rubbed elbows with white supremacists, and various individuals and groups that broke off from the original Church of Satan have been noted as having a range of Nazi-adjacent views and values, namely the Temple of Set. His list of "Satanic names" is also a very sloppily cobbled together list of names of any god, deity, or spirit who's ever been even slightly associated with negativity, utterly ripped from their cultural context and reduced to keywords that, I assume, LaVey expects the readers to either claim as names of their own or use in rituals. The list includes outright racist cultural appropriation, such as the inclusion of Kali's name, to ignorant misrepresentations of myth, such as calling Loki the "Teutonic devil." As always, I recommend referencing scholarly and culturally conscious resources when it comes to discussions of other religions and mythologies. Do not take a single writer with no credentials at face value.

That being said this is a book I generally recommend people read, with the added note that taking it entirely at face value and assuming it's the one true Satanic text is a mistake. The Satanic Bible is integral to our religious history at this point, but we need not cling to it as entirely or even mostly correct. It is also useful to be familiar with it when interacting with other Satanists, as it's possibly the most commonly read book in the entire religion, so like it or hate it, you probably should have some opinion on it.

[shouldhavestayedawayfromhere]

The Satanic Bible – book review

Sooo I finished reading the Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey this week, finally. I have a couple of thoughts on it, so I thought I'd share them for those who have, and maybe more importantly, for those who haven't read it. (I'm quite opinionated, so if you're a big fan of his work, consider scrolling)

Firstly, my overall opinion on this books is that it gets progressively worse the more you read. It starts out with some interesting philosophical takes – much of which are not LaVey's own, as I learned. The only truly original part of this book is LaVey's system of magic, which calls upon powers that LaVey does not even believe in, and the deeply rooted despise that he has for Christians, the left-hand-path(LHP), and pretty much anyone who practices magic differently than him.

Imo, LaVey is not a philosopher, nor is he a religious leader. He called a new kind of Satanism into life only to abandon it after it started to evolve on its own (like every religion does). His attempts at being progressive failed miserably. He tried hard to be better than Christians by being inclusive and scientific, but that doesn't hide the fact that he doesn't know what he's talking about.

His magical concept is male-centered and heteronormative, some might even say sexist. His understanding of asexuality is extremely limited and in my opinion (as an asexual), quite controversial and insensitive. LaVey's approach to magic is to stress the fact that he doesn't really believe in magic, so his religion will appeal to the modern and progressive masses. He makes his satanism look scientific by claiming Satan does not exist, but still claims to be speaking for him. Also a bold claim to make.

Yet, when the satanic movement was over and people no longer cared about his edgy ideology, LaVey ditched his own religion, said he didn't wanna be associated with it anymore (he's the founder lmao) and called his fellow satanists "weirdos" and "freaks".

In an attempt to be liberating, he pushed yet another dogma onto people, centering his concept of magic almost entirely around sexuality. And the worst thing yet – LaVey was full of hate and faux pity for 'outsiders'. His work pushes a strong we-vs-them agenda. Wether it's satanists versus Christians or RHP vs LHP, it's ridiculous. LaVey actively slanders and makes fun of people who follow the LHP. He could educate on the topic. He could explain how white and black magic don't exist, how everything is balanced, how dark and light coexist in nature and justify his choice of the RHP that way. But instead, he incorporated his despise for white-light religions & practitioners into his satanic rituals. Rituals which leave nearly no room for any kind of spirituality.

LaVey says himself in the satanic Bible in the chapter about devices used in Satanic rituals: "Satanism is a religion of the flesh, rather than of the spirit". And I couldn't have said it better. His religion has nothing to do with growth and spiritual development. It leaves you exactly where you are, but hey, you can use magic to get money, luck or sex! LaVey didn't believe in Satan, nor any other higher being, yet he used them for his greedy desires and fetishes. He focused in on a minor part of what Satanism really is and got stuck there.

LaVey Satanism, as I see it, it a blunt sexualization of the occult and it holds no spiritual value to me. I don't see TSB as a piece of spiritual educational literature. Rather as a historical and cultural classic that may be of use to understand the evolution of modern occultism. But it's nice to be able to say that I've read it.

My words are a bit harsh here and there, so I wanna clarify that I don't have a problem with anyone choosing to practice this religion respectful of others.

[satanismeng]

On April 11, 1930, a man was born who once introduced the concept of Satanism to the world. He was unafraid of millions of sideways glances, words, and even threats.

He became an example to many, and to this day, even after his death, he remains a terrifying nightmare to religious communities of that time.

Today would have marked the 94th birthday of the High Priest Anton Szandor LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, and the author of many books.

[anar-chist]

It seems like the world is gonna end soon, and I couldn’t be happier

[daemonicdasein]

William Mortensen, Title unknown, The artist's first wife and muse Courtney Crawford with masks made by Mortensen, circa 1926.