#peggynadramia

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

The Feigned Martyrdom Of Kim Davis (By Reverend Raul Anthony)

The death throes of righteous Christianity—that arrogant belief system used to forcing others to bend to its irrational dogmas—offer its more masochistic adherents the opportunity for martyrdom through punishment they so richly deserve, but not for the reasons they claim.

According to the New York Times, Ms. Davis’ lawyer, Roger Gannam, believes she has been incarcerated for her “belief of conscience that marriage is the union of one man and one woman”. This is incorrect, she’s in jail because she refuses to do her job and is being held in contempt of court for acting as if she’s above the rule of law. Unfortunately the media is giving this miserable failure the gift of fame and notoriety well beyond her sub-mediocre capabilities. While the spotlight happens to shine on this one dimwit, who wants to place the dictates of her mythical God above the law of the land, the success of a certain parody Twitter account reveals a level of sympathy for those who have to put up with such banal solipsism on a daily basis.

[carlabrahamsson]

Soon! The history of Anton LaVey’s THE COMPLEAT WITCH / THE SATANIC WITCH by Church of Satan High Priestess Peggy Nadramia!

https://www.morbidanatomy.org/events-tickets/the-compleat-story-how-anton-lavey-created-the-compleat-witch-by-peggy-nadramia-live-on-zoom

#antonlavey #churchofsatan #peggynadramia #psychartcult #morbidanatomy

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

Regarding Satanic After-School Clubs (By Magus Peter H. Gilmore)

Since the Church of Satan only allows legal adults as members, and since we are against all forms of possible proselytizing, we do not sponsor “clubs” in schools.

We encourage intelligent young people who have an interest to study our literature, and they may ask questions of us directly should they not understand any of our principles. We have many responsive spokespersons to handle such queries. In general, our written materials are quite straightforward and without the need for interpretation found in the texts of most religions.

Additionally, we do not support forms of activism which require Satanists to behave like members of other religions who do try to force their ideas on young people. We are strict secularists and individualists and oppose having religion foisted on students via peer pressure or other coercive means.

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

Are We What We Create? (By Reverend Campbell)

As a Satanic content creator, I am constantly thinking about how what I produce effects others’ understanding and perception of Satanism as a religion. From the essays I write which are shared throughout social media to the videos I produce that are liked and commented on, I try to represent Satanism in the way I perceive it. But what am I saying about myself in the process?

Do people consume this content and believe they are in some way connecting with me as an individual? By consuming this content are they in part accepting the responsibilities of its creator, me—my habits, mannerisms, thoughts and expressions? Are we what we create?

I would like to think that I have some anonymity from my audience. I want a space between us not just for myself—primarily for myself—but also for the audience. You shouldn’t care about me as the producer as much as you care about the content produced. I use a version of myself to represent the work, to package and brand it. You know, to sell it to you, but the content stands on its own, for good or ill. And the persona I adopt and display for this content is just a creation of mine, not intended to be taken as a direct version of the man I am in my personal interactions with others.

Am I in some way rationalizing this approach so I can then extrapolate it towards people in the greater world at large, so I could excuse my indulgence in the content others have created despite their wretched and illegal personal behaviors? When Roman Polanski was arrested in 1977 for sexually assaulting a 13 year old model, did the world stop watching Rosemary’s Baby, or refuse to watch The Ninth Gate 20 years later? Will you see the movie Seven or the series House of Cards differently because Kevin Spacey is accused of sexual assault? What about the near daily press coverage of other actors and comedians being accused of inappropriate or illegal behavior? Should we ban all of their creations, which have been produced with the cooperation of many individuals, or are we able to divorce the illegal and unconscionable behavior of these flawed creators from their creations? And by making such a separation of the creations from the creators, are we in some way justifying that behavior?

No. I don’t think we should make the creations disappear, and I don’t think we justify that appalling behavior by finding value in things made by people who have acted improperly towards others. We are not making political statements simply because of the content we consume to be entertained. And equally, we do not need to accept this behavior if we find value in these works. Our actions of turning on a movie, reading a book or listening to music are not tacit approvals of all the behaviors their creators have exhibited, good or bad. We need to stop looking at everything we do as some justification for other’s behavior and focus on ourselves, focus on our own motivations and expressions.

As a Satanist I take responsibility for my own actions in life, I do not take responsibility for the doings of others. I refuse to accept that I support Harvey Weinstein’s illegal behavior because I will continue to watch Pulp Fiction. But I will speak out against said behavior if the proper opportunity comes up. I don’t have to be a cheerleader for the destruction of others, they seem to be doing a pretty good job of it themselves. As a Satanist I find my time and energy best directed to my own ends, and in the end, that is the only way I will be able to be in control of my own life.

We are not what we create, but we are responsible for it. We can admire creations without endorsing every act of the people who made them. Judge the creation for what it is, and if the persons who made it are less than admirable, then that understanding reveals a sad truth about the imperfect nature of human beings.

Hail Satan!

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

Governmental Evangelism? (By Magus Peter H. Gilmore)

John Kasich, the governor of Ohio, rashly proposed creating a governmental agency to promote “Judeo-Christian” values as part of his projected approach to national security should he be elected. At his National Press Club speech, Kasich stated that he’d create “a new agency that has a clear mandate to promote the core, Judeo-Christian Western values that we and our friends and allies share: the values of human rights, the values of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of association.“

Fortunately the constitutionality of such a nonsensical concept was swiftly raised even amidst the media frenzy caused by the recent terrorist attacks perpetrated by Islamic radicals—the clear source for such politically reactionary spewage. Our secular republic was established with the intention of preventing any religion from having hegemony, providing American citizens with the freedom of embracing any or no religion as a fundamental right. Fortunately, some aware media commentators, such as CNN’s Michael Smerconish, have made this observation.

It fascinates me that Kasich’s brief enumeration of the values he wishes to promote are emphatically not ones that have arisen from Judeo-Christian scriptures. Instead, they are secularist principles essential to the American Constitution and are also core concepts that current Western governments have embraced in their ongoing process of working towards an equitable society. We who are not fans of theism know that most “sacred” writings are a contradictory morass which can be cherry-picked to support almost any perspective, be it permissive or oppressive. However Kasich’s catalog is one that stands in contrast to the historical practices of the theism he embraces and proposes should be governmentally proselytized. His lack of awareness of this contradiction should be troubling, considering his current—and any future—elected offices.

Kasich has backed-off from his misguided intention, however, this exposes something that should be noted. His assumption that Judeo-Christianity is the source for these principles points out his lack of awareness of the actual tenets of the ancient religion of which he is an adherent. He is not alone in such incomprehension. He naively assumes a “God and Country” unity that is contrary to the mechanisms of the government of the United States. His apologists are quick to claim that he didn’t mean what he said, however, anyone campaigning to head this nation should be very precise in both his thinking and his statements on such crucial issues.

The oath of the office he seeks demands that he "will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Clearly Kasich seems unaware of the secular nature inherent in that office and the Constitution he must uphold, hence I consider his ignorance grounds to disqualify his candidacy in the minds of all Americans who stand for the values of our nation’s founders.

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

One Satanic Panic Was Enough — Debunking Ted Gunderson And #Pizzagate (By Reverend Joel Ethan)

If you want to look really stupid, just try linking Satanism to this #pizzagate nonsense.

This old video of Ted Gunderson has resurfaced and people who live in a “post-fact” world are passing it on as some kind of smoking gun. Luckily for the non-brain dead among us this has been well documented as a load of crap. Ted Gunderson of course, was a total tinfoil hat lunatic and embarrassment to the FBI, whom the SPLC described as someone who “never met a conspiracy theory he didn’t believe.”

In the video circulating, Gunderson talks of links between the Illuminati, pedophilia and Satanism. This is as based in reality as his belief that aliens flew UFO’s to earth to give US Government the cure to Down Syndrome but the government is withholding it from people as a form of population control. If only that was a joke—it’s not.

Let’s run down the list:

Illuminati? No. The only documented Illuminati that has ever existed, ceased to do so in the late 1700’s.

Pedophilia? No. Not only is harming children specifically forbidden in our 11 Satanic Rules of the Earth, but also, while Satanism has always explicitly condoned all forms of sexual expression, it has always been only to those interactions between consenting adults. When it comes to pedophilia, the Roman Catholic Church has spent vast sums of money protecting pedophile priests and made continued long-term efforts covering up their crimes while allowing continued abuse of children under their supervision. The Christians must own that one and this continued deflection is as transparent as their holy water—and just as useless.

As to Gunderson’s overall schtick, that’s been debunked repeatedly. Here’s the full FBI files from the investigations into all of Gunderson’s abuse and kidnapping claims showing they were completely baseless and not a single victim could ever be identified. Shock TV host Geraldo Rivera, who trumpeted much of this madness, even later recanted and apologized for helping it, noting that it was all obviously fabricated and that he was terribly wrong.

That was in 1995. So, if today—more than 20 years later—you believe and parrot any of these fallacies you are broadcasting to the world that you are not only a simpleton, but a gullible idiot as well.

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

Here We Go Again: Satanic Graffiti In Amityville (By Magus Peter H. Gilmore)

This morning I awoke to news stories proclaiming that three churches located in North Amityville in Suffolk County on Long Island were vandalized with SATANIC GRAFFITI. Apparently, some time Saturday night, a vandal scrawled on the external walls of the Amityville Full Gospel Tabernacle, the Shaw Temple AME Zion Church, and the Zion Gospel Church, all close to one another. Oddly, none of the major news reports, which include ABC’s Eyewitness News account, show any of the graffiti. However, it was explained in other reports that the offending graffiti was painted over before the Sunday morning services. I did find one image posted online in the past few hours of an upright pentagram in a circle painted on a set of double doors. The footage shown on ABC, including an interview with Pastor Willard Price of the Zion Gospel church, includes an image of doors that may be from the same building, but the graffiti had already been overpainted. The report states that the police are calling this “satanic graffiti” and that it is being investigated as a hate crime.

During my search for additional images of this so-called “satanic graffiti,” I discovered a report that there had been another vandalism incident five days ago in East Meadow Long Island—roughly ten miles west of last night’s crime—which was being labelled the same way. CBS News reported that the New Covenant Church of East Meadow was vandalized with “satanic worship symbols.” Their pastor, Rob Taormina, states in an interview that “if somebody came and painted your house up with satanic symbols I think you’d be disturbed, too, ‘cause you don’t know who they are and you [don’t] know if they’d come back.” In this case, a glass vestibule door was smashed as well.

I’ve long been a consultant for law enforcement, assisting during investigations of crimes using unusual symbols, and I’ve not yet been called in on either of the incidents mentioned above. However, upon examining the news story images, what stands out to me immediately is that in both towns a form of pentagram was drawn which has one point up. This is not a symbol used in either Satanism or Devil worship—where two-point-up pentagrams are employed—but is found in the neo-pagan religion of Wicca in its various forms. The East Meadow images show inverted crosses and the word “Satin” which shows that the writer is either illiterate, or into shiny fabric. Also the words “DEVIL, WITCH, SPELL, CURSED” as well as a “frowning face” emoji are crudely inscribed.

Now, if the criminal doing this vandalism was actually knowledgable about Satanism or Devil worship, then I think the pentagrams would be the proper sort, not the neo-pagan version we see here. Also the incorrect spelling of “Satan” and simply the use of terms popularly associated with witchcraft lead me to think that the person who did this is most likely a Christian who is going by fairly typical misprisions regarding these non-Christian religions. This hateful person wanted the people attending these churches to feel that this crime was done by an adherent of Satanism, Devil worship or some form of witchcraft involving reverence for The Devil—like you see in horror films or in those books published by evangelical Christians which spread grave misinformation about non-Christian religions.

This sort of thing was common during the years of the “Satanic Panic” back in the 80s-90s, wherein similar graffiti—often accompanied by “666” and symbols used by various anti-Christian metal bands—was found on building walls and under bridges and so on. Back then, such things were likely done by metal fans who shared the anti-Christian biases of the bands they followed or by disaffected youths dabbling in the sort of “satanism” they saw being depicted by the media as a form of rebellion. We deal with the meaning of 666 and other symbols on our web site.

These two recent incidents look more to me like they were done by a Christian who wants people to think that somebody associated with a religion employing these symbols has a grudge against these churches. It is clear to me that, whether Christian or not, the perpetrator is ignorant of Satanism, Wicca, and Devil worship. Whatever hatred is in the mind of this criminal, the deed was done by someone who is not an adherent of Satanism, Devil worship or Wicca, and simply wants to blame their own anger on these other religions while terrorizing the congregations of these churches.

Even when vandals do use symbols that reflect Satanism, since we have a philosophy that does not condone criminal actions it should be clear that anyone committing such crimes is not a Satanist, or if self-identified as such is acting in a manner contrary to our belief system. This article from 2008 covers this topic rather well.

Considering the past lunatic obsession with a manufactured conspiracy of predatory “satanists” out to get people, it is incumbent upon both law enforcement and the media not to jump to unwarranted conclusions by proclaiming this is “satanic graffiti” when Satanism is not its source. The Church of Satan is a 50 year old, legally incorporated religious organization with members worldwide who abhor this sort of crime. We’ve been through one hysteria—begun by evangelical Christians and taken up by misinformed law enforcement agencies and sensationalist media outlets—that caused harm to many innocent people. We do not want to see that madness rising again, abetted by uninformed or biased forensic analysis and reportage. I trust that this vandal will be apprehended via diligent police work based on an accurate grasp of the deeds done and receive due punishment for these crimes.

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

Freedom Of Speech Challenged In Berkeley (By Reverend M. Hunter)

Last night Breitbart Senior Editor Milo Yiannopoulos was forced to cancel a scheduled presentation at UC Berkeley and be evacuated as rioters violently attacked attendees, set fire to the campus, and destroyed public and private property. Regardless of how you feel about his views or the tone of his presentations, as Satanists we should be wary of this rising tide of violence against freedom of expression and speech.

We recognize that our own views and philosophical works are not of the masses and can be easily taken out of context and used as justification for persecution. During the Satanic Panic we were called every derogatory term under the sun, from child & animal killers to neo-fascists, regardless of our actual stances on respect for children and animals and upholding individualism and evaluating peers by “merit not inherit”.

Just as Satanists wouldn’t burn books—we read them and intelligently critique their content—when speakers are offered a platform, whether they are controversial or popular, there are civilized ways to offer discourse, criticism and alternative perspectives. Examining ideas is central to our philosophy, so that we can rationally select which to embrace and which to reject. To quote Stefan Molyneux: “Those who make conversations impossible, make escalation inevitable.”

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

High Preist Peter H. Gilmore Comments on John Oliver’s Alex Jones Segment

“The fact that Jones dons a blue sports jacket and a Rolex, which he equates with the values of human prosperity and empowerment — actual Satanic values — to infiltrate and expose us is laughable. We certainly appreciate bespoke suits and finely crafted accessories, but Jones is going to need more than those trinkets to “enter our world.” Fundamentalist Christian hucksters like Jones always prey on the fears of their followers by providing scapegoats, so we aren’t surprised that he preaches an anti-life morality to personally profit off those gullible enough to buy into his irrational conspiracy theories. Tormenting the parents of the Sandy Hook victims gets no kudos from us, for as Satanists we seek justice, which means punishing actual criminals and not using such tragedies as a means for promoting fantasies about non-existent conspiracies.”

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

Hobby Lobby & ISIS Sitting In A Tree... (By Reverend Joel Ethan)

Theists wanting to control what those around them may do is not a new thing, nor does any religion have an monopoly on that behavior. Openly call it Sharia or thinly veil it as Religious Freedom, the motivation and goal is the same—using whatever power you have at your disposal to force those around you to comply with your religion’s beliefs. One need look no further than at the bloody history of Christianity’s fractious denominations or at the replies we receive on Twitter to know that—if they thought they could get away with it—directing violence at people not sharing their beliefs would fast be on the menu. Hell, you can look at recent domestic terrorist attacks in the US and see that many of the faithful don’t even care if they can get away with it. But, as groups who think they have God-given blessings, they grab for any available form of dominance whenever they can to assert their righteousness.

Christian extremists think of themselves as polar opposites and antagonists to Islamic extremists—and that conflict goes back to The Crusades, when Europeans invaded the Middle East, ostensibly to protect their Christian heritage. The mercenary soldiers looted art and artifacts and stole land from the local Muslim infidels, raping and pillaging with the support of their clerics. And of course there were Islamic invaders of Europe who did the same thing to those they overwhelmed. We know these theists are all cut from the same cloth and that this proposed separation is only about particular holy books, not methodology.

Anyone who has been watching this space knows Hobby Lobby as the Christian-owned company that fought in court for the right to avoid paying for some insurance-covered employee health benefits due to “deeply held religious beliefs.” More interestingly, they’re back in the news for smuggling ancient Iraqi artifacts into the US. They claim an interest in amassing such things to bolster their belief in their scriptures. Now that they’ve been caught, Hobby Lobby has agreed to pay a sizable fine and will forfeit all the artifacts to their nation of origin which has many applauding that justice has been done. Yet that ignores a crucial piece of this story—from whom were they purchasing these looted artifacts in the first place?

That’s not really a question so much as a way of revealing an answer that we already know. They were in all likelihood buying them from ISIS. The Islamic State ransacking of historical sites is well documented, as is their destruction of historically important art and architectural landmarks. What’s also known is that they also sell-off anything they can to help fund their other terrorist operations. Following that math to it’s logical conclusion results in the extremist Christians at Hobby Lobby directly financially contributing to ISIS coffers. That forms of theism mutually hostile towards one another collude here is shocking to the naive but unsurprising to objective observers as these believers have all often shown their willingness to compromise supposedly “deeply-held” ethics if it means furthering their broader agendas. Sadly, this behavior is standard practice for the oh so publicly pious and we expect many would find it disgusting and in the case of supporting terrorism, an act of treason.

As Satanists, we are not surprised to see these religious extremists in bed with each other. But we do not endorse that these practices should continue, as they lead to ongoing subjugation of non-believers. We do not differentiate between which book of fables or which imaginary celestial friend is used to justify whatever form of oppression is being forced on others. We object to all theism-based social control, legally backed or otherwise. And we recognize these opportunistic hypocrites for what they are, and continue to stand in opposition, advocating for a truly secular society in which all are held accountable for their actions.

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

Significance Lost: Symbols And The Sante Fe Shooting (By Magus Peter H. Gilmore)

Dimitrios Pagourtzis, the young man identified as the shooter in today’s horrific crime at the Santa Fe High School, apparently wore a mix of incongruous symbols on a vest, one of which seems to be a version of our Sigil of Baphomet. He is not a member of the Church of Satan and note that we don’t accept minors nor do we support the religious indoctrination of children. While symbols can be a statement of allegiance to particular beliefs and practices, when worn as decorations they are often employed by the wearer to mark what is currently trending in one’s peer group, not to represent anything more meaningful. Many individuals sport crosses of various sorts, sometimes along with symbols of ethnic ancestry, but these do not indicate that there is any doctrine being proposed by the wearers. They just like the look of the trinkets. And you’ll find this practice to be common amongst those who are law abiding and those who are not.

The Church of Satan, founded in 1966 by Anton Szandor LaVey, employs a pentagram symbol which includes a stylized goat face encircled by the word Leviathan in Hebrew. This emblem represents a law and order philosophy demanding that its adherents must be responsible for their actions and should deal with one another justly—and regarding those who are criminals, that the punishment for their misdeeds should fit in kind and degree the crimes committed. Now, over 50 years later, this symbol has been through a bastardization during the proliferation of Metal music to be diluted to a vague icon of rebellion. Today there are mass-produced variants of it crowding the shelves of trendy, youth-oriented mall stores as jewelry items or on t-shirts. The purchasers see it as just another cool adornment to pin to a vest or wear on their backs, either to fit in amongst or piss off others with whom they socialize. Like hip and edgy t-shirts in the past emblazoned with images of Mao, Lenin, Einstein, Ché Guevara, and other iconic figures, the wearers are typically not cognizant as to whom these individuals might have been, let alone what ideas they championed—these are just pre-packaged fashion statements, not sworn allegiance to any political or religious ideologies. Some might be perceived as providing ready made “good guy” or “bad boy” cred—that’s the actual shallowness of such gestures.

Pagourtzis mixed a German Iron Cross (used by their military as a high honor but later typically part of biker sub-culture attire), a Soviet Hammer and Sickle pin (ostensibly representing Communist doctrines), and a cephalopod which is being dubbed Cthulhu (a chaotic alien god from Lovecraft’s horror tales), a pocket watch, and a rendition of what we call the Sigil of Baphomet. The actual ideas, philosophies and practices behind these symbols are not in any way consistent with one another and the purpose for this assemblage seems to have been to offer a sort of loose rebellious sensibility, as all of these icons have been demonized by society over time.

At this point little is known about Pagourtzis’ situation and what prompted him to take this heinous course of action. We have yet to discover what meaning any of these objects might have had for him, whether he understood them or not. When addressing the Columbine tragedy of 1999, I wrote words which might prove as applicable to Pagourtzis as they are to Klebold and Harris:

“One thing might have helped defuse the situation: Satanism. If Klebold and Harris had understood real Satanism and chosen to live by it, their vengeance spree would not have happened. Satanism would have taught them that, indeed, they were not like these others, and that such is a positive attribute. Satanism would have taught them that they had only one life, and that their intelligence and talent would take them along paths which would lead to their drinking deeply from that cup which is offered but once. They would have known that Satanists practice Lex Talionis, making the punishment fit in kind and degree the crime.”

We Satanists mourn with those who are the family and friends of these victims, for we understand that life lost is not to be regained. May we find the ways and means to understand and help those disturbed individuals who decide they have no other recourse than murder to solve whatever they perceive as intolerable stress. Taking positive action to prevent such situations in the future should be a goal we can agree upon as a society, regardless of whatever religious or political perspectives we might hold.

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

For Christians who want Satanists to Change Their Ways

Q: Have you heard about Jesus?

Yes, and we find his philosophy to be servile and counter to human nature. We do not believe in this mythical figure and caution you to keep your beliefs in such legends to yourself.

Q: I am a Christian and feel that I need to tell you about the Lord because you are all going to Hell.

“Judge not lest you be judged.” Remember your “savior’s” words?

We trust you are praying to your God for forgiveness, as you certainly aren’t living up to the tenets of Christianity. Do you remember the dictum “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you”? Well, is it that you want strangers to send you hateful email out of the blue, as you have done to us?

You are clearly committing a sin by your own standards by this action, and if you don’t get it forgiven, it may be one of the many which bar your entry into the Heaven in which you believe.

Your bigotry and intolerance are exactly the same as that shown by the terrorists who kill those who do not share their beliefs. The free world of rational secular individuals is tired of people like you. You will reap as you have sown.

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

Sexuality & Gender F.A.Q.

Q: What does the Church of Satan think about homosexuality?

We fully accept all forms of human sexual expression between consenting adults. The Church of Satan has always accepted gay, lesbian, bisexual and asexual members since its beginning in 1966. This is addressed in the chapter “Satanic Sex” in The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey.

Q: What about gay marriage?

We support the legalization of gay marriage. See this essay by Peter H. Gilmore, “Founding Family,” to understand why. Also this essay explores why allowing this civil right to become legal has found resistance.

Q: Does the Church of Satan accept transgender people?

Yes. We have done so since the organization was founded in 1966. If one of our members wishes a membership card reflecting a name change due to a gender identity different from when they originally joined, proof of appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition to the new gender should be supplied* and, if such has been issued, updated legal ID for our records. We will then supply an updated membership card.

Q: Anton LaVey refers to “The Mating Signal”—what is that?

The “Mating Signal” is shorthand for the normal adult responses showing that a person might have an interest in you sexually. Most sexually active adults can tell when another adult is attracted to them with erotic intent, and it is a combination of factors that Dr. LaVey felt it more succinct to refer to in that way, rather than cataloguing the dilated pupils, quickened breath, flushed skin, and other visible signs.

Q: What about S&M? Isn’t that a requirement for Satanists?

Anton LaVey made it very clear in his writings that all forms of human sexual expression between consenting, responsible adults is endorsed by Satanism. That can even mean asexuality—the avoidance of sex altogether. Masturbation is considered natural and healthy. Additionally, LaVey advocated the idea of exploring personal sexual fetishes as a means for erotic fulfillment. Especially after sexologists began issuing reports based on surveys, Dr. LaVey noted it is likely that everyone would be considered a deviant based on their personal means for gratification should they be compared with that of others. The S&M and B&D fetish practices at this point are well explored and can be easily researched if one is attracted to such experiences. But there is no requirement that any Satanist participate in B&D, S&M or any form of sexual activity that is not to his or her taste.

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

Symbols & Symbolism F.A.Q.

Q: Do Satanists use inverted crosses?

The reversed cross is often seen by Christians as symbolic of St. Peter since legend states that he was crucified upside down (at his own request) by the Romans and thus it also can serve as symbolic of the office of the pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Literature has long depicted anyone who has embraced Satan and thus rejected Jesus as having embraced the reversed cross as symbolic of that act. Satanists are free to employ any symbols which they feel have resonance, so if such an upside-down cross has personal meaning they could use it.

However, the prime symbol for Satanists is the Sigil of Baphomet

Q: What is the symbol with the Nine Satanic Statements in The Satanic Bible?

It is the alchemical symbol for sulphur. The stench produced when this substance is burned has long been associated with the Infernal regions. Dr. LaVey used it as a spooky decoration and it has no other significance despite some hilarious interpretations by evangelical Christians.

Q: Is 666 a symbol of Satan?

For we Satanists, numbers are just numbers. We are amused by Christians who are superstitiously afraid of this number. And since we enjoy mocking irrationality in all its forms, we might use it to tease Christians, to show them how foolish it is to fear it.

Historically, 666 is the name of Emperor Nero reduced to its numerological value through Hebrew Gematria. In the New Testament it is referred to as the “number of the beast.” Satanists think this is quaint, but of no real value except for a record of the lengths people will go to force significance where none exists, objectively speaking.

So 666 is not part of Satanism per se, but since the public consciousness of it these days is as a Christian symbol of the “Antichrist,” we are happy to have addresses or phone numbers which include it as it stirs Christians to reactions which entertain us.

Q: What does “Shemhamforash” mean?

This word is supposed to stand for the “secret” name of the Hebrew God. To utter it was considered to be the utmost blasphemy against this deity, thereby guaranteeing one’s damnation. It is also supposed to be the “word of power” spoken by Moses to part the Red Sea. So, Satanists use it for traditional blasphemy’s sake.

Q: What does “Yankee Rose” mean?

There are many speculations regarding this, but Dr. LaVey wanted the detailed significance to remain a mystery and we respect his wishes. He did record the song by that name on his album Satan Takes a Holiday, which was released by Amarillo Records and re-released by Reptilian Records.

Q: What is that medallion worn by Anton LaVey with the pentagram and lightning bolt?

That medallion is of a symbol originally created to represent the office of the High Priest of the Church of Satan. Read this essay for a detailed explanation of its development and meaning: The Anton LaVey Sigil

[theunofficialchurchofsatan]

Literature F.A.Q.

Q: What are the primary books that explain Satanism?

Anton Szandor LaVey founded the Church of Satan in 1966. With the release of his book The Satanic Bible in 1969, he began to define and codify Satanism to the world. His subsequent books present his thinking on many topics and should be read if you expect to understand Satanism. They are The Satanic Witch (originally titled The Compleat Witch), The Satanic Rituals, The Devil’s Notebook, and Satan Speaks. Blanche Barton’s biography The Secret Life of A Satanist and her history The Church of Satan (currently being revised and expanded) contain significant information. Peter H. Gilmore’s The Satanic Scriptures builds upon the foundation set by LaVey presenting philosophical essays as well as several rites and ceremonies important to Satanic theory and practice.

Q: Can I get a free copy of The Satanic Bible? Where can I download it? Is there a hardcover version?

No, we don’t proselytize so we don’t send out free books or pamphlets as do other religions. The publisher of this book, HarperCollins/Avon, has not released an eBook version, so if you do find an electronic file of this book it is not authorized and is violating the copyright. Years ago University Books released a hardcover version which was not well rendered. These copies appear on auction websites for a great deal of money. HarperCollins/Avon may release another hardcover edition.

Q: Can I get a copy of Blanche Barton’s book The Church of Satan?

The Church of Satan by Blanche Barton which is a detailed history of the organization, with photos, lists of Satanic films, music, and books is now being revised and expanded. You might find copies on auction websites for high amounts of money but we suggest that you avoid these and wait for the expanded edition. It is still being written so a publication date is not set.

Q: Can I get some free tracts or pamphlets to put out so as to counter the propaganda that I see from other religious organizations?

We do not produce tracts or pamphlets as we are against the practice of proselytizing. We expect people to come to Satanism of their own free will, so shoving literature at them is a rude imposition and contrary to Satanic behavior. We do not think that other religions should be allowed to do this, and we will not engage in such tactics nor endorse anyone who employs them.

Q: Isn’t The Necronomicon a part of Satanism?

No, since it really does not exist. It was simply a mythical book which horror author H.P. Lovecraft used as part of his stories. Read our Necronomicon FAQ for a detailed discussion of this topic.

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What, The Devil? (Essay by High Preist Peter H Gilmore)

Satanism is not Devil worship. That comes as a shock to many who haven’t explored our philosophy and it is the prime misconception outsiders have regarding the Church of Satan. Our founder Anton Szandor LaVey asserted this stance from the beginning. Over the years, individuals with the need to feel embraced by a deity have claimed that Dr. LaVey somehow came to believe in a literal Satan. If we examine his work, it is clear that he never changed his mind about this, nor was belief in the Devil ever some secret “inner circle” practice of the Church of Satan.

We Satanists understand that both truth and fantasy are needed by the human animal. It is a step towards wisdom when one knows with certainty which is which. Man relies on symbolism and metaphor when building a personal conceptual framework for understanding the universe in which he lives. He has always invented his own gods using his carnal brain. From The Satanic Bible: “Man has always created his gods, rather than his gods creating him.” However, this act of creation is usually denied. History shows that the founders of religions claimed personal contact with the deity fabricated through their imaginations, and legions of followers bolstered that fiction. There is nothing wrong with fantasy, so long as an individual knows he is using this controlled self-delusion as a tool for dealing with existence. For we skeptical, pragmatic Satanists, it is wielded in the ritual chamber. Reliance on fantastic constructs becomes dangerous when the believers in spiritual religions dogmatically insist that their personal or collective fantasies are real in the world at large, that they are the only absolute truth, and then wait for the myth to guide them or try to force others to share this delusion. That has been the source for countless wars, as any student of history can see.

Dr. LaVey’s seminal book, The Satanic Bible published in 1969 lays out some basic principles:

The Satanist realizes that man, and the action and reaction of the universe, is responsible for everything, and doesn’t mislead himself into thinking that someone cares.

Is it not more sensible to worship a god that he, himself, has created, in accordance with his own emotional needs—one that best represents the very carnal and physical being that has the idea-power to invent a god in the first place?

From a 1986 interview with Walter Harrington of The Washington Post:

“Satan is a symbol, nothing more,” LaVey says. “Satan signifies our love of the worldly and our rejection of the pallid, ineffectual image of Christ on the cross.”

Accepting the axiomatic premise that no gods exist as independent supernatural entities means that Satanists are de facto atheists. We know that the objective universe is indifferent to us. Since our philosophy is self-centered, each Satanist sees himself as the most important person in his life. Each individual thus generates his own hierarchy of values and judges everything based on his own standards. Therefore, we Satanists appoint ourselves as the “Gods” in our subjective universes. That doesn’t mean we think we have the powers of a mythological deity, but it does mean that we revere the creative capacity in our species. So to distinguish ourselves from the atheists who simply reject God as non-existent, we call ourselves “I-theists,” with our own healthy ego as the center of our perspective. This is truly a blasphemous concept that flies in the face of just about every other religion, and it is why Satan serves us well as a symbol. He was described as the prideful one, refusing to bow to Jehovah. He is the one who questions authority, seeking liberty beyond the stultifying realm of Heaven. He is the figure championed by the likes of Mark Twain, Milton, and Byron as the independent critic who heroically stands on his own.

Dr. LaVey made his most detailed presentation of his concept for how Satan functions in his philosophy in the following monologue that appeared in Jack Fritscher’s book Popular Witchcraft, published in 1973.

I don’t feel that raising the devil in an anthropomorphic sense is quite as feasible as theologians or metaphysicians would like to think. I have felt His presence but only as an exteriorized extension of my own potential, as an alter-ego or evolved concept that I have been able to exteriorize. With a full awareness, I can communicate with this semblance, this creature, this demon, this personification that I see in the eyes of the symbol of Satan—the goat of Mendes—as I commune with it before the altar. None of these is anything more than a mirror image of that potential I perceive in myself.

I have this awareness that the objectification is in accord with my own ego. I’m not deluding myself that I’m calling something that is disassociated or exteriorized from myself the godhead. This Force is not a controlling factor that I have no control over. The Satanic principle is that man willfully controls his destiny; if he doesn’t, some other man—a lot smarter than he is—will. Satan is, therefore, an extension of one’s psyche or volitional essence, so that that extension can sometimes converse and give directives through the self in a way that thinking of the self as a single unit cannot. In this way it does help to depict in an externalized way the Devil per se. The purpose is to have something of an idolatrous, objective nature to commune with. However, man has connection, contact, control. This notion of an exteriorized God-Satan is not new.

The approach outlined here, of consciously creating an exteriorization of the self with which one communes solely in ritual, is a revolutionary religious concept of LaVey’s Satanism, and it is a “third side” approach which proves elusive to many to whom it does not come naturally. It is a psychological sleight-of-mind, not a form of faith. It establishes that to the Satanist in ritual, he is Satan.

To be fair, people attending workings of LaVey’s bombastic and theatrical rites might not be able to separate the shouting of “Hail Satan!” while in the ritual chamber with the disbelief in any external gods outside of the chamber. But then, Satanism isn’t meant for everybody. When asked if there is an upcoming volume Satanism for Dummies, we reply: “Satanism is NOT intended for dummies.” As he said in The Satanic Bible and often in interviews: “Satanism demands study—NOT worship.” The capacity to think is expected of Satanists. So LaVey expected those who embraced his philosophy to understand where to draw the line between the fantastic and the real. He proclaimed that he was a showman, and felt that his Satanists would not be rubes, mistaking the mummery for reality. As a carnie, he knew how to entertain, to draw attention so that he could then present more serious ideas. Some might sneer at his methodology, dismissing his deeper cogitations because of the circus-like elements. However, I believe a case can be made that all religions are in the “show business,” but the Church of Satan is the only one honest enough to admit it.

In an interview released on an LP called The Occult Explosion from 1973, Dr. LaVey explained how the Church of Satan deals with different concepts of Satan:

“Satan” is, to us, a symbol rather than an anthropomorphic being, although many members of the Church of Satan who are mystically inclined would prefer to think of Satan in a very real, anthropomorphic way. Of course, we do not discourage this, because we realize that to many individuals a picture, a well-wrought picture of their mentor or their tutelary divinity is very important for them to conceptualize ritualistically. However, Satan symbolically is the teacher: the informer of the whys and the wherefores of the world. And in answer to those who would label us “Devil worshippers” or be very quick to assume us to be Satan worshippers, I must say that Satan demands study, not worship, in its truest symbology.

We do not grovel; we do not get down on our knees, genuflect, and worship Satan. We do not plead, we do not implore that Satan give us what we wish. We feel that anyone who is going to be blessed by any god of his choice is going to have to show that god that he is capable of taking care of the blessings that are received.

Thus he advocates creating a god-symbol based on one’s own needs and aesthetic choices. Creative fantasy is employed for emotional fulfillment, experienced in the context of the ritual chamber. Satanists see Satan as their proper symbol to fulfill those needs, a magnification of the best within each of us.

Additionally, LaVey speculated on the idea that when attempting Greater Magic, it may be that the operator is tapping into a force that is part of nature to magnify his “Will.” This force is hidden, unknown, and thus “dark.” But LaVey did not view the force as a supernatural entity. In The Satanic Bible he originally explained “the Satanist simply accepts the definition (of God) which suits him best.” He closely follows that with the definition he uses:

To the Satanist “God”—by what-ever name he is called, or by no name at all—is seen as the balancing factor in nature, and not as being concerned with suffering. This powerful force which permeates and balances the universe is far too impersonal to care about the happiness or misery of flesh-and-blood creatures on this ball of dirt upon which we live.

LaVey clearly posits a disinterested, remote force—not a personality or entity—that balances the universe. He sees it as indifferent to life forms, much as any other force such as gravity would be. It is a mechanism, not a personage. It does not merit obeisance, appeasement, or worship. It can be named or not. It operates without awareness of conscious beings. He spoke of this to Burton Wolfe who wrote in the introduction to The Satanic Bible:

Of course LaVey pointed out to anyone who would listen that the Devil to him and his followers was not the stereotyped fellow cloaked in red garb, with horns, tail and pitchfork, but rather the dark forces in nature that human beings are just beginning to fathom. How did LaVey square that explanation with his own appearance at times in black cowl with horns? He replied: “People need ritual, with symbols such as those you find in baseball games or church services or wars, as vehicles for expending emotions they can’t release or even understand on their own.”

So LaVey accepted that there may be currently unexplained elements of the universe that are part of its fabric, but these are not supernatural. He suggests that Man’s inquiring mind may eventually come to understand how they function. The implications of these ideas offer great freedom. Since there is no actual deity watching over or mandating the behavior of our species, men are free to imagine whatever sort of God they choose to satisfy their own needs, however they should not forget that such fantasies are only that—nothing more.

In that same passage, he also addressed the prime reason for engaging in ritual, which he defined as Greater Magic: it serves as a means for releasing pent-up emotions that people may not even fully understand. Hence ritual has a psychological purpose; it is clearly not meant as a means for worship of some supernatural entity. Ritual is demonstrably part of human culture. LaVey knew that it served a value for people over the millennia, even if it was done for reasons that didn’t square with reality. It made people feel better than they did beforehand. So, as he continued in The Satanic Bible when addressing the search for a proper religion: “If he accepts himself, but recognizes that ritual and ceremony are the important devices that his invented religions have utilized to sustain his faith in a lie, then it is the SAME FORM OF RITUAL that will sustain his faith in the truth—the primitive pageantry that will give his awareness of his own majestic being added substance.” Thus the device of ritual, which he explained as “controlled self delusion,” can be of practical use for the well being of one’s state of mind. The truth referred to above is that all gods are an invention of the creative beast called Man.

To summarize a typical individual’s journey from observing reality to declaring himself a Satanist, let us list several assertions:

Nature encompasses all that exists. There is nothing supernatural in Nature.

The spiritual is an illusion. I am utterly carnal.

Reason is my tool for cognition making faith anathema. I question all things. I am a skeptic.

I do not accept false dichotomies, finding instead the “third side” which brings me closest to understanding the mysteries of existence.

The universe is neither benevolent nor malevolent; it is indifferent.

There are no Gods. I am an atheist.

There is no intrinsic purpose to life beyond biological imperatives. I thus determine my own life’s meaning.

I decide what is of value. I am my own highest value therefore I am my own God. I am an I-theist.

Good is that which benefits me and promotes that which I hold in esteem.

Evil is that which harms me and hinders that which I cherish.

I live to maximize the Good for myself and those I value. At all times I remain in control of my pursuit of pleasure. I am an Epicurean.

Merit determines my criteria for the judgment of myself and others. I judge and am prepared to be judged.

I seek a just outcome in my exchanges with those around me. I thus will do unto others as I would prefer they do unto me. However, if they treat me poorly, I shall return that behavior in like degree.

I grasp the human need for symbols as a means for distillation of complex thought structures.

The symbol that best exemplifies my nature as an aware beast is Satan, the avatar of carnality, justice, and self-determination.

I see myself reflected in the philosophy created by Anton Szandor LaVey.

I am proud to call myself a Satanist.

These ideas fundamental to Satanists serve as an earthy foundation that we find deeply liberating and a welcome acceptance of ourselves as human animals. For the type of person who feels the need for an external supernatural parental figure, the responsibility for self-determination explicit in this path would be terrifying. For the Satanist, belief in any actual God or Devil to which one would be beholden is repugnant and stultifying. We “agree to disagree” with those who are spiritually oriented concerning our different approaches to living, hence our advocacy of pluralism in society. We Satanists know that our way is not for everyone. We simply ask that others follow their own path and allow us to be as we are.

But please, all of you believers, understand that we are not simply your “flip side.” We are not Devil-worshippers. We are simply carnal self-worshippers looking to enjoy our lives to the fullest. May you find bliss in your serving of your chosen deity. We certainly will!