The Foundations of Satanism
Of all the gods, it seems as if Satan is the most human, the one that we can relate to on a personal level, in a very human way, because of the qualities of independence, self reliance, determination and self-realization that he awakens within those that seek his knowledge.
You don't have to look too far back in history to see how Satanism has developed as a social movement, and changed the lives of so many. Due to the efforts of Dr. LaVey and Diane Hegarty the Church of Satan was established in the late sixties. LaVey drew from many symbolic sources of his era including Nietzsche, Crowley, Ayn Rand, HP. Lovecraft, LaVoisin, DeSade, and others, to invent his own brand of Satanism that has inspired people ever since.
This Satanic Bible was reactionary in it's day and age, because the ideas that LaVey wrote about were revolutionary and revealing. LaVey's intent was to invert Christian moral values with a humanist philosophy, in order to encourage others to 'do as they will', and to enjoy life in the 'here and how'. LaVey's writing of the Satanic Bible has influenced many would-be Satanists for several generations as the Satanists Primer, an introduction to Satanic literature and thought. Those who identify with the teachings of Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan, and the Satanic Bible, are often labeled as 'LaVeyan Satanists'.
While the Church has changed in the past 30 years, the core values of early Satanism remain the same for many Satanists today - self indulgence, self worship, enjoyment of life, personal empowerment and gain.
Satanism Today
The Church had an influence on Satanism, but since Satanism is an individualist philosophy, they do not have the final word on what all satanists should believe. Satanists generally have varying beliefs about what is Satanic and what Satanism means on a personal level. Because of this, there are a variety of beliefs and mythologies that have influenced the practice of Satanism. Since there are different views and methods, it seems to me that there is no final definition of Satanism beyond what the Satanist creates for their own practices and beliefs.
Since there are many methods of expressing Satanism, you have to find the one that suits you the best. Only you can know what is right for you in the end. Your choice should be a spiritual or philosophical commitment that is based on an informed decision. In my opinion, there is no one right way to be a Satanist; they are all forms of Satanic expression. But, no matter what the origin of our beliefs, as Satanists, we are all a part of the current of Satanism.
So, What is Theistic Satanism?
Theistic Satanism is the belief in or experience of Satan as an entity. This is a general term for Satanists that know and experience Satan as a god. This is also known as Spiritual Satanism. Spiritual Satanism describes the spiritual belief in, or experience of, Satan as a spiritual force. Also, Theistic Satanism may be a form of polytheism for some, by those who choose to include other gods or demons in their religious worship.
Some Spiritual Satanists may accept Satan as creator of the Earth, or even as creator of the Universe, as the energy of the abyss or void and the force of nothingness or destruction, as a god that represents the all, or as a representative of the inner divine power of the self. Still, others claim that Satan is a father god, who watches over his kin, acting as a beneficent god to help those that seek Satanic divinity. Some accept Satan as a guiding force for the destiny and fate of humankind. These are just some of the varieties of beliefs of spiritual Satanists.
As a (Theistic) Spiritual Satanist, I have come to my own understandings of what Satan represents to me. In the article, The Force of Satan I discuss some of my personal beliefs about the nature of Satan. On a very basic level, I think that Satan is a representation of our human desires, and a god of this earth, one of many gods who help us to spiritually reach our potential.
Satan is not the only god that has been demonized. There have been many other dark gods in history, and Satanic prototypes that helped to develop the character of Satan. In earlier, pre-christian myths the Persian devil, Ahirman represented the forces of destruction and evil. Even Lucifer and Prometheus, who were legendary bringers of wisdom and enlightenment, are compared to Satan. However, these gods and devils are not the same as Satan. Gods can be categorized for their similar qualities, but because they are similar does not mean they are the same (or, identical). It is typical, especially within christian theology, to categorize all other gods as 'fallen', and this is why Satan is associated with so many other similar gods.
To further divide this issue into it's most important aspect, the Satan of Christianity, is not the same as the Satan that Satanists know of and experience. If this is difficult to understand, then consider the fact that the god of Judaism is not the same as the god of Catholicism, even though they share common roots.
Diverse Beliefs of Satanists
So that you can understand the ideas behind the spiritual practice of Theistic Satanism, it is helpful to know about the paths of Satanism in general. Theistic Satanism is a spiritual path of Satanism, as compared to philosophical or symbolic Satanism.
Satanism is a social movement that began in the 20th century with the foundation of the Church of Satan, by Anton LaVey. Since then, Satanism has been reconstructed in many different forms. There are now a variety of beliefs and practices similar to the religions of Neo-paganism and Wicca. Not all Satanists agree on the same philosophies, and Satanists are interested in Satanism for many different reasons. Either symbolic or literal in form, there is no final word as to who or what Satan really represents, for those that identify with Satanism as a religion, belief system, or philosophy.
Ourorborus and Baphomet.
Who or What is Satan?
What is Satan? Is he/she/it the Satan of Christianity, or the dark force of Death known as Samael in Judaism?, Is Satan the Adversary? Or is the Iblis of Islam, Satan?
There are many versions and interpretations of 'Satan'. Even within christianity, Satan is interpreted in different contexts, representing different ideas. In the story of the book of Job, Satan (known as 'Ha-Satan') was a wild force, employed by god to test Job. It wasn't until later when Jerome added his Latin interpretations of the bible, and Satan took on the character of evil, portrayed as Lucifer, a fallen spirit.
In Judaism there was no hell or Satan, or Satan's fall, there was only Samael, the angel of death. Christianity improved upon Judaism by taking concepts and rewriting them in a christian context over the centuries, with many different authors interpreting the story in their own way.
Between these three monotheistic religions there are similarities between 'Satans', but this does not mean that they are all the same. Neither is the Satan of satanism the same as the concept known to those monotheistic religions. In Satanism we know Satan in a Satanic context. Within this context, the ideas about Satan do not fit into a Christian view. This may be because Satanists usually have a favorable view of Satan. This is not an accepted practice in Christian religions.
Also, consider that there is nobody within Judaism, christianity or Islam that worships any kind of Satan. If they did then they would not be considered a part of the christian religion. the worship of Satan is not within the context of christianity but it is found within Satanism. So in order to understand this idea its important to see that the Satan (or versions of Satan) that are known to Satanists are not the same as the teachings and ideas of Judaism, christianity, or Islam. I discuss some of these concepts in my article, Diabolatry, Diabolism, Devil Worship amongst Satanists
Therefore we have Satanism today, which is the worship, favor, emulation or adoration of the ideal, symbol, figure, spirit or concept known as Satan. Theistic Satanism is the belief in or experience of Satan as a deity or spirit.
Additional Information
Who are the well-known people and social leaders of Satanism? Visit the page to see a listing of modern satanists... Along with this is an extensive listing of the many Satanic organizations, and independent satanists at the Coven of Cultists page.
Satanic Knowledge
Please visit these links to learn more about the history of Satanism:
James R. Lewis,Diabolical Authority: Anton LaVey, The Satanic Bible and the Satanist.
Marburg Journal of Religion. September, 2002: Volume 7, No.1.
< http://www.uni-marburg.de/fb03/ivk/mjr/pdfs/2002/articles/lewis2002.pdf >
James R. Lewis.Who Serves Satan? A Demographic and Ideological Profile.
Marburg Journal of Religion. June, 2001: Volume 6, No. 2.
< http://www.uni-marburg.de/fb03/ivk/mjr/pdfs/2001/articles/lewis2001.pdf >
If you are a Satanist, please Take the New Satan Survey from James R. Lewis
Kia Sorcery Wiki The Satanism Page
Typical views in Satanism at: ALT Satanism FAQ