What does satanism entail?
Satanism is a belief system based around satan. This is generally a metaphorical satan, a character or symbol, though some do believe in him literally. There is a lot of disagreement on what is actually Satanism. LaVeyans very commonly feel they are the only true satanists and everyone else is either a devil-worshipper or edge lord. Often there is an element of rebellion, and often an element of ritual.
What type of satanist are you?
I am a Ba’allean Satanist, or a Satanist based on The Satanic Narratives- A Modern Satanic Bible by Damien Ba’al. I am a member of the United Aspects of Satan.
How long have you been a satanist?
About two years now.
Were you part of a different religion before satanism? If so, how did you make the transition?
No, I was always an atheist.
What was the moment where you officially decided to be satanist?
I don’t really have a specific moment. It was more of a decision made over time.
How did your family react to your decision?
My mom was highly offended. My dad found it hilarious that out of all of his children, I was the Satanist. My brother disapproves and thinks it isn’t worth the risk and still is trying to convince me to stop. My sister was actually considering joining for a bit but decided against it.
Is satanism a religion or an anti-religion?
A religion. We have our own beliefs and philosophies. We aren’t “Christianity bad” or trying to be the opposite of Christianity.
Does satanism have any connection to the supernatural?
Mine doesn’t. The UAoS does not believe in any of the supernatural. God, satan, ghosts, afterlife, magick, none of it.
Is there a physical church or temple that satanists congregate in?
The Satanic temple has congregations, the church of Satan used to have grottos but scrapped that. The United Aspects of Satan isn’t really big enough with enough members in one place to justify that.
Do you believe in a literal Satan or what Satan represents?
No, I don’t believe in a literal satan. Satan represents the overarching archetype of the adversary, or the demonized god. We have the right aspects of Satan, which represent different values based on the cultures they were demonized by and originated from. Satan represents rebellion against arbitrary authority. Loki represents the application of humor, fun, wit, and cunning in our endeavors. Leviathan represents community for the creative freedom and betterment of every person. Ba’al represents perseverance in the face of opposition. Pan represents indulgence in the pleasures of life. Belial represents individualism and individual accomplishment. Lucifer represents scientific and philosophical skepticism. Baphomet represents the use of logic, reason, and empirical evidence to shape our morality. We don’t believe in or worship any of these, but all are under the umbrella of Satan.
Do you find that people often think that satanists are devil worshipers?
More often than not.
How does one become a satanist?
You decide on a philosophy that suits you that somehow incorporates satan. You may make your own or choose one someone else has made.
Are there any rituals you do?
Yes. I use rituals in place of meditation since I have ptsd and meditation is a trigger. Meditation has many proven benefits, so having something to provide those benefits is nice. No animals or people are harmed. No demons are summoned.
Do you find it true that satanism is a cult?
No. A cult, to me, is defined by what happens when you leave. When you leave a group, what happens? If you are shunned by all members of the group, lose all supports or even possessions, and are cast out from everything you know, that is a cult. Satanism isn’t really like that for the most part. We don’t shun people. Many of us understand that there are a lot of downsides to being satanists, and that for some it isn’t worth it. You can always come back, but there’s nothing stopping you from leaving.
How’s your daily life different from people who are not satanists?
I do the occasional ritual and celebrate different holidays.
Why do you think it’s so difficult for some people to understand satanism?
If you met someone who ate babies for breakfast, puppies for lunch, sacrificed kittens to satan for dinner, and tried to dominate the world every night before bed, you would be pretty upset. People become closed off and defensive when they’re upset. We don’t do those things, but growing up everyone was told that we did do those things, and that’s the idea of satanists most people have. In addition, satan represents evil to many, and so they see us as evil. It’s hard for people to get past the biases drilled into them from a young age.
What impact has satanism had on your career, relationships and other aspects of your life?
Not much. I tuck the horns outside of my room, so it doesn’t really impact my life much. (Tuck the horns basically meaning acting like a normal person and not a Satanist)
Do you celebrate any traditional holidays from other religions?
Yes. I live at home and we celebrate Easter, thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc.
Is there an aspect of satanism that you find challenging and difficult to adhere to?
Not really. I’m not really a “do everything exactly as the book or someone else says” kind of person. If there is a part of the narratives I don’t like, I ignore it and don’t incorporate it into my practice.
Do you come across any forms of discrimination from people who don’t agree with your religion? How do you deal with it?
I tuck the horns in public, so I only really see it online, and generally it’s either “god loves you so you should come back to Jesus” or “you’re a filthy sinner who will burn in hell for all of eternity if you don’t repent and come back to god”. I ignore it mostly.
How do you interact with christians, and others who openly oppose what you do?
Like I would any other person. With respect but caution.
How would you describe your taste in music?
Mostly rock and metal.
How do you feel about the Satan/darker elements in heavy metal music?
Meh. I’m more looking for the music and melody than Satanism in my music.
What do you think happens after death?
We die and our loved ones miss us. We get buried, cremated, composted, or otherwise disposed of, and our memories are either cherished or reviled.
What are misconceptions about satanism? Have misconceptions of satanism negatively impacted you in any way?
Most misconceptions are from us being accused of every evil under the sun. They really haven’t impacted me, I knew what I was getting into, and it comes with the territory.
What do you find is the biggest challenge of being a satanist?
Other satanists.
What are things to NOT say or do to people who are satanists?
Kill us or harm us for made-up crimes.
How do you feel about how satanism is portrayed in media? What are some of your favorite pieces of media with authentic representation everyone should watch?
I don’t really consume much media but it is generally incorrect. I don’t have much in the way of accurate media to recommend.
Who are your favorite satanist celebrities or characters?
I don’t know of any, and I really don’t care to. I’m not big into celebrity culture.
What would you like to say to people who are satanists or would like to be?
Don’t be a dick. Also, you don’t need to join a group to be a Satanist. If you like aspects of one group and aspects of another, combine them to make your own philosophy. Satanism also isn’t for everyone, and that is ok. Just know that Satanism is heavily stigmatized and this could end friendships or even careers.
What would you like to say to people who are not satanists?
Don’t be a dick. Please stop trying to convert us. We aren’t interested.
What do you think society could be doing to better understand satanism?
Correcting misinformation when it is brought up and suing for defamation when appropriate.
What would you like people to know about satanism?
We aren’t evil, and aren’t interested in converting to your religion. We often left those religions for a reason. We also can’t help you join the illuminati or get rich by selling your soul. Many of us aren’t the most financially stable and would be first in line if it was an option.
Tell your story, opinions, experiences.
We get some weird questions. One time I got a DM from someone who wanted to know more about Satanism. They wanted to know this because they felt Kim Kardashian was satanic and that they felt being a Satanist would help them worship her better. I had no clue what to say to that one.