What does satanism entail?
Satanism is a religious matrix, or group of beliefs that centers around the empowerment of the individual. Satanists may or may not believe in a literal being called Satan, but regardless of denomination all Satanists put themselves first in their spiritual endeavors, and likewise in mundane matters.
the core principles of Satanism are antinomianism and self deification
antinomianism is a rejection of “law” but not in the legal sense but rather in the sense of social or moral law, Satanists are not beholden to anyone but themself, this does not mean Satanists lack morality, a Satanist believes he decides what is right and wrong and often we are our own harshest judges.
Self deification, litrrally becoming a god, whether symbolicaly in an “I control my destiny” way or litetally becoming a god in the afterlife or even while alive is also a cornerstone of Satanism. while some Satanists do worship Satan they see Satan not as a master to bow to but rather as a teacher, someone who can teach them how to become godlike and divine. ultimately the goal is to transcend Satan, to do what he was famous for and “exalt ones throne above the stars of god” essentially to become like Satan. in many ways you could compare this to certain sects of buddhism, where one can achieve buddha state.
What type of satanist are you?
Polytheistic Satanist
I am essentially a pre 1975 Laveyan Satanist though I am a theist, and therefore believe Satan to be real. I also have influences from gnosticism and paganism, as well as certain more esoteric branches of gnostic Satanism.
How long have you been a satanist?
my whole life as Satanists are born not made 😉
but to give a less pedantic answer I discovered I was a Satanist when I was 13 years old, I am 28 now so that is… 15 years now.
Were you part of a different religion before satanism? If so, how did you make the transition?
I was raised very lapsed orthodox but I never really believed, I was an atheist most of my life, and I was a Laveyan Satanist (atheistic) after that, however recently, in the past few years I have taken up a more theistic path due to personal experiences I have had with Satan.
What was the moment where you officially decided to be satanist?
after reading the Satanic bible and realizing it was a description of what I have always felt and believed.
How did your family react to your decision?
for most of my life they did not know as I never felt the need to share my religious views with them, however when I did tell them I have received… mixed reactions. sone dont care others are against it.
Is satanism a religion or an anti-religion?
Satanism is a religion, Satanism has always been a religion. we are not like the TST fake Satanist who use the name of Satan to promote bullshit activism. real Satanism is religious even the atheistic Satanists still have a religion in the sense that they have common beliefs and rituals.
Does satanism have any connection to the supernatural?
yes, though it depends on what you mean
all Satanists believe in magick, though they may disagree on what it actually is
some Satanists are more supernatural than others.
Is there a physical church or temple that satanists congregate in?
no and there likely never will be
Satanists are like cats, in that we are fiercely individualistic and spiritually introverted
however there are unofficial “temples” which consist of a room in someones house with a self made shrine where an individual or group can practice Satanic rituals, though there are no dedicated temples.
Do you believe in a literal Satan or what Satan represents?
yes I havent always but I do now believe there is a real Satan, to me Satan is a dark undercurrent, a god that represents the desire to overturn the natural order. an isolate consciousness, an ego.
Do you find that people often think that satanists are devil worshipers?
in a sense we are, I do not reject the label
in fact I have gotten more people who mistakenly believe all Satanists are atheists (including some actual satanists!)
though, it is important to note that our idea of Satan and demons while informed by Christianity is not the same, we do not believe Satan is a fallen angel or prince of darkness, I see the demons as actual gods who exist independently of christianity.
How does one become a satanist?
you are born one
if you want to know if you are one read the Satanic Bible, if you come out of it feeling like you just looked into a mirror for the past few hours you are probbably a Satanist.
Are there any rituals you do?
yes, I preform all sorts of rituals from curses to sexual magick to dedication rituals
Do you find it true that satanism is a cult?
Satanism is basically the polar opposite of a cult
in Satanism we put the individual first, above the group, above society, sbove even Satan himself.
Satanists can live life any way they see fit, as long as they do not infringe on others right to do the same
Satanism is all about finding your own way “do whqt thou wilt shall be the whole of the
law”
How’s your daily life different from people who are not satanists?
Satanists do not practice herd conformity or altruism. Satanists are skeptical and hyper individualiatic, many Satanusts can be adversarial to christian values or to social authoritarianism in general.
Why do you think it’s so difficult for some people to understand satanism?
they are simply ignorant. and that is okay, Satanism is not for the masses to underatand.
What impact has satanism had on your career, relationships and other aspects of your life?
Satanism has helped me immensely
Do you celebrate any traditional holidays from other religions?
yes I see no issues with syncretism, I incorporate practices from many traditions and most holidays started out as pagan festivals
Is there an aspect of satanism that you find challenging and difficult to adhere to?
not really, I find it difficult to do some rituals due to lacking a dedicated ritual room but I improvise
How do you interact with christians, and others who openly oppose what you do?
I interact with christians the same as with everyone else, just because we disagree doesnt mean we cant be friends
How would you describe your taste in music?
metal, especially black metal, I like Behemoth and Watain
How do you feel about the Satan/darker elements in heavy metal music?
I like it, I listen to alot of black metal and I enjoy the Satanic aesthetic
What do you think happens after death?
you decide, there is reincarnation and several different afterlives, but the goal of a Satanist is to become a god and create your own universe.
What are misconceptions about satanism? Have misconceptions of satanism negatively impacted you in any way?
most people think that Satanism is evil, and the ones that dont think that think we are atheists
I dont really care how others view me though and I dont really advertize my Satanism
What do you find is the biggest challenge of being a satanist?
finding other like minded Satanists for group ritual
What are things to NOT say or do to people who are satanists?
we Satanists have thick skin, whatever you got to say say it
but I guess we dont appreciate being preached at, Satanism doesnt believe in prosletysm, we dont preach in your church so dont preach in our temple.
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?
usually its protrayed pretty innacurately, but I dont really mind the tropes of “holywood Satanism” as long as people realize its fake and we dont actually sacrifice children
the Ninth Gate is actually pretty accurate, and seems to have been made with genuine occult knowledge.
Who are your favorite satanist celebrities or characters?
Nergal and Erik Danielsson and of course Dr. Anton LeVay
What would you like to say to people who are satanists or would like to be?
the power was inside you all along, you will find your own path eventually.
remember that you are not like the others, you are part if the alien elite, you exist on your own plane of existance, seperate from the herd.
Hail Satan Hail thyself.
What would you like to say to people who are not satanists?
nothing in particular comes to mind, keep doing what youre doing.
What do you think society could be doing to better understand satanism?
read the books, talk to Satanists
ignore anything that comes from TST and other pretend Satanists
if you seek knowledge you will find it
What would you like people to know about satanism?
if you seek knowledge you will find it
read the Satanic Bible.