What does satanism entail?

Living life and living it for oneself.

What type of satanist are you?

Mostly LaVeyan, but I take inspiration from many sources.

How long have you been a satanist?

3 years

Were you part of a different religion before satanism? If so, how did you make the transition?

I was raised Methodist, but a lack of evidence for it’s veracity led me to atheism. After realizing that I agreed with Satanists in terms of philosophy, I realized the term applied to me as well.

What was the moment where you officially decided to be satanist?

I didn’t, I realized I was a Satanist when I discovered that I agreed with most of the positions of Satanism.

How did your family react to your decision?

They were mostly confused and eventually decided to just not talk about it.

Is satanism a religion or an anti-religion?

It’s a religion. What is an “anti-religion”?

Does satanism have any connection to the supernatural?

Not unless you give it one.

Is there a physical church or temple that satanists congregate in?

Not to my knowledge.

Do you believe in a literal Satan or what Satan represents?

No. Satan represents different things to different people. I simply use him as a mascot to represent my views and practices.

Do you find that people often think that satanists are devil worshipers?

Sometimes.

How does one become a satanist?

You don’t, you realize you are one if you find that you agree with the views and practices of Satanism.

Are there any rituals you do?

Yes. I mostly do psychodrama rituals to help me become who and where I want to be.

Do you find it true that satanism is a cult?

Some groups calling themselves “Satanists” are definitely cults, but every group of self-proclaimed Satanists is very different, so one needs to judge on a group-by-group basis.

How’s your daily life different from people who are not satanists?

Not much. I get up, do my work, enjoy my day, and go to bed. I just sometimes do rituals.

Why do you think it’s so difficult for some people to understand satanism?

A combination of ignorance and an unwillingness to learn. Most people have their own ideas about what Satanism is and have no desire to be proven wrong.

What impact has satanism had on your career, relationships and other aspects of your life?

Not much. If I think my Satanism is going to cause problems in a particular part of my life, I just don’t tell the people involved in that part; they don’t need to know.

Do you celebrate any traditional holidays from other religions?

Yes. I celebrate Christmas. I’ve done so all my life, and I see no reason to stop.

Is there an aspect of satanism that you find challenging and difficult to adhere to?

Not really. If I find that I disagree with a particular aspect of Satanism, I just don’t follow it.

Do you come across any forms of discrimination from people who don’t agree with your religion? How do you deal with it?

No, I keep out of that.

How do you interact with christians, and others who openly oppose what you do?

I mostly avoid them, I they want nothing to do with me, and I want nothing to do with them. However, most Christians I interact with regularly don’t openly oppose what I do.

How would you describe your taste in music?

Black Metal

How do you feel about the Satan/darker elements in heavy metal music?

I like it.

What do you think happens after death?

Nothing

What are misconceptions about satanism?

That Satanist sacrifice humans (especially children). We don’t, we even have rules against it, not to mention we have no reason or desire to.

What are things to NOT say or do to people who are satanists?

Don’t assume we’re all the same, don’t start screaming at us that we eat babies, don’t be an asshole, etc.

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 mind it that much; I mostly don’t pay attention to it.

Who are your favorite satanist celebrities or characters?

King Diamond

What do you think society could be doing to better understand satanism?

No, Satanism isn’t for everyone and that’s ok.