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What does satanism entail?

Satanism entails a full acceptance of oneself as the true God. It’s based on what Satan has historically represented, the opposite of doctrines created by elitist religious organizations to herd the masses. Satanism ultimately represents indulgence, rather than chastity (of all Earthly pleasures), critical thinking, and kindness to those that deserve it. A Satanist derives their power from the combination of optimistic agnosticism, and the acknowledgement that Satanic “magic” is based on pretense. This combination may seem confusing, but it bodes well when compared to the blind faith of most other religions/spiritualities. Satanists can acknowledge the man-made genesis of their Gods, while also invocating that blasphemous power, with the purpose of harnessing that adrenal energy for betterment of oneself/oneself’s relationships/and the destruction of one’s enemies.

What type of satanist are you?

I’m primarily a Laveyan Satanist. I initially found interest through the Temple of Satan, but as the years went by, I found no spiritual fulfillment through them. I think the general absence of magic and ceremony makes ToS more of an activist group more than anything. Don’t get me wrong, I think the existence of the Satanic Temple is a tremendous bright spot for humanity, especially the many branches of work they do, but the Church is where I’ve really come to understand and accept the ways of the Prince of Darkness.

How long have you been a satanist?

About four years, but my experience with Greater Magic and the Church is a relatively recent development. I’ve been a Dark Magician for about four months now.

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

I grew up with Christianity, but as far back as I can remember, I always had a lingering sense of “this is bullshit”. I was that annoying edgy athiest in middle school, but it didn’t take long for me to realize the stupidity of disregarding religion. I didn’t believe in any God, but I sought the lessons of various teachings: different interpretations of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Pastafarianism (I know). I eventually came to the understanding that every religion was a path to God, and when I found Satanism, I found the fastest path to God is through oneself.

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

I was a freshman in high school when I borrowed my friends copy of the Satanic Bible. I read all of it through the school day, by the end, I felt like a person renewed.

How did your family react to your decision?

A lot of them don’t know, I don’t think it’s necessary to tell my family members that grip so tirelessely towards their Christianity; they wouldn’t even try to understand my decisions. It would just hurt them and alienate me. Those that do know (have come to my house and seen my shrine) have expressed confusion or just chose to ignore it altogether. While I would love for my family to understand the true power of Satanism and how it’s made me a better person, their preconceived notions of good and evil destroy any rational conversation.

Is satanism a religion or an anti-religion?

Most religions are at odds with critical thinking, Satanism is a religion that exudes power BECAUSE it’s critical thinking. I think ToS Satanism is less of a religion, and more of a facebook group, but the Church’s inclusion of ritual and ceremony firmly cements it as a religion.

Does satanism have any connection to the supernatural?

I think the only supernatural aspect is in the definition of magic itself, “the change in situations of events in accordance with one’s will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable.” I don’t think there’s any real contact with Angels or Demons, God and Lucifer, it’s all psychodramatic prayer that outputs willful energy. It’s essentially positive thinking and faith, while acknowledging that faith is bullshit. It’s a fun enigma.

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

I’ve been trying to find Church Satanists to perform ceremonies with, but I’ve come up short. I know they exist, I just need to find the right place and people. The Satanic Temple has congregations, but as far as I can tell, it’s based very little on theological Satanism and more activism.

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

What Satan represents.

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

Yes! It’s the hardest hoop to jump through, convincing people we don’t believe in the actual existence of the Devil. You’d be hardpressed to find a Satanist that actually believes in the Devil, because in essence, that makes them a thiest that has chosen to believe in the existence of God, but somehow thinks the skewed interpretation of the Devil is to be worshipped. It’s silly.

How does one become a satanist?

Accept that every religion is one in the same, and is only a set of stories that humans have told themselves to create law and order. Acknowledge that when we die, we will most likely stay dead, and that it is a waste of this blessed life we live to devote yourself to a fairy tale after life. If there is a God, humans will never come to grasp its reality. Every religion’s God is a self insert for the worshipper involved, acknowledge and EMBRACE your self interest, don’t bullshit yourself by saying you’re acting on divine will.

Are there any rituals you do?

I perform destruction rituals, lust, and compassion. I also have been studying various affirmation ceremonies, the “black mass” and the like.

Do you find it true that satanism is a cult?

No. True Satanists don’t believe in the existence of the Devil, the figurehead is representative of what we believe, not literal. Maybe you could argue it’s a cult based on it being a religion, but that would make every other religion a cult, so it’s a meaningless name.

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

I’m a normal guy! I try to practice the Four Agreements to the best of my abilities (Be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, do your best). I don’t galavant around in black robes and proselytize, in fact, I almost always keep my Baphomet Pendant under my shirt. I don’t like religious propaganda, so I try not to purport it. I respect those that deserve respect. I work, I’m a student, I live my best life daily.

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

They’ve found their faith, and their faith harbors a tremendous amount fear for those unlike. It seems to surprise people that sacrifices (of life or blood) have no place in Satanism. In fact, to invoke pain (upon oneself or another) in an effort to conjure powerful energies, only serves to show a weakness and lack of confidence in the magician.

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

As of now, it has not affected my career in any way, but my career is still in its infancy, and I don’t plan on advertising my beliefs to a level that would bring harm to me. But you know, as someone attempting to be an actor, the prospect of being “gotchya” journalism-ed and pitted against non Satanic fans (and that part of the industry) is a problem that I’ve been mentally preparing for. Will it happen? Probably not. But I’d be stupid to write it off and not be prepared to accurately and respectfully defend my beliefs. I’m a very introverted person, with a very tight knit group of friends. My journey into Satanism hasn’t negatively impacted a single relationship, I keep close with people that I know will understand and respect me.

Do you celebrate any traditional holidays from other religions?

I celebrate what I view as the “American” holidays. The initially religious ones that got bastardized by capitalism. I can put aside the religious origins and embrace them as times of joy with friends and family. I’d be depriving myself of one of life’s great pleasures if I didn’t.

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

I can acknowledge that humanity’s concept of Hell (the fire and brimstone version) was mostly conceptualized in Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, but I guess growing up surrounded by Christianity has instilled a deep fear of Hell that I still struggle to put away. It’s a great religious trauma. I know it sounds stupid for someone claiming this whole thing is based on agnosticism, and can rationally dispute the existence of Hell, but I guess thousands of years of generational fear mongering caused by elitist zealots, has deeply left me battle-wounded. Some day, I pray I can be free of this irrational fear, and can live as vivaciously as possible.

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

At this point, the few times I’ve dealt with it, it’s completely passive aggressive. It’s subtle jabs, that leave just enough room to teeter on the holier-than-thou moral highground. “Well bless your heart, it’s gonna need it” or “I just really want to see you in heaven.” It rubs me wrong because I love engaging in genuine theological conversation (I had a lovely conversation with my Christian plumber who, after seeing my house, decided to proselytize), but lowball insults that only come from a place of ignorance, while trying to appear goody goody, is a hypocrisy that fills me with a rage comparable to the flames of the infernal pits. (I jest, or do I?)

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

If they are respectful, and consider me an equal, I see no reason for issue. If they openly oppose me, and don’t make an effort to understand me, to Hell with them. I’ll pray upon their destruction, whatever it may be.

How would you describe your taste in music?

ALL over the place. I love psychedelic rock, the Beatles, Ghost, Bach, Mozart, Harley Poe, Lonesome Wyatt, Amigo the Devil, I’m a man of many vibes. Music (and art in general) is one of the greatest fruits of humanity, I’d be a fool not to partake in it.

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

It’s powerful stuff. Why make a heavier sound if you’re not gonna tap into heavier themes?

What do you think happens after death?

Hopefully the theories about DMT being released at the moment of death are true, it’d be nice to go out trippin’ on the God Particle, but after that, I presume nothing. The only eternal life comes from the legacy we leave, be it through the love we show others, or the art we create. “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

What are misconceptions about satanism? Have misconceptions of satanism negatively impacted you in any way?

That we’re trying to corrupt society. That thinking for yourself and campaigning for human rights somehow makes you the devil incarnate. That rituals involve child/virgin sacrifices and great blood orgies. The biggest misconception is that Satanists are still viewed as this unseen shadow cult that pulls the strings and causes all the misfortune in the world, when in reality, it’s just guys like me that like smoking weed and watching the Simpsons.

What do you find is the biggest challenge of being a satanist?

Hiding that aspect of myself from my family. As I said before, I do it because only pain lies down that path, but it still hurts that I can’t be my true self in front of most of my family.

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

Don’t be disrespectful, and we won’t disrespect you! Don’t act holier-than-thou, don’t treat us any different than you would someone you love and cherish. We’re normal people, we’re not zoo animals who want to be pointed at (some certainly are, but they’re generally poser Satanists)

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?

It’s still very underdeveloped in my favorite medium, film. Don’t get me wrong there’s a LOT of film involving the Devil, Hell, Satanists, but I can’t tell you the last time the protagonist was a Satanist with ideals similar to mine. But it doesn’t really upset me because films are ultimately made to entertain, and Satanic villains and their ilk make for good entertainment. I think the music industry has done a far better job at catering to real Satanic belief, especially in a band like Ghost, that fully embraces the paradoxical nature of sinister imagery against pop-rock-ballad music, and denotes accurate Satanic philosophy. I think Harley Poe also grasps this juxtaposition well, especially in their album “Satan, Sex, and No Regrets”. I wish there were more movies and tv shows with authentic Satanic belief, maybe someday we’ll get there. Maybe someday, I’ll be lucky enough to be a part of such things.

Who are your favorite satanist celebrities or characters?

Papa Emeritus (Tobias Forge), Dionysus, Fuches from Barry (he’s got a lot of devil symbolism), Dave Grohl’s Devil from Tenacious D, The Crimson King and Walter Flagg from The Dark Tower

What would you like to say to people who are satanists or would like to be?

I commend your choice to live life deliciously.

What would you like to say to people who are not satanists?

If you have found happiness in a way that doesn’t bring harm to yourself or others, I’m happy for you. Keep doing your thing.

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

I think more famous people need to speak up about it and bring attention to the fact of what it is, compared to what people think it is.

What would you like people to know about satanism?

If Heaven exists, it’s on Earth, and Satan is the stairway.