Despite the name, Satanism has very little to do with the devil described in the Bible. Instead, it is an atheist movement, founded by Anton LaVey in 1966, which focuses on pride, originality and strength. The core of Satanism is represented by individualism and free thinking. A person only has to live his life following a few simple principles to be considered a Satanist; however, there are some ways to be recognized as "faithful".
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Become a Church Member
Step 1. Join the Church of Satan
Basic membership involves receiving a crimson identification card and requires registration on the website. In addition to filling out the form with your personal information, you need to pay a membership fee of $ 200 (approximately € 180) to become a full member. In addition to the fee, you must also write a statement, signed and dated, requesting to join the church. You can find all the material on the official website.
- There are no local branches of the Church of Satan. All enrollment requests are handled by the New York office.
- After this initial registration, no other paperwork or other payments are required.
- Keep your registration card in a safe place, as it is the means by which you can be recognized by other members.
Step 2. Ask to become an active member
Download the relevant application form from the website and fill it in according to the requested information. Active members have a more prominent role in church activities and may be required to represent Satanism in various functions.
- Many of the questions found on the registration form refer to the Satanic Bible. Remember to read the text before submitting your application.
- Read the "Satanic Scriptures" to gain a greater understanding of what it means to be a Satanist and the concept behind the foundation of this religion. In doing so, you will be more prepared for the application.
- You must be a registered member before becoming an active Satanist.
Step 3. Make a career
Live like a Satanist and become a good example to rise up in the church hierarchy. While there is no known and official method for becoming more and more important, showing goodwill in church activities and representing its teachings in a positive way is a good way to get noticed and promote yourself to "superiors".
- The Church of Satan provides a six-tier hierarchy for its members: "effective satanist", "active satanist", "sorcerer / witch", "priest / priestess", "teacher / mistress", "magician / sorceress".
- If you make it to the third, fourth, or fifth rank of the hierarchy, you are considered part of the clergy and earn the title of "reverend".
Part 2 of 3: Studying the Precepts of Satanism
Step 1. Read the Satanic Bible
Many theories and practices of Satanism are described in this text, written by the founder of the religion, Anton LaVey. You should read this before applying as a Satanist if possible, although it is not a strictly prerequisite for full members.
- You can find this book in most bookstores and even online in digital format.
- To get a clearer idea of how you should behave, read the literature that inspired the founding of the church. This means studying the works of philosophers such as Carl Jung and Michael Foucault.
Step 2. Learn the Basics_of_laveyan_satanism Nine Satanic Affirmations
They constitute the foundations of the Satanist ideology and the way of life of the members. Always refer to them during your journey as a Satanist, so that you act according to the expectations of the church.
- Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence!
- Satan represents life energy instead of spiritual chimeras!
- Satan represents manifest wisdom instead of self-righteous self-deception!
- Satan represents kindness and tenderness to those who deserve them instead of love wasted on the ungrateful!
- Satan represents vengeance instead of turning the other cheek!
- Satan represents responsibility to whoever is responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires!
- Satan represents man as another animal, sometimes better, very often worse than those who walk on all fours, which due to his divine spiritual and intellectual development has become the most vicious animal of all!
- Satan represents all so-called sins, as long as these lead to physical, mental or sentimental gratification!
- Satan has been the best friend the Church has ever had, because He has kept it in business all these years!
Step 3. Learn the Eleven Satanic Rules on Earth
These describe how Satanists should live according to religion. Just like the Christian Ten Commandments, by following these rules the faithful and those around them will enjoy prosperity and kindness. The goal of Satanism is not necessarily to spread the good, but to live in the way that each one prefers, without harming others. Below is the list of the Eleven Satanic Rules:
- Don't express opinions or give advice unless asked.
- Don't tell others about your problems unless you are sure they want to hear them.
- When in someone else's house, show respect or don't go there.
- If a guest in your home bothers you, treat them cruelly and mercilessly.
- Don't make sexual proposals unless you've received clear signals of interest.
- Do not take what does not belong to you, unless it is a burden on your neighbor and he begs you to release it.
- Admit the power of magic if you have used it positively to fulfill your desires. If you deny it after invoking it for your help, you will lose what you have gained.
- Don't complain about anything you don't have to submit to.
- Don't hurt the children.
- Don't kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or need food.
- When walking in neutral territory, don't bother anyone. If someone bothers you, tell them to stop. If it doesn't, destroy it.
Step 4. Remember the Nine Satanic Sins Nine Satanic Sins
These represent characteristics that a Satanist must avoid at all costs. In combination with the Satanic Rules on Earth, they represent guidelines for the faithful to live honestly and productively. Avoid committing these sins whenever possible.
- Stupidity. The Satanist should strive to study everything.
- Pretentiousness. Do not pose as a better person than you are, because this conduct leads to other sins.
- Solipsism. Don't forget that there are many more beings in the world besides you. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
- Self-deception. Don't act like someone you're not.
- Conform to the pack. It is the antithesis of individual thinking.
- Lack of perspective. While independence is important in Satanism, don't let it cloud your judgment.
- Forgetfulness of past orthodoxies. Always move towards the future without ever forgetting the past.
- Counterproductive pride. Pride is important in recognizing your worth, but don't let it take over.
- Lack of aesthetics. Take care of yourself and your body.
Part 3 of 3: Living like a Satanist
Step 1. Live independently
The Church of Satan embraces independent thinking as one of its fundamental pillars. Satan represents the power of choice; you are free to disagree with others, even with other satanists.
- Part of being independent is asking questions about your beliefs and convictions. Satanism is intensely engaged in questioning everything around you.
- Make your own decisions. Don't feel compelled to agree with other church members just because they are Satanists. You are expected to make your own decisions and uphold your beliefs to be truly independent.
Step 2. Observe the rituals
They are known as "Major Magic" or "Minor Magic" and their function is to enable the self-realization of the individual's desires. Just like meditation or yoga, rituals involve focusing on a particular goal or mindset to achieve it.
- They should not be practiced in candlelight or midnight darkness. Concentration and the ability to focus is all you need. You can reach this state in any way you see fit.
- Magia Maggiore deals with the individual, with the change of thoughts and emotions.
- Minor Magic instead aims to change the thoughts and emotions of others through one's own efforts.
Step 3. Find other Satanists
Members of the Church of Satan gather in "shelters" to socialize and discuss the church itself. Although rallies no longer officially exist and there is no official way to know when they are held, the members still hang out together.
- Independent channels like Craigslist or similar websites are useful for finding people on the same page as you.
- There are some websites to find other Satanists, such as Satanic International Network and The 600 Club.
- Be careful when meeting strangers. Make sure they have the official Church of Satan membership card.
Step 4. Celebrate the holidays as a Satanist
The most important for those who respect this religion is one's birthday. It is a self-centered cult and there is no celebration greater than one's birthday. Take this celebration seriously and plan an unforgettable party.
- Satanists also worship nature; the alternation of the seasons and moments such as the equinox or the solstice are therefore excellent occasions to celebrate.
- Halloween is celebrated for what it has become: an individual-centric party. Many Satanists like the idea that, at least once a year, people want to focus on themselves.
- Christmas is considered the celebration of indulgence, as was originally the pagan feast of Saturnalia. So, despite the significance this holiday has for Christians, Satanists have no problem respecting it. Buy gifts for friends, drink and enjoy!
Step 5. Spoil yourself, but responsibly
If a substance is legal, you can use it. However, the Church of Satan calls for indulgence not obsession. Addictions run counter to the ideals of Satanism. Living is among the most important laws of this religion.
Satanists are warned that they use illegal substances at their own risk. Although the concept of independence is fundamental, the church does not tolerate illegal activities
Advice
- When researching Satanism, be sure to consult reliable sources. You can find a list on the Church of Satan website.
- Remember that Satanists don't believe in demons, angels or any paranormal creatures.
