How to Become a LaVeyan Satanist: A Practical Guide
LaVeyan Satanism, founded by Anton Szandor LaVey in 1966, is a nontheistic religious movement that emphasizes individualism, self-indulgence, and pragmatic atheism. It’s a philosophy focused on the self and embracing one’s desires and earthly existence. Unlike traditional Satanism, LaVeyan Satanism does not involve worshiping Satan as a deity. Instead, Satan is viewed as a symbol of defiance, liberty, and the rejection of restrictive religious dogmas. This guide provides a detailed pathway for those interested in exploring and potentially adopting LaVeyan Satanism.
**Understanding LaVeyan Satanism**
Before embarking on this path, it’s crucial to understand the core tenets of LaVeyan Satanism. This involves studying LaVey’s key texts and grasping the philosophy’s fundamental principles.
* **The Satanic Bible:** This is the foundational text of LaVeyan Satanism. It outlines the philosophy, rituals, and principles of the Church of Satan. It’s essential to read and thoroughly understand this book.
* **The Satanic Rituals:** A companion book to *The Satanic Bible*, it provides detailed instructions for performing various rituals within the LaVeyan framework. Understanding the purpose and symbolism behind these rituals is crucial.
* **The Satanic Witch:** Explores the concepts of manipulation and using charm to achieve desired outcomes. While titled *The Satanic Witch*, its lessons on psychological manipulation are applicable to anyone, regardless of gender. (Originally titled *The Compleat Witch*)
* **The Devil’s Notebook:** A collection of essays and observations by Anton LaVey on various topics, including philosophy, politics, and social commentary. It offers further insights into the LaVeyan worldview.
**Key Principles of LaVeyan Satanism**
LaVeyan Satanism is based on a set of principles that guide its followers’ lives. These principles, often referred to as the Nine Satanic Statements and the Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth, are fundamental to understanding and practicing LaVeyan Satanism.
**The Nine Satanic Statements**
These statements encapsulate the core values of LaVeyan Satanism:
1. Satan represents indulgence, instead of abstinence!
2. Satan represents vital existence, instead of spiritual pipe dreams!
3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom, instead of hypocritical self-deceit!
4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it, instead of love wasted on ingrates!
5. Satan represents vengeance, instead of turning the other cheek!
6. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible, instead of concern for psychic vampires!
7. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of his “divine spiritual and intellectual development,” has become the most vicious animal of all!
8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification!
9. Satan represents the best friend the Church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years!
**The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth**
These rules provide practical guidance for navigating life as a LaVeyan Satanist:
1. Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.
2. Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them.
3. When in another’s lair, show him respect or else do not go there.
4. If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy.
5. Do not make advances sexually unless you are given the mating signal.
6. Do not take that which is not yours unless it is a burden to the other person and he cries out to be relieved.
7. Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained thereby.
8. Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.
9. Do not harm little children.
10. Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food.
11. When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.
**Steps to Becoming a LaVeyan Satanist**
Becoming a LaVeyan Satanist is a personal journey, not a conversion process dictated by external authority. It’s about aligning your beliefs and actions with the principles of Satanism.
1. **Self-Assessment:** The first step is honest self-reflection. Do the principles of LaVeyan Satanism resonate with you? Are you comfortable with the emphasis on individualism, self-indulgence, and pragmatic atheism? Are you prepared to reject traditional religious dogmas and embrace a philosophy that prioritizes earthly existence?
2. **Study the Core Texts:** As mentioned earlier, reading *The Satanic Bible*, *The Satanic Rituals*, *The Satanic Witch*, and *The Devil’s Notebook* is essential. Don’t just read them passively; actively engage with the ideas presented. Consider how these principles apply to your own life and how they might shape your worldview.
3. **Understand the Satanic Virtues:** LaVeyan Satanism promotes specific virtues that align with its philosophy. These virtues include:
* **Responsibility:** Taking responsibility for your actions and their consequences.
* **Self-Reliance:** Being independent and resourceful, relying on yourself rather than external forces.
* **Worldly Engagement:** Embracing the material world and enjoying its pleasures.
* **Justice:** Seeking justice and retribution when wronged, rather than passively accepting injustice.
* **Rationality:** Using reason and logic to make decisions and solve problems.
4. **Embrace Individualism:** LaVeyan Satanism celebrates the individual. It encourages you to think for yourself, challenge conventional wisdom, and pursue your own desires. Resist the pressure to conform to societal norms and embrace your unique identity.
5. **Practice Self-Indulgence (Responsibly):** LaVeyan Satanism advocates for indulging in pleasures and satisfying your desires. However, it’s crucial to do so responsibly. Avoid excesses that could harm yourself or others. Practice moderation and prioritize your long-term well-being.
6. **Reject Guilt and Shame:** Traditional religions often use guilt and shame to control their followers. LaVeyan Satanism rejects these emotions. Embrace your desires and actions without feeling guilty or ashamed, as long as they don’t harm others.
7. **Develop Your Own Rituals (Optional):** While *The Satanic Rituals* provides a framework for performing rituals, you can also create your own rituals to celebrate personal milestones, express your desires, or simply connect with your inner self. The key is to make the rituals meaningful to you.
8. **Live According to the Satanic Rules:** The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth provide practical guidance for interacting with others. Follow these rules to maintain healthy relationships, avoid unnecessary conflict, and assert your boundaries.
9. **Engage with the Satanic Community (Optional):** While LaVeyan Satanism is primarily an individualistic philosophy, you may find value in connecting with other Satanists online or in person. However, be cautious and discerning. Not everyone who identifies as a Satanist adheres to LaVeyan principles.
10. **Official Membership (Optional):** While not required to be a LaVeyan Satanist, you can formally join the Church of Satan by submitting an application and paying a fee. Membership provides access to exclusive content and events, and it signifies your commitment to the Church’s philosophy.
**Debunking Common Misconceptions**
It’s important to address some common misconceptions about LaVeyan Satanism:
* **LaVeyan Satanists do not worship Satan:** As mentioned earlier, Satan is not a deity in LaVeyan Satanism. He is a symbol of rebellion, individualism, and earthly pleasures.
* **LaVeyan Satanists do not engage in animal sacrifice or other harmful practices:** LaVeyan Satanism does not condone violence or cruelty towards animals or humans. The focus is on self-preservation and personal empowerment.
* **LaVeyan Satanists are not evil:** LaVeyan Satanism is not about embracing evil or causing harm to others. It’s about living life to the fullest and pursuing your own desires within the bounds of responsibility and reason.
**Practical Applications of LaVeyan Satanism**
LaVeyan Satanism can be applied to various aspects of your life:
* **Personal Growth:** The emphasis on individualism and self-reliance can empower you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
* **Relationships:** The Satanic Rules provide guidance for maintaining healthy relationships and asserting your boundaries.
* **Career:** The focus on ambition and worldly success can motivate you to excel in your chosen field.
* **Creativity:** The rejection of conformity can encourage you to express your creativity and pursue unconventional ideas.
**Living a Satanic Life: Examples and Scenarios**
To further illustrate how LaVeyan Satanism manifests in everyday life, consider these scenarios:
* **Scenario 1: Dealing with Criticism:** Instead of becoming defensive or seeking validation, a LaVeyan Satanist would critically assess the criticism. Is it valid and helpful? If so, they would use it to improve themselves. If not, they would dismiss it and move on.
* **Scenario 2: Making a Difficult Decision:** A LaVeyan Satanist would weigh the pros and cons, considering their own desires and long-term well-being. They would make a rational decision based on their own judgment, rather than succumbing to societal pressure or moral obligations.
* **Scenario 3: Responding to an Insult:** A LaVeyan Satanist would not automatically turn the other cheek. Instead, they would assess the situation and respond accordingly. If the insult is minor, they might ignore it. If it’s a serious offense, they might seek retribution.
* **Scenario 4: Pursuing a Passion:** A LaVeyan Satanist would not be afraid to pursue their passions, even if they are unconventional or controversial. They would embrace their individuality and express themselves freely.
**The Importance of Critical Thinking**
While LaVeyan Satanism provides a framework for living a fulfilling life, it’s crucial to engage in critical thinking and avoid blind adherence to any dogma. Question everything, including the principles of LaVeyan Satanism itself. Continuously evaluate your beliefs and actions to ensure that they align with your values and contribute to your overall well-being.
**Further Resources**
* **Church of Satan Official Website:** The official website of the Church of Satan provides information about the organization, its philosophy, and membership.
* **The Satanic Temple (TST):** While TST differs significantly from LaVeyan Satanism, focusing on activism and social justice, exploring their tenets can offer a broader understanding of Satanic thought. Be aware that the Church of Satan does not align with TST.
* **Online Forums and Communities:** Numerous online forums and communities cater to Satanists. These platforms can provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and discuss various aspects of Satanism. Exercise caution and discernment when interacting with others online.
**Conclusion**
Becoming a LaVeyan Satanist is a personal journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It requires careful study, critical thinking, and a willingness to embrace individualism and earthly pleasures. By understanding the core principles of LaVeyan Satanism and applying them to your life, you can create a fulfilling and meaningful existence based on your own terms. Remember to always act responsibly and avoid harming others. LaVeyan Satanism is not about evil; it’s about living life to the fullest and embracing your true self.
**Disclaimer:** This guide provides information about LaVeyan Satanism for educational purposes only. It is not intended to promote or endorse any specific religious beliefs or practices. Individuals are responsible for their own choices and actions. The concepts and language used within LaVeyan Satanism may be offensive to some individuals. Reader discretion is advised.