Life as a Satanist

 It would be easier for you, dear reader, to think of Satanists as unabashed hedonists partaking in all sorts of perverse rituals filled with orgies and utter debauchery; That’s only on Fridays, obviously. 

You probably close your eyes and picture us donning billowing black robes, masks and carrying around ritual tools while chanting in Ecclesiastical Latin around a virgin we’re about to sacrifice to our Dark Lord. How very naughty of us!

Time and time again, Satanists have been associated with some underground cultures and music genres, such as Rock, Punk, and Death Metal. The more fanatical amongst you have gone so far as to blame us for the evils of abortion, and even homosexuality. There truly is no rest for the wicked.

Alas, dear reader, I must burst your bubble and bring your rather Satanic Panic inspired fantasy to a premature end; How curmudgeonly of me! And although it is true that I do dress in mostly black and own a dagger (which I use for my personal rituals), I am not big on human sacrifices; Not in the middle of a pandemic, that’s for damn sure!

If you’ll allow me to clarify some myths, I’ll be more than glad to do so. You may attribute some of this imagery to iconic films, as well as the founder of the Church of Satan, Anton LaVey himself; A pioneer of sorts, if you will. I, alongside other Satanists don’t quite see eye to eye with his organization regarding the way in which our Satanism is to be expressed, to put it mildly.

Personally speaking, being a Satanist is more than just the aesthetic. Sure, I wear black and enjoy Rock bands, for sure. But I also care deeply about political and social causes, so that I may uphold the rights of minorities in society. As a vegan, it is extremely important that I look after non-human animals in the same way I’d do for my fellow humans. 

Now, Satan. We look up to Satan as the ultimate rebel; Though we believe him to be purely fictional. He embodies the best that is present in the human spirit. He is freedom, defiance, and insurrection. He shows us that we, too, can be free from tyranny. We look at him through the eyes of Milton, and other media sources, such as films and series which show us that he is a far more complex character than he's been shown to be by the religious right.

We claim Satanism as a religion, because what is a religion but a group of people who stand for a common cause? What is a religion but those who follow a code of ethics centered around common sense, decency and the search for equality? We don't worship a deity; Nor do we worship ourselves. We see the flaws inherent inside of us and don't deny them; We seek to correct them, and work through them in ways which are conducive to understanding ourselves and growing as individuals.

It's really that simple.

Many may feel as though we're here to be a mockery of mainstream religions, and they would be sorely mistaken. We're here as a result; A symptom, if you will. It is a response to the bigotry present in the larger religions, mainly Christianity that which has prompted us to mobilize the way we have. Because we, too, will have our voices heard in the public arena of ideas. Because for far too long has religion stood unquestioned and unchallenged. So, who best but the Devil himself to rise from the bowels of the pit to say "Enough!"...?

Satanists are everywhere, and move unseen. We are Legion, and we will not be silenced.

Ave Satanas 👹

Picture credit goes to reddit. Artist unknown.