Alchemy symbols of satan
Tag: satan
Q: Whatever happened to Anton LaVey’s house in San Francisco?
A (Provided by High Priest Peter H Gilmore): Dr. LaVey’s Victorian home, once located at 6114 California Street in San Francisco, was vacated by his surviving family members after his death and remained empty for a number of years. LaVey had earlier sold his home to an old friend to raise money to pay off the palimony suit by his former partner, Diane Hegarty. The sons of this friend took over ownership and evicted LaVey’s partner, Blanche Barton, along with their son. Eventually, on October 16 of 2001, the house was demolished and remained an empty lot—all rubble having been carted away immediately. Beware of people claiming to be selling pieces of the house as the wrecking crew did not allow anyone on-site to take souvenirs. A new residential building now stands in its place with a different address.
Military Issues F.A.Q.
Q: I am in the military and want to have my Satanism recognized. Is that possible?
In the United States, there used to be an armed services Chaplains’ manual that had been updated up until the second Bush administration, after which it seems to have disappeared. Members of the Church of Satan in the US armed forces could display their membership cards and request acknowledgement of their affiliation, since the Church of Satan was included in this official publication. Non-members had no such recourse.
The situation is less clear in the armed forces of other nations and continues to develop.
However, since Satanists are pragmatic it is important to consider that in any military situation you might have superior officers who are Christian and thus might hold unreasonable prejudices against anyone identifying himself as a Satanist. If a career is planned in the military, announcing one’s Satanism might not be a wise course to take. Many of our members serving in the armed forces often choose to identify themselves as atheists, or not select any religious affiliation.
The choice is yours, but do consider the consequences quite carefully before taking a step that cannot be reversed.
Q: I am a veteran and a Satanist and plan to be buried in a national military cemetery. Is it possible to have a pentagram or a Sigil or Baphomet or some other recognition on my grave marker?
This situation is currently evolving and so we expect for developments to occur.
Symbols & Symbolism F.A.Q.
Q: Do Satanists use inverted crosses?
The reversed cross is often seen by Christians as symbolic of St. Peter since legend states that he was crucified upside down (at his own request) by the Romans and thus it also can serve as symbolic of the office of the pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Literature has long depicted anyone who has embraced Satan and thus rejected Jesus as having embraced the reversed cross as symbolic of that act. Satanists are free to employ any symbols which they feel have resonance, so if such an upside-down cross has personal meaning they could use it.
However, the prime symbol for Satanists is the Sigil of Baphomet
Q: What is the symbol with the Nine Satanic Statements in The Satanic Bible?
It is the alchemical symbol for sulphur. The stench produced when this substance is burned has long been associated with the Infernal regions. Dr. LaVey used it as a spooky decoration and it has no other significance despite some hilarious interpretations by evangelical Christians.
Q: Is 666 a symbol of Satan?
For we Satanists, numbers are just numbers. We are amused by Christians who are superstitiously afraid of this number. And since we enjoy mocking irrationality in all its forms, we might use it to tease Christians, to show them how foolish it is to fear it.
Historically, 666 is the name of Emperor Nero reduced to its numerological value through Hebrew Gematria. In the New Testament it is referred to as the “number of the beast.” Satanists think this is quaint, but of no real value except for a record of the lengths people will go to force significance where none exists, objectively speaking.
So 666 is not part of Satanism per se, but since the public consciousness of it these days is as a Christian symbol of the “Antichrist,” we are happy to have addresses or phone numbers which include it as it stirs Christians to reactions which entertain us.
Q: What does “Shemhamforash” mean?
This word is supposed to stand for the “secret” name of the Hebrew God. To utter it was considered to be the utmost blasphemy against this deity, thereby guaranteeing one’s damnation. It is also supposed to be the “word of power” spoken by Moses to part the Red Sea. So, Satanists use it for traditional blasphemy’s sake.
Q: What does “Yankee Rose” mean?
There are many speculations regarding this, but Dr. LaVey wanted the detailed significance to remain a mystery and we respect his wishes. He did record the song by that name on his album Satan Takes a Holiday, which was released by Amarillo Records and re-released by Reptilian Records.
Q: What is that medallion worn by Anton LaVey with the pentagram and lightning bolt?
That medallion is of a symbol originally created to represent the office of the High Priest of the Church of Satan. Read this essay for a detailed explanation of its development and meaning: The Anton LaVey Sigil
Literature F.A.Q.
Q: What are the primary books that explain Satanism?
Anton Szandor LaVey founded the Church of Satan in 1966. With the release of his book The Satanic Bible in 1969, he began to define and codify Satanism to the world. His subsequent books present his thinking on many topics and should be read if you expect to understand Satanism. They are The Satanic Witch (originally titled The Compleat Witch), The Satanic Rituals, The Devil’s Notebook, and Satan Speaks. Blanche Barton’s biography The Secret Life of A Satanist and her history The Church of Satan (currently being revised and expanded) contain significant information. Peter H. Gilmore’s The Satanic Scriptures builds upon the foundation set by LaVey presenting philosophical essays as well as several rites and ceremonies important to Satanic theory and practice.
Q: Can I get a free copy of The Satanic Bible? Where can I download it? Is there a hardcover version?
No, we don’t proselytize so we don’t send out free books or pamphlets as do other religions. The publisher of this book, HarperCollins/Avon, has not released an eBook version, so if you do find an electronic file of this book it is not authorized and is violating the copyright. Years ago University Books released a hardcover version which was not well rendered. These copies appear on auction websites for a great deal of money. HarperCollins/Avon may release another hardcover edition.
Q: Can I get a copy of Blanche Barton’s book The Church of Satan?
The Church of Satan by Blanche Barton which is a detailed history of the organization, with photos, lists of Satanic films, music, and books is now being revised and expanded. You might find copies on auction websites for high amounts of money but we suggest that you avoid these and wait for the expanded edition. It is still being written so a publication date is not set.
Q: Can I get some free tracts or pamphlets to put out so as to counter the propaganda that I see from other religious organizations?
We do not produce tracts or pamphlets as we are against the practice of proselytizing. We expect people to come to Satanism of their own free will, so shoving literature at them is a rude imposition and contrary to Satanic behavior. We do not think that other religions should be allowed to do this, and we will not engage in such tactics nor endorse anyone who employs them.
Q: Isn’t The Necronomicon a part of Satanism?
No, since it really does not exist. It was simply a mythical book which horror author H.P. Lovecraft used as part of his stories. Read our Necronomicon FAQ for a detailed discussion of this topic.
Literature F.A.Q.
Q: What are the primary books that explain Satanism?
Anton Szandor LaVey founded the Church of Satan in 1966. With the release of his book The Satanic Bible in 1969, he began to define and codify Satanism to the world. His subsequent books present his thinking on many topics and should be read if you expect to understand Satanism. They are The Satanic Witch (originally titled The Compleat Witch), The Satanic Rituals, The Devil’s Notebook, and Satan Speaks. Blanche Barton’s biography The Secret Life of A Satanist and her history The Church of Satan (currently being revised and expanded) contain significant information. Peter H. Gilmore’s The Satanic Scriptures builds upon the foundation set by LaVey presenting philosophical essays as well as several rites and ceremonies important to Satanic theory and practice.
Q: Can I get a free copy of The Satanic Bible? Where can I download it? Is there a hardcover version?
No, we don’t proselytize so we don’t send out free books or pamphlets as do other religions. The publisher of this book, HarperCollins/Avon, has not released an eBook version, so if you do find an electronic file of this book it is not authorized and is violating the copyright. Years ago University Books released a hardcover version which was not well rendered. These copies appear on auction websites for a great deal of money. HarperCollins/Avon may release another hardcover edition.
Q: Can I get a copy of Blanche Barton’s book The Church of Satan?
The Church of Satan by Blanche Barton which is a detailed history of the organization, with photos, lists of Satanic films, music, and books is now being revised and expanded. You might find copies on auction websites for high amounts of money but we suggest that you avoid these and wait for the expanded edition. It is still being written so a publication date is not set.
Q: Can I get some free tracts or pamphlets to put out so as to counter the propaganda that I see from other religious organizations?
We do not produce tracts or pamphlets as we are against the practice of proselytizing. We expect people to come to Satanism of their own free will, so shoving literature at them is a rude imposition and contrary to Satanic behavior. We do not think that other religions should be allowed to do this, and we will not engage in such tactics nor endorse anyone who employs them.
Q: Isn’t The Necronomicon a part of Satanism?
No, since it really does not exist. It was simply a mythical book which horror author H.P. Lovecraft used as part of his stories. Read our Necronomicon FAQ for a detailed discussion of this topic.
Fundamental Beliefs F.A.Q.
Q: Why do Satanists worship The Devil?
We don’t. Satanists are atheists. We see the universe as being indifferent to us, and so all morals and values are subjective human constructions.
Our position is to be self-centered, with ourselves being the most important person (the “God”) of our subjective universe, so we are sometimes said to worship ourselves. Our current High Priest Gilmore calls this the step moving from being an atheist to being an “I-Theist.”
Satan to us is a symbol of pride, liberty and individualism, and it serves as an external metaphorical projection of our highest personal potential. We do not believe in Satan as a being or person.
Q: Do Satanists perform sacrifices?
No. We are atheists. The only people who perform sacrifices are those who believe in supernatural beings who would consider a sacrifice to be some form of payment for a request or form of worship. Since we do not believe in supernatural beings there is no reason for a Satanist to make a sacrifice of any sort.
Q: I heard that Satanism supports sex with children and other ways to harm them—how do you justify that?
Satanism has strong rules prohibiting sexual activity with children and non-human animals. In fact, if a Church of Satan member abuses children sexually or otherwise, his membership is automatically terminated without possibility for re-instatement. The Church of Satan also does not accept anyone who is not legally adult as an Active Member. In Satanism, sexual activity is only advocated between consenting adults.
Q: Do Satanists ritually abuse people?
No. Our ritual is basically a form of self-therapy and is most often done in private. The three basic rituals are presented in The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey and these do not demonstrate any type of abusive behavior.
Q: What is “Theistic Satanism”?
There is no such thing. People who believe in some Devilish supernatural being and worship him are Devil-worshippers, not Satanists. Anton LaVey was the first to define Satanism as a philosophy, and it is an atheist perspective. “Theistic Satanism” is an oxymoronic term and thus absurd. In Satanism each individual is his or her own god—there is no room for any other god and that includes Satan, Lucifer, Cthulhu or whatever other name one might select or take from history or fiction.
Q: Isn’t LaVey’s Satanism just plagiarized from other sources?
When LaVey refers to an idea, concept, or quote derived or taken from someone else, he often cites the author, either in the paragraph or in the indexes of his books. If anything LaVey writes seems similar to past concepts, oftentimes, it is augmented with modern circumstances, as well as his own thoughts. Seeing that Satanism is a work in progress, an attempt for melding science with philosophy, we are fully justified in choosing the concepts of old, working with them in our context and taking them into the future. (If we didn’t, who else would?) This is the same process used by scientists, doctors, psychologists, and many other professionals. Nothing would get done if individuals merely went along with established thought and never added to it. It’s evolution, pure and simple.
Ritual and Ceremony (Baptism/Wedding/Funeral) F.A.Q.
Q: Do I have to be a part of rituals if I join the Church of Satan?
No. Ritual is meant as a tool and its use is not required amongst our members.
Q: What is a Satanic Ritual?
Greater Magic, which is our name for our ritual practice, is basically meant as self-transformational psychodrama. That is it serves as a means to purge oneself of unwanted emotional baggage that might be hindering a daily pursuit of joy in life. We do not require that anyone accept that it is more than this. The pageantry of ritual is a drama meant for emotional stimulation, not a belief in or worship of any power higher than the projected will of the magician. That is why we call it an “intellectual decompression chamber.”
The three basic types of Satanic Ritual are outlined in detail in The Satanic Bible, which is essential reading for those wanting to grasp our perspective on this practice. They are for Compassion (for oneself and others), Lust (to release unrequited sexual urges) and Destruction (to cleanse oneself of anger towards someone who has done you an injustice). These serve as models for whatever other purposes one might feel the need to explore via ritual. In The Satanic Rituals Anton LaVey presents other rituals essentially meant for larger group performance based on historical and cultural diabolist imagery.
However, some Satanists also consider the possibility that, through the raising of emotions focused towards a specific achievable goal in ritual, ideas/concepts/images might be transmitted to the minds of other people at a distance, thus perhaps influencing them to make future decisions favorable to the outcome of the situation desired by the magician (transmitter). It then seems to us plausible that there would be a means that is part of nature through which this works. It is not attained through the intervention of supernatural beings, as we do not believe such things exist. The desired goal, what we call an “Is-To-Be”, would vary based on peoples’ ability to transmit as well as receive such images as well as the likelihood of the situation towards which the magician is working.
Rupert Sheldrake, a biologist, has spent many years exploring the “extended mind” and has solid statistical evidence that there indeed does exist a mechanism in nature that could be used for such ends. His many books are fascinating and worth investigating.
We emphasize that the philosophy of the Church of Satan does not require that our members believe that ritual is more than an emotional experience, nor is there a mandate even to ritualize at all. We simply offer it as a tool for experimentation. Some folks have found results that they feel are beyond coincidence or statistical parameters. Others simply enjoy the release of emotions otherwise hindering their pursuit of personal happiness.
There is no judgment placed on members of the Church of Satan regarding their personal understanding of how ritual functions. One is not more or less of a Satanist based upon his or her evaluation of Greater Magic. See the essay, “On the Role of Ritual in the Life of a Satanist” by our High Priestess, Magistra Peggy Nadramia, for more information.
Q: Religions have initiations or baptismal ceremonies. Do I need to have one to be considered a Satanist even though I read & agree with the literature of the Church of Satan?
Satanic Baptismal rites for both adults and children were written by Anton Szandor LaVey and published in his book The Satanic Rituals. These ceremonies were created because many people find the need to have some form of initiation or transition, especially if they have previously been affiliated with a different religion. However, no baptism is required for people to consider themselves Satanists; they simply must fully understand the literature expounding the philosophy of the Church of Satan and agree with it. If an adult joins and desires to have a baptism, then if there are other members within travelling distance who become friends with this person, they might agree to perform the ceremony.
Since Satanism advocates free will, it is against the principles of our philosophy to baptize infants into Satanism. Our members who are parents make it a practice to expose their children to many different religions and philosophies so that they will be free to make their own decisions regarding what path would best suit them. If a minor whose parents are Church of Satan members has reached a point wherein an informed decision is made to embrace Satanism as a personal philosophy, then that minor may request to be baptized under the sponsorship of the parents.
Q: My partner and I want to have a Satanic wedding – how can we do that?
Satanic Weddings by our Priesthood are available to members of the Church of Satan, and only if there is a member of the Priesthood interested in doing it for the couple within traveling distance (being Satanists, our Priesthood is under no obligation to other members). We may consider requests for an officiant by non-members.
Because laws regarding who can legally perform marriages vary locally, at times from county to county, Satanic Weddings are only legal when the Priest/Priestess is registered with the authorities in the county wherein the ceremony takes place (in which the couple resides).
Generally we suggest member couples first legalize their wedding through the local authorities (civil ceremonies are brief and non-religious). Then they may either create their own ceremony or use the one which we use (authored by Magus Peter H. Gilmore and released in The Satanic Scriptures, and choose someone they both respect to be the celebrant (or they may create a ceremony in which the couple marries themselves, each being co-celebrant).
If a couple wants to perform a marriage ceremony that has no legal ramifications, they can do whatever they like, but they must know that this wedding will not be recognized by their state/nation of residence.
If member couples wish to have a member of our Priesthood serve as celebrant, they may contact us regarding the availability of interested local Priests/Priestesses. If there is a willing member of the Priesthood, we will then put him/her in touch with the couple to work out transportation/travel costs and celebrant fee.
The couple will be expected to provide the member of the Priesthood with their proof that they’ve participated in the proper civil ceremony to legalize their union prior to the performance of the Satanic Wedding Ceremony. The Priest/Priestess will need to examine the original document and be provided with a photocopy for Church records. Additionally, if either or both of the couple have been legally married previously, this must be disclosed to the Priest/Priestess and proof of the legal dissolution of this prior marriage must be provided (original documents must be provided for examination as well as photocopies or scans for our records).
Q: Do you perform weddings for same sex couples?
Yes, however the legality of such ceremomies will depend upon local laws.
Q: I am a Satanist and would like to be sure that I have a Satanic funeral after I die—how can I do that?
Once you have died, you will have no control over how your relatives handle your remains, and even if you make stipulations regarding your intentions in your will, these documents are often not even put into motion until after your remains have been dealt with.
The only way to get exactly what you want would be to approach a funeral director who is sympathetic to doing this, and to pay for it in advance. Then there would be a contract stating exactly what it is you wish and if you provide a copy to someone who will survive you who has agreed to make certain that it is precisely carried out, then you might reasonably expect to have what you want.
Holidays F.A.Q.
Q: What holidays do Satanists celebrate?
Since Satanism is a self-centered religion, the highest holiday of the year would be the Satanist’s own birthday, which needs no ritual but should be spent in doing things a Satanist would enjoy. There is no requirement that a Satanist celebrate any holidays, and there are no hard and fast traditions or rites associated with them. Since Satanism embraces Nature, the other holidays a Satanist might choose to celebrate would be the seasonal turning points marked by the equinoxes and solstices—the dates of which vary from year to year, as well as the mid points between these which can be recognized as the climaxes of each season. In particular, April 30th, called Walpurgisnacht, is the Spring climax and the anniversary of the founding of the Church of Satan and is generally noted. Halloween, October 31, is the Fall climax and may be celebrated as a time when one’s inner-self might be explored through the use of a costume, or one might recall those of importance in one’s life who have died – as was done on that night in European tradition.
Q: What about the Christmas holiday?
The Christians stole this holiday from the pagans—Santa Claus has come to signify indulgence, and he is a combination of Dionysos and Silenus from Roman and Greek myths (the Romans celebrated the orgiastic Saturnalia at this time).
The Nazarene has little place in the general public’s celebrations of this season, which were meant by pagans to be celebrations of abundance during a season of cold and emptiness.
So for the Yule holiday season we enjoy the richness of life and the company of people whom we cherish, as we will often be the only ones who know where the traditions really came from!
Q: Is Halloween important to Satanists?
We see this holiday as the night when the mundane folk try to reach down inside and touch the “darkness” which for Satanists is a daily mode of existence. Particularly in the United States, Halloween is a time for celebrating monster films, wearing costumes of a macabre nature, and evoking the thrill of “fun fear.” Children (of all ages) can indulge their fantasies by donning costumes that allow for intense role-playing and the release of their “demonic cores,” the parts of their personalities often hidden from their friends, co-workers and families.
Though there are traditions making this an occasion for recalling the dead, it has been popularized as a time to play with what historically were fears directed towards what were thought to be unquiet spirits of the departed. And the grand traditional question “Trick or treat?” has become a means for fulfilling an indulgence in sweets, without the need to resort to the optional coercion.
Satanists embrace what this holiday has become, and do not feel the need to be tied to ancient practices. This night, we smile at the amateur explorers of their own inner darkness, for we know that they enjoy their brief dip into the pool of the “shadow world.” We encourage their tenebrous fantasies, the candied indulgence, and the wide-ranging evocation of our aesthetics (while tolerating some of the chintzy versions), even if it is but once a year. For the rest of the time, when those not of our meta-tribe shake their heads in wonder at us, we can point out that they may find some understanding by examining their own All Hallows Eve doings, but we generally find it simpler to just say: “Think of the Addams Family and you’ll begin to see what we’re about.”
Sexuality & Gender F.A.Q.
Q: What does the Church of Satan think about homosexuality?
We fully accept all forms of human sexual expression between consenting adults. The Church of Satan has always accepted gay, lesbian, bisexual and asexual members since its beginning in 1966. This is addressed in the chapter “Satanic Sex” in The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey.
Q: What about gay marriage?
We support the legalization of gay marriage. See this essay by Peter H. Gilmore, “Founding Family,” to understand why. Also this essay explores why allowing this civil right to become legal has found resistance.
Q: Does the Church of Satan accept transgender people?
Yes. We have done so since the organization was founded in 1966. If one of our members wishes a membership card reflecting a name change due to a gender identity different from when they originally joined, proof of appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition to the new gender should be supplied* and, if such has been issued, updated legal ID for our records. We will then supply an updated membership card.
Q: Anton LaVey refers to “The Mating Signal”—what is that?
The “Mating Signal” is shorthand for the normal adult responses showing that a person might have an interest in you sexually. Most sexually active adults can tell when another adult is attracted to them with erotic intent, and it is a combination of factors that Dr. LaVey felt it more succinct to refer to in that way, rather than cataloguing the dilated pupils, quickened breath, flushed skin, and other visible signs.
Q: What about S&M? Isn’t that a requirement for Satanists?
Anton LaVey made it very clear in his writings that all forms of human sexual expression between consenting, responsible adults is endorsed by Satanism. That can even mean asexuality—the avoidance of sex altogether. Masturbation is considered natural and healthy. Additionally, LaVey advocated the idea of exploring personal sexual fetishes as a means for erotic fulfillment. Especially after sexologists began issuing reports based on surveys, Dr. LaVey noted it is likely that everyone would be considered a deviant based on their personal means for gratification should they be compared with that of others. The S&M and B&D fetish practices at this point are well explored and can be easily researched if one is attracted to such experiences. But there is no requirement that any Satanist participate in B&D, S&M or any form of sexual activity that is not to his or her taste.
Occult Aspects 