The weekly challenge this time was that it had to be related to any ideology, so I chose Satanism because spooky goat people are about my speed. Tried to go for a Mignola-esque style.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Occult Aspects 