How to Become a LaVeyan Satanist

LaVeyan Satanists do NOT worship Satan, or any god, contrary to the popular belief that all satanists worship the devil. In essence, they worship their individual selfs. There are no "goat sacrificing" rituals or anything ridiculous of that nature attributed to Satanism. Satanism is, at its core, individualism — purely and totally. It is about deviating from the conformities of humanity around you. It is finding your own way, and choosing your own way. Satanism is about exploring one's own personality and sexuality. You need not hate, nor love. You only do as YOU wish. This is the way of the LaVeyan Satanist.

Steps

1. Research your new religion. There are many sources where you can learn more about Satanism and its beliefs. A Google search will turn up quite a bit of information. Consider reading The Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey.

2. Get the other side of the story. Read opposing views of Satanism to make sure this is right for you. Again, a Google search will turn up vast amounts of information.

3. Join a church. There are many satanic churches around the world. Most of them do not last very long. Look into the more well established churches like "The Church of Satan" and "The First Church of Satan". Look at all of the churches and determine which one is most akin to your personal beliefs.

Tips

When researching Satanism, be certain that you are reading from credible sources. You will likely find much opposing perspectives from religions who believe that Satanism is about worshipping the Satan found in the Christian Bible, which is NOT true.

Warnings

Be careful when informing others of your interest in Satanism. Some people are not open-minded on this issue. Take it easy when informing your friends and family of your choice.

Unless an organization can show you that it is linked to an established church, think twice before subscribing to what they say.

I was brought up in the other service; but I knew from the first that the Devil was my natural master and captain and friend. I saw that he was in the right, and that the world cringed to his conqueror only through fear. I prayed secretly to him; and he comforted me, and saved me from having my spirit broken in this house of children's tears. I promised him my soul, and swore an oath that I would stand up for him in this world and stand by him in the next. [Solemnly] That promise and that oath made a man of me. From this day this house is his home; and no child shall cry in it: this hearth is his altar; and no soul shall ever cower over it in the dark evenings and be afraid.

I saw a shape with human form and face,
If such should in apotheosis stand:
Deep in the shadows of a desolate land
His burning feet obtained colossal base,
And spheral on the lonely arc of space,
His head, a menace unto heavens unspanned
Arose with towered eyes that might command
The sunless, blank horizon of that place.

And straight I knew him for the mystic one
That is the brother, born of human dream,
Of man rebellious at an unknown rod;
The mind's ideal, and the spirit's sun;
A column of clear flame, in lands extreme,
Set opposite the darkness that is God.

Since 1975 I've been hearing an intermittent mosquito-drone of the mantra "I'm a Satanist but I certainly, absolutely, positively don't for a moment actually believe in, worship, or own allegiance to Satan." - generally from the Gilmoronic entourage, but occasionally from nonaffiliated individuals as well.

hehe, you said "Gilmoronic".

Anyways, one does not need to believe in a supernatural Satan to be a Satanist. One is not a Platonist because he worships Plato as a god, but because he adheres to the philosophy embodied by his teachings. Same thing with "Satanist".

Nonetheless, if one were to ask me if I believed in Satan, I would unhesitatingly answer "yes", because whether or not Satan is a spiritual force, an ideal, a symbol, a force of nature, a representation of mankind, or some combination of these-- the moment the words "Satan is..." escape your mouth, you have made the statement "Satan is." and therefore confessed your belief in his existence.

LaVeyan apologists (wow, I never thought I'd ever use the word "apologist" in relation to Satanism), are too preoccupied with making themselves look presentable to the public eye, so they water-down their image to the point where they seem like little more than- as theists like to call them- "atheists playing dress-up". And those aren't too far off from the actual words they use to describe themselves.

This makes it sound like Satanism is a sort of external fashion accessory or trendy "statement"- it's not. In my perspective, Satanism is something very intimate and internal, something in the core of your being that thrives inside you-- even long after you step out of the ritual chamber.