The Satanic Bible was written by Anton Szandor LaVey in 1969. It is a collection of essays, observations and basic Satanic rituals, and outlines LaVey's Satanic ideology. The author claims the influence of Machiavelli, Friedrich Nietzsche, Ragnar Redbeard and Ayn Rand among others. Anton Szandor LaVey, born Howard Stanton Levey[1][2] (11 April 1930 – 29 October 1997) was the founder and High Priest of the Church of Satan as well as a writer, occultist, musician, and actor. ... A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value, which is prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community. ... Detail of the portrait of Machiavelli, ca 1500, in the robes of a Florentine public official Niccolò Machiavelli (May 3, 1469—June 21, 1527) was an Italian political philosopher during the Renaissance. ... Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (October 15, 1844 – August 25, 1900) (IPA: ) was a nineteenth-century German philosopher. ... Ragnar Redbeard wrote the eccentric,individualistic tome Might is Right in 1896. ... Ayn Rand (IPA: , February 2 [O.S. January 20] 1905 – March 6, 1982), born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum (Russian: ), was a Russian-born American novelist and philosopher,[1] known for creating a philosophy she named Objectivism and for writing the novels We the Living, The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged and the...

The book contains the core principles of Satanism and is considered the foundation of the philosophy and dogma that constitute Satanism. LaVeyan Satanists maintain that The Satanic Bible may not be subject to interpretation or revision, and that no rule or principle contradictory to what is written in The Satanic Bible may be considered applicable to Satanism. Satanism can refer to a number of belief systems depending on the user and contexts. ...

History

The Satanic Bible

The Satanic Bible was originally written in 1968 by Anton Szandor LaVey; it has been in continuous print ever since. The main text (original English) has never been altered in any edition; however, the full dedication was removed following LaVey's divorce from his common law wife Diane. Introductions to the work have been added and replaced. Burton H Wolfe, a journalist who wrote The Devil's Avenger, wrote an introduction to the original edition and later softcover printings, while Michael Aquino contributed the introduction to the hardcover edition published by University Press^{[citation needed]}. This introduction is reprinted in Aquino's Church of Satan memoir. The current Spokesman and Second High Priest of the Church of Satan, Peter H. Gilmore, wrote a new introduction that replaced Wolfe's and was included with The Satanic Bible starting in 2005. University Press released a hardcover edition of The Satanic Bible and The Satanic Rituals, but these are long out of print. These hardcover editions have become coveted collectors' items, and copies have sold for over US$1000 on eBay.^{[citation needed]} Cover of the book The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey File links The following pages link to this file: The Satanic Bible ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Anton Szandor LaVey (11 April 1930 - 29 October 1997), born Howard Stanton Levey, was the founder and High Priest of the Church of Satan, author of The Satanic Bible, and creator of the religion known as as LaVeyan Satanism. ... Michael A. Aquino, Ph. ... Peter H. Gilmore was appointed High Priest of the Church of Satan in 2001 by Magistra Blanche Barton. ... The Satanic Rituals is a book by Anton Szandor LaVey published in 1972 as a companion volume to The Satanic Bible. ... The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. ... eBay headquarters in San Jose eBay North First Street satellite office campus (home to PayPal) eBay Inc. ...

Books of the Satanic Bible

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Image File history File links Emblem-important. ...

Dedication

Long removed from contemporary printings of the book, the first edition of The Satanic Bible contained an extensive dedication to the thinkers that influenced LaVey.

The primary dedication of the book was made to Bernadino Nogara (misprinted as "Logara"), Karl Haushofer, Grigory Yefimovitch Rasputin, Sir Basil Zaharoff, Alessandro Cagliostro, Barnabas Saul - Dr. John Dee's first Scryer, Ragnar Redbeard, William Mortensen, Hans Brick, Max Reinhardt, Orrin Klapp, American Sociologist, Fritz Lang, Friedrich Nietzche, William Claude Dukenfield, Phineas Taylor Barnum, Hans Poelzig, Reginald Marsh, Wilhelm Reich, and Mark Twain. Bernardino Nogara was the financial advisor to the Vatican over many years, appointed by Pope Pius XI. He is considered by many to be the father of the modern wealth of the Catholic Church. ... General Karl Haushofer General Karl Ernst Haushofer (August 27, 1869, Munich - March 13, 1946, Pähl) was a German geopolitician. ... Grigori Rasputin Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin (Russian: ) (22 January [O.S. 10 January] 1869 – 29 December [O.S. 16 December] 1916) was a Russian mystic with an influence in the later days of Russias Romanov dynasty. ... Sir Basil Zaharoff, originally Zacharias Basileios, (1849, Muğla, Turkey - 1936, Monte Carlo, Monaco) was a Greek arms trader and financier, the director and chairman of the Vickers munitions firm during World War I. // Basil was from a Greek family in Constantinople. ... Alessandro Cagliostro Count Alessandro di Cagliostro (June 2, 1743 – August 26, 1795) was a traveller, occultist and Freemason. ... Ragnar Redbeard wrote the eccentric,individualistic tome Might is Right in 1896. ... William H. Mortensen is an American art photographer. ... Max Reinhardt Max Reinhardt (born September 9, 1873 in Baden bei Wien; died October 31, 1943 in New York City) was an influential Austrian director and actor. ... Friedrich Christian Anton Fritz Lang (December 5, 1890 – August 2, 1976) was an Austrian-German-American film director, screenwriter and occasional film producer, one of the best known émigrés from Germanys school of expressionism. ... Friedrich Nietzsche, 1882 Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (October 15, 1844 - August 25, 1900) was a highly influential German philosopher. ... W. C. Fields (January 29, 1880 – December 25, 1946) was an American juggler, comedian, and actor. ... Phineas Taylor Barnum Phineas Taylor Barnum by Mathew Brady 1856 newspaper advertisement for Barnums American Museum Parody of Jenny Linds first American tour for P.T. Barnum, New York City, October 1850 Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: P. T. Barnum Phineas Taylor Barnum (July 5... Hans Poelzig (30 April 1869 Berlin – June 14, 1936 Berlin) was a German architect, painter and set designer active in the Weimar years. ... Reginald Marsh (14 March 1898 - 3 July 1954) was an American painter most notable for his detailed depictions of life in New York City in the 1920s. ... Wilhelm Reich (March 24, 1897 – November 3, 1957) was an Austrian psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. ... Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910),[1] better known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American humorist, satirist, lecturer and writer. ...

The secondary dedication included Howard Hughes, Marcello Truzzi, Marilyn Monroe, William Lindsay Gresham, Hugo Zacchini, Jayne Mansfield, Fredrick Goerner - author, Nathaniel West, Horatio Alger, Robert E. Howard, George Orwell, H.P. Lovecraft, Tuesday Weld, H.G. Wells, Harry Houdini, Togare - Anton's pet lion, and The Nine Unknown Men. For the Welsh murderer, see Howard Hughes (murderer). ... Marcello Truzzi (September 6, 1935-February 2, 2003) was a professor of sociology at Eastern Michigan University and director for the Center for Scientific Anomalies Research. ... Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962), was a Golden Globe Award-winning American actress, singer, model and pop icon. ... William Lindsay Gresham. ... Jayne Mansfield (born Vera Jayne Palmer, April 19, 1933—29 June 1967) was an American actress and Playboy centerfold. ... Nathanael West (October 17, 1903 - December 22, 1940) was the pen name of Nathan Wallenstein Weinstein. ... Horatio Alger, Jr. ... Robert Ervin Howard (January 22, 1906 – June 11, 1936)[1] was a classic American pulp writer of fantasy, horror, historical adventure, boxing, western, and detective fiction. ... Eric Arthur Blair (25 June 1903 [1] [2] – 21 January 1950), better known by the pen name George Orwell, was an English author and journalist. ... H. P. Lovecraft Howard Phillips Lovecraft (August 20, 1890–March 15, 1937) was an American author of fantasy and horror fiction, noted for giving horror stories a science fiction framework. ... Tuesday Weld, born August 27, 1943, is an American film actress. ... H. G. Wells at the door of his house at Sandgate Herbert George Wells (September 21, 1866 - August 13, 1946) was an English writer best known for his science fiction novels such as The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine. ... Harry Houdini (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926), born Ehrich Weiss, was a Hungarian/American magician, escapologist, stunt performer, as well as an investigator of spiritualists, and amateur aviator. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

The Satanic Bible, after the introductions by other authors, is divided into four books: the Book of Satan, the Book of Lucifer, the Book of Belial, and finally the Book of Leviathan. LaVey seems to have taken this hierarchy from The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage, in which these four demons serve as the chiefs of Hell. Each book approaches a different aspect of Satanism, and serves a unique purpose within the structure of The Satanic Bible. This article is about the concept of Satan. ... This article is about the star or fallen angel. ... A woodcarving of Belial and some of his followers from Jacobus de Teramos book Buche Belial (1473) Belial (also Belhor, Baalial, Beliar, Belias , Beliall, Beliel; from Hebrew בְּלִיַּ֫עַל ; also named Matanbuchus, Mechembuchus, Meterbuchus in older scripts) is an evil being in Jewish apocrypha, and also a term used to characterise... This article is about the biblical creature. ... Cover of a 1975 paperback reprint of Mathers 1897 English translation of The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage ; the art is an etching by Rembrandt titled Dr. Faustus and has nothing to do with the story of Abramelin. ...

The Book of Satan

The Book of Satan: The Infernal Diatribe introduces Satanism in dramatic fashion: through the stolen verse of Ragnar Redbeard in Might is Right[1]. Anton LaVey plagiarised the verse directly; he chose segments from different sections of Might is Right, and made slight changes to the verse to amend what he perceived as errors in logic or consistency with Might is Right. As Anton LaVey stated in his introduction to later editions of Might is Right, he found both considerable inspiration in that book, but also glaring errors that made it, taken part by part, incompatible with his Satanic philosophy; it was instead the whole of the message that he found appealing, and the passages selected and changes made to best capture what he found appealing in Might is Right. The Book of Satan was also recited by LaVey in ritual ceremonies, in part or in whole, and his recording of The Satanic Mass includes a full recitation of The Book of Satan. Ragnar Redbeard wrote the eccentric,individualistic tome Might is Right in 1896. ... Might Is Right, or The Survival of the Fittest is a book by Ragnar Redbeard. ... Plagiarism refers to the use of anothers information, language, or writing, when done without proper acknowledgment of the original source. ...

The Book of Satan is symbolically associated with the element of Fire. For other uses, see Fire (disambiguation). ...

The Book of Lucifer

The Book of Lucifer: The Enlightenment directly follows The Book of Satan. After the indignant intonation of The Book of Satan, The Book of Lucifer seeks to logically expound the philosophy and dogma of Satanism. The Book of Lucifer is divided into twelve essays, each of them a vital component of LaVey's architecture of Satanism. The following are brief synopses of each of these essays:

I. - Wanted! - God - Dead or Alive

Follows up on the concept of "I am my own god" with a full explanation of the Satanic egocentric view of the world. This short essay states that as all gods are of human creation, worshipping an external god is to worship another human by proxy; therefore, the sensible, Satanic approach is to create your own god, namely yourself, and to "worship" this god. The result, of course, is to view oneself as the most important of all beings, and to adopt an unapologetically self-centered view of the world and course of action.

III. Some Evidence of the New Satanic Age

This essay is longer than the previous essays; following the first two that denounce traditional religion as hypocritical and self-hating, this one offers Satanism as an alternative and opposite, a religion suited to human needs.

It begins by suggesting that the Seven Deadly Sins are in fact all instinctual to human nature and not sinful at all. It states that they are all unavoidable urges of mankind, carefully selected by Christianity to ensure that all men will inevitably sin, as no one can avoid engaging in these instinctive urges. LaVey submits that this is a device to guarantee that humans within the Christian religious framework will surely sin and have no choice but to beg God for forgiveness; therefore, dependence upon the Christian church is assured. Instead, LaVey states that as all of these so-called sins are natural to humans, they should be embraced and even considered virtuous. This excerpt, for example: For other uses, see Cardinal sin (disambiguation). ...

Envy and greed are the motivating forces of ambition - and without ambition, very little of any importance would be accomplished.^[1]

He goes on to explain that in this modern age, religionists have had to constantly reinterpret their own texts in order to keep up with the demands of people that they be permitted to indulge their normal human desires. LaVey views this as both hypocritical and evidence that these religions are inherently obsolete and should be discarded entirely, to be replaced with a religion better suited to man's needs. Satanism, LaVey suggests, is that religion.

LaVey then justifies Satanism as a religion by explaining that it is not merely a philosophy. He explains that one reason man has always had religion is because he has a need for dogma and ceremony; Satanism acknowledges this, and therefore supplies its adherents with dogma and ceremony in the form of magic and ritual. LaVey claims that it is precisely this trait that distinguishes Satanism from Humanism or other essentially atheistic philosophies, and makes it a true religion suited to man's carnal nature. See also the specific life stance known as Humanism For the Renaissance liberal arts movement, see Renaissance humanism Humanism is a broad category of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity and worth of all people, based on the ability to determine right and wrong by appeal to universal human qualities...

LaVey concludes the essay by explaining that even other religions or new-age movements that claim to supply adherents with magic have failed in this by distinguishing "white magic" from "black magic;" LaVey claims that all magic is one and the same, as all of it is done for the glorification of the magic user and therefore (like all human actions) is essentially selfish. He suggests that a Satanist may choose to help those he cares for, including himself, or condemn those he hates, but in all cases what he does is at his own discretion and therefore done for selfish reasons.

IV. Hell, the Devil, and How to Sell Your Soul

In this essay LaVey now explains why, if he does not believe in literal concepts of gods or devils, he chose the name "Satanism" to describe his religion.

LaVey points out the Hebraic origin of the word "Satan" as a term to mean "adversary", not only applied to a supernatural being but to any person who is your opponent. He likewise describes the mythological and literary significance of Satan in history, from the Greek Pan to the "scapegoat" used to absorb men's sins to the co-opting of pagan deities and devils by Christianity. This article is about the concept of Satan. ... Pan (Greek , genitive ) is the Greek god of shepherds and flocks, of mountain wilds, hunting and rustic music: paein means to pasture. ...

LaVey's final assessment is that as Satan and all the devils have represented man's carnal nature made sinful, and the opposition of everything from servile god-worship to conformity, Satan as a literary and mythological figure is the ideal symbol for a religion that exalts man's carnal and independent nature. LaVey's view of Satan might be best compared to John Milton's literary Satan, a proud and independent beast. For other persons named John Milton, see John Milton (disambiguation). ...

V. Love and Hate

A surprisingly short essay given its importance, here LaVey explains in no uncertain terms how Satanists view matters of love and hate, and their role in human affairs.

LaVey makes it very clear that although Satanism is an uncompromisingly selfish religion, he defines selfishness according to what an individual truly wants. Therefore, if a person should honestly care for another person and wishes to express love, then he should do so wholeheartedly; a truly selfish person can acknowledge that if a person is loved by him, then they are important by virtue of his love. This can be compared favorably to the arguments of ethical egoism—that what sometimes benefits others can be beneficial to oneself, but that one must always have one's own interests first in mind. LaVey never suggests that love is not a natural emotion in man, and on the contrary suggests that loving select individuals is very natural, but he does claim that to love all people (to be altruistic) is not only a philosophical mistake but is in fact impossible and even damaging to the ability to truly love those few individuals who deserve it. Ethical egoism is belief that one ought to do what is in ones own self-interest, although a distinction should be made between what is really in ones self-interest and what is only apparently so (see psychological egoism). ... For the ethical doctrine, see Altruism (ethics). ...

LaVey explains that hatred is likewise a natural emotion in man and therefore not to be shunned. He makes clear that hatred should be directed at those who deserve it by virtue of their actions to offend the individual, and like love, it is senseless to universally apply hatred to all mankind. He muses that while Satanism strongly advocates both individual love and hate, because white-light religion has such a strong aversion to acknowledging hate as a natural feeling in man that to merely mention that Satanism permits individuals to hate their enemies, Satanism is automatically portrayed as a hateful religion, a claim he maintains is false and ignorant of the true ethics of Satanism.

VI. Satanic Sex

Contrary to the popular opinion that Satanism advocates promiscuous behavior in all individuals, in this essay LaVey actually lambasts the "free love" movement (a movement very much in motion in the 1960s when LaVey wrote The Satanic Bible) as being equally restricting as the white-light view that any unholy sex is wrong.

LaVey's stance, once again, takes a purely individual approach to sexual matters and ethics. He maintains that while some people are indeed happy with sexual promiscuity, some are, by their nature, happier with much less sexual activity, or perhaps no sexual activity at all. LaVey believes that neither of these states is unnatural or deserving of condemnation, but rather that it is a decision for each individual to make concerning their own sexual tastes and activities.

From this basic principle, LaVey then expounds upon this by pointing out exactly what is and is not permissible Satanic sexual activity.

The basic premise of what is permissible is summed up by the maxim:

Satanism encourages any form of sexual expression you may desire, so long as it hurts no one else.^[2]

LaVey quickly explains that this does not preclude sexual sadism/masochism, as "so long as it hurts no one else" must be interpreted to mean "who does not wish to be hurt."

This statement openly condones homosexuality, bisexuality, polyamory, premarital or extramarital sex, sexual games including BDSM, multiple partners, and any other such proclivity, while at the same time not excluding heterosexuality, monogamy, or "traditional" marriage. Satanism views all such activities as entirely equal ^{[citation needed]}, and deserving of the same respect. LaVey also specifies asexuality as a valid expression, for one for whom sexual activity is simply not desired. LaVey claims Satanism to be the first religion to openly take this stance. Homosexuality refers to sexual interaction and / or romantic attraction between individuals of the same sex. ... “Bisexual” redirects here. ... Polyamory (from poly=multiple + amor=love) is the desire, practice, or acceptance of having more than one loving, intimate relationship at a time with the full knowledge and consent of everyone involved. ... A collar is a common symbol in BDSM. Female bottom in bondage with leather monoglove BDSM is any of a number of related patterns of human sexual behavior. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Faithfulness redirects here. ...

However, the same statement therefore excludes any such activity as rape, pedophilia, or other sexual activities in which any of the participants are unwilling or unable to give knowledgeable consent (as is the case with a child or animal). Satanism also expressly forbids illegal activity of any kind. This therefore puts to rest claims that Satanism condones child abuse or criminal activity. Pedophilia or pædophilia (see spelling differences) is a mental state in which an adult has a preferential sexual attraction to prepubescent and in some definitions, preadolescent children. ...

VII. Not All Vampires Suck Blood

One of the most famous essays from The Satanic Bible, it is here that LaVey coins the term "psychic vampire". LaVey defines a psychic vampire as one who attempts to psychologically manipulate others by systematically playing the victim; for example, a person who constantly uses some minor physical flaw as an excuse for their shortcomings and a means of gaining sympathy and favor from others. LaVey believes that people who use a victim status as a means to induce guilt in others are fundamentally weak, and therefore to be shunned by Satanists. (LaVey does not imply that anyone with a flaw is automatically weak, but rather that the use of that flaw to gain sympathy and favor is weak.)

LaVey advises that such people are psychologically draining (hence the term "psychic vampire") and should be dealt with mercilessly and discarded before they are permitted to take control of the lives of vital individuals.

VIII. Indulgence NOT Compulsion

Here, LaVey puts forth Satanism as an essentially Hedonistic philosophy; however, LaVey's approach to hedonism is epicurean in nature. Epicureanism is a system of philosophy based upon the teachings of Epicurus (c. ...

LaVey states clearly that he believes that man should always tend towards indulgence, not abstinence. Whereas other religions seek to dictate what man should abstain from (which according to LaVey, is most of his natural urges), Satanism seeks to encourage man to indulge all his carnal desires (so long as they fall within the bounds of Satanic ethics, see the essay on Satanic sexuality for example). Satanism, as an atheistic religion, holds that as there is no afterlife and therefore no paradise or heaven, all happiness and satisfaction must be attained here, on earth. LaVey therefore advises that you indulge to the greatest extent possible, that your days on earth may be best spent. For other uses, see Heaven (disambiguation). ...

However, LaVey also cautions against failure to exercise self-control, and especially engaging in self-destructive behavior masked as "indulgence". This is commonly used as a Satanic argument against such things as drug use. LaVey also points out that religionist guilt preventing them from enjoying themselves is in fact only compulsion masked as religious piety, a compulsion to self-denial.

IX. On the Choice of a Human Sacrifice

In this essay, LaVey unequivocally condemns the practice of killing or harming an animal for ritual or magical purposes, in direct opposition to the common belief that Satanists advocate this practice. He states that to harm an innocent animal is a gross injustice and magically useless.

LaVey offers instead that the magician offer himself: in the case of a lust ritual, for example, through the production of an orgasm. He explains that the alleged purpose of an animal sacrifice is to release the vital energy of the animal to aid in the production of magic and that a superior magical effect is achieved by releasing one's own vital energy through orgasmic output. // An orgasm (sexual climax) is the conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle, and is experienced by both males and females. ...

He also offers that while a Satanist does not under any circumstance advocate criminal activity, if you believe a person deserves to die, then you are perfectly justified in placing a curse upon them and making a figurative "human sacrifice" of them.

While this essay does expound in important ways upon Satanic ethics, especially as regards the treatment of animals and certain aspects of magic, it is also wrought with a certain humor, as in the statement in reference to so-called "white magicians":

One good orgasm would probably kill them!^[3]

X. Life After Death Through Fulfillment of the Ego

Taking further the non-spiritual view of the world, LaVey infers that if there is no afterlife, then this life must be valued very highly and the life of the individual should not be devalued. Therefore, he recommends that Satanists take great care to preserve their own lives so long as they can, and strongly criticizes the religious practice of martyrdom.

LaVey states that the circumstance under which a Satanist would willingly give up or risk his own life are very limited indeed. Among those circumstances he specifically names the defense of loved ones, especially one's spouse or children. LaVey views the defense of those you love as a natural instinct in animals (including man), and also as an informed risk: on the one hand, one's own life is of vital importance to oneself, but the life of those you love most may be equally important, and therefore a person may be forced in some circumstance to weigh this and may choose to defend those he loves with his own life. LaVey also condemns suicide, except under those circumstances where, as he puts it, life itself has become a form of abstinence and death has become an indulgence. This does not include those who suffer unwarranted self-loathing, but rather this refers to those who, due to terminal and painful disease or other such circumstance, cannot expect any more joy from their short life, ever, and chose to end it quickly and painlessly rather than endure ongoing suffering.

Further, he takes the stance that as one will never achieve glory in the afterlife (as the afterlife does not exist), that one must strive for glory in life. He takes the somewhat classical stance that immortality is achieved by creating an enduring name for oneself by great deeds; compare this, for example, to myths of Greek heroes such as Achilles.

XI. Religious Holidays

LaVey briefly outlines the few Satanic holidays.

The most important holiday in Satanism is one's own birthday, as the birth date of one's own god. To a Satanist, you are the most important being in the universe, and celebrating your own birthday honors your own vital existence. LaVey recommends that a Satanist celebrate his own birthday in any way he sees fit. The Satanic celebration of the birthday can also be seen as a mockery of the holidays commemorating the birth of various gods or saints in other religions.

After one's own birthday, LaVey names two other holidays of importance, Walpurgisnacht and Halloween. Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton in Swedish, Vappu in Finnish, Volbriöö in Estonian, Valpurģu nakts or Valpurģi in Latvian, Walpurgisnacht in German) is a holiday celebrated on April 30, in Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Germany. ... This article is about the holiday. ...

Chief among these holidays is Walpurgisnacht, which in addition to the occult significance the date carries, also marks the formation of the Church of Satan in the year 1966, or I Annos Satanas. This date is commonly celebrated by Satanists with private or group rituals, and private parties or family celebrations to commemorate the foundation of the Church of Satan. Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton in Swedish, Vappu in Finnish, Volbriöö in Estonian, Valpurģu nakts or Valpurģi in Latvian, Walpurgisnacht in German) is a holiday celebrated on April 30, in Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Germany. ... Year 1966 (MCMLXVI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. ...

Halloween is likewise celebrated for its occult significance, though Satanists tend to take a certain humor in its celebration, as it is also celebrated by non-Satanists. This article is about the holiday. ...

LaVey also names the summer and winter solstices, and the spring and fall equinoxes as Satanic holidays, as natural days of change in the seasons and days of universal ancient significance. “Summer solstice” redirects here. ... For other uses, see Equinox (disambiguation). ...

XII. The Black Mass

The final essay of The Book of Lucifer begins the transition into the last two books of The Satanic Bible by a summary history of the "Black Mass", which LaVey outlines as being primarily a literary invention of Christians and inquisitors to impress upon people the depravity of the accused witches (which, as LaVey points out, were more often than not innocent of any witchcraft, guilty only of being eccentric, senile, or ugly). However, LaVey believes that emotionally evocative psychodrama has a place within Satanism as a means of emotional outlet and motivation, a topic he treats in detail in the remainder of The Satanic Bible.

The significance of The Book of Lucifer to Satanism cannot be overestimated. The topical essay format became LaVey's signature style, and the most important foundations of Satanic thought are contained within this section of The Satanic Bible. Stylistically, it is carefully written with an economy of words to ensure that his points are always delivered clearly and not subject to reinterpretation, but at the same time restricted to only what needed to be said. It is also worth noting that LaVey refrains from any use of vulgarity in The Book of Lucifer and maintains a carefully worded, calm tone throughout in order that what he wrote here might be taken most seriously (although he does interject humor into his writing, even here). This contrasts with much later essays published in The Devil's Notebook and Satan Speaks!, in which he writes more casually and freely. All of the essays contained in The Book of Lucifer are held to be invariable and indisputable Satanic dogma, whereas those later books contain a mixture of essays, some of which are considered dogma to Satanism, and others which are clearly personal opinions or musings by LaVey or simply essays on topics of interest to him. The Devils Notebook is a book by Anton LaVey. ... Satan Speaks! (title includes exclamation mark) is the fifth and final book written by Anton LaVey before his death. ...

The Book of Lucifer is symbolically associated with the element of Air.

The Book of Belial

The Book of Belial: The Mastery of the Earth introduces in detail the Satanic concept of magic. It is, like the Book of Lucifer, divided into essays, each of which brings greater explanation of what LaVey defined as magic and how he believed it could be applied. These essays and their meaning are briefly summarized here:

I. The Theory and Practice of Satanic Magic (Definition and Purpose)

LaVey gives the following definition for magic:

"The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable".^[4]

LaVey then goes on to distinguish what he terms Lesser Magic from Greater Magic.

Lesser Magic consists of non-ritual or manipulative magic, through use of natural abilities to manipulate other humans and therefore circumstances by wile and guile. At the forefront of this effort, according to LaVey, is knowledge of how to employ appearances to one's advantage. He states that a person can employ contrived appearance to gain the alliance or obedience of others, and a competent magician can even combine these aesthetics as necessary. LaVey also states that a magician's actions to manipulate are an important component of Lesser Magic. LaVey later treated the matter of Lesser Magic in considerable detail in his book The Satanic Witch. The Satanic Witch is a book by Anton LaVey. ...

Greater Magic includes all ritual and ceremonial magic, which LaVey spends the remainder of The Satanic Bible detailing.

II. The Three Types of Satanic Ritual

LaVey names three types of Satanic ritual:

Lust Rituals are conducted for the purpose of sexually attracting a person of your choice. LaVey specifies that you must have a particular person, or at least type of person, in mind for this to have any chance of success.

Compassion Rituals are performed for the gain of those you care for, or on one's own behalf. The purpose is to increase worldly gain for the target, whether it be a friend or yourself. Any ritual aimed at gaining material wealth, physical advantage, or increase in life station falls into this category.

Destruction Rituals are otherwise known as curses or hexes, and are employed for the destruction of one's enemies.

LaVey also warns that in each of these cases, the only risk is that you must truly want to see what you have wished for come to pass. He very clearly states that there is no guilt-ridden risk that your rituals (specifically, destruction rituals) will be returned upon you (such as the "threefold rule"), but rather that you must be aware of the consequences should you get what you want. He advises that if you perform a lust ritual, that you be prepared to take what you have desired should it come to you; if you perform a compassion ritual, be aware that all gains may be at another's expense; if you perform a destruction ritual, that you should not care whether your enemy lives or dies.

III. The Ritual, or "Intellectual Decompression Chamber"

LaVey begins by explaining the role of both solitary and group rituals, and which kinds of rituals are suited to group performance and which are not. He suggests that destruction rituals can be enhanced by group participation, but that compassion and lust rituals, due to their highly personal nature, are best performed alone, as self-consciousness has no place in the ritual chamber.

He then describes the ritual chamber as an "Intellectual Decompression Chamber", or a means of releasing pent up energy by willfully entering into a state of conscious suspension of disbelief. He adds that only by relieving oneself of intellectual critique of what one is doing in the ritual chamber, can one hope to truly achieve magical ends. He acknowledges that this is similar in principle to the rituals of other religions, but claims a distinction from them, as Satanists are consciously aware of what they are doing and the fact that they are entering into a suspension of disbelief for specific purposes, instead of the self-deceit and delusion characteristic of other religions.

IV. The Ingredients Used in the Performance of Satanic Magic

LaVey names five elements essential to a magical working:

Desire: The magician must possess great desire to see the intended outcome come to fruition.

Timing: A time for ritualization should be chosen to align with whatever time the target is most receptive; LaVey especially names the period in which the target is in deep sleep as the ideal time for this.

Imagery: Accoutrements conducive to the ritual environment, and the full visualization of the desired outcome, must be present. This not only includes the standard ritual equipment, but more specifically any specialized imagery or items the magician requires to give him a full mental view of what he wishes to happen. This can include drawings or paintings, sculptures, dolls, written poems or verses, or anything else that aids in visualizing the outcome.

Direction: As mentioned before, the magician must have a very clear target in mind. All three types of ritual demand that the magician know specifically who (or at least, what kind of person) he wishes to be targeted by his magic. The magician must also be able to give vent to all his desires during the ritual, not before or after.

Balance: The magician must temper his magic with a dose of common sense, otherwise known as the balance factor. LaVey states that ritualized desires must be realistic; wishing for the impossible or the absurdly far-fetched will not yield results, as the magician cannot reasonably hope to put forth enough magical energy to accomplish what cannot be accomplished by any means. To quote LaVey:

Magic is like nature itself, and success in magic requires working in harmony with nature, not against it.

V. The Satanic Ritual

This segment of The Book of Belial begins detailed instructions for actual performance of ritual and how it is conducted. It includes instructions of selection and use of ritual attire, the altar, Sigil of Baphomet, candles, bell, chalice, elixir, sword, phallus, gong, and parchment. The Sigil of Baphomet The Sigil of Baphomet has its origins in accusations of demonic worship by the medieval Knights Templar. ...

The Book of Belial is symbolically associated with the element of earth. This article is about Earth as a planet. ...

The Book of Leviathan

The Book of Leviathan: The Raging Sea contains explicit instructions as to what is to be said and done during ritual. Its text is largely comprised of invocations and ritual verse, including the Invocation to Satan performed at the outset of each ritual, and separate invocations for each of the three ritual types. It also includes the nineteen Enochian Keys, a dark reinterpretation of John Dee's verses of the same name in the fictive language Enochian. These keys serve as moving ritual chants in Satanic ritual, and the English translations serve likewise as versed statements of Satanic dogma. The meaning of the Enochian Keys was altered by LaVey from John Dee's version in an effort to make them more consistent with Satanic dogma while retaining their usefulness as ritual devices. This article is about the biblical creature. ... This article is about the Angelical Language recorded in the journals of Dr. John Dee. ... For the American college basketball coach, see John Dee (basketball coach). ...

The Book of Leviathan is symbolically associated with the element of water (as opposed to fire).

Yankee Rose

This section may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this article if you can (March 2007).

The Satanic Bible ends with a mysterious stamp reading only "YANKEE ROSE", in all capital letters, and in slightly inkier typing. The meaning of this is a matter of speculation, and remains a mystery, to both the public and Satanists alike. The Church of Satan website, however, offers one possible clue in the song by that name, recorded by LaVey on his record Satan Takes a Holiday. However, the website also adds that this may or may not be a clue at all. LaVey wished its meaning to remain secret, and the true significance of "Yankee Rose" shall forever remain a mystery.^[5] Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Satanism Associated organizations The Church of Satan First Satanic Church Prominent figures Anton LaVey | Blanche Barton | Peter H. Gilmore | Peggy Nadramia | Karla LaVey Associated concepts Left-Hand Path | Pentagonal Revisionism | Suitheism | Survival of the fittest | Might is Right Books and publications The Satanic Bible | The Satanic Rituals | The Satanic Witch... Satan Takes a Holiday is the name of an album of evocative, lost songs by Dr. Anton Szandor LaVey, founder and High Priest of the Church of Satan. ...

There have been many rumors over the years regarding the meaning of the words "YANKEE ROSE" in this context, including claims that they form an anagram or is a form of cryptogram, the name of a haunted ship, or even the brand name of the organ LaVey played in the circus (a period of his life where he made so many of the observations that eventually went into The Satanic Bible). For the game, see Anagrams. ... For the plants which reproduce by using spores, see Cryptogam. ...

However, LaVey did record the Holden/Frankl song of the same title as part of a medley on his "Satan Takes a Holiday" album, initially released by Amarillo Records and since re-released by Reptilian Records on their Adversary label. Some say this jaunty tune was one LaVey used to end his sets in his early days of playing organ for bars and nightclubs. Satan Takes a Holiday is the name of an album of evocative, lost songs by Dr. Anton Szandor LaVey, founder and High Priest of the Church of Satan. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

LaVey once wrote about using old pop music in Satanic rituals: "I have my personal favorites which are readily identifiable with meaningful situations. Perhaps one day I will share them with you, and it will be seen that many Satanists favor the same tunes!" ^[6]. He also talks about such music in several other writings and interviews. Satanism is a religious or philosophical movement centered around Satan or another entity identified with Satan, or centered around the forces of nature, particularly human nature, represented by Satan as an archetype. ...

It's therefore widely believed that the phrase is a reference to the song, though it's still not entirely known why LaVey decided to include the phrase in the book.

David Lee Roth's song "Yankee Rose" came out around the time of the "Satanic Panic" hysteria of the 1980s, a time when many rock bands were falsely accused of practicing or promoting devil worship, or including subliminal messages on their albums. And the fact that the phrase "Yankee Rose" shows up in The Satanic Bible didn't help Roth in this regard. However, again, the use of the same words here is purely coincidental. Yankee Rose is also the name of a popular rock song recorded by David Lee Roth and written by Roth and Steve Vai. ... Satanic ritual abuse, or SRA, is an alleged practice of an organized network of Satanists engaging in brainwashing and abuse of victims, especially children, throughout the United States or even the world. ...

The Satanic Rituals

Main article: The Satanic Rituals

The Satanic Rituals was published as a companion edition to The Satanic Bible, and contains a number of other rituals, many of them very elaborate. Both books are published by Avon and remain in print. The Satanic Rituals is a book by Anton Szandor LaVey published in 1972 as a companion volume to The Satanic Bible. ... The Satanic Rituals is a book by Anton Szandor LaVey published in 1972 as a companion volume to The Satanic Bible. ...

References

1. ^ LaVey, Anton The Satanic Bible, pg 46
2. ^ LaVey, Anton The Satanic Bible, pg 69
3. ^ LaVey, Anton The Satanic Bible, pg 88
4. ^ LaVey, Anton The Satanic Bible, pg 110
5. ^ http://www.churchofsatan.com/Pages/YankeeRose.html
6. ^ http://archives.stupidquestion.net/sq21700.html

External links

• Church of Satan Website
• Partial .pdf of Might Is Right