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THE ALT.SATANISM FAQ FILE
(Version 2.3.4)
This file is for all new readers of alt.satanism.
Many groups of a `controversial' nature have noticed that new
readers often come up with the same questions, misstatements or
misconceptions and post them to the net. The purpose of this
file is to prevent continual restatement of previously debated--
often several times debated--topics.
This isn't to say that these things are not subject to further
debate. It is to say that these things *have* been considered by
the readers here. If you have something significant to add to
the debate on a particular topic then please do post.
Contributors to date are:
Semhaza (The Antichrist) Shaitaneth Baphomet (The Adversary)
Hr. Vad Graeme Wilson
Kevin Filan Cliff Low
Diane Vera Peggy Nadramia
bobo Lupo the Butcher
Jason Posey Xaphan
**********************************************************************
Frequently Asked "Questions" of Alt.Satanism:
1. What is Satanism?
2. What is _The Satanic Bible_?
2.1 Where can I get a copy of _The Satanic Bible_?
2.1.1 Where can I get an electronic copy of _The Satanic Bible_?
3. Satanic Organizations?
3.1 The Church of Satan
3.1.1 Is Anton LaVey really dead?
3.1.2 Is Marilyn Manson a Satanist?
3.2 The Order of the Left Hand Path/ OSV/ ODF
3.3 The Order of Nine Angles
3.3.1 How do I contact the ONA?
3.3.2 Fenrir and ONA Manuscripts
3.4 The Arktion Federation (Fraternity of Baelder)
3.4.1 The White Order of Thule (formerly the Black Order)
3.5 Others...
4. Satan is a Christian God!
You aren't Satanists, just nasty atheists!
5. Aren't Satanists ritualistic baby murderers?
6. Do Satanists have orgies? If so, where do I sign up?
7. What is Xian? COS? TOS? TSB? OT? NT?
Do you say "Xian" rather than "Christian" in order to insult
Christianity?
8. Have you considered the message of _The Bible_?
8.1 For the Christians among us: should you feel inclined to preach.
You are all going to hell.
Jesus saves!
[As regards Christian evangelism, see the alt.atheism FAQ (found
in news.answers)]
9. Satanic Music?
9.1 Music by Satanists
9.2 Music for Ritual
10. What is a Black Mass?
11. I heard that Procter & Gamble...
12. What is the meaning of the number 666 in Revelations 13:18?
13. How can I get more information about Satanism?
13.1 What are the URLs of sites dealing with Satanism?
13.2 References dealing with Satanism?
13.3 Where can I get supplies?
13.4 List-servers dealing with Satanism?
**********************************************************************
1. What is Satanism?
At first glance this may look like a simple question to answer: "Go
look it up in the dictionary." would seem to be straightforward
enough. In fact, I'll do it for you:
Satanism, n. 1. the worship of Satan or the powers of
evil. 2. a travesty of Christian rites in which Satan
is worshiped. 3. diabolical or satanic disposition,
behavior, or action.
[from _Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English
Language_, (c) 1989]
Unfortunately it's not that easy. Throughout history, the label of
"Satanism" has been applied variably by the opposing religious factions,
by the practitioners themselves, by historical revisionists some time
later, and by combinations of the above. This document will focus on
active modern forms of self-proclaimed Satanism, and modern religious
groups of undeniably dark character. It should be considered that
since dark and/or forbidden gods exist in many cultures other than
European-descended Christianity, forms of Satanism other than those
familiar to English-speakers do exist and in some cases flourish, but
can only be alluded to here.
Unsurprisingly, there is no one set of beliefs that comprise modern
Satanism. Because there is no set of doctrines or scriptures agreed
agreed upon by a majority of Satanists, would-be practitioners must
define their beliefs for themselves, based upon a minimum of shared
information. The issue is further confused by the fact that,
historically, most records of real or imagined Satanism have been made
by Satanists traditional enemies, Christians. However a few
generalizations can be made: the average Satanist disagrees with much
of Christianity, believes in no absolute moral code, and places
emphasis on the individual and personal rights. If you think this
sounds like Libertarianism, you're right; many Satanists consider
themselves Libertarians or feel close to the party on social issues.
The one unifying theme among the Satanisms is the last of the three
dictionary definitions; one can say with some certainty that all
Satanisms and Satanists have diabolical or satanic dispositions in
that they are "like Satan." They possess the virtues of antinomianism,
self-reliance, rebellion and adversarialism.
There are several divisions one could make as to the belief systems of
various "Satanic" groups. This (arbitrary) division was included to
point out various currents or influences in modern day satanism rather
than an attempt at categorization.
1. The Dabblers: adopt Satanic trappings for a brief
period of time, usually for entertainment rather than
serious purposes. Many modern youths fall into this category.
2. Churches of Satan: are patterned after the teachings of
Anton LaVey. These groups believe in individualism, gratification
of the ego, self-reliance and the ideal of the Nietzchean Superman.
These groups use Magick as a tool for earthly power. They see
Satan as the driving force behind achievement in mankind.
3. Gnostics: can be divided into two major categories
3a. Promethean Gnostics: Believe in a literal "Satan", but believe
that the creator of the world (Jehovah) is the evil deity. Satan is
seen as the "bringer of light"; a beneficent god. This is an old
"heresy" seen in groups such as the Yezidis or the Ophites.
3b. Dark Gnostics: Worship the dark force in nature. These groups
follow the whims of a capricious god, which most westerners would
see as being "evil." There are a few historical Christian heresies
which would fall into this category. Kali worshipers could also
be categorized here as a cross cultural example of a "Satanism."
4. Secondary Satanists: follow a faith outside the Christian
mainstream. Most would not consider themselves as being "Satanic"
and strictly speaking should not be defined as Satanists (as per se
with some of the Gnostic groups), but the ignorant often categorize
them as Satanists. Voodoo and Santeria could be grouped here, as
could medieval witchcraft (if it actually existed). Certain forms of
Tantric Buddhism could also be placed in this category.
5. Hellfire Clubs: Were a phenomenon of the 18th century, mentioned
because of historical relevance to modern Satanisms. The first of
these was founded by the Duke of Wharton in the early 1700's. Most
infamous was sir Francis Dashwood's Medmenham club (Often
incorrectly called the Hellfire Club). Dashwood was a close friend
of Benjamin Franklin, who may have been a member of this group.
Franklin's description of the Medmeham club's secret chambers is
one of the few we have, so his membership seems likely. In any
case, Dashwood and Franklin co-authored the "Franklin Prayer Book"
(often called the Book of Common Prayer) which is commonly used in
America. Another famous member of the Medmenham club was the Earl
of Sandwich, inventor of (guess what) the Sandwich. Hellfire clubs
were exclusive groups dedicated to much political intrigue,
partying, and some occasional occult activities. Other similar
groups included the Irish Brimstone Boys and Blue Blazers.
6. Romantic/Promethean Satanists
Literary/historical "Satanists" -William Blake, Charles Baudelaire,
Maupertin, Carducci, Lautremont and Gabriele D'Annunzio. Artists
and romantics with "sympathy for the devil" have a long tradition;
Satan being a great patron of the arts.
7. Left-Hand Path Pagans
There are several European groups, most of them consisting of small
"covens" of several people, that are or could be considered
Satanists. Two of the larger of these groups are The Fraternity of
Baelder and the Order of Nine Angles (ONA). These groups allegedly
have longer traditions, and "more authentic" origins (whatever that
might mean). ONA is especially fond of calling itself the
"traditional Satanists."
These groups tend to have more "extreme" views than the others
mentioned, and have little, if any authoritarian structure.
2. What is _The Satanic Bible_?
_The Satanic Bible_ is a book describing the philosophy of Anton
LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan. This organization holds the
view that there is no higher god than oneself, and that one should
worship accordingly. Life is the Great Indulgence and Death is the
Great Abstinence, as there is no afterlife. The basic ideas of _The
Satanic Bible_ are laid out in the Nine Satanic Statements:
1. Satan represents indulgence, instead of abstinence!
2. Satan represents vital existence, instead of
spiritual pipe dreams!
3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom, instead of
hypocritical self-deceit!
4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it,
instead of love wasted on ingrates!
5. Satan represents vengeance, instead of turning the
other cheek!
6. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible,
instead of concern for psychic vampires!
7. Satan represents man as just another animal,
sometimes better than, more often worse than those that
walk on all fours, who, because of his "divine
spiritual and intellectual development," has become the
most vicious animal of all!
8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they
all lead to physical, mental, or emotional
gratification!
9. Satan has been the best friend the church has ever
had, as he has kept it in business all these years!
Members of a certain group have noticed that much of the Satanic Bible is
plagiarized from various sources; the above-quoted "Nine Satanic Statements"
are similar to writing in Ayn Rands _Atlas Shrugged_ and the "Book of
Satan" is plagiarized from Ragnar Redbeards _Might is Right_. In this, the
SB seems similar to the texts of most other religions; also plagiarized
from earlier sources; the Tao Te Ching, the Xian Bible and the Koran being
obvious examples.
2.1 How do I get a copy of the Satanic Bible?
_The Satanic Bible_ can be found (in America) in most chain bookstores
in the New Age, Philosophy, or Religion sections.
Many non-U.S. readers have written that _The Satanic Bible_ is not
available in their country for various reasons. I suggest dealing with
The Abyss bookstore (Address & phone# listed at the end of the FAQ),
maledicta, or writing/phoning the publisher directly. (Special
thanks to the Italian fellow who came up with these addresses & phone
numbers)
Avon Books
1350 Ave. of the Americas, 2nd Fl.
New York, NY10019
TEL.: 212-261-6800
TOLL FREE: 800-238-0658
Ordering info:
Dist by: Hearst Corp., International Circulation Div
New York, NY 10019
TEL.: 212-649-4474
TOLL FREE: 800-223-0288
Orders to:
P.O. Box 767
Dresden, TN 38225
TOLL FREE: 800-223-0690
2.1.1 Where can I get an electronic copy of the _Satanic Bible_?
You can't; so far they don't exist, and any electronic copies would be
a violation of copyright laws.
3. Satanic Organizations?
Some may be interested in joining some kind of organization of like minded
individuals. Most Satanists will agree that organizations are best when
least intrusive on the individual, and would recommend caution in joining
or associating with any group, including (and perhaps especially) those
mentioned in the FAQ. Some useful "common sense" cautions for the potential
neophyte Satanist; Don't let anyone tell you what to believe, or what to do.
Advice or recommendations are one thing; orders or commands quite another.
Remember that you are a free being, not a pawn in someone's power fantasy.
Trust your feelings; if you feel you may be the victim of a working of Con
Artistry (oft referred to as Lesser Magick), you probably are, at least
in some sense.
It is important to realize that all organizations, Satanic and otherwise,
are _dangerous_; by their very nature they have more available physical,
economic and psychological resources than the individual who would interact
with them, hence one should exercise caution in ones dealings with
any organization or one could find oneself with less freedom, a destroyed
reputation, legal troubles, or worse.
With this in mind; several of the more populous Satanic organizations:
3.1 The Church of Satan
The Church of Satan can be contacted at:
Church of Satan
P.O. Box 210666
San Francisco, CA 94121
$100 will get you a lifetime membership.
Some people question whether the term "Satanism" is appropriate for
the Church's beliefs, due to its atheistic stance. Since the Church
has been in existence for 30 years its definition is probably
here to stay, although it isn't the only definition.
The ideas and philosophy of the Church of Satan may be best discerned
by reading _The Satanic Bible_ by Anton Szandor LaVey (Avon Books, New
York, NY).
(From Peggy Nadramia:)
In modern parlance, the Church of Satan may be called a user-driven
organization. Members are involved and advanced exactly as their own
desires, abilities and accomplishments dictate. There are no set
activities, meetings or contacts. The new member comes to the
organization, ideally, with his own goals and plans for achieving
them; he presents them to us and is directed in the way that would be
most mutually beneficial. The CoS is not looking for people who join and
want us to "put on a show," taking them by the hand, introducing them
to their new friends, telling them what time to show up for the
weekly get-together and what to wear. Satanists are not put in
contact automatically, or by geographical proximity; this has been
tried and found a failure. True elitists are by their nature very
individualistic and neighboring members won't necessarily have
anything in common; "just being Satanists together" isn't enough.
When we observe members making advances on their own in their chosen
fields of endeavor, we will put them in contact with other members
running on the same track; we've watched this happen many times and
we're pleased and proud to say the results are magical. There are also
members who are satisfied simply to join and be counted among the
adherents to a philosophy that best embodies their own true nature.
*****
An excellent introduction to the philosophies of the Church of Satan
is available at ftp://ftp.lysator.liu.se/pub/satanism/General/what_is.gz
Nadramia@panix.com is the CoS online representative.
http://www.coscentral.net/cos/index.html is the official website.
soon to move to http://www.churchofsatan.com/
3.1.1 Is Anton LaVey really dead?
Anton LaVey died on October 29, 1997; cause of death being heart
failure (pulmonary edema).
3.1.2 Is Marilyn Manson a Satanist?
Yes, he is a Magister in the Church of Satan.
3.2 The Ordo Sinistra Vivendi
The Ordo Sinistra Vivendi (OSV), formerly the Order of the Left Hand
Path (OLHP), is a non-sectarian, non-dogmatic forum of philosophers and
occultists. It was started in New Zealand a number of years ago by Faustus
Scorpius.
The purpose of the OSV, as per the Order's constitution, is as follows:
1. The OSV is an elitist Satanic Order existing to:
(a) Develop and actualize the full potential and inner qualities
of each individual initiate;
(b) Herald the dawn of human Self-god-hood, within the context of
a Faustian Civilization.
OSV had at one point changed their name to the Order of the Deorc Fyre
(ODF). Though since the name change and structural changes, the 'Grand
Master' of the ODF, Fenris Wolfe, disbanded the Order. However some
information may still be available for those interested.
For all enquiries write to:
Hesperos Press
P.O. Box 83
Paekakariki
Wellington
New Zealand
Note: The OSV has archived material at
http://www.satanism.net/iss/other/index.html
3.3 The Order of Nine Angles
The Order of Nine Angles (ONA), based in England, are probably the
most controversial Satanic group that is around at present. Their aims
and intents, and indeed their teachings, seem to be misunderstood and
perhaps feared by many people, including some other Satanic groups.
The ONA claim the title of 'traditional Satanists' and claim to have
been around for well over one hundred years. The system they advocate is
known as the Septenary tradition, 'the seven-fold Way'.
'Physis' is divided into seven stages, which represent the varying
degrees of insight attained; the stages representing Initiation, Second
Degree Initiation, External Adept, Internal Adept, Master/Mistress (or High
Priest/Priestess), Magus, and Immortal. Much of the work is very
practical.
A great and refreshing aspect to ONA is 'The Star Game' which has
three main functions:
(1) Development of higher levels of consciousness.
(2) A new form of magickal working for the 21st Century and beyond.
(3) Development of certain 'magickal' skills, aiding mindfulness,
concentration and visualization.
Whatever rumors are told about the ONA one should check them out
for themselves. Whether you agree with them or not, they certainly live
up to the name 'Satanists'.
3.3.1 How do I contact the ONA?
As of early 1998, the ONA have reverted back to 'coversion', which is to
say underground status. Thus there is no contact address, and likely
will not be for several years.
There are several cells of the ONA existing across the globe (including
the US) - however no contact addresses are currently available.
ONA Home-page:
http://www.satanism.net/iss/ona/
3.3.2 Fenrir and ONA Manuscripts
The ONA once published a Journal entitled 'Fenrir - Journal of Satanism
and the Sinister'. Though the publication ceased along with their return
to coversion, the ISS (http://www.satanism.net) was offered the
privilege to continue its publication.
For more information on Fenrir or other works by the ONA visit:
http://www.satanism.net/fenrir/index.html
http://www.satanism.net/fenrir/Vindex.html
Or write:
Vindex Press
P.O. Box 631194
Houston, TX 77263-1194
United States of America
Other ONA manuscripts are available from from Realist Publications:
http://home.onestop.net/realist/
Or write Realist Publications at:
Realist Publications
Box 1627
Paraparaumu
New Zealand
3.4 The Fraternity of the Jarls of Balder / Arktion Federation
The Order of the Jarls of Balder has recently changed its name to the
Arktion Federation.
Balder's goals and aims may be basically summed up as follows:
1) "Western Magick and the Way of the Warrior";
2) "Reviving and understanding Europe's ancient heritage and regions".
Although at present Balder is a male fraternity, it has encouraged the
feminine principle in its work by recruiting as members "Earth Matrons":
ladies of occult renown from various countries. Also Earth Sisters:
sisters, wives, girlfriends, mothers, etc of Balder members.
"Balder was founded on the Autumn Equinox of 1990 to answer the
historical need of pan-Europe for re-discovering of the lore,
traditions and magick of our Great Family of Nations.
". . .
"Our Order does not conflict with or restrict an Individual's personal
beliefs, status, occupation/lifestyle or religious/political preference
or sexual orientation, or indeed it has no axe to grind with other groups."
Some things Balder has to offer are:
* 12 Issues of the Journal (36 pages, post-free, bi-monthly, free to
members)
* Membership to The European Library
* Correspondence, study and contact facility
* Grade degree studies
* Possibility of contact with individuals worldwide
* Special Course on magick, history, esoterica, training, etc.
* International network of Sportsmen, Musicians and Artists
* The Balder Emporium
* Prisoner Sponsorship Scheme
* Fraternatis Loki (a dark and sinister section for the dedicated...)
The European Library
***********************
A non-profit educational initiative (like Balder itself) aimed at
providing a modern equivalent to the Great Library of Alexandria. Over
45 publishers donate copies of all their published books etc to the
library, including Llewellyn, Weiser, Ashgrove, Airlift, Gateway, New
Falcon, Nicholas Hays, Kramer, Phanes, Spring, factor, Parabola, Bear &
Co. + small publishers & secret societies.
New Spartans Sports Club
***********************
An international sports and friendship society dedicated to male
identities, ethos, bonding, sports friendship and warriorship. Members
are not necessarily members of Balder, but Balder members get free
membership.
The snail-mail contact address for the OJB/Arktion Federation is:
60 Elmhurst Road,
Reading, Berkshire RG1-5HY,
England, UK
Include 4 IRC's / 4USD/L2 donation for reply postage.
There are currently several other organizations working under the
Arktion Federation. Of these include the Circle of Jormungandr,
Fraternitas Loki (infamous for their 'Satan is Dead!' article), and the
Deorc Eorpe Sweostor (Dark Earth Sisters).
The Circle of Jormungandr also publishes a magazine titled 'Winter War'.
For more information on the Circle of Jormungandr write:
The Circle of Jormungandr
Meer en Vaart 328
1068 LH Amsterdam
Netherlands
To contact all other groups in the Arktion Federation, write to the main
Federation address (above).
Arktion Federation home-page:
http://www.student.hk-r.se/~tb96der/
Circle of Jormungandr home-page:
http://home.sol.no/eeikenes/coj/
3.4.1 The White Order of Thule (formerly the Black Order)
The White Order of Thule (WOT) is the result of a schism that
occured with the Black Order of Pan-europa. According to the WOT's
general information, the WOT "is an esoteric brotherhood working toward
the revitalization of the Culture-Soul of the European people."
The White Order of Thule fully recognizes the importance of the
European Shadow, and feels acknowledges the necesstity of giving voice
and expression to the Darkside of our nature. The WOT's view of Satan,
and thus his importance in the cosmic order, is perhaps best explicated
in their tract 'All Hail the Accuser!':
"Satan as a concept has been molded in the crucible of Western
Culture to become an archetypal creator/destroyer of Western
metaphysics. However, because of the influence of Christianity, Satan's
creative cosmological role has been seldom understood. Satan has become
for some astute Westerners "the Rebel in the Cosmos," as the
philosopher Dr. Paul Carus put it; he who wills "evil" but results in
"good," to paraphrase William Blake, in recognition of the dialectical
process of history. In Western literature, from Marlowe to Goethe,
Satan prompts the heretic who quests for unlimited knowledge in
defiance of religious and moral limitations. This is what the
philosopher Oswald Spengler terms the
"Faustian Soul" of Western Man: the unlimited quest for infinity that
impels our civilization to the stars. Satan is the rebel king who defies
stifling conformity, from the medieval witch-cults, to the present-day
heretics who wish to see the West's Faustian Destiny fulfilled. "
The WOT publishes two journals. Crossing the Abyss (from WOT HQ) and
Fenrir Wolf (From WOT West)
The addresses for WOT, and for their publications are:
WOT HQ
Box 5661
Richmond, VA 23220
USA
thulean@hotmail.com
and:
WOT West
Box 161
Clinton, WA 98236
USA
The WOT's home-page can be found (With additional information on the
Black Order) at:
http://www.satanism.net/iss/wot/
Their general information at:
http://www.satanism.net/iss/wot/geninfo.html
3.5 Others...
There are several other groups with online resources;
3.5.1
Temple of the Vampire; Described as "LHP Vampires"
PO Box 3582
Lacey WA 98503
email secrets@halcyon.com
http://pw1.netcom.com/~temple/home.html
3.5.2 Temple of Set
The most vocal of groups which border upon Satanism, is the Temple
of Set of Michael Aquino and friends, which splintered away from the
Church of Satan in a disagreement over monetary policy. Unlike the
Church of Satan, they believe in a literal "Prince of Darkness" who they
identify as the Egyptian god Set. They appear uncertain whether they
still consider themselves a Satanic group.
None the less, their continued presence on alt.satanism, and their
history makes them relevant, and some of their resources are valuable,
particularly the reading list, which is excellent (and available
online at the lysator site).
The Temple of Set is presently under new management (though their
old High Priest, Michael Aquino continues his unpleasant practices); see
their home-page for details.
The official ToS home-page:
http:/www.xeper.org/pub/tos/
Balanone's detailed Temple of Set FAQ for alt.satanism
[http://www.bigfoot.com/~balanone/baltsfaq.html (corrected 012201 bobo)]
Some of their more valuable literature is available in
ftp://ftp.lysator.liu.se/pub/religion/satanism/ToS
4. Satan is a Christian God!
You aren't Satanists, just nasty atheists!
Most (probably all) religions have gods or demons that represent the
principle of adversity: that which is forbidden by society. Satan is
one among these, originally conceived by the Hebrews long before the
birth of Jesus. The name first appears (in _The Bible_, at any rate)
in the book of Job. Satan was a fallen angel, not a god, in the
monotheistic religions of Christianity and Islam.
"Satan" is understood by most Satanists in a context different than
that of Christian theology. Satan is a powerful archetype, to the
Euro-American Usenet majority at least, bringing to mind such things
as sexuality, power, individualism and control over one's destiny.
The Satanist can choose what s/he likes from the varied portrayals of
Satan, and may add principles of adversity from other cultures as
well.
5. Aren't Satanists ritualistic baby murderers?
Some misleading reports exist about Satanists: they are organized
into nationwide cults; they commit ritual murders on a grand scale;
they raise their children with psychological disorders; they kidnap
people for blood sacrifice; they organize day-care centers and abuse
the children placed in their care. A whole class of books exists
detailing the exploits of these Satanic groups.
The problem with all these works is that they are fictional rather
than truthful accounts. Much is claimed based on scanty evidence that
would be better explained by another scenario. Claims of involvement
with Satanism are made by patients under hypnosis (hypnotized subjects
are notorious for their suggestibility and tendency to produce
fictions). Other "former Satanists" distort the truth in search of
attention and money. These sensationalists never go to the police
regarding the criminal activities they allegedly took part in, which
calls the veracity of their claims and the sincerity of their remorse
into question.
Evidence does not exist to support what is said to occur. If the
number of murders said to be committed by Satanists was accurate, some
bodies should have been found by now. While means have been suggested
by which bodies could be concealed, it stretches the imagination to
believe that every body has been successfully hidden thus. Evidence
in other areas is similarly lacking.
Individuals investigating suspected Satanic crimes misinterpret what
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