Satanism Explained: LaVeyan, Theistic, and Misconceptions

By NICOLE LAU

Introduction: Beyond the Panic and Stereotypes

Few religious or philosophical movements are as misunderstood as Satanism. The word itself evokes images of ritual sacrifice, evil worship, and moral depravity—images that have more to do with Christian propaganda, moral panics, and Hollywood than with actual Satanist beliefs and practices.

The reality is far more complex and, frankly, far less sensational. Modern Satanism encompasses diverse philosophies and practices, from atheistic individualism to actual religious worship, from political activism to personal empowerment. Most Satanists don't believe in a literal Satan, don't worship evil, and don't engage in the criminal activities they're accused of.

This guide provides an educational, non-sensational overview of what Satanism actually is, its different forms, its history, and how to distinguish between actual Satanist practices and the myths that surround them.

What Satanism Is NOT

Before exploring what Satanism is, let's clear up what it isn't:

Common Misconceptions

• NOT devil worship (usually): Most Satanists are atheists who don't believe in a literal Satan
• NOT evil worship: Satanism doesn't advocate harming others or doing "evil"
• NOT about ritual sacrifice: Animal or human sacrifice is not part of any legitimate Satanist practice
• NOT about harming children: The Satanic Panic accusations were false
• NOT reverse Christianity: It's not just Christianity flipped upside down
• NOT a unified movement: Many different types of Satanism exist
• NOT necessarily occult or magical: LaVeyan Satanism is atheistic and rational

The Satanic Panic (1980s-1990s)

• Moral panic about alleged Satanic ritual abuse
• Accusations of widespread Satanic cults harming children
• Investigations found no evidence of organized Satanic crime
• Caused real harm through false accusations and prosecutions
• Based on conspiracy theories, not facts
• Thoroughly debunked by researchers and law enforcement

Types of Satanism

1. LaVeyan Satanism (Atheistic Satanism)

Founded by Anton LaVey (1966)

• Established the Church of Satan
• Wrote "The Satanic Bible" (1969)
• Created modern organized Satanism

Core Beliefs

• Atheistic: No belief in literal Satan or any gods
• Satan as symbol: Represents individualism, rebellion, enlightenment
• Rational self-interest: Influenced by Ayn Rand's Objectivism
• Materialism: This life is all there is; no afterlife
• Indulgence over abstinence: Enjoy life's pleasures responsibly
• Vengeance over turning the other cheek: Self-defense is justified
• Responsibility to the responsible: Not to "psychic vampires"

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
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

Practices

• Ritual magic: Psychodrama for emotional catharsis, not supernatural
• Greater Magic: Ritual ceremonies for specific purposes
• Lesser Magic: Manipulation and influence in daily life
• Aesthetics: Theatrical rituals with candles, robes, altars
• Purpose: Psychological effect, not supernatural power

Ethics

• Do not harm children
• Do not harm non-human animals unless for food or self-defense
• Respect others' space and property
• Sexual freedom between consenting adults
• Lex Talionis (law of retaliation): proportional response to harm

2. The Satanic Temple (Modern Atheistic Satanism)

Founded 2013

• Separate from Church of Satan
• More politically active
• Emphasizes religious pluralism and separation of church and state

Core Tenets

1. One should strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures
2. The struggle for justice is an ongoing and necessary pursuit
3. One's body is inviolable, subject to one's own will alone
4. The freedoms of others should be respected, including the freedom to offend
5. Beliefs should conform to one's best scientific understanding of the world
6. People are fallible; if one makes a mistake, one should do one's best to rectify it
7. Every tenet is a guiding principle designed to inspire nobility in action and thought

Activities

• Political activism: Challenging religious privilege
• After School Satan Clubs: Alternative to evangelical programs
• Baphomet statue campaigns: Advocating for religious pluralism
• Reproductive rights advocacy: Abortion as religious ritual
• Legal challenges: Using religious freedom laws

Differences from Church of Satan

• More progressive and activist
• Emphasizes compassion and social justice
• Less elitist, more egalitarian
• Doesn't practice ritual magic
• Church of Satan sees them as "not real Satanists"

3. Theistic Satanism (Actual Devil Worship)

Beliefs

• Literal belief in Satan: As a real deity or spiritual being
• Satan as liberator: Bringer of knowledge and freedom
• Opposition to Christianity: Satan as adversary of the Christian God
• Diverse interpretations: Satan as Lucifer, Prometheus figure, or ancient deity

Practices

• Actual worship and devotion to Satan
• Prayer, offerings, and rituals to Satan
• May incorporate ceremonial magic
• Varies widely by individual or group

Varieties

• Luciferianism: Worship of Lucifer as light-bringer and liberator
• Gnostic Satanism: Satan as the true god, Yahweh as the demiurge
• Traditional Satanism: Claims pre-LaVeyan lineages (often dubious)
• Demonolatry: Worship of demons as deities

Relationship to LaVeyan Satanism

• LaVeyans often dismiss theistic Satanists as "reverse Christians"
• Theistic Satanists see LaVeyans as not "real" Satanists
• Significant tension between the groups

4. Other Forms

Chaos-Gnostic Satanism

• Blends chaos magic with Satanic symbolism
• Satan as archetype or egregore
• Pragmatic, results-oriented

Symbolic/Literary Satanism

• Appreciation of Satan as literary and cultural symbol
• Milton's "Paradise Lost," Romantic poets
• Satan as rebel, individualist, questioner
• Not necessarily religious or organized

Historical Context

Satan in Christianity

• Hebrew Bible: "Satan" as adversary or accuser, not necessarily evil
• New Testament: Satan as tempter and enemy of God
• Medieval Christianity: Satan as ruler of Hell, tempter of humans
• Inquisition: Accusations of devil worship used against heretics
• Witch trials: Witches accused of pacts with Satan

Romantic Satanism (18th-19th Centuries)

• Romantic poets (Blake, Byron, Shelley) portrayed Satan sympathetically
• Milton's Satan as tragic hero
• Satan as rebel against tyranny
• Influenced later Satanic thought

Occult Satanism (19th-20th Centuries)

• Aleister Crowley's provocative use of Satanic imagery
• Not actual Satanism but influenced it
• Shock value and rebellion against Christianity

Modern Satanism (1966-Present)

• Anton LaVey founds Church of Satan (1966)
• "The Satanic Bible" published (1969)
• Satanic Panic (1980s-1990s)
• Internet era: diverse Satanic communities emerge
• The Satanic Temple founded (2013)

Satanism vs. Witchcraft

Common Confusion

• Christianity often conflated witchcraft with Satanism
• Witch trials accused witches of devil worship
• Modern witches are generally NOT Satanists
• Most witches don't believe in Satan (a Christian concept)

Actual Relationship

• Separate traditions: Witchcraft and Satanism are different
• Some overlap: A few practitioners identify as both
• Different worldviews: Witchcraft is often polytheistic or nature-based; Satanism is often atheistic or monotheistic (Satan-focused)
• Different goals: Witchcraft focuses on magic and nature; Satanism on individualism and philosophy

Satanic Symbolism

The Inverted Pentagram

• Symbol: Five-pointed star with two points up
• Meaning in Satanism: Matter over spirit, earthly over heavenly
• Church of Satan: Sigil of Baphomet (goat head in inverted pentagram)
• Not inherently evil: Just a symbol with assigned meaning

Baphomet

• Goat-headed figure, often androgynous
• Created by Eliphas Levi (19th century occultist)
• Represents balance of opposites
• Adopted by LaVey and The Satanic Temple
• Not actually worshipped (in atheistic Satanism)

666

• "Number of the Beast" from Revelation
• Used provocatively by Satanists
• Symbolic rebellion, not literal significance

Inverted Cross

• Often associated with Satanism
• Actually St. Peter's cross (Christian symbol)
• Misappropriated and misunderstood

Ethics and Morality in Satanism

LaVeyan Ethics

• Rational self-interest: Do what benefits you
• Lex Talionis: Proportional retaliation
• Responsibility: Accept consequences of your actions
• No harm to children or non-consenting adults: Clear boundaries
• Meritocracy: Respect earned, not given

Satanic Temple Ethics

• Compassion and empathy: Toward all creatures
• Justice: Ongoing pursuit
• Bodily autonomy: Your body, your choice
• Respect for others' freedoms: Including freedom to offend
• Scientific understanding: Beliefs should align with evidence

Comparison to Christian Ethics

• Rejection of: Original sin, guilt, self-denial, turning the other cheek
• Emphasis on: Personal responsibility, self-respect, proportional justice
• Not "evil": Different moral framework, not absence of morality

Common Questions and Misconceptions

"Do Satanists worship the devil?"

• LaVeyan/TST: No, they're atheists
• Theistic Satanists: Yes, but see Satan as good, not evil
• Most Satanists: Don't believe in a literal devil

"Do Satanists do evil things?"

• No more than any other group
• Satanic ethics prohibit harming children and non-consenting adults
• Criminal Satanism is not representative of actual Satanists
• Moral panics have been thoroughly debunked

"Is Satanism just edgy atheism?"

• LaVeyan Satanism is atheistic but has ritual and community
• Uses Satan as powerful symbol and archetype
• More than just "atheism with aesthetics" for practitioners
• Critics (including some atheists) do see it this way

"Can you be a Satanist and a [other religion]?"

• Generally no: Satanism is incompatible with most religions
• Exception: Some blend Satanism with left-hand path practices
• Theistic Satanism: Explicitly opposes Christianity
• LaVeyan Satanism: Atheistic, rejects all gods

"Is Satanism dangerous?"

• No more than any philosophy or religion
• Legitimate Satanist organizations condemn violence and crime
• Individuals who commit crimes and claim Satanism are not representative
• Moral panics have caused more harm than actual Satanists

Satanism and the Law

Religious Freedom

• Satanism is legally recognized as a religion in many countries
• Protected under freedom of religion laws
• The Satanic Temple uses this for activism

Discrimination

• Satanists face discrimination in employment, custody cases, etc.
• Often based on misconceptions and stereotypes
• Legal protections exist but aren't always enforced

Criminal Misconceptions

• "Satanic crime" is largely a myth
• Criminals may use Satanic imagery, but that doesn't make them Satanists
• Actual Satanist organizations condemn criminal activity

Criticism of Satanism

From Christians

• Seen as blasphemous and evil
• Concern about spiritual danger
• Opposition to Satanic activism
• Fear based on misconceptions

From Other Pagans/Occultists

• Some see it as reactive to Christianity rather than authentic spirituality
• Concern about negative stereotypes affecting all alternative religions
• Disagreement with LaVeyan philosophy (Objectivism, elitism)

From Atheists

• Some see Satanism as unnecessary theatrics
• "Why not just be an atheist?"
• Concern that Satanic imagery undermines secular causes

Internal Criticism

• Church of Satan vs. Satanic Temple disputes
• Debates about what "real" Satanism is
• Concerns about commercialization or dilution

Satanism in Popular Culture

Misrepresentation

• Horror movies portray Satanists as evil cultists
• Heavy metal aesthetics associated with Satanism
• Sensationalized media coverage
• Reinforces stereotypes and misconceptions

Accurate Portrayals

• Documentaries about actual Satanist beliefs
• Interviews with real Satanists
• Academic studies of Satanism as a religion
• Satanist-created media and art

Conclusion: Beyond the Myths

Satanism is far more diverse, complex, and philosophically interesting than the stereotypes suggest. It's not about evil worship, ritual sacrifice, or harming others. For most Satanists, it's about:

• Individualism and personal sovereignty
• Rational self-interest and responsibility
• Rebellion against arbitrary authority
• Symbolic use of Satan as archetype
• Religious freedom and pluralism
• Living authentically according to one's nature

Key takeaways:

• Most Satanists are atheists who don't believe in a literal Satan
• Satanism has diverse forms with different beliefs and practices
• The Satanic Panic was based on false accusations and moral panic
• Satanist ethics prohibit harming children and non-consenting adults
• Satanism is legally protected as a religion
• Understanding actual Satanism helps combat harmful stereotypes

Whether you find Satanism compelling, ridiculous, or offensive, understanding what it actually is—rather than what myths claim it to be—is essential for informed discussion and religious literacy.

As with any belief system, judge it by what its practitioners actually believe and do, not by stereotypes and sensationalism.

NICOLE LAU is a researcher and writer specializing in Western esotericism, Jungian psychology, and comparative mysticism. She is the author of the Western Esoteric Classics series and New Age Spirituality series.