DISCLAIMER:
What lies herein is based upon my personal views, my perspective, and lending of my reasoning to explain why I no longer identify with Satanism, and particular terms or groups of people. What is stated here; is not directed towards anyone in particular, nor is it my goal to hurt anybody’s feelings. But, if you take offense, maybe you need to step outside from yourself and take an honest look at the bigger picture and let that sink in for a bit. You might also need to rethink the titles you identify.
Many of you have noticed that I no longer Identify online with titles such as Theistic Satanist or Theistic Satanism and that I have disassociated with most who glorify themselves under these titles. There are several reasons why over recent months, I have rethought and rebranded, and I will gladly share the core of it here with you.
For quite some time, I have been highly disappointed and also; annoyed with the state of Theistic Satanism as presented online. Nothing has changed since its first inception into the realms of the internet, back in 2003, a heavy dark cloud filled with keyboard “Satanists” trolls, instigators of drama, and a plethora of egos clashing. As it still stands, most everyone; is seeking Satanic fame of some sort. Many Satanists, both from the past, and present are still trying to be the next Anton LaVey (theistic version) while denying his creditability. Something more that hasn’t changed from the past, and what really sickens me, is that many are using and stabbing everyone else just for the sake of amusement, and they do it under the guise of Satanism, in the name of Satan. Only a handful of those titling as Theistic Satanists; appear to legitimately; want to learn, share, and practice. However, they are misguided by the ones who are presenting the Path. Theistic Satanism online becomes boring really fast with all the same old demonic images, Satanized Baphomets, and anti-Christian , anti-everything posts circulating. For me, it appears that Theistic Satanists haven’t shook off that “Us vs Them” attitude, and with this breeds more hate, discrimination, along with never ending false information spewed and rehashed time over again.
On the flip side of this clown show, some presenters of Theistic Satanism have taken the plunge and have begun preaching how Satan loves everybody. They preach that Satan cares for you and dictate what Satan’s thoughts and sentiments are towards you; for example, “Satan doesn’t want you to celebrate non-Satanic holidays with your family and friends” or “such and such is an insult to Satan”. Love, healing, and kindness all in Satan’s name, with subtle nuances of dictating what Satan wants, thinks, and how to practice your Satanism. This new wave of Theistic Satanism is no different than; the Christian sermons they claim to hate. The same speel, omit Jesus and insert Satan. This new gentler, inclusively kind and helpful Satan is being presented by those who are trying to create a Satanic community, involving anyone who identifies as a Theistic Satanist. It’s one thing to want to be part of a communal hub such as an online group of like minded individuals, but.; these love and light Satanists are really pushing to lump everyone one titling as a Theistic Satanist under one communal umbrella. At the least they agree that not everyone will view Satan in the same light but they blindly believe that everyone can get along under one big theistic umbrella, even if they don’t like one another. In a perfect world, this could happen-maybe! But, that wouldn’t be Satanism. What I don’t like about this, especially, is if a Theistic Satanist holds this view or not, the Satanist still is lumped under the communal umbrella just for publicly presenting as a Theistic Satanist. The peace and love Satanists will still consider you as one of them, and this is how you will be viewed, like it or not.
So, we got in one corner Satanists (theists) that are anti-religion, anti-almost everything, upholding the negative Satanic stereotype, with the majority only titling as Satanists for shits and giggles to have fun and create chaos online. And, in the opposing corner we got the “Satanic unity, peace and love” Satanists wanting to bring everyone together under one hub (online) and call it a community. Think about how this clashes. Ponder upon this oxymoron for a moment, will you.
From my perspective, Theistic Satanism, based on the outline I have shared, will never be taken seriously. This being no fault but the lump majority who claim and present it. The harder they try, the harder and faster they keep falling. When there are too many chefs in the kitchen, nothing gets done, especially if neither of those chefs know how to cook to begin with.
To make things worse, in my opinion, is how confusing all this might be to someone new upon the Path or seeking to learn about Satanism in general. Let us not leave out the fact that both sides of Theistic Satanists preach hate and discrimination towards Christians, philosophical Satanists and those claiming to be atheists. Maybe this is the common ground between them; it certainly isn’t their belief in deity.
Taking all this drama and chaos into consideration, is a big part why I have disassociated myself from the title Theistic Satanist and Theistic Satanism. As a professional and in respect to myself, I cannot subject or affiliate my name as a serious author with such a circus act. In with what I share, I hope to inspire people upon their journey. I don’t wish to lead them down a rabbit hole or give them the wrong impression by using a title holding such a negative egregore. I have always been a devotee of the Devil and have always titled myself a witch. It has only been during recent years that I have publicly used the term Theistic Satanist, and in doing so it has drawn a lot of negative and unsavory types into my following. It also has brought me much unwanted attention in the negative. I have never experienced such of this nature within my following prior, nor have I ever experienced theft (copycats) , immature behavior, and such immense jealousy thrown my way before associating with that title (from someone who has come from the modelling world, that says a lot).
In generalizing, Theistic Satanism has proven to be nothing more than an adolescent rebellious branch of Christianity, and a micro-managed religion. Theistic Satanists haven’t advanced, haven’t authenticated Theistic Satanism since they first started congregating online. Even now with their talks of unity and attempts for online community, you can clearly see the underlining deceit among them. With several waiting to surface their strategic attack upon peers. Actually, this masked war has already begun. It was war and confusing then and continues to be now. Rather than getting better it has worsened, becoming weaker and laughable with (count one one hand) a rare few who keep trying to go against the grain and make it into something respectable-All the power to you!
As a scholar, I can no longer look the other way and pretend to un-see and un-hear; all the ridiculous false information ( purposely or ignorantly) circulate among Theistic Satanists. At this point, I respect very few authentic, non preachy, open-minded Theistic Satanists, who share from their personal experience without trying to organize anything, or micro-manage Satanism in anyway. I have spent several days and hours in meditation and contemplation. I asked the Devil what is the best direction to take and if I should continue to stay connected to certain people. He has edged me towards my final decision. Lucifer reminded me about why I walk the path, oaths I’ve taken, and that the large part of my practice lies in my roots of the Old Craft and its folklore of the Devil and why I write about Him as the Old One.
During this period in recent months I experienced an encounter with something from beyond our universe (details about this encounter in an upcoming blog). What I will state here and now; is that this encounter opened my eyes to a deeper view on spirituality. It has showed me the bigger picture. This experience taught me to look outside the narrow box I had dug myself into (confines of Theistic Satanism) and how in recent years this had blinded me from truly moving forward to where I personally need to succeed. I have also come to the conclusion that authentic Devil worshipers are those who would not subject themselves to the restrictions of any religion, not even one calling itself Theistic Satanism. A Devil worshiper would and should remain in the shadows, keeping their practice personal rather than exposing it to a world that will never understand it. True Devil worship, doesn’t reach out to the masses, nor does it teach and preach to random strangers on the internet. A true Devil worshiper, keeps their connection personal, unique between they and their god.
To conclude, I have always been an animist and will always honor the Earth and the Devil. But, the Devil I honor is not the Christian Satan. The terms you might see me use online, Heretical Witch, and Heretical Witchy Woman, state exactly my stance, being one in league with the Devil without having to subject to terms linked to groups or people of an unsavory caliber. A heretic by origin is a person who thinks for themselves, does not follow. Heretical, has come to be known as one who acts not in favor of the church and who holds opinions at odds with what is generally accepted. As a Traditional/Folkloric Witch, I find these terminologies suite me just fine and using them doesn’t take from the fact that the Devil is with me or I with Him.
In my strong opinion, Satanism, actual Satanism, is what is presented in the teachings of Anton Szandor LaVey and the Church of Satan. Anything claiming to be Satanism that is independent from the Church of Satan is nothing more than a parody. LaVey and the Church of Satan were the first to bring Satanism forward into the modern world. They set the grounds for what everyone calling themselves a Satanist today, including those calling themselves Theistic Satanists, base their practice upon, even if they realize it or not. The majority of Theistic Satanists incorporate what LaVey has given, such as, ritual structure, demonic hierarchy, satanic phrases and words, into their practice, yet remain ignorant of this fact.
Some Food for Thought:
To invite Him into your life as Satan doesn’t make you a Theistic Satanist. Nor do you need to subject yourself to the dogma and drama of a “religion” such as Theistic Satanism, in order to honor, worship, or work with the Devil and whatever name you chose to acknowledge Him by. Don’t force yourself to join a Satanic group or follow someone to honor Him. I wish that authentic Devil worshipers would stop clinging and fighting for titles such as Theistic Satanist. Allow themselves to break free, expand their knowledge outside the confines of Theistic Satanism and aim their focus on their practice and connection with the Devil in all of His guises. Satan doesn’t need a religion. Religion restricts, dictates, preaches, threatens, and deceives. Religion takes you away from your personal connection with deity. Satan opposes religion. If Satan is freedom, if He has given free will, then why would He want His devotees to create a religion? Why would Satan want His chosen to form clergy, conducting as the Church does?
PRAISE THE DEVIL IN ALL OF HIS GLORY! NO RESTRAINTS!!
By Kindra Ravenmoon