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The Satanic Bible

The Satanic Bible

by Anton Szandor LaVey 1969 272 pages
3.41
14k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Satanism: Indulgence, Not Abstinence

Satan represents indulgence, instead of abstinence!

Rejection of Self-Denial. Satanism fundamentally opposes the concept of self-denial promoted by traditional religions. Instead, it advocates for the embrace of natural desires and the pursuit of personal gratification. This philosophy is a direct challenge to the ascetic ideals that have dominated much of Western thought.

Focus on the Present. Unlike religions that promise rewards in an afterlife, Satanism emphasizes the importance of living fully in the present moment. It encourages individuals to seek pleasure and fulfillment in this life, rather than waiting for a hypothetical future. This is a call to action, urging people to take control of their lives and pursue their desires without guilt or shame.

Practical Application. This principle translates into a life of active engagement with the world, where one's own needs and desires are not suppressed but rather celebrated. It's about making conscious choices that lead to personal satisfaction and rejecting the notion that suffering is a virtue. This is not about reckless abandon, but about a deliberate and thoughtful pursuit of a life well-lived.

2. God is Man-Made; Worship Yourself

Man has always created his gods, rather than his gods creating him.

Human Creation of Deities. Satanism posits that all gods are human constructs, reflecting our own needs and desires. This perspective challenges the idea of a divine creator and places the responsibility for meaning and purpose squarely on the shoulders of the individual. It's a call to recognize our own power and potential.

Self-Deification. If gods are man-made, then why not worship the creator, which is yourself? This concept encourages self-respect, self-reliance, and the recognition of one's own inherent worth. It's about taking ownership of your life and not relying on external forces for validation or guidance. This is not about arrogance, but about a healthy sense of self-esteem.

Practical Implications. This principle leads to a rejection of external authority and a focus on personal autonomy. It encourages individuals to think for themselves, make their own choices, and live according to their own values. It's about embracing your own unique identity and not conforming to societal expectations or religious dogma.

3. Embrace the Seven Deadly Sins

Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification!

Reclaiming "Sin". Satanism reinterprets the traditional "seven deadly sins" as natural human desires that lead to gratification. This is a direct challenge to the moral framework of Christianity, which views these desires as inherently evil. It's about recognizing the value of human experience.

Motivation and Ambition. Greed and envy, often seen as negative traits, are reframed as drivers of ambition and personal growth. They are seen as natural desires that motivate individuals to strive for more and improve their lives. This is not about unchecked avarice, but about a healthy desire for progress.

Natural Instincts. Lust, gluttony, and anger are recognized as natural human instincts that should not be suppressed. Instead, they should be understood and expressed in a way that is both fulfilling and responsible. This is about embracing the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences.

4. Hell is Here and Now; Live Fully

Here and now is our day of torment! Here and now is our day of joy! Here and now is our opportunity!

Rejection of Afterlife Focus. Satanism rejects the idea of an afterlife as a primary focus, instead emphasizing the importance of living fully in the present. This is a call to action, urging individuals to make the most of their current lives rather than waiting for a hypothetical reward in the future. It's about embracing the here and now.

Embrace Both Joy and Torment. Life is seen as a mixture of both joy and torment, and both are to be experienced fully. This perspective encourages individuals to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, rather than trying to avoid pain or suffering. It's about accepting the totality of life.

Personal Responsibility. This principle places the responsibility for happiness and fulfillment squarely on the shoulders of the individual. It encourages people to take control of their lives and create their own meaning and purpose. It's about being the master of your own destiny.

5. Love and Hate are Natural; Feel Both

Satanism represents kindness to those who deserve it, instead of love wasted on ingrates!

Selective Love. Satanism advocates for a selective approach to love, emphasizing that it should be reserved for those who are deserving. This is a rejection of the idea of indiscriminate love, which is seen as unnatural and ultimately harmful. It's about valuing genuine connections.

Embracing Hate. Hate is recognized as a natural human emotion that should not be suppressed. Instead, it should be expressed towards those who have wronged you, rather than being internalized or misdirected. This is about acknowledging the full range of human emotions.

Authentic Relationships. This principle encourages individuals to be honest about their feelings and to form relationships based on mutual respect and genuine affection. It's about valuing authentic connections over forced or superficial ones.

6. Sex is Sacred; Explore Freely

Satanism condones any type of sexual activity which properly satisfies your individual desires - be it heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or even asexual, if you choose.

Sexual Freedom. Satanism promotes sexual freedom, advocating for the exploration of all forms of sexual expression that are consensual and fulfilling. This is a direct challenge to the restrictive sexual norms of traditional religions. It's about embracing your sexuality.

Rejection of Guilt. Satanism rejects the idea that sex is inherently sinful or shameful. Instead, it views sex as a natural and healthy part of human experience that should be enjoyed without guilt or repression. It's about liberating yourself from sexual shame.

Individual Choice. This principle emphasizes the importance of individual choice and autonomy in sexual matters. It encourages people to explore their own desires and to engage in sexual activity that is both pleasurable and meaningful to them. It's about taking ownership of your sexuality.

7. Psychic Vampires Exist; Protect Yourself

Satanism represents responsibility to the responsible, instead of concern for psychic vampires.

Energy Drainers. Satanism recognizes the existence of "psychic vampires," individuals who drain the energy and vitality of others. This concept highlights the importance of protecting oneself from those who seek to exploit or manipulate. It's about recognizing toxic relationships.

Responsibility to the Responsible. Instead of focusing on those who drain energy, Satanism emphasizes the importance of being responsible to those who are deserving of your time and attention. This is about prioritizing healthy relationships and setting boundaries. It's about protecting your energy.

Self-Preservation. This principle encourages individuals to be assertive and to protect themselves from those who would seek to harm or exploit them. It's about recognizing your own worth and not allowing others to take advantage of you.

8. Ritual is Powerful; Use it Wisely

The true magus knows that occult bookshelves abound with the brittle relics of frightened minds and sterile bodies, metaphysical journals of self-deceit, and constipated rulebooks of Eastern mysticism.

Emotional Release. Satanic ritual is not about appeasing gods or demons, but about harnessing and directing emotional energy. It's a tool for self-expression, personal empowerment, and the manifestation of one's will. It's about using your emotions to create change.

Structured Expression. Ritual provides a structured way to express intense emotions, such as lust, compassion, or anger. This allows individuals to channel their feelings in a productive way, rather than allowing them to become destructive or overwhelming. It's about controlling your emotions.

Personalized Magic. Satanic ritual is not about following rigid rules or formulas, but about creating a personalized experience that is meaningful and effective for the individual. It's about tailoring your magic to your own needs and desires.

9. Human Sacrifice is Symbolic; Destroy the Deserving

The only time a Satanist would perform a human sacrifice would be if it were to serve a two-fold purpose; that being to release the magician’s wrath in the throwing of a curse, and more important, to dispose of a totally obnoxious and deserving individual.

Symbolic Destruction. Human sacrifice in Satanism is not about literal killing, but about the symbolic destruction of those who have wronged you. This is a way to channel anger and resentment in a controlled and meaningful way. It's about taking back your power.

Justice and Vengeance. This principle emphasizes the importance of justice and vengeance, rather than turning the other cheek. It encourages individuals to stand up for themselves and to seek retribution against those who have harmed them. It's about righting wrongs.

Targeted Action. The focus is on destroying those who are truly deserving of it, not on harming innocent people or animals. This is about directing your anger towards those who have earned it, rather than allowing it to become indiscriminate.

10. Life After Death is Through Ego Fulfillment

Life is the great indulgence - death, the great abstinence. Therefore, make the most of life - HERE AND NOW!

Ego as Legacy. Satanism posits that life after death is not about a spiritual afterlife, but about the legacy that one leaves behind. This is about living a life that is meaningful and impactful, so that your influence continues to be felt even after you are gone. It's about creating a lasting impact.

Rejection of Self-Denial. The focus is on fulfilling one's ego in this life, rather than denying it in the hopes of a reward in the afterlife. This is about embracing your own desires and ambitions, and not sacrificing them for a hypothetical future. It's about living for yourself.

Earthly Immortality. This principle encourages individuals to strive for greatness and to leave a lasting mark on the world. It's about creating a legacy that will ensure your memory lives on, even after your physical body has perished.

11. Celebrate Your Birth; It's Your Day

The highest of all holidays in the Satanic religion is the date of one’s own birth.

Self-Celebration. Satanism emphasizes the importance of celebrating one's own birth as the most important holiday of the year. This is a direct challenge to the traditional focus on religious holidays and the worship of external deities. It's about valuing your own existence.

Personal Significance. This principle encourages individuals to recognize their own worth and to celebrate their unique identity. It's about taking pride in who you are and not relying on external validation for your self-esteem. It's about honoring your own life.

Rejection of External Authority. This is a rejection of the idea that religious or historical figures are more important than the individual. It's about placing yourself at the center of your own universe and celebrating your own existence.

12. The Black Mass is a Parody; Create Your Own

A black mass is not the magical ceremony practiced by Satanists. The Satanist would only employ the use of a black mass as a form of psychodrama.

Rejection of Traditional Blasphemy. The traditional black mass, a parody of the Catholic Mass, is seen as outdated and ineffective by Satanists. It's a recognition that the power of blasphemy lies in challenging the current norms, not the old ones. It's about being relevant.

Personalized Psychodrama. Satanism encourages the creation of personalized rituals that are meaningful and effective for the individual. This is about using ritual as a tool for self-expression and personal empowerment, rather than simply following a prescribed formula. It's about creating your own meaning.

Challenging the Status Quo. This principle encourages individuals to challenge the status quo and to create their own forms of expression. It's about being innovative and not being bound by tradition. It's about being a force for change.

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Review Summary

3.41 out of 5
Average of 14k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Satanic Bible receives mixed reviews, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Some readers appreciate LaVey's philosophy of individualism and self-indulgence, finding it liberating from traditional religious guilt. Others criticize it as shallow, poorly written, and potentially harmful. Many note that Satanism as presented is more atheistic philosophy than devil worship. The book's shock value and LaVey's showmanship are frequently mentioned. Some find value in its challenges to conventional morality, while others dismiss it as juvenile or manipulative.

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About the Author

Anton Szandor LaVey was the founder of the Church of Satan and author of The Satanic Bible. As a writer, occultist, musician, and actor, LaVey synthesized his understanding of human nature with materialist and individualist philosophies to create LaVeyan Satanism. He viewed "Satan" not as a literal deity but as a symbol of Earthly values. LaVey claimed no supernatural inspiration for his work, instead drawing from his experiences and observations. His approach to Satanism emphasized self-indulgence, individualism, and rejection of traditional religious morality. LaVey's writings and performances were often designed for shock value and theatrical effect.

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