History of Satan
According to Anton LaVey
History of Satan Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan and author of The Satanic Bible, had a unique interpretation of Satan, differing from traditional religious views. According to LaVey, Satan is not a literal deity but a symbol representing human nature and the rebellious spirit against established religious and social norms.
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Beginning and History of Satan According to LaVey:
- Satan as a Symbol: In The Satanic Bible (1969), LaVey presents Satan not as the supernatural figure of Christian theology but as a metaphor for individualism, self-gratification, and the rejection of conventional morality. To LaVey, Satan represents human instincts and desires that have been demonized by society, particularly by organized religion. He viewed Satan as a force of nature and a figure of enlightenment, akin to the Promethean myth.
- The Founding of the Church of Satan (1966): LaVey formally established the Church of Satan on April 30, 1966, marking what he called Anno Satanas (Year One of the Age of Satan). This event symbolized the beginning of a new era where the concept of Satan would be redefined, focusing on celebrating self-indulgence and questioning religious hypocrisy.
- Satan as a Human Archetype: LaVey drew heavily from literature, history, and philosophy to craft his image of Satan. He incorporated elements from John Milton’s Paradise Lost, where Satan is portrayed as a heroic rebel, and from Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy, which emphasizes individual will and power. To LaVey, Satan was a cultural figure symbolizing opposition to oppressive dogmas rather than a being of evil.
- Satan in Rituals and Practice: The rituals of the Church of Satan, as outlined in The Satanic Bible and The Satanic Rituals, use Satanic imagery and symbols, but these are meant to serve as psychodramatic tools rather than expressions of religious devotion. LaVey believed that through these rituals, individuals could tap into their personal power, assert their independence, and rid themselves of guilt imposed by traditional religious teachings.
- Rejection of Theistic Satanism: LaVey’s form of Satanism, often called LaVeyan Satanism, is atheistic. He rejected the idea of worshiping Satan as a deity. Instead, he promoted a philosophy where the individual is their own “god,” capable of shaping their destiny. The figure of Satan served as an inspirational symbol of defiance and self-empowerment.
Influences on LaVey’s Concept of Satan:
LaVey drew from a variety of sources to create his interpretation of Satan:
- Occult and Esoteric Traditions: He borrowed from occult practices and ancient rites but stripped them of their mysticism, turning them into rituals of self-expression.
- Psychological Influence: LaVey was influenced by thinkers like Carl Jung, particularly the idea of the “shadow” self, which represented repressed desires and instincts that people should embrace rather than deny.
LaVey’s Satanism was groundbreaking for reframing Satan as a positive force for personal freedom and empowerment, rather than a figure of evil. His reinterpretation has influenced modern understandings of Satan in pop culture and alternative spiritual movements.
