Church of Satan FAQ

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Church of Satan FAQ

Church of Satan Frequently Asked Questions
This is official and approved by the Church of Satan

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Authors who contributed to this document:

(in alphabetic order)

Blanche Barton

Peggy Nadramia

Matt G. Paradise

Herbert Paulis

CONTENTS:

1. Terminology and Introduction

1.1. What is the purpose of this document?

1.2. What is a FAQ?

1.3. Common Abbreviations and Terms

2. What is the Church of Satan?

3. Anton Szandor LaVey

3.1. The man and his life

3.2. LaVey's death

3.3. Myths and truths

3.4. Isn't Anton LaVey merely ripping off Nietzsche?

4. Satanism as seen by the Church of Satan

4.1. The philosophies

4.2. The Nine Satanic Statements

4.3. The Eleven Satanic Rules of the earth

4.4. The Nine Satanic Sins

4.5. What is the Satanic Bunco Sheet?

4.6. To apply the name of Satan to this church, implies a connection

to the Bible. What is the stance of the CoS on these popular

tales and predictions? Who is Christ to the CoS?

4.7. As a representative for Satanism, you do interviews and lectures.

Isn't this preaching? And, doesn't this violate your rule of not

giving your opinions unless asked?"

5. Membership in the Church of Satan

5.1. How can I become a member of the Church of Satan?

What if I do not live in the US?

5.2. What happens if I change my mind and want to get out of all this

again?

5.3. I am not 18 years old yet. Can I still become a member?

5.4. The Church of Satan charges application fees for membership and

further involvement and accepts money from people. Sounds like

your garden-variety tent-show evangelist scam.

5.5. I really want to join the Church of Satan... I mean, A LOT! I

want to be a Priest and be one of you. I want magical powers and

a direct phone-line to Satan.

5.6. Do you find most of the membership of the CoS to be 'Xtian

refugees' or do they come from all sorts of backgrounds?

6. Satanic Literature

6.1. Books by and about Anton Szandor LaVey and the Church of Satan

6.1.1. Where can I get a copy of _The Satanic Bible_?

6.1.2. Where can I get an electronic copy of _The Satanic Bible_?

6.1.3. How to obtain these books from the US?

6.1.4. How to obtain these books from outside the US?

6.2. Satanic Magazines and Publications

6.2.1. The Cloven Hoof

6.2.2. The Black Flame

6.2.3. Not Like Most

6.2.4. The Raven

6.2.5. Others

6.3. A little Satanically inspired book suggestion

6.3.1 Non-Fiction

6.3.2 Fiction

7. Satanic Music and Videos

7.1. Music by Anton Szandor LaVey

7.2. Other Music of Satanic value

7.3. Videos

8. The Church of Satan on the Internet

9. Artifacts and where to look for them

9.1. Artifacts

9.2. Societies

9.3. Shops

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1.1. What is the purpose of this document?

Many misunderstandings, false rumors and plain lies about the

Church of Satan have been spread online, especially in the

alt.satanism forum on Usenet and on several web pages, not to

forget hours of TV shows and tons of newspaper articles. This

document has the sole purpose of correcting these pieces of hoax

and wrong information and to give accurate information,

authenticated by the Church of Satan and signed electronically. It

does not at all aim at proselytizing, a practice which is frowned

upon by the Church of Satan. See also topic 4.7.

1.2. What is a FAQ?

"FAQ" is an acronym for "Frequently Answered Questions" or

"Frequently Asked Questions", for what it's worth. These are

documents on various topics, forming a veritable library of free

information, usually put together by voluntary enthusiasts in order

to answer certain questions that constantly come up in some

newsgroups (hence the name). They are periodically posted to their

home newsgroups and (usually) to news.answers, and archived at

numerous. This FAQ isn't really a proper list of frequently asked

questions and their answers; it's more of a fact-file or an

introduction brochure than a traditional Usenet FAQ, although some

Q&A are included and hopefully more will be added in future. In

some cases an author is noted for a portion of this FAQ. In other

cases the text is compiled from several authors' contributions.

Intermediate forms occur.

The language in these articles is without doubt colored by the fact

that some contributors have other mother tongues than English - and

so it will remain. Nevertheless proposals for more idiomatic

wordings are always cordially welcomed.

1.3. Common Abbreviations and Terms

To save typing during discussions and in electronic mail, several

abbreviations have been generally adopted and are listed here for

the convenience of the reader.

CoS, C/S Church of Satan

TSB _The Satanic Bible_

ASL Anton Szandor LaVey

Statements The Nine Satanic Statements

Sins The Nine Satanic Sins

RotE The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth

Some Satanists find themselves discussing Christianity frequently.

In order to cut down on keystrokes many type "Xtian" and "Xtianity"

rather than the longer versions. A few may intend it partly as a

slur, but most do it only for convenience. The abbreviation itself

is far from insulting; it is accepted and used by many Christians

including (We are told) the Pope, as the first letter of Christ in

Greek is Chi.

2. What is the Church of Satan?

We were established in 1966 C.E. by Anton Szandor LaVey, our High

Priest, who declared the Year One, thus opening the floodgates to a

revolution designed to smash the hypocrisy and unreason which has

reigned for the past 2000 years. We have, since 1966, stood as the

most formidable threat to those who would halt progress in the name

of spirituality. We are explorers on the untrodden paths of

science, human motivation and mystery -- all that is most _truly_

occult.

Those who proudly carry our cards identifying themselves as members

have the strength and dedication to implement the tools of Satan,

the imagination to confound and confuse, the wisdom to recognize

the Unseen in our society, and the passions of a classical Romantic

soul.

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.

3. Anton Szandor LaVey

3.1. The man and his life

(This is an excerpt from Blanche Barton's book, _The Church of

Satan_. For an even more detailed and fascinating LaVey biography,

read _The Secret Life of a Satanist_, also by Blanche Barton. See

the books section of this FAQ for details.)

Anton Szandor LaVey was born in gangland-era Chicago on April 11,

1930; but his parents moved to California soon after his birth.

After a restless youth, where he made his first supernatural

experiences, he dropped out of high school at the age of 16,

deciding to become second oboist for the San Francisco Ballet

Orchestra. Later, he decided the circus was a good place for an

energetic young man with his talents, and so he signed on with the

Clyde Beatty Circus.

At 17, LaVey was taming eight Nubian Lions and four Bengal tigers

alone in the big cage and developed a close relation with and an

affection for the big cats. But his musical talents were not

wasted, either, and he played the calliope regularly, accompanying

circus greats from the Flying Wallendas to Hugo Zachinni.

LaVey extended his knowledge of the outdoor entertainment industry

by joining the carnival and amusement park circuit, working some of

the biggest traveling shows on the Pacific Coast. Playing calliope,

Wurlitzer band organ, or Hammond along every midway, LaVey also

worked with famed freaky in the "Ten-in-One." He was in his element

among the loners, drifters and marginal types who have always been

attracted to the cynical carnival atmosphere. It was here LaVey

learned how much people will pay to be fooled -- how desperately

they want to escape their own dull lives.

After a short career as a photographer for the SFPD and an

investigator in occult affairs, LaVey completely devoted himself to

exploring the occult and magic. he founded the "Magic Circle" and

held magical lectures on various subjects. Finally, on

Walpurgisnacht 1966, his life work came to an unmatched culmination

when he founded the Church of Satan, proclaiming the Satanic

Year I.

3.2. LaVey's death

As a lot of (false) rumors and even more lies have been spread over

the net (and they still are), here is a short fact account of

Dr. LaVey's death.

Having a long-standing valvular problem associated with rheumatic

heart disease, Anton LaVey had some kind of massive cardiac

arrhythmia after several internal bleedings in late summer of 1997

C.E. had been treated in hospital. He died on October the 29th, in

St. Mary's Hospital, a Catholic hospital associated with the

University of San Francisco. He was brought to St. Mary's because

it was the closest; he had never been treated there before.

Although there has been some confusion with his funeral records,

some listed Halloween as his death date, rumors that his death has

been caused deliberately by a Xtian nurse are grossly false. He was

being given a Satanic funeral, attended only by his closest

relatives and was cremated afterwards.

His long-time companion, Blanche Barton, now acts as High Priestess

of the Church of Satan, in close co-operation with Dr. LaVey's

first daughter, Karla.

3.3. Myths and truths

Zeena LaVey, his younger daughter, chose to disown her father in

1989 and had no more contact with him since. After his death, she

has gone to TV shows, saying that she has proven herself to be the

more competent Satanic witch since her father dies because she

cursed him to a painful death. She has contacted reporters to say

her father was a wife-beater, and that he never had a relationship

with Jayne Mansfield (despite the fact that several photos prove

the contrary, see _The Secret Life of a Satanist_) or any

involvement with the film _Rosemary's Baby_ (LaVey played the role

of the Devil). She has cursed herself to a miserable fate.

People often wondered about the "Doctor" title seen once in awhile.

Well, formally speaking, Anton LaVey did not hold a Ph.D. or

anything similar. But he himself had never said that he does. It's

just that his friends and people who hold him up in great respect

called him Doc or Dr. LaVey as a kind of honorary title (_The

Secret Life of a Satanist_, p.223). It is only natural that there

were and will always be people who ran him down because of this. So

what? If they are not good enough to get an academic degree for

themselves at some university and not famous enough to get a

honorary mention, count it up to envy and jealousy.

3.4. Isn't Anton LaVey merely ripping off Nietzsche?

When LaVey refers to an idea, concept, or quote derived or taken

from someone else, he often cites the author, either in the

paragraph or in the indexes of his books. If anything LaVey writes

seems similar to past concepts, oftentimes, it is augmented with

modern circumstances, his own thoughts, and is analogous to our

philosophy. Seeing that Satanism is a work in progress, something

like science meets philosophy, we are fully justified in choosing

the concepts of old, working with them in our context and taking

them into the future. (If we didn't, who else would?) Same thing

scientists, doctors, psychologists, and many other professionals

do. Nothing would get done if individuals merely went along with

established thought and never added to it. It's evolution, pure and

simple.

4. Satanism as seen by the Church of Satan

4.1. Our philosophies

If you have not already done so, we strongly suggest you purchase

_The Satanic Bible_, and study it. It is a diabolical book, the

basis for our philosophy. Satanism is not for everyone, but if it

is for you, we welcome you. We are not a fan club, a pen-pal

society, or a lonely hearts group. We are a group of dynamic

individuals who stand forth as the ultimate Underground alternative

-- the Alien Elite. We realize what we have, what we are, and what

we shall become. Our scope is unlimited, and the extent of your

involvement is based upon your own potential.

In recent years, we've wasted far too much time explaining that

Satanism has nothing to do with kidnapping, drug abuse, child

molestation, animal or child sacrifice, or any number of other acts

that idiots, hysterics or opportunists would like to credit us

with. Satanism is a life-loving, rational philosophy that millions

of people adhere to. Now we're ready for something that goes quite

a few steps beyond just explaining our principles. Every

revisionist movement needs a set of goals/guidelines that are

clear, concrete, and that will effect significant changes.

The following Five-Point Program reflects attitudes which allow

others to decide whether they wish to align themselves with

Satanism or not. Each is necessary for Satanic change to take

place. When asked what we're "doing", here's the answer:

1) STRATIFICATION -- The point on which all the others ultimately

rest. There can be no more myth of "equality" for all--it only

translates to "mediocrity" and supports the weak at the expense of

the strong. Water must be allowed to seek its own level without

interference from apologists for incompetence. No one should be

protected from the effects of his own stupidity.

2) STRICT TAXATION OF ALL CHURCHES -- If churches were taxed for

all their income and property, they'd crumble overnight of their

own obsolescence, and the National Debt would be wiped out as

quickly. The productive, the creative, the resourceful should be

subsidized. So long as the useless and incompetent are getting

paid, they should be heavily taxed.

3) NO TOLERANCE FOR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS SECULARIZED AND INCORPORATED

INTO LAW AND ORDER ISSUES -- to re-establish "Lex Talionis" would

require a complete overturning of the present in-justice system

based on Judeo-Christian ideals, where the victim/defender has been

made the criminal. Amnesty should be considered for anyone in

prison because of his alleged "influence" upon the actual

perpetrator of the crime. Everyone is influenced in what he or she

does. Scapegoating has become a way of life, a means of survival

for the unfit. As an extension of the Judeo-Christian cop-out of

blaming the Devil for everything, criminals can gain leniency, even

praise, by placing the blame on a convenient villain. Following the

Satanic creed of "Responsibility to the responsible," in a Satanic

society, everyone must experience the consequences of his own

actions -- for good or ill.

4) DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF ARTIFICIAL HUMAN COMPANIONS -- The

forbidden industry. An economic "godsend" which will allow everyone

"power" over someone else. Polite, sophisticated, technologically

feasible slavery. And the most profitable industry since TV and the

computer.

5) THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ANYONE TO LIVE WITHIN A TOTAL ENVIRONMENT OF

HIS OR HER CHOICE, WITH MANDATORY ADHERENCE TO THE AESTHETIC AND

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS OF SAME -- Privately owned, operated and

controlled environments as an alternative to homogenized and

polyglot ones. The freedom to insularize oneself within a social

milieu of personal well-being. An opportunity to feel, see, and

hear that which is most aesthetically pleasing, without

interference from those who would pollute or detract from that

option.

4.2. 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,

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.

4.3. The Eleven Satanic Rules of the earth

1. Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.

2. Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they

want to hear them.

3. When in another's lair, show him respect or else do not go

there.

4. If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and

without mercy.

5. Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating

signal.

6. Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a

burden to the other person and he cries out to be relieved.

7. Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it

successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of

magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose

all you have obtained.

8. Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject

yourself.

9. Do not harm little children.

10. Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for

your food.

11. When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone

bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.

4.4. The Nine Satanic Sins

1. Stupidity -- The top of the list for Satanic Sins. The Cardinal

Sin of Satanism. It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful.

Ignorance is one thing, but our society thrives increasingly on

stupidity. It depends on people going along with whatever they

are told. The media promotes a cultivated stupidity as a posture

that is not only acceptable but laudable. Satanists must learn

to see through the tricks and cannot afford to be stupid.

2. Pretentiousness -- Empty posturing can be most irritating and

isn't applying the cardinal rules of Lesser Magic. On equal

footing with stupidity for what keeps the money in circulation

these days. Everyone's made to feel like a big shot, whether

they can come up with the goods or not.

3. Solipsism -- Can be very dangerous for Satanists. Projecting

your reactions, responses and sensibilities onto someone who is

probably far less attuned than you are. It is the mistake of

expecting people to give you the same consideration, courtesy

and respect that you naturally give them. They won't. Instead,

Satanists must strive to apply the dictum of "Do unto others as

they do unto you." It's work for most of us and requires

constant vigilance lest you slip into a comfortable illusion of

everyone being like you. As has been said, certain utopias would

be ideal in a nation of philosophers, but unfortunately (or

perhaps fortunately, from a Machiavellian standpoint) we are far

from that point.

4. Self-deceit -- It's in the Nine Satanic Statements but deserves

to be repeated here. Another cardinal sin. We must not pay

homage to any of the sacred cows presented to us, including the

roles we are expected to play ourselves. The only time

self-deceit should be entered into is when it's fun, and with

awareness. But then, it's not self-deceit!

5. Herd Conformity -- That's obvious from a Satanic stance. It's

all right to conform to a person's wishes, if it ultimately

benefits you. But only fools follow along with the herd, letting

an impersonal entity dictate to you. The key is to choose a

master wisely instead of being enslaved by the whims of the

many.

6. Lack of Perspective -- Again, this one can lead to a lot of pain

for a Satanist. You must never lose sight of who and what you

are, and what a threat you can be, by your very existence. We

are making history right now, every day. Always keep the wider

historical and social picture in mind. That is an important key

to both Lesser and Greater Magic. See the patterns and fit

things together as you want the pieces to fall into place. Do

not be swayed by herd constraints -- know that you are working

on another level entirely from the rest of the world.

7. Forgetfulness of Past Orthodoxies -- Be aware that this is one

of the keys to brainwashing people into accepting something

"new" and "different," when in reality it's something that was

once widely accepted but is now presented in a new package. We

are expected to rave about the genius of the "creator" and

forget the original. This makes for a disposable society.

8. Counterproductive Pride -- That first word is important. Pride

is great up to the point you begin to throw out the baby with

the bath-water. The rule of Satanism is: if it works for you,

great. When it stops working for you, when you've painted

yourself into a corner and the only way out is to say, "I'm

sorry, I made a mistake, I wish we could compromise somehow,"

then do it.

9. Lack of Aesthetics -- This is the physical application of the

Balance Factor. Aesthetics is important in Lesser Magic and

should be cultivated. It is obvious that no one can collect any

money off classical standards of beauty and form most of the

time so they are discouraged in a consumer society, but "an eye"

for beauty, for balance, is an essential Satanic tool and must

be applied for greatest magical effectiveness. It's not what's

supposed to be pleasing -- it's what is. Aesthetics is a

personal thing, reflective of one's own nature, but there are

universally pleasing and harmonious configurations that should

not be denied.

4.5. What is the Satanic Bunco Sheet?

Because Anton LaVey has made Satanism so popular, everyone wants to

jump on the bandwagon. If you're new to the Realm of Darkness,

suddenly feeling the fires of Satan burning within you, be warned:

there are unethical individuals out there who will prey upon you,

claim to teach you how to become a Great Black Magician overnight,

who will promise instructional fellowship and activities with "True

Masters", who may claim unverifiable links with the Church of Satan

or other such lineage. Save your money. The Satanic Bunco Sheet is

a tip sheet to recognize pseudo- and anti-Satanic groups that have

sprouted up since LaVey started the original Church of Satan.

Some places where you can find and read the complete Satanic Bunco

Sheet:

http://www.maledicta.com/library/bunco1.html

http://users.aol.com/boysatan/ptp/bunco.htm

http://hem2.passagen.se/revwolf/libbunco.htm

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/hpaulis/sbc.htm

4.6. To apply the name of Satan to this church, implies a connection

to the Bible. What is the stance of the CoS on these popular

tales and predictions? Who is Christ to the CoS?

We take the name Satan in concept only. Any other connection is

thrust upon us by anxious, ignorant, and/or misinformed people. The

archetype itself, by whatever name is appropriate, is far older

than Xtianity or Judaism, and it was these religions that, in order

to gain a foothold in the world, decided to destroy and bastardize

the "pagan gods." Satan has generally been the character who has

challenged sterile thought, encouraged indulgence, rebelled against

slavery, and truly represented human nature and all that the

mundane world offers. By extension, instead of worshipping Satan,

we emulate him. The Xtian bible was probably one of the greatest

pieces of propaganda (with Mein Kampf running a close second) in

world history but, quite frankly, a scientifically,

philosophically, and technologically advanced civilization should

logically cease to have a need for such outmoded parables and slave

ethics. But, seeing as insecurity never goes out of style, those in

need seek their baby-sitters in whatever avenue is acceptable; in

LaVey's words, a "privileged lie." Many Satanists also view the

Xtian bible as examples of mankind's hypocrisy, incompetence, and

spinelessness. Jesus Christ is the paradigm for these qualities.

How can anyone with human insight and reasonable logic skills

accept the phrase "the meek shall inherit the Earth" without

laughing? History certainly doesn't support this assertion. From my

experience, many people who call themselves Xtians are so merely by

convenience and not so much by a rational decision, if rationale is

possible. It's a truly insecure philosophy that demands its tenets

to be installed in humans from early childhood, because if it was

introduced for the first time to adults, many would raise their

eyebrow in suspicion and disgust. Many Xtians I've met haven't even

read their bible (at least, not critically), but keep the book on

their coffee table to appear "righteous." And, some just skip the

sanguine parts. Many of them really seem to get off on their

religion, the self-righteousness feeds their impoverished egos. As

trivial as it seems, it's a glaring metaphor for Xtianity in

general, an amass of contradictions, and almost Freudian.

4.7. As a representative for Satanism, you do interviews and lectures.

Isn't this preaching? And, doesn't this violate your rule of not

giving your opinions unless asked?"

Of course, this isn't preaching and it doesn't go against the First

Satanic Rule of the Earth. If you open a magazine, turn on your

radio, or click on your television and see an interview with a

Satanist, you've reached a point where you will either not read or

look at it, or you will. If you choose the latter, you have

consigned yourself to the information and, by your own actions,

have given your non-verbal consent to receive such information

about our religion. If you attend a lecture, you have even more so

welcomed yourself to our "opinions." No one coerced you to attend

or read or watch or listen. Assuming that Satanism can be preached

is to assume that anyone can be a Satanist, which is grossly false.

We know this and wouldn't bother proselytizing like other

religions. It would waste our time and we'd have to care, which we

don't.

5. Membership in the Church of Satan

5.1. How can I become a member of the Church of Satan?

What if I do not live in the US?

We don't solicit memberships; however, if you wish to join us, to

show your support or appreciation, you can become a Registered

Member. Write a letter to P. O. Box 210666, San Francisco, CA

94121, USA with a self-addressed stamped envelope (or include two

International Reply Coupons, if you live outside the US) and ask

for our membership information. You can also download and print the

form from many web sites on the WWW. The Church of Satan accepts

members from all over the world.

For a one-time registration fee of one hundred dollars, you will

receive a crimson card declaring you a member of the Church of

Satan. No further dues will be expected. All names and addresses

are held in strict confidence and you are under no obligation as a

Registered Member, unless you choose to present yourself for

further consideration.

You'll also receive a questionnaire. Filling out the questionnaire

indicates your more serious interest in our organization. By

completing and returning it, you will be included in our Bulletin

List so you can receive announcements pertinent to your

affiliation.

5.2. What happens if I change my mind and want to get out of all this

again?

There are idiots around who propagate such ridiculous and silly

misinformation, that "there is no possible way to get out of a

Satanic organization other than death." This only intends to scare

people. All one has to do to get out of the Church of Satan is to

_write us a letter_ telling us that they want to resign.

No one's kicked out unless they do something that is blatantly

against our tenets or unless _they_ request to have their name

taken from our lists. Unless people let us know in writing that

they want to resign we consider them members.

5.3. I am not 18 years old yet. Can I still become a member?

You may become a member of the Church of Satan at any age, though

further participation in the organization is limited to those who

are eighteen years of age or older. This is not meant as a judgment

of your maturity; we've received letters from 14-year-olds who had

a distinct, mature grasp of Satanism. But we must be realistic

about the world around us. One reason is that we don't want to

become a haven for the kind of sanctimonious perverts that

Christian churches and other "Goodguy Badge" forums (such as Big

Brother/Big Sister, Boy Scouts, etc.) often are. There are a lot of

sick people out there, and we don't want our vital young Satanists

to become victims of twisted adults who are more interested in

contacting young kids than they are in practicing Satanism.

Another reason is because your parents or other adults in your life

may not understand us or might be hostile toward your exploration

of this religion. They may try to cause trouble for us, falsely

accusing us of any number of things, just because they feel

threatened. So, we simply cannot allow anyone under the legal age

of consent to participate in any activities directly sponsored by

the Church of Satan. The _only_ exception to this rule would be the

_written permission and attendance_ of your parent or legal

guardian. Some of you may be lucky enough to have a very good

relationship with your parents and they may be supportive, even

enthusiastic, about your exploration of the Dark Side. They may be

willing to go with you to meet a local Grotto Master and decide on

your level of participation at this point in your magical

development. If this is the case, let us know.

5.4. The Church of Satan charges application fees for membership and

further involvement and accepts money from people. Sounds like

your garden- variety tent-show evangelist scam.

First off, you are probably confusing two different terms. The

Church of Satan is an organization. Satanism is a religion. Since

we are one of the few (if not, one of the ONLY) religions whose

organized body REJECTS the tax exempt status other religions cling

to, the CoS accepts money to keep it moving, and we pay BACK into

the economic system. ("Responsibility to the responsible.") Also,

there seem to be a couple presuppositions hiding under your

statement. The first is that we should feel "bad" or "humble" about

money. Why? We are Satanists. Most of us appreciate success in one

form or another and, in business, we know that money often enough

helps this along. We lay our cards on the table and have no problem

with it. If a credible Satanist pays into the CoS, he or she does

this in support, and does it knowingly because he or she is wise,

like all good Satanists are. If your average ignoramus throws money

at the CoS, the organization is happy to take that, too. But, it is

the idiot, not the CoS, who should be held responsible because,

quite frankly, we didn't rush up to his house with Uzis, drag him

to the ATM, and make him empty out his account for us. You don't

even have to be a member of the CoS to be a Satanist, so no money

is required, unlike that required by others for tithes, collection

plates, and holy corn meal. (The monetary fee, by extension, also

keeps out most of the trend chasers, the occultniks, and the

terrorists. We don't want them and we won't put up with them.) The

second presupposition lies in your penchant for equating us with

the model of religion which Xtianity ostensibly portrays. It has

been adequately stated and PROVEN that Satanism is not inverse

Xtianity. It's an old point. Tell the Judeo-Xtian churches to pay

THEIR taxes and see what they say. The differences are enormous.

5.5. I really want to join the Church of Satan... I mean, A LOT! I

want to be a Priest and be one of you. I want magical powers and

a direct phone-line to Satan.

Go away.

5.6. Do you find most of the membership of the CoS to be 'Xtian

refugees' or do they come from all sorts of backgrounds?

Surely, I couldn't speak for all Satanists, but I would assume that

many, particularly older Satanists who grew up in an era when

Xtianity was taken a bit more seriously, had some sort of Xtian

indoctrination in their childhoods. Oftentimes, teens will approach

Satanism as a reaction to their growing disdain for Xtianity, and I

think that's an honest and healthy step, speaking from experience.

However, once a Satanist (a true Satanist, and not some drugged-out

devil-worshipping metalhead with a penchant for feline slaughter)

grows up a bit and experiences some of the outside world, Satanism

becomes a lot more than a game of shock-the-sheep and the Satanist

applies himself/herself to attain goals and engage in meaningful

pursuits. I wouldn't use the phrase "Xtian refugees" to describe

the situation mentioned above, simply because there is an implied

idea of victimization riding shotgun with it, and victim is a label

no Satanist cares to wear - mainly because it's unproductive as

well as being antithetical to pure Satanic philosophy.

6. Satanic Literature

6.1. Books by and about Anton Szandor LaVey and the Church of Satan

THE SATANIC BIBLE and THE SATANIC RITUALS

-- by Anton Szandor LaVey.

Published in paperback by AVON BOOKS; available in all major

bookstores, in the Occult or New Age sections.

THE SATANIC WITCH and THE DEVIL'S NOTEBOOK

-- by Anton Szandor LaVey.

Published by Feral House, available in all major bookstores. If

needed, bookseller can order, or copies are available from the

publisher:

FERAL HOUSE, P. O. Box 3466, Portland, OR 97208-3466.

Send SASE for info.

SATAN SPEAKS

-- by Anton Szandor LaVey

Dr. LaVey's last (and final) book, to be released in late Spring of

1998 by FERAL HOUSE (address above).

THE SECRET LIFE OF A SATANIST

-- by Blanche Barton.

The authorized biography of Anton LaVey, published by FERAL HOUSE.

In the "Biography" section of bookstores (paperback or hardcover),

or send SASE to FERAL HOUSE (address above) for info.

THE CHURCH OF SATAN

-- by Blanche Barton.

Detailed history of the Church, with photos, instructions on

forming Grottos or groups, lists of Satanic films, music, and

books. Available in stores, or order from:

HELL'S KITCHEN PRODUCTIONS,

P. O. Box 499, Radio City Station, New York, NY 10101-0499.

Send SASE or 2 IRC for information.

SATAN WANTS YOU

-- by Arthur Lyons.

Published in 1988 by MYSTERIOUS PRESS (paperback and hardcover

editions). Buy or order in stores.

6.1.1. Where can 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 trying

one of the following methods:

If your local book store does not carry _The Satanic Bible_ or any

other books mentioned here (or, what would be the correct truth in

most cases, does not _want_ to hold them in stock), you can mail

order them from most of the addresses mentioned here without

problems. (See also the list at the end of this FAQ file.)

They also will be glad to serve inquiries from other countries,

although you may find the air mail charges rather steep. In Europe,

you might also try PENTAGRAM, P. O. Box 66, Dewsbury WF12 0XY, UK.

They carry most of the books mentioned here.

If you have access to the Internet, you could also place an on-line

order with many of those companies:

http://www.psinet.co.uk/pentagram/index.html

http://www.csn.net/central/feralhouse/

http://www.atomicbooks.com/

http://www.maledicta.com/

6.1.2. Where can I get an electronic copy of _The Satanic Bible_?

You cannot; they don't exist, and if such electronic copies would

exist, they would be a violation of copyright laws.

6.2. Satanic Magazines and Publications

6.2.1. The Cloven Hoof

The official _Bulletin_ of the Church of Satan. Current news,

articles, poetry, reviews, and analyses pertaining to all subjects

Satanic. Includes the latest LaVeyan releases and rip-offs. An

interactive communique, disseminating information received from our

vigilant Satanic Forces around the world! Address submissions and

subscription requests to:

Blanche Barton, The Cloven Hoof, P. O. Box 210666, San Francisco,

CA 94121. $35 per year, Sample copy $5 (U.S. funds). Make U.S.

checks or money order to "Blanche Barton". Foreign orders add $8.00

for subscription or $2.00 for single issue.

6.2.2. The Black Flame

This _magazine_ is the international forum of the Church of Satan.

Published twice annually, this comprehensive magazine will inform

you about trends in Satanic happenings and thought. Filled with

articles, reviews, poetry, and artwork of vital interest to all

Satanists. Single copy is $6.00 ($8.00 outside U.S.), two-issue

subscription is $12.00 ($16.00 outside U.S.). Send U.S. funds or

money order to: HELL'S KITCHEN PRODUCTIONS. (See address above).

6.2.3. Not Like Most

A Satanic publication adhering to the philosophies set forth by

Anton Szandor LaVey, The Church of Satan and directly affiliated

publications. Its primary audience is comprised of Satanists,

although it is also written for non-Xtian and anti-Xtian readers.

_Not Like Most_ is published twice annually and is available by

mail order for $4.00 ($5.00 outside the continental United States.)

Payment is to be made either by cash or a United States postal

money order filled out in the publisher's name, not the publishing

company. NO CHECKS.

Publisher: Rev. Matt G. Paradise, Priest - Church of Satan

Not Like Most, P. O. Box 88131, Burlington, Vermont 05402, USA

6.2.4. The Raven

"The lighter side of the dark." Empower a vitally important Satanic

attribute: your sense of humor! Enjoy our insightful and humorous

take on life, food and wine, religion, culture, current events,

etc. Issued quarterly (Equinoxes and Solstices). $10.00 per

year($15.00 outside US), payable to:

N.B. Smith, Box 163, Stratford CT 06497-0163 USA

6.2.5. Others

DIABOLICA - An Independent Forum of Satanic Thought

Sample copy $6.00 US / $7.00 Foreign,

Subscription $11.00 US / $13.00 Foreign

AZAZEL, P. O. Box 53, Allen Park, MI 488101-0053, USA

The Black Pun-kin

Canada's Satanic Forum

$7.00 US American residents, $7.00 CDN Canadian residents,

$10.00 US Overseas

All checks and money orders payable to Robert A. Lang

The Black Pun-kin, P. O. Box 32017, 1386 Richmond R.d.,

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2B 1A1

6.3. A little Satanically inspired book suggestion

Food for discussion groups or diabolical rumination. Most of these

have nothing to do with Satanism per se, but the keen reader will

be able to glean much from them, nevertheless. These works are just

a small selection from Anton LaVey's bookshelves, but it should

give you the idea and whet the appetite.

A much longer, albeit still only hinting, list on books, music, and

films is given in the appendix of Blanche Barton's book, _The

Church of Satan_.

6.3.1 Non-Fiction

Carl Jung: _Man and His Symbols_

Friedrich Nietzsche: esp. _Beyond Good and Evil_, _The Anti-Christ_

and _Twilight of the Gods_

_The Johnson, Smith and Company Catalogue: Surprising Novelties,

Puzzles, Tricks, Jokegoods. Useful Articles, etc._

Ambrose Bierce: _The Devil's Dictionary_

H.L. Mencken: esp. _The American Language_

Jerry Mander: _Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television_

6.3.2 Fiction

Charles Finney: _Circus of Dr. Lao_

Fyodor Dostoevsky: _Notes from Underground_

H.G. Wells: esp. _The Island of Dr. Moreau_

Jules Verne: _20,000 Leagues Under the Sea_

Oscar Wilde: _The Picture of Dorian Gray_

Jack London: esp. _The Sea-Wolf_, and books of lycanthropic

transformation

Fred Saberhagen: _The Dracula Tape_

Macabre stories and poetry of _Weird tales_ and Arkham House

writers Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard, Frank Belknap, August Derleth,

et al.

7. Satanic Music and Videos

7.1. Music by Anton Szandor LaVey

AMARILLO RECORDS,

5714 Folsom Blvd., Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95819 USA

(Send SASE for ordering information.)

Selections include:

STRANGE MUSIC (10"),

SATAN TAKES A HOLIDAY (CD), and

THE SATANIC MASS (CD)--which also includes THE HYMN OF THE SATANIC

EMPIRE, also known as "Battle Hymn of the Apocalypse", written and

performed by Anton LaVey).

7.2. Other Music of Satanic value

Look out for Franz List (Mephisto Waltz, Faust Symphony), Modest

Mussorgsky (Night on Bald Mountain), Richard Wagner, Richard

Strauss (Thus Spoke Zarathustra), Frederic Chopin, Igor

Stranvinsky, and many more.

7.3. Videos

SPEAK OF THE DEVIL: THE CANNON OF ANTON LAVEY

-- Video interview by Nick Bougas.

LaVey intersperses musical performances with his unique and

penetrating commentary, ranging from American pop music to World

Wars to Whoopie Cushions!

DEATHSCENES

-- with on-camera introduction and narration by Anton LaVey.

Extremely graphic morgue shots and crime scene photos. Not for the

faint of heart!

DEATHSCENES 2 and DEATHSCENES 3

-- Similar material, but with soundtracks by Peter Gilmore.

For information about all video selections above, write to:

FERAL HOUSE, P. O. Box 3466, Portland, OR 97208-3466, USA.

Please include a SASE or IRC.

SATANIS, THE DEVIL'S MASS

-- a 1968 documentary film about the Church of Satan.

A fascinating documentation about the early days of the Church of

Satan, giving many philosophical insights and witness to magical

rituals. This jewel has long been lost, but recently it turned up

again.

Send SASE or IRC to:

Strength Through Joy Prod.,

P. O. Box 82435, Portland, OR 97282, USA

8. The Church of Satan on the Internet

Our online representative is Magistra Peggy Nadramia:

nadramia@panix.com

Some selected web sites where you may also find information from

and about the Church of Satan and Anton LaVey provided by our

affiliates. This is just a selection and has no intentions of being

complete in any sense. Use them as starting points for your own

research. Caveat Emptor!

http://users.aol.com/boysatan/ptp/ptp.htm

Purging Talon Publishing Headquarters

http://www.satannet.com/

The Satanic Network

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/5666/

The Church of Satan Library

http://www.evilgods.com/

Deadlights Grotto

http://www.ragingsea.com/

The Raging Sea

http://www.image.dk/~vad/

Hr. Vad's Homepage On Satanism

http://www.erols.com/pumacat/

Lair of the Underground Panther

http://hem2.passagen.se/revwolf/

Satanism from Sweden

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/hpaulis/

Herbert's Dark Corner of the Web

9. Artifacts and where to look for them

9.1. Artifacts

THE SATANIC BIBLE and THE SATANIC RITUALS were published briefly in

hardback editions in the early 1970's by UNIVERSITY BOOKS. They

turn up very rarely in stacks of used books. Anyone looking for

these should probably use a book search service.

THE DEVIL'S AVENGER, a 1974 paperback biography of Anton LaVey, is

long out of print. Rare copies sometimes turn up through book

search services, however.

THE SATANIC MASS (an LP) was the first recording of authentic

Satanic rituals, made in 1968. It has been re-released on CD by

Amarillo Records (address above). A rendition by Anton LaVey of his

HYMN OF THE SATANIC EMPIRE has been added, making this album a real

treasure!

THE COMPLEAT WITCH (which originally had U.S. hardcover and

paperback editions as well as an Italian hardcover edition) has

been re-released as THE SATANIC WITCH.

9.2. Societies

THE LADY O SOCIETY,

BCM 3406, London, WC1N 3XX England

(The society for submissive ladies.)

TEMPLE OF THE VAMPIRE,

P. O. Box 3582, Lacy, WA 98503

(The only organization for those who share a vampire aesthetic.)

9.3. Shops

(Please send SASE or IRC for ordering info.)

ABYSS,

48 Chester Road, Chester MA 01011, USA

DESIGN TOSCANO, INC.,

17 East Campbell Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA

(Gargoyles, etc.)

THE DEVIL'S BOOKSHELF,

P. O. Box 666, Daytona Beach, FL 32115-0666, USA

(send $5 for catalogue.)

EDMUND SCIENTIFIC COMPANY,

101 East Gloucester Pike, Bradenton, FL 08007-1380, USA

HELL'S KITCHEN PRODUCTIONS,

P. O. Box 499, Radio City Station, New York, NY 10101-0499, USA

INFERNACULA,

c/o Dave Martinez,

P. O. Box 792666, San Antonio, TX 78279-2666, USA

INNER SANCTUM,

180-1 Elm Street, Suite 112, Pittsfield, MA 01201, USA

INTERNATIONAL IMPORTS,

236 West Manchester, Los Angeles, CA 90003, USA

(Send $3.00 for a big catalog.)

JOHNSON SMITH COMPANY,

4514 19th Street Court East,

P. O. Box 25500, Bradenton, FL 34206-5500, USA

MUSEUM REPLICAS LIMITED,

2143 Gees Mill Road, Box 840, Conyers, GA 30207, USA

(Not strictly occult-oriented, but GREAT daggers, swords, capes,

etc..)

NETHERWORLD,

701 N. MacQueston Parkway, Crypt 122, Mt. Vernon, NY 10552, USA

PENDRAGON, GIDEON, MEPHISTO AND SCRATCH,

P. O. Box 163, Stratford, CT 06497-0163, USA

(Send $1.00 and SASE for your very own personal standard

sell-your-soul contract!)

SATANIC BAPHOMETS, beautiful and exclusive! Authentic 1 1/4 inch

diameter fire-enameled medallions, in black, white, or crimson.

THE CHURCH OF SATAN, P. O. Box 210666, San Francisco, CA 94121,

USA. ($44 in U.S. funds, check, or money order, including postage

and handling. $5 extra for overseas orders.)

SEXY SHOES,

Leslie Shoe Co.,

480 N. 2nd St., P. O. Box 48, Rogers City, MI 49779-0048, USA

(A purveyor of excellent witches' shoes!)

PENTAGRAM,

P. O. Box 66, Dewsbury WF12 0XY, UK

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