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A Basic Introduction For Prospective
Adherents
(Order of Nine Angles)
Introduction
This present work aims to provide an introduction to genuine Satanism for those interested in this particular Occult way. It is written by someone who has been involved in Satanism for a quarter of a century and who now has the honour of being the Grand Master representing traditional Satanists. The work is honest and revealing and therefore informative, and will go some way to demolishing the myths prevalent regarding Satanism. Because of its honest and revealing nature, it will also undermine the many pseudo-Satanists who have little or no understanding of what real Satanism is all about.
In genuine Satanism, there
are rituals of an Occult kind, as there is an exultation in the carnal.
There is also real evil - dark and dangerous deeds: a living of life to
the fullest extent. All of these things - and much more - will be explained.
I - The Satanic Game
SATANISM is understood by its genuine adherents as a particular Occult way or method. That is, it is a specific path or way toward a specific goal, the following of which involves a particular way of living. The specific path is a dark, sinister, or 'Left Hand Path' one, and the specific goal is the creation of a new type of individual. On a more general level, Satanism is concerned with changing our evolution and the societies we live in - creating, in fact a new human species and a civilization appropriate to the new type of human being.
However, Satanism is often
regarded by the mis-informed and by its enemies, as being one or more of
the following: (a) worship of the Devil/Satan; (b) a religious cult which
practices Black Magick; (c) an inversion of the Nazarene religion and its
rites; (d) a sect which preaches and practices perversions and sexual licence.
Further - an incorrectly - the figure of Satan Himself is commonly held
to derive from the religion described in the Hebrew 'Old Testament', with
the word "Satan" being regarded as derived from the Hebrew word for "accuser".
In fact, the Hebrew word
which is often rendered as "Satan" is itself derived from another word
- an ancient Greek one. This Greek word - an is [aitia] - that is, 'an
accusation'. [See, for example, its use by Aeschylus - aitiau ekho.] Essentially,
the Hebrew word 'Satan' is a corrupt form of the Greek word for an 'accusation'.
In Greek of the classical period, [aitia] and [diabole] were often used
for the same thing, especially when a 'Wrong' or 'Bad' sense was required,
as, for example in a
'false accusation'.
Thus, in essence, Satan
as a word represents 'Adversary' in the sense of opposing norm, the accepted,
and this sense is still retained in the usage of 'Devil' (e.g. Devil's
Advocate). The word 'Devil' is derived from the Greek word above, via the
Latin 'diabolus'. The figure of Satan is thus seen to be not a Hebrew invention,
as hitherto supposed, but in fact a representation of Opposition, Heresy:
a refusal to accept the 'accepted'.
Satan is regarded, by Satanists,
as a symbol - both real and archetypal - of Defiance, of Pride (a refusal
to bow down and meekly submit) and thus of creative change. From Opposition
derives a synthesis, the process of dialectical change which governs evolution.
Fundamentally, Satanism is
anti-religious. Religion means a submission - to a deity and its 'appointed'
authority/church. It also means a certain way of viewing the world. The
religious way is the way of dogma, of revelation, and ultimately, of fear
- there is concern with reward and retribution, concepts of sin and such
like. There is and must be faith.
The way of Satanism is the
way of liberation: internally and externally. There is a desire to know
based on experience, ather than a faith. There is a desire to be proud
and exultant, to revel in life and to fulfil the possibilities that life
offers. In other words, to really live, completely, and to extend to frontiers
of existence: to achieve, to prosper, to excel. To set the standards, the
example, for others rather than to follow those of someone else.
Thus, because of 'human
nature', Satanism is suited to a minority - the few who can really defy
and go against accepted norms. For it is a fundamental principle of Satanism
that each individual Satanist finds his or her own limits and thus lives,
and if necessary dies, by their own morality or ethics. That is, a Satanist
accepts no standards, no code of ethics, no morality: they create their
own standards, and live by their own morality, however dark or evil that
morality may seem to others or 'society'.
This principle means that
Satanists are amoral in the conventional sense: they accept no restrictions
other than those they impose on themselves. There is not and can never
be, any such thing as 'Satanic ethics' or a Satanic authority which individual
Satanists must accept and be subservient to - for these are contrary to
the essence of Satanism.
Satanism is an individualized
defiance, an individual quest - it is the principle of evolution in human
practice: the strong survive, win through, while the weak perish.
However, this does not mean
what most opponents of Satanism assume it means - a license for anarchic
self-indulgence and a wallowing in lust/depravity and so on. A Satanist
has a goal, an ulterior motive beyond the satisfaction of the 'ego' and
an indulgence of unconscious impulses. This goal is to excel - to go beyond
what one is. To do this requires a self-mastery, a real self-discipline.
Both of these can only be acquired by experience in real life. A Satanist
desires to evolve - this requires strength of character, resolve. What
a Satanist does, in real-life or in ritual, is to explore the limits of
themselves and the world - to
experience and so grow, to fulfil the potential of existence, of 'god-head'/divinity
latent within them. Everything is a means to this - rituals, other people,
society itself.
As a result of the ulterior
motive, there is perspective - an understanding beyond the impulse/feelings/desires
of the moment or the experience. In brief, there is real insight and judgement,
a self-awareness.
Of course, this is not easy.
The failures become trapped in - or never go beyond - the moment and the
desires/impulses/feelings of the moment. In simple terms, the failures,
the pseudo-Satanists wallow in their
dark side and that of 'society' without either understanding it or
transcending it.
Fundamentally, a Satanist
knows and understands where they are going and what they are doing/why
they are doing it: the failures, the pseuds, are trapped by the acts or
acts or experience. The Satanist is strong, proud, defiant, self-disciplined
and in control; the failures, the pseuds are in thrall to their feelings,
emotions, and without any real self-discipline and thus insight.
Naturally, the way of Satanism
is not easy: the methods, experiences and so on which the Satanist uses
to obtain their goal are risky and dangerous. It is easy to fail, get caught
or whatever. There is nothing to aid the Satanist in his or her quest -
nothing to make it easy or easier: there is only his or her determination
and learning from experience; the gradual development of character from
experience, and thus a real evolution.
The way of Satanism sets
forth various learning experiences, reveal various esoteric techniques
and offers an esoteric or 'initiated' insight into life, individuals and
the cosmos itself. Satanism is a practical way of living, and in the early
stages a part of this involves magickal practices and rituals. These are
experiences, the development of certain esoteric skills, and this a learning
of 'forbidden' Arts. They also enable indulgence in worldly pleasures -
carnal, material and otherwise. But such rituals are not a fetish or of
a religious nature - they are merely means, to be used, learned from and
then transcended. For a Satanist always moves on - to new experiences,
new learning, new insights, new challenges.
For most, the overtly Occult
aspects - involving participating in magickal rites and running (and thereby
manipulating) one's own group/Temple - lasts a few years. After that, it
has served it purpose, and is left behind. There is then, for the Satanist,
an involvement with other Satanic practices in order to further develop
the character and abilities of that Satanist, and to express by their acts
and way of living, the dark side of existence.
Some of these Satanic practices
are, viewed conventionally, evil and some are 'illegal' or at least rather
dubious in nature. They are chosen by the Satanist to further their development
and to help what is known as the 'sinister dialectic of history'.
They are chosen to aid the
unique Destiny which the Satanist wishes to achieve - to fulfill their
existence in a unique way. For each Satanist wishes to make their mark
on the world - to achieve something with their lives, this achievement
being significant. They wish to change things - for their life to have
an effect: to participate significantly in evolution. Thus, a Satanist,
aware of their Destiny - or desiring to achieve a Destiny - seeks experiences
which will aid that destiny, which will enable
its complete fulfilment. The choice is theirs, and theirs alone - there
are no restraints, other than that they should work and achieve or aid
that Destiny.
In consequence, some of
the deeds they may undertake may be - and really should be - evil. That
is, disruptive of norms, both personal and supra-personal (ie. 'society'
based). Some may involve 'culling' (ie. removing human dross or those who
oppose the Destiny of the Satanist - via sacrifice or whatever). Some may
involve 'illegal'/terrorist/amoral acts.
What is important about
what is chosen and done is that (a) it aids or fulfills the Destiny of
the Satanist so choosing and acting; and/or (b) it aids Satanism in general
ie. it helps to fulfil the "sinister dialectic of history". There are no
other onsiderations - ethical, moral, religiousor whatever.
The 'sinister dialectic of
history' is the name used to describe Satanic strategy. [Note: The Training
and guidance of individual Satanists by an established Satanic Order/group
or Master/Mistress, is a tactic used to achieve the strategic goal.] The
aim of this strategy is to change evolution - i.e. the evolution of our
species and the cosmos itself, by interaction. This evolution is toward
'the sinister' - i.e. toward greater individuality and creativity. To achieve
this, restrictions have to be
destroyed. This means the restructuring of societies, among other things.
Essentially, the aim is to create a new human species - to develop that
potential latent within us as individuals: to achieve the divine. Or expressed
another way, to let the human species develop maturity - at present the
vast majority are still immature children. And they are kept that way by
the restraints and impositions and control of societies and religions and
other structures (such as politics): by ethics, and by dogma.
The archetype for this change
is Satan - the Adversary, the Heretic, the Proud One who refuses to bow
down before some 'god'; who refuses to accept subservience. To achieve
this change there has to be a learning - a gradual increase in the number
of genuine Satanists: i.e. in those who are free of external and internal
restraints and who allegiance is to the creative energy that creates all
life and engenders its change and thus evolution and which therefore is
the essences of existence.
Each Satanist, by living
Satanically, aids the dialectic and thus aids evolutionary change - they
learn to play at being god. As for the rest - they can participate, and
so learn and so evolve to another existence. Or they can be used, by Satanists,
to effect changes greater than themselves.
There are no limitations
unless we create them - and if others create them, they are there to be
transcended. To exult in excellence is the name of the only game worth
playing: the Satanic one.
^^^^^^^
II - Some Questions Answered
Q: Is Satanism simply Devil-Worship?
A: The term 'devil-worship' is used in a number of ways - often to
describe 'Black Magick' and the alleged practices of 'Satanists': e.g.
sexual rituals, animal sacrifice. What is usually described by this term
are the activities of Occult dabblers who have no knowledge of real Satanism,
and who play at being Satanists - invoking The Devil and so on. Often,
the term
'Devil-worship' is used in the moral sense to describe 'perverted'
behaviour in an Occult setting.
In the literal sense, Devil-worship
means a religious worship of the Devil.
In all the above senses, Satanism
is not 'devil-worship': Satanists do not worship anything, and the practices
and rites of Satanism are quite different from the popular 'media' image/model.
While some of the rites
involve various Occult forms - robes, a Temple and so on - most are removed
from such associations. The real magick of a Satanist takes place through
their way of living - what they do and achieve in real life and situations,
by trying to fulfil their Destiny and aid the sinister dialectic. They
live Satanically, rather than play Occult games.
Those that do have an outward
Occult or ritualized form, are only a learning, a stage for the Satanic
novice - the mere beginnings of their Satanic life. ceremonial rituals
are given in 'The Black book of Satan'. They include The Black Mass, the
Initiation Ceremony and The Death Ritual.]
Q: But what of The Devil? Or Satan? Does He really exist? And, if
so, do you respect Him?
A: He exists, but not in the way most believe: e.g. a horned figure
with cloven feet. Rather, He is not bound by our everyday spatial and temporal
dimensions, but exists instead in what esoteric tradition calls 'the acausal'.
We apprehend the acausal mostly in an archetypal way - i.e. we impose an
image upon its acausal and non-spatial structure.
The 'conventional' descriptions
of the Devil or Satan are basically childish Nazarene images. The reality
is far more terrifying and evil - when viewed conventionally, of course!
Further, terms like 'respect'
depend on the opposites inherent in an un-initiated view. In reality, there
is only a working with the acausal energies or forces or 'entities' as
those things are: a becoming-like the Devil; an identity-with Him, if you
wish. And this is an extension of one's own being or existence, rather
than a negation, a submergence.
Expressed simply, one becomes
one with Satan, and in the early stages strives to be like Him.
Q: Does Satanism involve human sacrifice?
A: Sometimes a Satanist may undertake a culling - either during a magickal
ritual or in the real world (e.g. by assassination, manipulating someone
to do the deed). Whether or not this is done depends on the Destiny of
the individual Satanist - on whether a particular person or persons need
removing in order for that Destiny to be attained.
However, all victims for
such removal must be suitable - that is, they will be judged as worthless,
dross: or be suitable because their removal will aid the sinister dialectic.
They, of course, will be judged and found suitable, Satanically. In practice,
this means that once someone has been judged to be worthless (in terms
of their character and deeds) or otherwise found to be suitable for sacrifice,
they will be tested in order to confirm this judgement/suitability. The
tests give them a sporting chance. Two or three tests are usually conducted,
without the victim's knowledge. Only if they fail these tests will a culling
be ndertaken, for the glory of Satanism in general.
The "raison d'etre" for
Satanic culling, is some people are worthless, a liability to evolution,
and their removal is healthy: it aids the human stock. And thus helps to
achieve Satanic goals.
Further, those chosen really choose
themselves, by their deeds - they reveal their worthless character or their
suitability by what they do, or do not do, in real life. Thus, a culling
is akin to an act of 'natural justice', a restoration of the creative imperative.
Q: But surely this 'culling' as you call it, is a criminal act?
A: The 'Law' is an accumulation of tireless attempts by the mediocre
majority to prevent the creative few turning life into a succession of
ecstasies. Or, less poetically, it is an attempt to restrain the healthy,
noble instinct of the strong - an attempt to usurp the judgement of experience.
What matters is that each
individual develops their own judgement - possesses a sense of 'natural
justice', a mature and strong character (born via experience). The 'Law'
is an expression of tyranny - of someone else taking away this judgement
and character: of society treating people as children.
Q: What of children? Do they have a place in Satanism? In its rituals,
for instance?
A: One of the fundamental aims of Satanism is to develop individuals
- to develop a mature, insightful, character, a Satanic spirit.
Satanic training, of a novice,
aims to build character, to develop a unique individual aware of their
potential and their destiny. This training can only begin when the individual
can assess things - or begin to assess them - for themselves. This generally
means around the age of sixteen. Before then, there can be no participation
in Satanism, whether this be rituals or anything else, simply because Satanism
involves each individual making their own choice - of deciding, for themselves,
that they
wish to undergo Satanic training or undertake a Satanic way of living.
In some circumstances -
for instance a child born to parents who are Satanists - there is a simple
ceremony involving dedicating the newborn to the darker forces. But until
that child grows and can decide things for themselves, there is and can
be nothing else. To to otherwise, is to contradict the essence of Satanism.
Satanism is not interested
in 'corrupting' others without their consent - it is interested in creating
strong, unique individuals of real character who can think and judge for
themselves. Anything else is not real Satanism.
Q: But surely Satanists control and use others - manipulate them?
A: Of course! Some people are natural slaves. Satanists are the natural
leaders. But each person has a free choice - if they need to follow, to
be led, if the enjoy being manipulated, or out of weakness have little
or no character of their own, then that is in their nature. existence is
often ruthless: the strong win through while the weak go under. Thus is
evolution achieved. Humans are no different, although many in their delusion
would wish to believe otherwise.
I shall give an example,
and one which will make the softees (and incidently the pseudo-Satanists)
shudder in horror! Some people in their weakness become addicts - for this
example we will say on drugs. As such, they are life's failures. A Satanist
views them with contempt - they have made their choice, and revealed a
weak character. Thus, he or she might
consider it worth their while - and certainly justified - in 'using'
these worthless people, by, for instance, supplying them with what they
need. To wit, drugs. This would be profitable, and enable the Satanist
to live their life a little more Satanically. It would also aid the sinister
dialectic - in two ways. First, the addicts might in the near future die,
and thus remove or cull themselves. Second, the 'drug-culture' is symptomatic
of a society or societies infested with the Nazarene disease: where a
slave-morality has triumphed and noble, strong instincts are repressed/suppressed.
(Where, for instance, the idea of combat, of war, as healthy, is heresy.)
Such a society or societies need to be undermined and destroyed and replaced
by healthier ones.
Incidently, while on this
subject of health, everyone has a choice at all times despite whatever
external circumstances pertain. It is character, spirit, which win through.
A Satanist is someone who
triumphs, even (or especially) in adversity, and who lives by a motto which
is no longer understood today except by the noble few: "Death Before Dishonour".
To submit, to give in, to not try, is dishonourable. A Satanist knows with
an arrogant, prideful certainty that the human spirit can triumph over
everything and everyone - they refuse to admit defeat, to give in, and
are prepared if necessary to die rather than act in a dishonourable way,
against their Satanic
principles. Because of this, they are strong, and inspire in others
perhaps a certain awe. And, because of this preparedness, they exult in
life - they relish living, and live to the full.
Q: If I wished to become a Satanist, what would I have to do?
A: The first thing is to make sure one understands what Satanism is
and involves by contacting other Satanists, for instance, or reading genuine
Satanic material such as the works of the O.N.A.
Then, having so understood,
one makes a decision to begin the quest along the 'Left Hand Path' and
to act Satanically. This is usually formalized in some way via a simple
rite of Initiation - which basically means that one affirms one's desire
to follow the way of Satan. This rite can be either a ceremonial one, via
an existing Order or Satanic group, or a hermetic 'self-Initiation'. Examples
of both are available to those curious enough to find them.
Following this, one undertakes
various tasks, techniques and methods over a period of some months, the
aim of all of which is to build a solid Satanic foundation, in terms of
character. These are all accessable in various Satanic works. Quite a number
of these involve gaining experience in the real world, while some involve
directly Occult/magickal work - e.g. rituals.
The emphasis throughout
is on self-achievement and self-effort. This 'noviciate period lasts about
a year, perhaps two. There are then more challenges to undertake, more
ordeals to develop character and aid one's judgement and insight and self-mastery.
Of course, there are also
many rewards - some carnal, some material, some spiritual (in the sinister
sense, naturally!). here develops an awareness of one's Destiny and
an understanding of what is hidden from the majority by virtue of their
rather rudimentary level of consciousness and knowledge.
During all this, one is
aiding the dark forces by the very act of doing Satanic things. That is,
aiding evolution - of one's self, and existence in general. One is being
significant; doing and achieving.
If one is fortunate enough, there may
be guidance and advice from someone who has gone that way before - from
a Satanic Master or Mistress.
What is important, is that
one really lives; achieves things; works in and alters the real world;
and learns and so develops - in character, insight, knowledge and so on.
Most people waste their
lives. A Satanist wants to be a god - and is prepared to change the world
to make their dreams a reality. Most people dream, but lack the courage
to act. What matters is that one does something - if somethings do not
work out as one planned, there are other places, other times. New dreams
to dream and fulfil. And life does not even end with causal death - one
can become Immortal! The form of life simply changes. But this immortality
is not given - it is not a reward. It is
_achieved_, it is a conscious act: a becoming-one with the dark force
itself, with Satan.
There is much that is numinous,
but nothing known that surpasses Man in numinosity. That is, of all life,
we as individuals possess the most potential - have the 'creative fire'
of life itself. Satanism is a means to not only understand this, but to
implement it - fulfil our divine (and diabolic) potential. To live this
existence to the full. To participate in evolution. And to evolve to another
realm entirely.
But Satanism is dangerous
- it is testing. It requires a demonic desire, a strength of character.
It is genuine Heresy. It is for the few who can really defy, who really
wish to become like gods and are prepared to take the risks involved.
^^^^^^^
List of O.N.A. Works
* The Black Book of Satan - A Guide to Satanic Ceremonial
56 pages
* Naos - A Practical Guide to Becoming An Adept
125 pages
* Hostia - Secret Teachings of the ONA. Volume I
130 pages
* Hostia - Volume II. 60 pages
* Hysteron Proteron - Inner Teachings of the ONA.
27 pages
* The Sinister Taro - 21 colour illustrations with explanatory notes
* The Satanic Letters of Stephen Brown
35 pages
* The Deofel Quartet:
Vol. i Falcifer, Lord of Darkness
102 Pages
Vol. ii Temple of Satan 99
pages
Vol. iii The Giving 103 pages
Vol. iv The Greyling Owl
99 pages
* Hostia - Volume III 29 pages
* The Black Book of Satan II
* The Black Book of Satan III
* The Self-Immolation Rite (Audio Cassette)
* Fenrir - Journal of Satanism & The Sinister
[All of the above are available from:
Rigel Press
PO Box 235
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
England]
Copyright Order of the Nine Angles, 1992eh.
Printed & Published by
Thormynd Press
PO Box 700
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
England