The Nine Satanic Sins

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Counterproductive Pride - That first word is important. Pride is great up to the point you begin to throw out the baby with the bathwater. 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.

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 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.

Misconceptions

I Satanists do not worship Satan. Satan is revered as an ideal, the carnal and natural side of man's nature. Do not confuse this with the judeo-christian figure of evil and mischief.

II Satanism is not a cult, it is a philosophy. In the US, the Church of Satan is a recognised religious organisation.

III The 9th Satanic Rule of the Earth states, 'Do not harm little children'. Child abusers are the lowest form of life as far as I'm concerned and anyone who wants to associate me with such creatures risks violent retribution. I make no apologies for my strong feelings on the subject.

IV Satanists do not sacrifice animals. Animals being killed for food is one thing, but for rituals or sport, look else where.

V Satanism is not an anti-christian philosophy per se. It is opposed to the hypocrisy of many christian churches and organisations and to people that preach one doctrine while following another. Satanists do not burn down churches.

VI Black masses are not a part of Satanism. If certain Satanists want to send up a Christian mass for a bit of fun, that is up to them. It is nothing to do with Satanic rules or doctrine.

VII Many Satanists do perform rituals for personal empowerment and achievement. This is nothing sinister, certainly not when compared with the arcane rituals and ceremony of the other churches and faiths.

VIII No-one is forced to join the church of satan or any other satanic group. You are either a Satanist or you're not.

IX Satanism has nothing to do with evil or black magic. This is a lie perpetuated by Christian groups who are unable to grasp the concept of a life free from sin and guilt.

X Satanists do not advocate breaking any laws, spreading anarchy or bringing about the end of the world as we know it. Certain Satanists may align themselves with certain 'counter culture' groups and activities but this is a personal choice and is no reason to tar us all with the same brush.

XI Unfortunately Satanists do not regularly take part in frenzied sexual orgies and rituals.

XII Satanists are often confused with other pagan groups, much to the chagrin of all concerned. New age and Wiccan followers have nothing to do with Satanists. The reverence of the 'Earth Goddess' is at odds with the generally atheist view of most Satanists.