Geifodd's definition of Satanism

Theistic Satanism: Home > Varieties > Geifodd's definition of Satanism
Theistic Satanism: Home > Philosophy > Independent thought > Geifodd's definition of Satanism

Note by Diane Vera, 06/03/2003: Geifodd's views have changed since he wrote this article. For his up-to-date views, see his website Your Friendly Neightborhood Devil Worshiper (mirror site here).

But this article is still worth preserving, because the views expressed below are in many ways typical of a school of thought that has been influential among theistic Satanists for quite a few years. Geifodd's former views, as voiced in this article, are based largely on the ideas of Michael Aquino, founder of the Temple of Set. For more information about the Temple of Set, see the ToS General Information Letter, and see also Balanone's Temple of Set information.

A General Definition of Satanism

By Geifodd ap Pwyll

Satanism is a religion in which the individual is raised to personal godhood, free from enslavement to any other god or gods. This is a question not only of power, but also of ethics, morality, and psychological maturity. It is a pathway to metaphysical growth, but many mistake it as an excuse for egoistic irresponsibility. Those who make this mistake are usually the so-called "Satanists" who run around, professing their uncompromising hatred for Christians and Christianity, seemingly without any rational or logical basis of thought.

By analyzing conventional religions according to their basic philosophical principles, Satanists tend to view these religions as representing the primitive longing of man to feel at "one" with the "Universal harmony" he perceives about him. It is believed that the problem arises from the phenomenon of human consciousness -- the ability to perceive and to assign meaning to thoughts and things -- and the way in which different metaphysical doctrines have approached this phenomenon throughout the centuries. Some were frightened by this phenomenon, feeling as if they were "separate" from the "natural order" of things, or that humankind had somehow "fallen from grace" and had to be "saved" or "re-included" into said order. This primitive ideology, which is found in many conventional religions, and that is generally termed the Right Hand Path, has inspired its adherents throughout the ages to destroy all and any phenomena or individuals who frustrated the so called "natural way of things" -- never realizing that Nature itself is chaotic and ever-changing.

Others, however, interpreted the feature of human consciousness not as evidence of a separation from Nature, but as evidence that Nature itself is chaotic and disordered. These individuals saw fit to exalt this state of uniqueness and individuality and, with knowledge and appreciation of its power, worked to adapt the world to themselves, rather than the other way around. This ideology, the one to which Satanists adhere, is known as the Left Hand Path. Satanists reject the notion of conformity to some perceived rule of existence or external absolute, believing that no such absolute exists. They recognize that life itself is a continual series of changes and mutations, and they celebrate the ultimate catalyst for transformation: the Self as a unique entity unlike anything else in existence. The Satanist rejects the imaginary "natural order" and worships instead the Self, knowing that Nature itself is defined -- and constantly re-defined -- by the individual beings of which it is composed.

Like Satan, the Satanist takes the place of God over his own life, an act which requires a great deal of ethical and psychological maturity. Instead of losing our individuality and independence to some divine universal "oneness," we choose to maintain, glorify, and expand that unique individuality to its furthest extent. This, the exaltation and evolution of the individual psyche, is a metaphysical process that Satanists refer to as Xeper ("KHEF-er"), an ancient Egyptian word which means "to Come Into Being." Xeper is the only "dogma" that is recognized in Satanism; other than this, all other aspects of Satanism -- such as beliefs and interpretations of Satan, the afterlife, etc. -- are left entirely to the discretion and decision of the individual practitioner. Hence why some Satanists would describe themselves as theistic, believing in a literal metaphysical entity named Satan or the Prince of Darkness, and others would describe themselves as atheistic, interpreting Satan as nothing more than a symbol or rich literary figure. Each individual Satanist determines his or her own methodology toward the evolution of their awareness (Xeper) according to their own personal experience, as Xeper is necessarily a personal and internal experience that cannot be taught, only learned. As Satanism is necessarily a self-based religion, it rejects all fixed ideologies and strives rather toward an atmosphere of "best possible premises" which are always subject to intelligent criticism, experimentation, and alteration.
There are a few deranged souls out there who call themselves "Satanists" and who yet fall short of the true definition of Satanism. This is not the fault of Satanism or of Satanists, but of those individuals who attempt to "jump on the bandwagon" without really understanding the intensely metaphysical concepts of this spiritual path.

Back to: