The Foundations of Satanism

Of all the gods, it seems as if Satan is the most human, the one that we can relate to on a personal level, in a very human way, because of the qualities of independence, self reliance, determination and self-realization that he awakens within those that seek his knowledge. off set

You don't have to look too far back in history to see how Satanism has developed as a social movement, and changed the lives of so many. Due to the efforts of Dr. LaVey and Diane Hegarty the Church of Satan was established in the late sixties. LaVey drew from many symbolic sources of his era including Nietzsche, Crowley, Ayn Rand, HP. Lovecraft, LaVoisin, DeSade, and others, to invent his own brand of Satanism that has inspired people ever since.

This Satanic Bible was reactionary in it's day and age, because the ideas that LaVey wrote about were revolutionary and revealing. LaVey's intent was to invert Christian moral values with a humanist philosophy, in order to encourage others to 'do as they will', and to enjoy life in the 'here and how'. LaVey's writing of the Satanic Bible has influenced many would-be Satanists for several generations as the Satanists Primer, an introduction to Satanic literature and thought. Those who identify with the teachings of Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan, and the Satanic Bible, are often labeled as 'LaVeyan Satanists'.

While the Church has changed in the past 30 years, the core values of early Satanism remain the same for many Satanists today - self indulgence, self worship, enjoyment of life, personal empowerment and gain.