Halloween, the herd, and The Satanist
Draconis BlackthorneHalloween... the time of the year when the herd try to imitate the Satanist's general lifestyle, or at least a pale facsimile thereof. They accumulate cheap, cartoonish plastic costumes and cardboard props to create the illusion of a darkened environment. As Magus Gilmore observed, Halloween seems to be the one time of year when the herd actually attempt to viscerally connect, albeit on a superficial level, with their Jungian darksides by dressing up in those chintzy costumes. For the Satanist, the aesthetics of Halloween tend to be a constant. Really, the only benefit to this is the relatively increased availability of certain items such as black candles, and various objects d'art, many of which serve as memento moris.
If I ever wanted to initiate an "attraction", all I would have to do is bring out some of My possessions for display, but I would not be so charitable. The fog machine and strobe light I use for certain ceremonies, the black and red lights I use to illuminate the proceedings {by the way, black light is excellent to illuminate texts used, without depleting the Magical embiance, and does in fact enhance the atmosphere, in My opinion}. Like Dr. LaVey, I tend to "lay low" this time of year, perhaps with quality company, enjoying the beautious weather and some of the select amusing presentations broadcast, though even that is quite rare, preferring My own collection of nefarious edification.
* Haunted House
Typically a menacing depiction of a Victorian mansion, or gothic castle, up on a hill, sillhouetted by the moon, with bats flying around thereabouts, often with a skeletal tree on the side, sometimes amidst a few gravestones. A jagged streak of lightning strikes nearby. A rickety fence attached to an elaborate swinging gate leads to a twisting pathway up to the forboding abode.
The Satanist lives, or tends to strive to live in a total environment of one's exquisite choosing. The Lair filled with fascinating occultic artifacts d'mort {skulls, skeletons, weapons} and/or carnality {Baphomets, pentagrams, demon masks, erotica, etc.} of a finely artistic nature, all to accentuate one's persona. From ornate portraits, clocks, statuary, mirrors, furniture, bookshelves {filled with various 'forbidden' subject matter in either book, discographic or cinematic recording form}, down to even the drapes and silverware.
Contrast & compare...
Spiders? Cobwebs? Bats? I have the marvelous designs of these arachnid artisans adorning My walls, and I even have bats roosting within an overhang on the far end of the house. 'Spooky' animals? I live with four cats {including a black one}, several rats, a cerberean dog, a tarantula, and a snake.
The herd actually purchase synthetic webbing, wolves, rubber bats, rats, spiders, and snakes. The fearful herd purchase faux creatures to ornament their displays, failing to recognize the innate beauty of these predatorial beasts, are unable to resonate, for they themselves are of the prey-type.
I have a 'skeletal tree' as well out at Satan's Hollow, My pleasantly overgrown natural private environment behind The House, or what I refer to as "Blackthorne Manor", My personal quarters as "The Noctuary".
With the exception of those more imaginative and enthusiastic of the holiday, the herd place goofball tchotchkes tackily arranged.
Haunted? I would say assuredly so. I have chronologued quite a few spectral manifestations ocurring hereabouts. Although it has been stated that I Myself 'haunt' The House, and scare the ghosts! Many Satanists enjoy The Lair's reputation as a "devil house", or "haunted house", with any venturing plebians rushing by, and some even "crossing themselves".
The herd purchase inflatable ghouls and paper 'ghosts' for their clonish manicured lawns.
'Spooky' Music? I frequently listen to some of the orchestral and classical compositions typically touted as 'scary' by the herd, the majority of whom I Am sure do not even know the names of those masterpieces. I listen to these pieces from time to time not merely because they are "scary", but because they are genuinely appreciated.
* Cemeteries
Observe some of the amazing artistry at graveyards, the peaceful surroundings, the ornate edifices, and ponder the great indulgence that is life. Any members of the herd you may see will be in black, so even they will be more visually pleasing than their usual programmed appearance. I actually have erected a couple of tribute markers listing the name/s of some immortal legends of arcana.
The herd purchase foam 'gravestones' with hack enscriptions.
I do favor overcast and stormy weather, which occurs with more and more frequency the longer I reside here, which seems to occur increasingly upon a relocation, in the relatively immediate area. I prefer the night hours, and frequently awaken at dusk to the sound of My hellhound's howls.
* Looks that kill!
The Satanist's preference for elegance, and as we know, you cannot go wrong with black! A leather trenchcoat, canes, suits, a nice form-fitting dress for witches, accentuating her cleavage and figure - the 'bombshell' appearence with which to work her glamor and charms. Tasteful jewelry in quality and placement.
I have actually seen certain costumes and masks which resemble Myself and other Satanists, from vampires, warlocks, witches, to various fiends, though they lack the elegance, charm, intelligence, and etiquette of the real issue.
In a rather pleasing development, there are increasingly fetishistically-appealing Halloween costumes on the market now. Taking all those comical characters and granting them a sexy twist, inclusive of lingerie. This is also encouraged.
* Rememberence
Traditionally, Halloween is a festival of the dead. A commemoration to remember ancestors and loved ones. A wonderful way to do so would be to go out and have a great time at some of those amusing professional commericial events in their name and rememberence, or enacting something that is directly pertinent to them - perhaps to a favorite location and activity; would also be a perfect time to actually go out to their graves if possible, and place a gift or offering up as a gesture of recognition and respect, inclusive of cleaning the grave up a bit. Even have a picnic.
* Anton Szandor LaVey in Memoriam
In My opinion, the best way to honor Dr. LaVey's memory is to live by the principles of Satanism to the fullest - to be a living example. For a Satanist, this is inherent. And perhaps sometime during your Halloween festivities, lift up a glass of bourbon {which was his favorite} in his name. You may also wish to view and/or listen to his various creations {CD's: Satan Takes A Holiday, The Satanic Mass; DVD: Satanis, Rosemary's Baby, The Devil's Rain; VHS: Speak of The Devil} to reflect upon his legacy and immortal legend.
Magically, it is an excellent time to experiment with necromantic rites and devices, if so inclined. I wrote a Sabbath Rite in Dracomeroth for these holidays, like Walpurgisnacht also, which I have found to be tremendously empowering.
May the celebrations begin! Hail Halloween! Hail Satan!
In Nomine Satanas,
Warlock Draconis Blackthorne.
Haunted Noctuary, The Infernal Empire
29 October, XL Anno Satanas
* Related Articles: The XXVII Nights of Halloween | The Four-Crown Princes of Helloween | A Vision of God
[This essay was originally inspired by Magister Svengali's commentary Welcome to Halloween].
*