Satanism Through The Ages

Sabbatic Baphomet by ~DBlackthorne on deviant ART

Satanism Through The Ages
By Draconis Blackthorne

This essay will observe some of the more prominent cultural influences de-facto Satanic / carnal thinkers known and unknown, collective or individual, have had upon history, and attempt to answer the question of what Satanists were doing prior to the formation of The Church of Satan?
First off, it should be established that Satanists, or the Satanic type, is an ethnic, having existed throughout history in all cultures in one form or another [1] - if not by name, certainly by deed and predisposition. Here, some of the more prominently pertinent individuals and groups will be referenced, although again, the Satanic type is present in every culture. Although perhaps not known as such prior to the nomenclature being attributed after Judeo-Christian terminology, not necessarily counting the alleged characteristics presented by propagandizing white-light clergy to scare sheeple into pews.
Note
Regarding God/Goddess delusions: Whereas various deities were created by man as reflections of human characteristics, to anthropomorphize metaphorical principles and instill superstitious fear and control in the common populace, a Satanist would realize these depictions as employable characteristics of The Self, and utilize whatever symbolism to empower oneself, and provide carnal contemplation. In these references, the difference between the carnal type and the spiritual type will be divulged according to those who identify with the characteristics of a given archetype, and those who subjugate themselves thereunto, with the former exploiting and pulling the strings of the latter. While the spiritual type consistently seeks outwards for amorphous explanations towards fabricated delusions, remaining servile and stagnant, the carnal type strives beyond such limitations, thus motivating evolution of thought and being.
Simplistic spiritual types continue to consider literal deities, whereas the evolved recognize these as figurative constructs. Once balanced in the psyche, can they be distributed appropriately. Personality types can then be assuaged according to particular resonance.

D E V I L U T I O N S
"The true ages of time are cast in the likeness of Nine, with all cycles obedient to its Law. All matters of terrestrial concern may be evaluated by the infallible resolution of Nine and its offspring." ~ The Unknown Known: The Satanic Rituals, Magus Anton Szandor LaVey.
I. Ancient Egypt.
II. Ancient Greece.
III. The Roman Empire.
IV. The Yezidis.
V. The Middle Ages & The Renaissance.
VI. The Knights Templar.
VII. The Khlysty.
VIII. The Hellfire Club.
IX. The Church of Satan.
Conclusion

Ancient Egypt
* Archetypes: Amon, Set {Neters}.
* Personages: Priesthood of Amon.
Once upon a time, when religion and government were one, in Egypt it was the Priesthood of Amon who first revered the image of the "Ram of The Sun" / Goat as Amon, the "Hidden One" {eluding to The Dark Force in Nature}, while practicing the Sorcery of Greater and Lesser Magic to keep the populace in line, while propagating civility, The Arts, architecture, mathematics, and arcane technology.
The Serpent God Set was considered The God of The Night and Storms, a Neter of rebellion, representing independence, and great ambition {equivalent to Lucifer in this sense}. It is likely that white-light religionists subsequently attributed the symbolic characteristics of this creature to The Devil and foreign cultures / religions here from.
It could very well be contemplated that Egyptian Sorcerers created an entire sympathetic reality within the walls of the pyramids, perhaps using them as veritable scrolls with hieroglyphs depicting prognostications of The Is-To-Be.
Introduction | Devilutions

Ancient Greece
* Archetypes: Pan, Dionysus, Bacchus / "The Gods".
* Personage: Aristotle.
* Groups: Pythagoreans, Peripatetics.
Aristotle was the pre-imminent carnal thinker of Ancient Greece, a de-facto Satanist to be sure, countering the spiritualist Platonic theories of the time, who along with the Peripatetics, espoused a philosophy based on reason and dialectics. [see Aristotle: The Satanic Philosopher; The Black Flame #16, pp. 58.]
Contingent with The Peripatetics {the philosophers; left-brain}, The Pythagorean {scientists, architects; right brain} sought to explain, cooperate, and utilize the processes of Nature, establishing 'the Golden Mean', or the 'Phi-Ratio' {five}, which is the basis of the Pentagram, in which the natural world coalesces.
As a society, along with sects who symbolically 'worshiped' The Phallus and extolled erotica complete with temples, Greece recognized the importance of indulgence, further personifying these drives in Pan, Lord of Lust, a visual representation of the humanimal beast in all of his primal glory, as well as Bacchus, the god of wine and joy. Combine the pentagram of The Pythagorians with the attributes and aesthetics of Pan, the rational philosophies of Aristotle and the Peripatetics, the indulgence of Bacchus, and we derive a further confirming evolution of Satanism and the development of The Baphomet in the ancient world.
Besides those mythological beasts residing on the earth, and as stated in the introduction, celestial "Gods" reflect grandiose {as well as petty and plain rotten in some respects} human personality traits with elemental and planetary designations, perhaps in an attempt to merge the carnal and the 'divine' as one, which have always been and continue to be from the same source of the carnal brain.
Further reading: History of The Sigil of Baphomet by Magus Peter H. Gilmore.
Introduction | Devilutions

The Roman Empire
* Archetypes: Caesar / "The Gods".
* Personages: Caesar, Roman society.
* Events: The Circus Maximus, The Circus Flaminius.

Being that much of the Roman pantheon was heavily inspired by Greek mythology, the two are just about interchangeable, with only substituted nomenclatures. Iconographically, Mithraism fell into favor among soldiers and the nobility, gathering in subterranean caverns called "Mitharaeums", to pay obeisance to the symbolic god of the sun, justice, contract, and War. Mithraism displayed a Hierarchical order and is concerned with Might, visually displayed by the Tauroctony, which is a depiction of Mithras slaying a bull, as a statement of strength, as well as encapsulating a myriad of other symbolic connotations including positions of the constellations, and their multi-godly designations.
Prior to The Reformation, it could be hypothesized that Caesar himself was a very Satanic figure in the sense that he proclaimed himself a God among gods. An incarnate god on earth.
Roman Society, like Greek Society, was decidedly Satanic in essence, focusing on indulgence, and in the case of The Romans, more of a focus on Law & Order as well, and Caesar knew how to keep the people happy while asserting justice {Lex Romana}, which is a major influence of the structure of modern laws today, but which have been since watered-down, thus stunting their full effectiveness.

Magnificent spectacles were held in massive ampitheaters and Coliseums by the names of The Circus Maximus {where most infamously, criminals and/or christians were thrown to the lions, along with more importantly, the chariot races and gladitorial combat!}, The Circus Flaminius {where the Ludi Taurii were held to honor The Gods of The Underworld}, and The Circus of Nero.
Additionally, when not sentenced to crucifixion outside the city walls, criminals sometimes had the option to take part in these dangerous games as Gladiators, whereupon if they survived, may be granted a pardon according to spectator consensus. Spectators were allowed to gamble on who the game's victor would be, Not surprisingly, crime was low in The Roman Empire. Crime was seen as not only one perpetrated against a citizen, but Caesar and The Empire itself, and thus, their fate was forfeit for the amusement of onlookers, which provided a deterrent as well as entertainment.
For all these reasons can The Roman Empire be likened a prototypal de-facto society, where sensual desires as well as justice is served, so long as appropriation is observed.
Introduction | Devilutions

The Yezidis
* Group: The Yezidis [Iraq].
* Archetypes: Shaitan / Melek Taus.
* Personage: Sheik Adi.
* Text: Al-Jilwah.
In the Middle East, near Mount Lalesh, where "Towers of Satan" called Zariahs thrust to the heavens, {said to send forth the will of the Magician upon the descendants of Adam} marking the mythical River Zam-Zam which leads to Shamballah, a curious and exclusive group exists by the name of The Yezidis who have been exiled by the Islamic World for their veneration of a "Devil God" named Shaitan, personified in Melek-Taus, The Peacock King. Probably one of the most mystical on this list, and considered "devil-worshipers" by fearful outsiders, thus founded by Shiek Adi who brought forth The Al-Jilwah {The Black Book}, The Statements of Shaitan, this secretive clan recognize human desires as a natural practice and expression, reconciling them with profound religious and Magical practices. This can also be detected in the seal of Melek-Taus, which besides the very icon itself, features several elements of pride, including a mirror and comb.
Obviously, the Yezidis do not consider themselves "devil-worshipers", but acknowledge some select Judeo-Christian-Islamic cosmology into their belief-system [2]. Melek-Taus is considered a Luciferian angelic character who passing a test, refused to bow down to Adam, and thus his pride was rewarded with earthly dominion. This archetype bears traits of rebellion, pride, bounty, and beauty. They believe they are descendants of Adam only and not Eve, which alludes to Lilith, or "Adam's first wife". Unlike the Gnostics, they do not exist as anti-christians, or anti any religion, but keep to themselves.
Their new year coincides with the Spring Equinox and Walpurgisnacht.
Are they Satanists? That is a matter of some contention; at least in their current form, although most of their rites are held in private, and seem to adhere more towards a Judeo-Islamic creed, however unconventional and bearing several similarities, yet here is seen an entire culture dedicated to Shaitan, whose history will bear that it eventually came to contribute to the evolution of some of the properties of Satan, particularly in its Luciferian connotations. It would not be too far-fetched to consider that the art of deception is being used to present a cover to Islamic fundamentalists, while preserving their true traditions within intimate settings. And that could be considered quite Satanic! As observed by Dr. LaVey, portions of the material is certainly of value.
[Further reading: Pilgrims of The Age of Fire: The Satanic Rituals].
As a sub-note, a similar group deriving from Tibet have been exiled by the Buddhist world who herald a demonically-appearing Dorje Shugden as their 'protector'. [see Vajrapani & Dorje Shugden: Daemon of Balance; Blackthorne].
Introduction | Devilutions

Knights Templar
* Archetype: Baphomet.
* Personage: Jocques DeMolay.
* Period: Dark Ages.
While officially assigned 'Crusaders' to maintain control of finances and political influence, The Knights Templar led by Jocques DeMolay, militarily served under The King and Pope in name only, while privately acknowledging the true 'Lord of The Earth' as Baphomet {while sometimes allowing for a reference to the so-called head of 'St. John the Baptist' to self-servingly remain in good graces, versus the other option, which was the great abstinence}.
Envious and fearing their increasing influence, Pope Clement IV and King Philip V framed this noble order for blasphemy and witchcraft, immolating them on Friday the 13th, from whence the infamy of this date derived. Thus disbanded, Satanists would again submerge and evolve to the next eventual and inevitable historical manifestation...
[Further reading: L'Air Epais; The Satanic Rituals].
Introduction | Devilutions

The Middle Ages & The Renaissance
* Texts: Paradise Lost {John Milton}, Dante's Inferno {Dante Alighieri}, others. * Personages: Galileo, Heuronymous Bosch, Sandro Botticelli, others.
During this period in history, many visually splendid tomes and works of art were created, mostly for Catholic propaganda, which make for amusing dark fiction, yet amongst these stood apart these masterpieces in particular:
Paradise Lost by John Milton: Heroically portrays the ultimate prideful rebel in Lucifer, countering all forms of tyranny in the name of freedom, who evolves into Satan, founding his own kingdom upon the earth. It was from this tome the quote, "Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven" derives. And so this Promethean sentiment is omnipresently shared by Satanists.
To a lesser extent, Dante's Inferno provided much of the highly imaginative horror-oriented and melancholic depictions of The Infernal Regions, while not directly pertinent to Satanic philosophy and commissioned by the church to instill fear, it did also provide for subsequent mythic epic journey motifs.
'Period Artists' such as Dore' {the 19th century artist who most infamously illustrated Paradise Lost}, Bosche, Botticelli, Bartolomeo, and others would eventually illustrate these magnificent tales, whose dark qualities are appreciated by many Satanists to this day.
From The Middle Ages through to the Renaissance, and even into the 19th, scientists, astronomers, philosophers, and inventors of the era frequently had to watch their step due to the prevailing theocracy. If an invention was not sanctioned by the church or they did not benefit from it in some way, they were said to be in league with Lucifer. Unfortunately, many geniuses were sent to the gallows and the pyre who were accused of consulting with Satan and His minions who either sadly martyred themselves for "the cause", and/or were framed by The Church when refusing to submit to their mandates. Needless to say, a Satanist would project whatever image needed to preserve self-interest and preservation while maintaining undefiled perspective. It would simply be the wisest course of action.
Introduction | Devilutions

The Khlysty
* Group: The Khlysty [Russian].
* Archetypes: Tchort, Kaschei, Morena, others.,
* Personage: Grigori Efimovich Rasputin.
The Khlysty were a group who affirmed "peace and redemption through sin" {mostly sexual and celebratory in nature}, which cleanly resonates with "the highest plateau of human development is the awareness of the flesh", while taking on many of the trappings of the Russian Orthodoxy, like many cultures who had to acclimate, at least on the surface, to the current theocracy in order to survive, by merely combining traditional and contemporary iconography, while continuing to practice their religion in private.
Like The Yezidis, their archetype is a dark god, theirs by the name of Tchort {which was incidentally used as the inspiration for The Devil in Disney's Fantasia, by de-facto Satanist Walt Disney, no less!}, who lurked in the earth, as an equivalent to Belial. Along with Tchort, was a diabolical pantheon of devil-gods with various respective roles.
While Rasputin did not found The Khlysty, its philosophy certainly resonated with his world view; with indulgence juxtaposed with mysticism, he went on to employ principles of Lesser Magic to gain the favor of the Czar and Czarina, thus securing him a position among the nobility. Renowned as 'The Mad Monk', he became an "advisor", essentially running the government through his self-aggrandizing "council", moving conditions according to his vision.
[Further reading: Homage To Tchort: The Satanic Rituals].
Introduction | Devilutions

The Hellfire Club
* Archetype: Satan / Lucifer / Baphomet.
* Group: The Hellfire Club {US & UK}
* Personages: Sir Francis Dashwood, Benjamin Franklin, William Blake, George Washington, The Earl of Sandwich, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, John Hancock, others.
At one time comprised of The Aristocracy, containing iconoclasts who founded an entire nation according to their ingenuity and carnal vision, who despite presenting palatable personas to superstitious commoners, gleefully enjoyed their fleshly desires while pulling the political and governmental strings, while paying homage to Baphomet [3] as the Lord of The Flesh. Certainly, considering their true inclinations and private practices, they would probably have been all for a United Satanic America! [see Lucifer Day].
As a side note, originally propagating advances in architecture and mathematics, much of the subsequent Solomonically-influenced rites [4] were probably used for dramatic purposes, while allowing for liberal doses of biblical terminology, courtesy of one Albert Pike, complete with anti-Catholic sentiment. It is known that part of white-light religionists' conduct includes fabricating propaganda used towards defamation of character upon those who do not agree with their fundamentalism, thereby 'demonizing' opponents, many times worshipers of the same general god construct. Ergo, the formation of various 'denominations'.
Regarding current Masonry being somehow "Satanic": Now existing for historical reference, and despite inaccurate and paranoid claims by conspiracy theorists, The Freemasons are now irrelevant to Satanism, as they were one of several stepping stones towards the final evolution of The Church of Satan. In other words, they are not what they used to be, and are mainly now frequented by pretentious blindlighters necessitating a crutch for impoverished egos, while providing a bit of mysticism for occultniks, with sterile rites smacking more of routine Sunday morning services and social clubs, like any other white-light religion, rather than any true diabolism!
Now, if a Satanist wishes to participate in such rites for whatever personal reasons, undefiled perspective is preserved.
Additionally, The Hymn to Satan by romanticist poet Giosu� Carducci created an extensive, beautifully sympathetic tribute to The Host of Hell; and the art of Gustave Dor� would beautifully illustrate John Milton's Paradise Lost.
__________________
Note on art work above: Interestingly, the first two pieces entitled "The Apotheosis of George Washington" and "The Apotheosis of George Washington & Benjamin Franklin" feature George Washington and Benjamin Franklin being deified, ascending into divinity {apotheosis: transfiguration}, with Washington assuming the Occult iconography of The Sabbatic Baphomet posture of the materialization of The Will, asserting "As Above, So Below". Additionally, note the surrounding pentagrams within the circle.
Introduction | Devilutions

The Church of Satan
* Personages: Anton Szandor LaVey, Peter H. Gilmore, Peggy Nadramia, Blanche Barton, Hierarchy.
* Essential Texts: The Satanic Bible, The Satanic Rituals, The Satanic Witch, The Devil's Notebook, Satan Speaks {Magus Anton LaVey}; The Satanic Scriptures {Magus Peter H. Gilmore}.
* Additional / Supplementary Texts {including, but not limited to}: The Church of Satan: History of The World's Most Notorious Religion, The Secret Life of A Satanist: The Authorized Biography of Anton LaVey {Magistra Blanche Barton}; Beyond Good & Evil, Genealogy of Morals, The Antichrist {Frederick Nietzsche}; Might Is Right {Ragnar Redbeard}; Atlas Shrugged {Ayn Rand}, The Evolution of Species {Charles Darwin}, Man and His Symbols {Carl Jung}; Mark Twain, Ben Hecht, Jack London, et al, plus many others of various genres who express the Satanic viewpoint.
* Website: churchofsatan.com
Stemming from The Magic Circle experiments, and thus formed in 1966 c.e., recognizing the cultural climate's timely changes, as well as countering much of the irresponsibility, drug abuse, and mediocrity, Magus Anton Szandor LaVey proclaimed Year One of The Age of Fire, forming the Cabal known as The Church of Satan, formulating in written form via The Satanic Bible in 1969, what we carnal individuals inherently felt and practiced on an intellectual and instinctual level all along. Allowing Satanists, for the first time in history to openly or privately affiliate with a formal organization serving our interests, while proudly bearing The Devil's name.
Since Year One, the world continues to be indelibly influenced by the philosophy and aesthetics of Satanism, from films to music, to art and literature, with members in every social strata, both covertly or overtly present.
Further reading

* The Satanic Bible by Magus Anton Szandor LaVey.
* History of The Church of Satan by Magistra Blanche Barton.
* The Church of Satan by Magistra Blanche Barton.
Further Viewing
* Satanis: The Devil's Mass [Something Weird Video].
* Speak of The Devil: The Canon of Anton LaVey [Feral House].
* Church of Satan Interview Archives [Purging Talon Publishing].,
* Inside The Church of Satan [Shadowbox Entertainment].
Introduction | Devilutions

CONCLUSION
Throughout the ages, being practical carnal individuals, the Satanist utilized whatever means necessary to ensure survival and facilitate indulgence, by employing the Art of Deception as needed, be it devising symbols, codes, terminology, clandestine locations, architecture, etc. which adds to a stimulating mystique, though always championing reason and instinct over superstitious pipe-dreams upon which the herd imbibe, while embracing the wonders and mysteries of Nature.
Satanism draws from a rich and vast collection of cultural traditions - thus, we modify and personalize whatever we wish to serve our purposes and to empower Oneself, whether gathering for group setting and/or pursuing individual interests.
Ultimately, white-light religions have always been irrelevant to Satanism at its core, only exploiting certain mythological images and legendary for manipulation, amusement, or sometimes to establish a larger metaphorical point.
Overall, such obfuscation is now largely unnecessary - now fully in The Age of Fire, if we wish, we can come forward and boldly proclaim that we are Satanists!

HAIL THE INFERNAL EMPIRE!
Introduction

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Footnotes
[1] See The Infernal Names: The Satanic Bible.
[2] Which may have some of its origins with The Ophites {the original heretical "devil-worshipers"}. These Gnostic groups were considered heretics for their attribution of the serpent as the bringer of wisdom {which inspired the Ouroborous depiction}, heralding Cain and Seth as 'filled' with the gnosis, while Moses and 'The Demiurge' {Yahweh / Jehovah} as a false god and an inferior saboteur. The Ophites recognized a demonic and holy Hebdomad {consisting of seven spirits each}, while the Yezidis acknowledge a 'Heptad' {The Seven}, as well as the 'Four Mysteries'. Besides containing some interesting iconography, The Ophites remain within the confines of a dualistic Judeo-Christian framework, and by definition, are not Satanists.
[3] They even created a symbol for Baphomet, sometimes referred to as the so-called "Cross of Lorraine": �; note both the arcane inversed and upright 'crosses' symbolizing both potentials in one; "as above, so below"; "The All-One" are indicated.
[4] It should be noted that the biblical "King Solomon" {see 'Song of Solomon'} was a dualistic white-lighter who considered himself under the aegis of "Yahweh / Jehovah", whose 'grimoires' "The Lemegeton" and "Goetia" are used by ceremonial magicians to this day, including Aleister Crowley, who are even self-admittedly, NOT Satanists!