What is Satanism? I see variations of this question daily and thought I would post by thoughts.
For me, Satanism, is a concept often misunderstood, because of the diverse beliefs of the individual that emphasizes individual autonomy and personal freedom. As a theistic Satanist, I believe in the existence of Satan, but not the one depicted by mainstream religious institutions. In my view, Satan is a primordial entity that emerged at creation. The Satanic force represents the energy of liberation and self-determination, embodying empowerment, pleasure, and personal responsibility. Just as light cannot exist without darkness, orthodox Christianity posits that the concept of God cannot be fully comprehended without acknowledging the existence of Satan.
To truly comprehend Satan, one must first understand themselves. To attain spiritual closeness to Satan, one must shed their masks and embrace authenticity with oneself. This is precisely why the Satanic path is so challenging. Satanism demands an honest self-accounting. While this may be difficult, Satan will guide you if you simply involve him in your life. One thing I have learned in my several years on the Left Hand Path is that whenever I felt stuck or demoralized in my practice, I needed to look inward at myself. As I progressed on my path and evolved, so did my practice and its manifestations. Don’t get stuck thinking that your practice needs to remain a certain way - there are no orthodoxy police watching. I have found that Satan always guided me with feelings, or through divination when I worked at it.
So, my friend, I wish I could say this path is easy, but it’s not. I believe there’s one sin in Satanism, and that’s the sin of conformity. As a Satanist, you’re responsible for charting and setting your own spiritual course. While it’s okay to look to others for guidance, don’t forget your own power. Do that ritual, make that offering, even if you’re unsure or if you stumble. A ritual performed from the heart is more precious than something someone else wrote. Believe in your power and start walking your own path.