There is a misconception that wearing your baphomet on your sleeve, or being ‘out’ as a Satanist is somehow the desired end result for an individual. This assumes that 1. All Satanists want to be out and worse still, 2. The identification of Satanist is the only thing that defines us.
Don’t be a fool.
The only end result expected for a Satanist is his or her own goals. Does that mean they want to stand in front of an Islamic-Judeo-Christian world with a puffed out chest and say, “Here I am—deal with it”? Not bloody likely.
In Magistra Nadramia’s presentation at the Church of Satan’s 50th Anniversary, she presented photographs from the Church of Satan’s archive. The photo below was a result of the following:
“LaVey told Cheetham that he was done with the Deviled Ham. He’d had five years of providing devil horns and tombstones for the general public, the Age of Outrage was drawing to a close, and Doktor wanted to show Satanists as they really were: ladies and gentlemen, accomplished, sophisticated, elegant and beautiful.”
(http://www.churchofsatan.com/from-the-cos-archives.php)
It seems to me, draping yourself in the costume of a ‘Satanist’ is actually proving only 1 thing: You just don’t get it.
I have mocked people on their singular identification by sexuality or gender, why would religion be any different? Why would I ever go easy on those who claim to believe what I do, to be cut from the same cloth yet act and look like the hyper-realized, cereal box, Saturday morning cartoon version of it?
This is not to say you cannot have your own sense of style that is informed by your religion, but I think we all know the type I am speaking of, and if you don’t, you’re either fortunate or you are ‘that guy’!
I am proud to be represented by and in the company of those who know when it’s appropriate to pull out the Baphomet, and when it’s better to keep it tucked away. For the rest of you… take a look in the mirror and if you’re not benefitting from your chosen style or lack thereof—make a choice to improve your life.
I thank you in advance.
Hail Satan!