It’s my friends 60th birthday today. I would welcome you to join me in congratulating him on this highest of holidays. If you do not know my friend, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were hesitant to join me in saying it, but I think you DO know him, by reputation at least.
You see, my friend is Peter H. Gilmore, the High Priest of the Church of Satan.
I first met the Maestro in 2012 when he appeared on my podcast 9sense. We spoke of his past, meeting his wife, discovering Satanism and even his first encounters with the Doktor. You can find that interview here. The next year I had the pleasure of shaking his hand in his home, The Black House. He was gracious with his time and attentive to me even with dozens and dozens of Satanists moving around us. I mentioned that he was a brave man for letting so many people into his home at once, and he was clear that it’s important to note, it’s not bravery when they’re the right people.
I have often reflected on that, having met or interacted with many of the individuals in that space before and since. What made them, me, the right people. Is it simply our religious affiliation? Is it the energy and passion each one of us exhibits? What did he see in us that made us right? I took it as an inspirational note. I don’t know what he saw as right in all of us, but I do know that I want to be right in his eyes. When you meet someone who has been defining and defending your religion to the public and media since before you identified with the religion, and they then show you respect and admiration, you want to not only live up to it, but exceed their expectations.
Magus Gilmore inspires those who have met him and heard him speak, or even who have read his writings to be the best versions of themselves. He doesn’t do it like I do, by hitting you over the head and shouting down your faults, he does it by example. His grace in the face of adversity is indomitable. His representation of my religion is inspirational. His passion in music and fiction is palpable.
I have worked with him on the Church of Satan logo, website, and special events for years. And still, every time I get a text or an email from him it brings a smile to my face. It is my great pleasure to know this man and I hope to one day live up to his view of me.
So take a moment and join me in saying Happy Birthday to my friend. Happy 60th Birthday Magus Gilmore, may you have many more!
Hail Peter H. Gilmore!
Hail The Maestro!
Hail Satan!
P.S. If you appreciate who he is, and what he does, why not send him a gift for his birthday? (http://a.co/hG9jHjH)