The concept of Satanism has been around for centuries. Abrahamic religions have used the word ‘Satanist’ as a derogatory label or insult they would attach to those who acted and thought independently from their hive-minded flocks.
So if the words Satanism and Satanist have been historically used, how can they be singly defined or claimed by any one group or organization?
As with any word in use, they become defined. Once a word has been defined and reclaimed not as an inflammatory insult, but rather a productive religious identity all its own, it enters a cultures vernacular.
When was SAtanism Defined?
Anton Szandor LaVey created the Church of Satan on Walpurgisnacht, Saturday, April 30th, 1966. He declared it Year One Anno Satanas, The Age of Fire.
Satanism as a formal, recognized religion was born, but it wouldn’t be clearly defined through The Satanic Bible until its initial publishing by Avon Books on Monday, December 1st, 1969.
What is the Church of Satan?
The Church of Satan is the first organization in history to define the religion of Satanism. The organizations goal is to clarify, defend and promote Satanism and Satanists real-world achievements.
It is administered by the High Priest, Magus Peter H. Gilmore, the High Priestess, Magistra Peggy Nadramia, and the Magistra Templi Rex, Magistra Blanche Barton. The core of the organization is composed of The Order of the Trapezoid, whose members in some cases act as Agents for the church in the Media.
In its more than 50 years of existence, the Church of Satan has seen a number of pseudo-Satanic groups try to co-opt or redefine what the religion of Satanism is. They all ultimately fail or fall into obscurity because of one simple fact:
The religion has already been codified, and is composed by an active and productive meta tribe of Satanists.
What do Satanists believe?
Satanism is the celebration of our carnal selves. We embrace our primitive traits, while elevating ourselves through our real-world achievements.
You can learn the basics of Satanism through the following tenets:
In 2016, I reached out to Magus Peter H. Gilmore with the idea of creating a media piece that would concisely present the history of Satanism and the Church of Satan. This video is the result.
Church of Satan Timeline
This is continually updated, and not complete.
Year I Anno Satanas, The Age of Fire (1, 1966)
- Spring equinox: Walpurgisnacht, the night of April 30th—May 1st; Anton LaVey declared 1966 to be Year One, Anno Satanas—the first year of the reign of Satan.
Year IV A.S. (4, 1969)
- The Satanic Bible is published in November, 1969
Year VI A.S. (6, 1971)
- The Compleat Witch or What to Do When Virtue Fails (The Satanic Witch) is published on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1971
Year VII A.S. (7, 1972)
- The Satanic Rituals is published in December, 1972
Year XIX A.S. (19, 1984)
- Blanche Barton begins a relationship with High Priest, Magus Anton Szandor LaVey in 1984
Year XXXII A.S. (32, 1997)
- High Priest, Magus Anton Szandor LaVey died on October 29, 1997. He was 67 years old.
- Magistra Templi Rex Blanche Barton becomes the High Priestess of the Church of Satan on October 29, 1997
Year XXXIII A.S. (33, 1998)
- Adam P. Campbell joins the Church of Satan on December 10, 1998
Year XXXVI A.S. (36, 2001)
- High Priestess, Magistra Templi Rex Blanche Barton appoints Magister Peter H. Gilmore as the High Priest of the Church of Satan in 2001
Year XXXVII A.S. (37, 2002)
- High Priestess, Magistra Templi Rex Blanche Barton transferred her role as High Priestess to Magistra Peggy Nadramia on April 30, 2002
Year XLVI A.S. (46, 2011)
- Adam P. Campbell begins his 9sense Podcast on February 6, 2011
Year XLVII A.S. (47, 2012)
- Adam P. Campbell becomes an active member of the church of Satan and was elevated to Warlock, II° in the Church of Satan on October 31, 2012
Year XLVIII A.S. (48, 2013)
- Adam P. Campbell was elevated to Priest, III° in the Church of Satan on October 31, 2013
Year LI A.S. (51, 2016)
- Adam P. Campbell begins his Speak of the Devil podcast on September 21st, 2016