May 13th, 2020
Thorn Tenebris
In an age of social media and the vastness of the capability to embrace the Satanic mantra of “study, not worship” far too many Satanists are falling victim to one of the most detrimental consequences for their individualism: counterproductive pride.
It would seem that many would-be competent Satanists find themselves to be so arrogant that they don’t put any time into studying or accomplishing real-world goals. Satanism has always been a religion that embraces fantasy; however, the lines of the pentagram are drawn to very evidently point out that we are also rational and sensible individuals. A Satanist that rejects this fails to realize that while they are busy making proclamations of their infernal virtue, they fail to apply Satanism to their lives in a meaningful way.
Satanism is the religion that acknowledges itself as a tool for the adherent to use to bring increase to their lives, rather than a pipe dream of loaded fantasy. The Satanist may fantasize and plan out their goals (and hopefully they do it well, for their own sake) as extensively as they wish, but if there is no follow-through then all the qualities that make it Satanic are lost. If they allow themselves to be compelled, rather than partaking in willful indulgence, they are missing the point, entirely.
Often, these are the same individuals that throw up the horns at every opportunity, whilst clad in their pentagrams and black metal gear. The fashion and gestures mentioned are not the issue. For many, this poses no issue at all in their daily lives. The problem is found in an individual that embraces the aesthetics of Satanism and ceases to acknowledge the mantra of “responsibility to the responsible.”
In other words, someone that takes Satanism at face value by just donning the label of “Satanist” without applying any of the philosophy behind it is guilty of counterproductive pride. This doesn’t mean they don’t find value in the imagery of Satan or the Infernal. It doesn’t mean that they don’t make efforts to better themselves. It simply means that they aren’t acknowledging key aspects of the Satanic religion.
Absolutely, pride is an essential element of Satanic practice. In fact, it is probably one of the most necessary. After all, how does one find enough value in themselves to shed oppressive faiths and creeds to acknowledge themselves as Satanists, if not through the sin of pride? How else would one relate to Lucifer?
Pride, itself, is not a problem. Everyone that wears makeup, a nice suit, or fancy shoes is guilty of it. Pride is the conduit for greatness to become even greater, so long as it doesn’t go past the mark of the sinner indulging it. When pride shifts to become something of an issue, in which the person prideful is no longer reaping benefits for their sin, as per their own actions and thoughts, the individual needs to acknowledge that what was working for them no longer is.
Satanism demands that the Satanist be self-aware. Without being careful to examine faults and failures, the point is missed. How can one claim Satanism as their religion but remain blind to their own progress as an individual? There is simply no room for that in the Satanic religion. We strive to be the best that we can be and live our lives to the absolute fullest. One can’t do that if they aren’t self-aware.
Furthermore, Satanism demands “study, not worship.” Those that allow laziness to take hold over them conveniently gloss over this mantra while putting on their Baphomet pendants and walking out the door to go needlessly offend the masses. It’s not enough for them to identify as a Satanist; they want the world to know! Here is wisdom: shock value means nothing if you don’t have anything to say.
Satanists should know when and where to hide their Infernal virtue. One needn’t represent the Dark Lord at a business meeting. We, as Satanists, must remain self-aware and acknowledge that Satanism is still not exactly welcomed in mainstream society just yet. There are no martyrs in Satanism, so don’t expect to fight for a non-existent cause and receive praise from fellow Satanists.
By all means, express yourself as you’d like! Be the best you can be! But don’t do -or wear- something you may come to regret later. Remember the tool of Lesser Magic. Use it to bring increase, rather than detriment. Know your audience, and use mindfulness to sway them to your arsenal!
Hail Satan!