Traditional or Spiritual Satanism

Spiritual Satanism, also referred to as Traditional Satanism, is essentially a form of satanic philosophy that concentrates on the development and elevation of the spirit through satanic practices.  Similar to Paganism, it is a loose collective branch of the belief system commonly known as the Left Hand Path.  As oppose to the Right Hand beliefs, principally the Abrahamic faiths, Left Hand beliefs concern themselves with the development of the individual, not the development of a communion or creeds.  In developing the individual, or the self-image of the individual (ego), the Left Hand Path promotes the control of one's own life and destiny through empowerment of the spirit to "god-status".  Through this elevation of the spirit one effectively with time becomes one's own god, master of his own subjective universe and a higher magus accomplished in matters concerning spirituality and the art of Magick.

Spiritual Satanism differs from those forms of Satanism derived directly from the teachings of Anton LaVey.  Spiritual Satanism is sometimes known as Traditional Satanism typically for the reason that it predates Laveyan teachings.  As a belief system based in Pagan traditions it is a practice that has developed independently of other religions and despite most people's impressions it is in no way affiliated with Christianity.  The most disconcerting misconception of Spiritual Satanism is that people consistently associate this Pagan belief with Devil worshipping.  In ITBF Devil worshipping is recognised as being inverted Christianity and has no place in the philosophy of Postmodern Satanism.

Satan reveals Himself unto the Spiritualist as a real entity, either as an intrinsic part of the natural world, a supernatural phenomenon or a deity.  Satan is commonly seen as the figurehead of all Demons, spiritual beings that manifest themselves on the living plain to aid man on his spiritual journey.  For each Spiritualist is a different interpretation of that which is essentially the same thing.  That is the most important point in Postmodern Spiritualist Satanism and that which makes ITBF a strong union; that Satan may manifest Himself in many ways among different cultures and in different languages to all the people of the world.  No one is excluded from experiencing the spirit and the Magick, and this experience unites us all, should we choose to listen to the promptings of the spirit to follow the Left Hand Path and grow in age and wisdom as an independent being whilst sharing the same wealth of experience as his brethren.

It is essential for the Spiritualist to listen and learn; to become proficient in Magick and to accumulate great knowledge.  It is a journey that lasts a lifetime.  Although there is no consensus on the existence of an afterlife, it is desired to have lived as a true Satanist as any other before descending to the grave.  The Spiritualist may take on any teachings he chooses, indeed many derive their ideas from LaVey as well as from older sources written by Magickians like Crowley, Dee, and even Solomon if need be.  The Spiritualist may also take upon himself a title to suit the type of Spiritualist he is, e.g., Magickian, Witch, Warlock, Seer, Necromancer, Magus, just to name a few.  The branch of Magick that the Spiritualist specialises in is also of his own choosing, be it Divination, Necromancy, Chaos, Thelemic, and so on.

The ritual is an important part of a Spiritualist's life.  It is through ritual that the Spiritualist communicates with Satan and His Demons.  Methods of rituals vary between each person and range from simple meditation to mass.  The ritual establishes a bond between the Spiritualist and the spiritual world which allows him to evoke Demons and enhance his Magickal prowess.  Magickians of great skill can perform Magick at any time yet the ritual remains integral as an act of communion and worship of the self and of Satan.

What is the Spiritualist's place in ITBF?  As well as representing himself and his experiences the Spiritualist is also an ambassador of Satan and His Glorious Demons.  He may offer spiritual advice in conjunction with the more scientific and psychological advice presented by LaVeyans in ITBF.  Yet the Spiritualist should not act against science.  The Spiritualist must be educated in matters of all the natural sciences and should welcome the empirically tested conclusions that science provides.  In ITBF the Spiritualist can be surmised as being a Satanist who acts upon the teachings of satanic practice and conduct his life with the promptings of a Satanic Spirit to strengthen his religious convictions.

I am an advocator of Postmodern Satanism.  As a Spiritualist must exercise self-respect at all times he must show respect to others.  There is great wisdom in toleration.  Spiritualism is not for everyone, but in many cases Spiritualists have no choice but to believe, for that is the pledge they made when they gave themselves to the service of Lord High Satan. Hail Satan.

Langstrath, Seer of Satan, Co-Administrator of Ignite the Black Flame.

The Church of Satan

In 1966 Anton Szandor LaVey founded the first above ground organization dedicated to Satanism know as the church of Satan. This organization was the first of its kind to fully dedicate themselves to the true nature of humans and embrace the dark side of humanity in which we symbolize as Satan. Consistently rejecting and questioning the "morals" of theism and taking stabs at the Church where and whenever opportunity presented itself.
Throughout the course of the growing organization there was many transitional changes which had embarked throughout its short existence, many questioned where the Church of Satan was headed and complained that the Church of Satan was no longer as fun as it used to be. However these changes where necessary in order for the church to evolve as an organization.

However with that said the Church of Satan still continues to uphold the legacies on which the Church of Satan was founded upon, through its earlier writings, videos and media coverage to list a few by the ownership of Peter Gilmore.
There are still many misconceptions about the Church of Satan, but it must be noted that there is only one Church of Satan, there is no connection between the Church of Satan and any other satanic organization, nor will there ever be a need for it.
For those who have become ranking members within the Church of Satan it is because of their prowess within real world situations and not a badge handed out to those who just claim to be Satanists, beg or ask for it. For the real Warlocks and Witches within the Church of Satan, their successes exemplify that they use Satanism as a means and a tool to get what they desire in the material world.

John Craig, ITBF administrator