Satanism, often misunderstood and misrepresented, is a belief system that has been shrouded in misconceptions and controversy for decades. One of the most persistent misconceptions is that Satanists have no moral compass. In reality, we do adhere to a code of ethics, encapsulated in The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth and The Nine Satanic Sins. These guidelines emphasize personal responsibility, respect for others (unless provoked), and the importance of living in a way that benefits oneself and those we care about. In this article, I will shed light on the moral principles that underlie Satanism from my perspective as a Satanist.
The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth:
- Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.
- Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them.
- When in another’s lair, show them respect or else do not go there.
- If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat them cruelly and without mercy.
- Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal.
- Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the other person and they cry out to be relieved.
- Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained.
- Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.
- Do not harm little children.
- Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food.
- When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask them to stop. If they do not stop, destroy them.
These rules are not a prescription for immorality, but rather a set of guidelines designed to foster personal responsibility and respect for others. Let’s break down some of the key principles that emerge from these rules:
- Respect for Others: Rules 1, 2, and 3 emphasize the importance of showing respect to others. We believe in treating people with dignity and respect, especially when we are in their domain. However, this respect is not unconditional; it is extended unless we are provoked or treated poorly ourselves (Rule 4).
- Personal Responsibility: LaVeyan Satanism encourages self-reliance and personal responsibility. Rules 8 and 11 make it clear that we are accountable for our actions and reactions. We don’t complain needlessly, and we stand up for ourselves when necessary.
- Consent and Boundaries: Rule 5 highlights the importance of consent in sexual interactions, promoting a crucial aspect of ethical behavior. Similarly, Rule 6 touches on the idea of helping others when they genuinely need it and when it is not an undue burden on us.
- Anti-Hypocrisy: Rule 7 warns against denying the power of magic after it has helped us achieve our desires. This is a reminder to be authentic and honest about our experiences and beliefs.
The Nine Satanic Sins:
- Stupidity
- Pretentiousness
- Solipsism
- Self-deceit
- Herd Conformity
- Lack of Perspective
- Forgetfulness of Past Orthodoxies
- Counterproductive Pride
- Lack of Aesthetics
The Satanic Sins serve as a reminder of behaviors to avoid, such as arrogance (Counterproductive Pride) and being closed-minded (Lack of Perspective). They encourage us to maintain a sense of self-awareness and critical thinking.
Satanism may seem unconventional and even provocative to some, but it is far from the amoral, hedonistic philosophy it is often portrayed as. Instead, it is grounded in a set of moral principles that emphasize personal responsibility, respect for others, and self-improvement. The Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth and The Nine Satanic Sins serve as a guide for Satanists to lead ethical lives while embracing their individuality. Understanding the morality within Satanism is a crucial step in demystifying this belief system and dispelling misconceptions that have persisted for far too long.
