Q: What's the deal with magic? How can an atheist believe something like that?
LaVeyan A: Throughout the ages religions have each had their own rituals and dogma; Anton LaVey correctly recognized the value of ritual in the human animal's daily life. Under the context of Satanism, magic isn't something like summoning a demon from the abyss or shooting fireballs from your eyes as an outsider might expect it to be. Magic is subdivided into two different categories: lesser magic and greater magic. The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable." Given this definition, lesser magic means things like how you dress, your posture, applied psychology, seduction, manipulation, and more. Talking a car salesman down on the price of a new car that you want is an example of the practical application of lesser magic, or picking a girl up at a bar. Greater, or ritual magic, is a psychodrama that's intended to alter your mental and/or emotional state of being. It's a process to follow that can bring about a cathartic response in the participant(s). This is psychological, not supernatural.
The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable."
Under the context of Satanism, magic does not fall within the realm of the occult though it does touch upon many occult concepts such as the power to influence the world around you by focusing you or your group's willpower, and the power of placebo. If you truly believe that something works, then it can affect you. This is why people swear by things like the power of prayer. Two hands working may be able to accomplish more than a thousand clasped in prayer, but don't discount the benefit of placebo. The tools that a person learns through studying Satanism can certainly give them a solid foundation to study within the occult if they so choose, but is not occult itself. Some people gravitate toward the study of the Left Hand Path (LHP) as Satanism favors self-reliance and personal strength.
For further reading, here is a link to an essay about ritual magic written by the High Priestess of the Church of Satan, Peggy Nadramia. Here is another essay about the role of ritual in a Satanist's daily life, also by Magistra Nadramia.
Q: Do I really need all of these things like bells and gongs to perform a ritual?
LaVeyan A: You don't actually need anything at all to perform a ritual, but creating the proper setting with the use of candles to light your ritual chamber, an altar, and ritual elements such as a sword and bell helps to draw you in to the psychodrama of performing the ritual. The result is that you may have more success with them than without them. Ultimately the practice of Satanic ritual is individualistic as is the rest of the religion, so you can use as much or as little of it as you want to use. There isn't any requirement to perform ritual at all if you don't want to. I myself am an Active member of the Church of Satan and the only ritual I've been involved in was at the Chuch of Satan's 50th Anniversary celebration, though I do maintain an altar at my home.
There is a fantastic piece about exactly this on the Church of Satan's "Satanic Youth Communique" page, including a simple ritual requiring only a Sigil of Baphomet picture or medallion and a single black candle.
Q: Where can I purchase ritual elements online?
LaVeyan A: The implements that people use (or don't use) in their rituals are a personal choice, but I have compiled a small list of examples of what you might expect to see at a Satanic ritual. Here is an example of a bell that has a clear, piercing sound to it. A bell of this design was used at the Church of Satan's 50th Anniversary ritual. Here is an example of a gong that one might find in certain high-end ritual chambers. A high quality gong like this would be right at home in The Black House itself. Perhaps you might want a statue of Baphomet or a small altar to rest it on. What ritual would be complete without black robes? There are fine black robes made by ASP Apparel and iSatanist.
Of course, all of these are simply examples of things that are out there. Every Satanist's ritual chamber will have different items that go along with it that best reflect their individual nature.
Q: I'm thinking of converting to Satanism. How do I know if I'm a Satanist?
LaVeyan A: Someone doesn't convert to Satanism. This religion isn't for everybody, and you wouldn't hear anyone from any of the Abrahamic religions tell you that their religion isn't the one truth, but there you have it. The world would be a more problematic place than it already is if it were populated solely by strong-willed individualist misanthropes. But if you're sincerely curious if you are a Satanist, you should read The Satanic Bible and see if you feel that the book reflects who you are as a person. Satanists are born, not made.
Q: Do I have to join the Church of Satan if I am a Satanist? Why do people join? What is the benefit?
LaVeyan A: Not at all. Satanism encourages individualism, and if joining something isn't you then don't do it. There are members of the Church of Satan that go their entire life without meeting another member of the Church of Satan just as there are people that attend every public and private function that the organization has. I can't speak for the reasons that other people join, but for myself I simply wanted to support the organization that has been championing and defending my worldview for over 50 years. You get out of it what you put in to it; as I said there are people that never meet another member of the organization just as there are people like myself that have discovered entirely new social circles in their lives, and people that can offer honest and unbiased feedback. Don't join if you expect to be participating in weekly group rituals, the reality is much different.
Information about joining can be found here.
Q: Where is the Church of Satan? I'd like to attend a meeting to see if I'm interested in joining.
LaVeyan A: There isn't a brick-and-mortar facility in the sense that most people think of when they picture a church. The Church of Satan is a mutual admiration society rather than the more traditional congregational gathering point one might come to expect from other religions. Each member of the Church of Satan, through their actions and how they enjoy their life, is an individual monument to that institution. On rare occasions there are Church of Satan events that are open to the public, and you should follow the Church of Satan on social media platforms to keep an eye out for them if seeing that interests you.
Q: What's the deal with magic? How can an atheist believe something like that?
LaVeyan A: Throughout the ages religions have each had their own rituals and dogma; Anton LaVey correctly recognized the value of ritual in the human animal's daily life. Under the context of Satanism, magic isn't something like summoning a demon from the abyss or shooting fireballs from your eyes as an outsider might expect it to be. Magic is subdivided into two different categories: lesser magic and greater magic. The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable." Given this definition, lesser magic means things like how you dress, your posture, applied psychology, seduction, manipulation, and more. Talking a car salesman down on the price of a new car that you want is an example of the practical application of lesser magic, or picking a girl up at a bar. Greater, or ritual magic, is a psychodrama that's intended to alter your mental and/or emotional state of being. It's a process to follow that can bring about a cathartic response in the participant(s). This is psychological, not supernatural.
The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable."
Under the context of Satanism, magic does not fall within the realm of the occult though it does touch upon many occult concepts such as the power to influence the world around you by focusing you or your group's willpower, and the power of placebo. If you truly believe that something works, then it can affect you. This is why people swear by things like the power of prayer. Two hands working may be able to accomplish more than a thousand clasped in prayer, but don't discount the benefit of placebo. The tools that a person learns through studying Satanism can certainly give them a solid foundation to study within the occult if they so choose, but is not occult itself. Some people gravitate toward the study of the Left Hand Path (LHP) as Satanism favors self-reliance and personal strength.
For further reading, here is a link to an essay about ritual magic written by the High Priestess of the Church of Satan, Peggy Nadramia. Here is another essay about the role of ritual in a Satanist's daily life, also by Magistra Nadramia.
Q: Do I really need all of these things like bells and gongs to perform a ritual?
LaVeyan A: You don't actually need anything at all to perform a ritual, but creating the proper setting with the use of candles to light your ritual chamber, an altar, and ritual elements such as a sword and bell helps to draw you in to the psychodrama of performing the ritual. The result is that you may have more success with them than without them. Ultimately the practice of Satanic ritual is individualistic as is the rest of the religion, so you can use as much or as little of it as you want to use. There isn't any requirement to perform ritual at all if you don't want to. I myself am an Active member of the Church of Satan and the only ritual I've been involved in was at the Chuch of Satan's 50th Anniversary celebration, though I do maintain an altar at my home.
There is a fantastic piece about exactly this on the Church of Satan's "Satanic Youth Communique" page, including a simple ritual requiring only a Sigil of Baphomet picture or medallion and a single black candle.
Q: Where can I purchase ritual elements online?
LaVeyan A: The implements that people use (or don't use) in their rituals are a personal choice, but I have compiled a small list of examples of what you might expect to see at a Satanic ritual. Here is an example of a bell that has a clear, piercing sound to it. A bell of this design was used at the Church of Satan's 50th Anniversary ritual. Here is an example of a gong that one might find in certain high-end ritual chambers. A high quality gong like this would be right at home in The Black House itself. Perhaps you might want a statue of Baphomet or a small altar to rest it on. What ritual would be complete without black robes? There are fine black robes made by ASP Apparel and iSatanist.
Of course, all of these are simply examples of things that are out there. Every Satanist's ritual chamber will have different items that go along with it that best reflect their individual nature.
Q: I'm thinking of converting to Satanism. How do I know if I'm a Satanist?
LaVeyan A: Someone doesn't convert to Satanism. This religion isn't for everybody, and you wouldn't hear anyone from any of the Abrahamic religions tell you that their religion isn't the one truth, but there you have it. The world would be a more problematic place than it already is if it were populated solely by strong-willed individualist misanthropes. But if you're sincerely curious if you are a Satanist, you should read The Satanic Bible and see if you feel that the book reflects who you are as a person. Satanists are born, not made.
Q: Do I have to join the Church of Satan if I am a Satanist? Why do people join? What is the benefit?
LaVeyan A: Not at all. Satanism encourages individualism, and if joining something isn't you then don't do it. There are members of the Church of Satan that go their entire life without meeting another member of the Church of Satan just as there are people that attend every public and private function that the organization has. I can't speak for the reasons that other people join, but for myself I simply wanted to support the organization that has been championing and defending my worldview for over 50 years. You get out of it what you put in to it; as I said there are people that never meet another member of the organization just as there are people like myself that have discovered entirely new social circles in their lives, and people that can offer honest and unbiased feedback. Don't join if you expect to be participating in weekly group rituals, the reality is much different.
Information about joining can be found here.
Q: Where is the Church of Satan? I'd like to attend a meeting to see if I'm interested in joining.
LaVeyan A: There isn't a brick-and-mortar facility in the sense that most people think of when they picture a church. The Church of Satan is a mutual admiration society rather than the more traditional congregational gathering point one might come to expect from other religions. Each member of the Church of Satan, through their actions and how they enjoy their life, is an individual monument to that institution. On rare occasions there are Church of Satan events that are open to the public, and you should follow the Church of Satan on social media platforms to keep an eye out for them if seeing that interests you.
Q: What's the deal with magic? How can an atheist believe something like that?
LaVeyan A: Throughout the ages religions have each had their own rituals and dogma; Anton LaVey correctly recognized the value of ritual in the human animal's daily life. Under the context of Satanism, magic isn't something like summoning a demon from the abyss or shooting fireballs from your eyes as an outsider might expect it to be. Magic is subdivided into two different categories: lesser magic and greater magic. The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable." Given this definition, lesser magic means things like how you dress, your posture, applied psychology, seduction, manipulation, and more. Talking a car salesman down on the price of a new car that you want is an example of the practical application of lesser magic, or picking a girl up at a bar. Greater, or ritual magic, is a psychodrama that's intended to alter your mental and/or emotional state of being. It's a process to follow that can bring about a cathartic response in the participant(s). This is psychological, not supernatural.
The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable."
Under the context of Satanism, magic does not fall within the realm of the occult though it does touch upon many occult concepts such as the power to influence the world around you by focusing you or your group's willpower, and the power of placebo. If you truly believe that something works, then it can affect you. This is why people swear by things like the power of prayer. Two hands working may be able to accomplish more than a thousand clasped in prayer, but don't discount the benefit of placebo. The tools that a person learns through studying Satanism can certainly give them a solid foundation to study within the occult if they so choose, but is not occult itself. Some people gravitate toward the study of the Left Hand Path (LHP) as Satanism favors self-reliance and personal strength.
For further reading, here is a link to an essay about ritual magic written by the High Priestess of the Church of Satan, Peggy Nadramia. Here is another essay about the role of ritual in a Satanist's daily life, also by Magistra Nadramia.
Q: Do I really need all of these things like bells and gongs to perform a ritual?
LaVeyan A: You don't actually need anything at all to perform a ritual, but creating the proper setting with the use of candles to light your ritual chamber, an altar, and ritual elements such as a sword and bell helps to draw you in to the psychodrama of performing the ritual. The result is that you may have more success with them than without them. Ultimately the practice of Satanic ritual is individualistic as is the rest of the religion, so you can use as much or as little of it as you want to use. There isn't any requirement to perform ritual at all if you don't want to. I myself am an Active member of the Church of Satan and the only ritual I've been involved in was at the Chuch of Satan's 50th Anniversary celebration, though I do maintain an altar at my home.
There is a fantastic piece about exactly this on the Church of Satan's "Satanic Youth Communique" page, including a simple ritual requiring only a Sigil of Baphomet picture or medallion and a single black candle.
Q: Where can I purchase ritual elements online?
LaVeyan A: The implements that people use (or don't use) in their rituals are a personal choice, but I have compiled a small list of examples of what you might expect to see at a Satanic ritual. Here is an example of a bell that has a clear, piercing sound to it. A bell of this design was used at the Church of Satan's 50th Anniversary ritual. Here is an example of a gong that one might find in certain high-end ritual chambers. A high quality gong like this would be right at home in The Black House itself. Perhaps you might want a statue of Baphomet or a small altar to rest it on. What ritual would be complete without black robes? There are fine black robes made by ASP Apparel and iSatanist.
Of course, all of these are simply examples of things that are out there. Every Satanist's ritual chamber will have different items that go along with it that best reflect their individual nature.
Q: I'm thinking of converting to Satanism. How do I know if I'm a Satanist?
LaVeyan A: Someone doesn't convert to Satanism. This religion isn't for everybody, and you wouldn't hear anyone from any of the Abrahamic religions tell you that their religion isn't the one truth, but there you have it. The world would be a more problematic place than it already is if it were populated solely by strong-willed individualist misanthropes. But if you're sincerely curious if you are a Satanist, you should read The Satanic Bible and see if you feel that the book reflects who you are as a person. Satanists are born, not made.
Q: Do I have to join the Church of Satan if I am a Satanist? Why do people join? What is the benefit?
LaVeyan A: Not at all. Satanism encourages individualism, and if joining something isn't you then don't do it. There are members of the Church of Satan that go their entire life without meeting another member of the Church of Satan just as there are people that attend every public and private function that the organization has. I can't speak for the reasons that other people join, but for myself I simply wanted to support the organization that has been championing and defending my worldview for over 50 years. You get out of it what you put in to it; as I said there are people that never meet another member of the organization just as there are people like myself that have discovered entirely new social circles in their lives, and people that can offer honest and unbiased feedback. Don't join if you expect to be participating in weekly group rituals, the reality is much different.
Information about joining can be found here.
Q: Where is the Church of Satan? I'd like to attend a meeting to see if I'm interested in joining.
LaVeyan A: There isn't a brick-and-mortar facility in the sense that most people think of when they picture a church. The Church of Satan is a mutual admiration society rather than the more traditional congregational gathering point one might come to expect from other religions. Each member of the Church of Satan, through their actions and how they enjoy their life, is an individual monument to that institution. On rare occasions there are Church of Satan events that are open to the public, and you should follow the Church of Satan on social media platforms to keep an eye out for them if seeing that interests you.
Q: What's the deal with magic? How can an atheist believe something like that?
LaVeyan A: Throughout the ages religions have each had their own rituals and dogma; Anton LaVey correctly recognized the value of ritual in the human animal's daily life. Under the context of Satanism, magic isn't something like summoning a demon from the abyss or shooting fireballs from your eyes as an outsider might expect it to be. Magic is subdivided into two different categories: lesser magic and greater magic. The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable." Given this definition, lesser magic means things like how you dress, your posture, applied psychology, seduction, manipulation, and more. Talking a car salesman down on the price of a new car that you want is an example of the practical application of lesser magic, or picking a girl up at a bar. Greater, or ritual magic, is a psychodrama that's intended to alter your mental and/or emotional state of being. It's a process to follow that can bring about a cathartic response in the participant(s). This is psychological, not supernatural.
The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable."
Under the context of Satanism, magic does not fall within the realm of the occult though it does touch upon many occult concepts such as the power to influence the world around you by focusing you or your group's willpower, and the power of placebo. If you truly believe that something works, then it can affect you. This is why people swear by things like the power of prayer. Two hands working may be able to accomplish more than a thousand clasped in prayer, but don't discount the benefit of placebo. The tools that a person learns through studying Satanism can certainly give them a solid foundation to study within the occult if they so choose, but is not occult itself. Some people gravitate toward the study of the Left Hand Path (LHP) as Satanism favors self-reliance and personal strength.
For further reading, here is a link to an essay about ritual magic written by the High Priestess of the Church of Satan, Peggy Nadramia. Here is another essay about the role of ritual in a Satanist's daily life, also by Magistra Nadramia.
Q: Do I really need all of these things like bells and gongs to perform a ritual?
LaVeyan A: You don't actually need anything at all to perform a ritual, but creating the proper setting with the use of candles to light your ritual chamber, an altar, and ritual elements such as a sword and bell helps to draw you in to the psychodrama of performing the ritual. The result is that you may have more success with them than without them. Ultimately the practice of Satanic ritual is individualistic as is the rest of the religion, so you can use as much or as little of it as you want to use. There isn't any requirement to perform ritual at all if you don't want to. I myself am an Active member of the Church of Satan and the only ritual I've been involved in was at the Chuch of Satan's 50th Anniversary celebration, though I do maintain an altar at my home.
There is a fantastic piece about exactly this on the Church of Satan's "Satanic Youth Communique" page, including a simple ritual requiring only a Sigil of Baphomet picture or medallion and a single black candle.
Q: Where can I purchase ritual elements online?
LaVeyan A: The implements that people use (or don't use) in their rituals are a personal choice, but I have compiled a small list of examples of what you might expect to see at a Satanic ritual. Here is an example of a bell that has a clear, piercing sound to it. A bell of this design was used at the Church of Satan's 50th Anniversary ritual. Here is an example of a gong that one might find in certain high-end ritual chambers. A high quality gong like this would be right at home in The Black House itself. Perhaps you might want a statue of Baphomet or a small altar to rest it on. What ritual would be complete without black robes? There are fine black robes made by ASP Apparel and iSatanist.
Of course, all of these are simply examples of things that are out there. Every Satanist's ritual chamber will have different items that go along with it that best reflect their individual nature.
Q: I'm thinking of converting to Satanism. How do I know if I'm a Satanist?
LaVeyan A: Someone doesn't convert to Satanism. This religion isn't for everybody, and you wouldn't hear anyone from any of the Abrahamic religions tell you that their religion isn't the one truth, but there you have it. The world would be a more problematic place than it already is if it were populated solely by strong-willed individualist misanthropes. But if you're sincerely curious if you are a Satanist, you should read The Satanic Bible and see if you feel that the book reflects who you are as a person. Satanists are born, not made.
Q: Do I have to join the Church of Satan if I am a Satanist? Why do people join? What is the benefit?
LaVeyan A: Not at all. Satanism encourages individualism, and if joining something isn't you then don't do it. There are members of the Church of Satan that go their entire life without meeting another member of the Church of Satan just as there are people that attend every public and private function that the organization has. I can't speak for the reasons that other people join, but for myself I simply wanted to support the organization that has been championing and defending my worldview for over 50 years. You get out of it what you put in to it; as I said there are people that never meet another member of the organization just as there are people like myself that have discovered entirely new social circles in their lives, and people that can offer honest and unbiased feedback. Don't join if you expect to be participating in weekly group rituals, the reality is much different.
Information about joining can be found here.
Q: Where is the Church of Satan? I'd like to attend a meeting to see if I'm interested in joining.
LaVeyan A: There isn't a brick-and-mortar facility in the sense that most people think of when they picture a church. The Church of Satan is a mutual admiration society rather than the more traditional congregational gathering point one might come to expect from other religions. Each member of the Church of Satan, through their actions and how they enjoy their life, is an individual monument to that institution. On rare occasions there are Church of Satan events that are open to the public, and you should follow the Church of Satan on social media platforms to keep an eye out for them if seeing that interests you.
Q: What's the deal with magic? How can an atheist believe something like that?
LaVeyan A: Throughout the ages religions have each had their own rituals and dogma; Anton LaVey correctly recognized the value of ritual in the human animal's daily life. Under the context of Satanism, magic isn't something like summoning a demon from the abyss or shooting fireballs from your eyes as an outsider might expect it to be. Magic is subdivided into two different categories: lesser magic and greater magic. The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable." Given this definition, lesser magic means things like how you dress, your posture, applied psychology, seduction, manipulation, and more. Talking a car salesman down on the price of a new car that you want is an example of the practical application of lesser magic, or picking a girl up at a bar. Greater, or ritual magic, is a psychodrama that's intended to alter your mental and/or emotional state of being. It's a process to follow that can bring about a cathartic response in the participant(s). This is psychological, not supernatural.
The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable."
Under the context of Satanism, magic does not fall within the realm of the occult though it does touch upon many occult concepts such as the power to influence the world around you by focusing you or your group's willpower, and the power of placebo. If you truly believe that something works, then it can affect you. This is why people swear by things like the power of prayer. Two hands working may be able to accomplish more than a thousand clasped in prayer, but don't discount the benefit of placebo. The tools that a person learns through studying Satanism can certainly give them a solid foundation to study within the occult if they so choose, but is not occult itself. Some people gravitate toward the study of the Left Hand Path (LHP) as Satanism favors self-reliance and personal strength.
For further reading, here is a link to an essay about ritual magic written by the High Priestess of the Church of Satan, Peggy Nadramia. Here is another essay about the role of ritual in a Satanist's daily life, also by Magistra Nadramia.
Q: Do I really need all of these things like bells and gongs to perform a ritual?
LaVeyan A: You don't actually need anything at all to perform a ritual, but creating the proper setting with the use of candles to light your ritual chamber, an altar, and ritual elements such as a sword and bell helps to draw you in to the psychodrama of performing the ritual. The result is that you may have more success with them than without them. Ultimately the practice of Satanic ritual is individualistic as is the rest of the religion, so you can use as much or as little of it as you want to use. There isn't any requirement to perform ritual at all if you don't want to. I myself am an Active member of the Church of Satan and the only ritual I've been involved in was at the Chuch of Satan's 50th Anniversary celebration, though I do maintain an altar at my home.
There is a fantastic piece about exactly this on the Church of Satan's "Satanic Youth Communique" page, including a simple ritual requiring only a Sigil of Baphomet picture or medallion and a single black candle.
Q: Where can I purchase ritual elements online?
LaVeyan A: The implements that people use (or don't use) in their rituals are a personal choice, but I have compiled a small list of examples of what you might expect to see at a Satanic ritual. Here is an example of a bell that has a clear, piercing sound to it. A bell of this design was used at the Church of Satan's 50th Anniversary ritual. Here is an example of a gong that one might find in certain high-end ritual chambers. A high quality gong like this would be right at home in The Black House itself. Perhaps you might want a statue of Baphomet or a small altar to rest it on. What ritual would be complete without black robes? There are fine black robes made by ASP Apparel and iSatanist.
Of course, all of these are simply examples of things that are out there. Every Satanist's ritual chamber will have different items that go along with it that best reflect their individual nature.
Q: I'm thinking of converting to Satanism. How do I know if I'm a Satanist?
LaVeyan A: Someone doesn't convert to Satanism. This religion isn't for everybody, and you wouldn't hear anyone from any of the Abrahamic religions tell you that their religion isn't the one truth, but there you have it. The world would be a more problematic place than it already is if it were populated solely by strong-willed individualist misanthropes. But if you're sincerely curious if you are a Satanist, you should read The Satanic Bible and see if you feel that the book reflects who you are as a person. Satanists are born, not made.
Q: Do I have to join the Church of Satan if I am a Satanist? Why do people join? What is the benefit?
LaVeyan A: Not at all. Satanism encourages individualism, and if joining something isn't you then don't do it. There are members of the Church of Satan that go their entire life without meeting another member of the Church of Satan just as there are people that attend every public and private function that the organization has. I can't speak for the reasons that other people join, but for myself I simply wanted to support the organization that has been championing and defending my worldview for over 50 years. You get out of it what you put in to it; as I said there are people that never meet another member of the organization just as there are people like myself that have discovered entirely new social circles in their lives, and people that can offer honest and unbiased feedback. Don't join if you expect to be participating in weekly group rituals, the reality is much different.
Information about joining can be found here.
Q: Where is the Church of Satan? I'd like to attend a meeting to see if I'm interested in joining.
LaVeyan A: There isn't a brick-and-mortar facility in the sense that most people think of when they picture a church. The Church of Satan is a mutual admiration society rather than the more traditional congregational gathering point one might come to expect from other religions. Each member of the Church of Satan, through their actions and how they enjoy their life, is an individual monument to that institution. On rare occasions there are Church of Satan events that are open to the public, and you should follow the Church of Satan on social media platforms to keep an eye out for them if seeing that interests you.
Q: What's the deal with magic? How can an atheist believe something like that?
LaVeyan A: Throughout the ages religions have each had their own rituals and dogma; Anton LaVey correctly recognized the value of ritual in the human animal's daily life. Under the context of Satanism, magic isn't something like summoning a demon from the abyss or shooting fireballs from your eyes as an outsider might expect it to be. Magic is subdivided into two different categories: lesser magic and greater magic. The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable." Given this definition, lesser magic means things like how you dress, your posture, applied psychology, seduction, manipulation, and more. Talking a car salesman down on the price of a new car that you want is an example of the practical application of lesser magic, or picking a girl up at a bar. Greater, or ritual magic, is a psychodrama that's intended to alter your mental and/or emotional state of being. It's a process to follow that can bring about a cathartic response in the participant(s). This is psychological, not supernatural.
The Satanic Bible defines magic as, "The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally accepted methods, be unchangeable."
Under the context of Satanism, magic does not fall within the realm of the occult though it does touch upon many occult concepts such as the power to influence the world around you by focusing you or your group's willpower, and the power of placebo. If you truly believe that something works, then it can affect you. This is why people swear by things like the power of prayer. Two hands working may be able to accomplish more than a thousand clasped in prayer, but don't discount the benefit of placebo. The tools that a person learns through studying Satanism can certainly give them a solid foundation to study within the occult if they so choose, but is not occult itself. Some people gravitate toward the study of the Left Hand Path (LHP) as Satanism favors self-reliance and personal strength.
For further reading, here is a link to an essay about ritual magic written by the High Priestess of the Church of Satan, Peggy Nadramia. Here is another essay about the role of ritual in a Satanist's daily life, also by Magistra Nadramia.
Q: Do I really need all of these things like bells and gongs to perform a ritual?
LaVeyan A: You don't actually need anything at all to perform a ritual, but creating the proper setting with the use of candles to light your ritual chamber, an altar, and ritual elements such as a sword and bell helps to draw you in to the psychodrama of performing the ritual. The result is that you may have more success with them than without them. Ultimately the practice of Satanic ritual is individualistic as is the rest of the religion, so you can use as much or as little of it as you want to use. There isn't any requirement to perform ritual at all if you don't want to. I myself am an Active member of the Church of Satan and the only ritual I've been involved in was at the Chuch of Satan's 50th Anniversary celebration, though I do maintain an altar at my home.
There is a fantastic piece about exactly this on the Church of Satan's "Satanic Youth Communique" page, including a simple ritual requiring only a Sigil of Baphomet picture or medallion and a single black candle.
Q: Where can I purchase ritual elements online?
LaVeyan A: The implements that people use (or don't use) in their rituals are a personal choice, but I have compiled a small list of examples of what you might expect to see at a Satanic ritual. Here is an example of a bell that has a clear, piercing sound to it. A bell of this design was used at the Church of Satan's 50th Anniversary ritual. Here is an example of a gong that one might find in certain high-end ritual chambers. A high quality gong like this would be right at home in The Black House itself. Perhaps you might want a statue of Baphomet or a small altar to rest it on. What ritual would be complete without black robes? There are fine black robes made by ASP Apparel and iSatanist.
Of course, all of these are simply examples of things that are out there. Every Satanist's ritual chamber will have different items that go along with it that best reflect their individual nature.
Q: I'm thinking of converting to Satanism. How do I know if I'm a Satanist?
LaVeyan A: Someone doesn't convert to Satanism. This religion isn't for everybody, and you wouldn't hear anyone from any of the Abrahamic religions tell you that their religion isn't the one truth, but there you have it. The world would be a more problematic place than it already is if it were populated solely by strong-willed individualist misanthropes. But if you're sincerely curious if you are a Satanist, you should read The Satanic Bible and see if you feel that the book reflects who you are as a person. Satanists are born, not made.
Q: Do I have to join the Church of Satan if I am a Satanist? Why do people join? What is the benefit?
LaVeyan A: Not at all. Satanism encourages individualism, and if joining something isn't you then don't do it. There are members of the Church of Satan that go their entire life without meeting another member of the Church of Satan just as there are people that attend every public and private function that the organization has. I can't speak for the reasons that other people join, but for myself I simply wanted to support the organization that has been championing and defending my worldview for over 50 years. You get out of it what you put in to it; as I said there are people that never meet another member of the organization just as there are people like myself that have discovered entirely new social circles in their lives, and people that can offer honest and unbiased feedback. Don't join if you expect to be participating in weekly group rituals, the reality is much different.
Information about joining can be found here.
Q: Where is the Church of Satan? I'd like to attend a meeting to see if I'm interested in joining.
LaVeyan A: There isn't a brick-and-mortar facility in the sense that most people think of when they picture a church. The Church of Satan is a mutual admiration society rather than the more traditional congregational gathering point one might come to expect from other religions. Each member of the Church of Satan, through their actions and how they enjoy their life, is an individual monument to that institution. On rare occasions there are Church of Satan events that are open to the public, and you should follow the Church of Satan on social media platforms to keep an eye out for them if seeing that interests you.