Today, those who have embraced the title Satanist might recall that it is the anniversary of the birth of Magus Anton Szandor LaVey. We owe him a debt for crafting a rational, skeptical, pragmatic philosophy which embraces the human animal for all the glories and ghastliness of which our species is capable. He properly named it after Satan, that grand, mythical adversary of all stultifying spiritual conventions, inspiring the like-minded with such apt symbolism. He called for responsible individuals to hold themselves as their own highest value, and thus, he pioneered a carnal religion like none before.
As he said in 1975: “The Church of Satan is an organization dedicated to rational self-interest, indulgence, and a glorification of material and carnal elements. I held these beliefs in the beginning as I do now.” And we who have joined the cabal he founded have made our alliance, as we share his sapient perspective.
Let us follow the example of Dr. LaVey, and in honor of the memory of this man, who moved the world according to his will, to take some time today and partake of a pleasure that we deem particularly satisfying. It could be a solitary joy, or one shared with those who wish to be included. After all, being your own God has its perks and there is no time like the present to enjoy that essential of Satanism to the fullest. Dr. LaVey would, I am certain, be delighted to know that his works continue to have meaning for those fine folks whose deeds and creations embody his legacy through self-celebration!
I raise my glass in exuberant homage:
Hail Anton Szandor LaVey!
Hail Satan!
—Magus Peter H. Gilmore