F.A.Q. Literature

Serpent

F.A.Q. Literature

What are the primary books that explain Satanism?

Anton Szandor LaVey founded the Church of Satan in 1966. With the release of his book The Satanic Bible in 1969, he began to define and codify Satanism to the world. For detailed information on the creation of this foundational book, read So It Was Written: The History of The Satanic Bible by Anton Szandor LaVey by Magistra Peggy Nadramia, High Priestess of the Church of Satan. His subsequent books present his thinking on many topics and should be read if you expect to understand Satanism. They are The Satanic Witch (originally titled The Compleat Witch), The Satanic Rituals, The Devil’s Notebook, and Satan Speaks.

Blanche Barton’s biography The Secret Life of A Satanist and her historically thorough We Are Satanists (an expanded edition of the book The Church of Satan) contain significant information.

Peter H. Gilmore’s The Satanic Scriptures builds upon the foundation set by LaVey presenting philosophical essays as well as several rites and ceremonies important to Satanic theory and practice.

The Satanic Warlock by Magister Dr. Johnson shares his deep insights into every aspect of what makes a Warlock. Released in 2016, it details archetypes of masculinity for today’s Satanic Warlocks, and the Satanic Witches who find them fascinating.

Click here for a list of books by our members regarding the philosophy of Satanism.

Can I get a free copy of The Satanic Bible? Where can I download it? Is there a hardcover version?

No, we don’t proselytize so we don’t send out free books or pamphlets as do other religions. The publisher of this book, HarperCollins/Avon, has not released an eBook version, so if you do find an electronic file of this book it is not authorized and is violating the copyright. In the early 1970s, University Books released a hardcover version which was not well rendered. In 2016, Rabid Crow Arts & Graphics obtained the proper licensing to produce a limited hardcover edition of The Satanic Bible, combined with The Satanic Rituals in a single volume. Both of these hardcover versions occasionally appear on auction websites for a great deal of money. HarperCollins/Avon may release another hardcover edition. We will announce any progress toward that goal on our News page.

Can I get a copy of Blanche Barton’s book The Church of Satan?

The Church of Satan by Blanche Barton is long out of print but has been expanded and re-released in 2021 under the title We Are Satanists. It is available for purchase on Satanme.com.

Can I get some free tracts or pamphlets to put out so as to counter the propaganda that I see from other religious organizations?

We do not produce tracts or pamphlets as we are against the practice of proselytizing. We expect people to come to Satanism of their own free will, so shoving literature at them is a rude imposition and contrary to Satanic behavior. We do not think that other religions should be allowed to do this, and we will not engage in such tactics nor endorse anyone who employs them.

Isn’t The Necronomicon a part of Satanism?

No, since it really does not exist. It was simply a mythical book referred to fictitiously in stories by horror author H.P. Lovecraft. Read our essay NECRONOMICON: Some Facts About a Fiction for a detailed discussion of this topic.

Isn’t The Synagogue of Satan by Przybyzewski a part of Satanism?

No. Przybyszewski, a Pole who died in 1927, wrote this tale about a fictional Satanic Cult in 1897 and it was not translated into English until 2002, several years after LaVey died. LaVey was meticulous in citing his references and inspirations, and, had he known about this text, he certainly would have mentioned it. He didn’t—so it’s not part of his philosophy. Przybyszewski occasionally referred to himself as a “Satanist” but only in reference to his own fictional texts. He did not build out a philosophy, launch a religion, nor did he try to inspire others to adopt that term. Like his other writings, which were in themselves inspired by Nietzsche, this novella was a blast against then current sacred cows—intentionally blasphemous, but not in any way intended as a foundational religious text.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

From time to time, you may find yourself with a question that is not addressed in the F.A.Q., or literature. We welcome all intelligent and informed questions.

You may submit your question via our web form found on our contact page, or via email at [email protected].

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