Hail Gluttony!

HAIL GLUTTONY!

Today in the U.S., many celebrate the secular holiday called “Thanksgiving.” It originated as a harvest festival and the traditional imagery has been inspired by legends about Calvinist separatist Pilgrims who emigrated from The Netherlands to the “New World” in 1620. These staunchly Christian folks supposedly included select nearby indigenous pagans in their festivities, now and again. Honoring the fruits of hard work done towards preparing for survival of the gelid Winter months to come in Massachusetts, it was a de facto proclamation of the wisdom of being in harmony with the cycling of Nature. Similar holidays abound in pre- and non-Christian societies. They are always enjoyed as opportunities for relaxation, conviviality, and earned excess.

This holiday has evolved into an occasion for gathering with family and friends and extravagant feasting. Being Satanists, we naturally support participation in sumptuous banquets, however, we are guided by our principle of “indulgence, not compulsion.” This is a day we might spend with individuals who delight us, and perhaps efforts will be made to travel to be with those whom we do not often encounter in person during the course of a year. 

Attending large family gatherings might cause mingling with folks we enjoy, those whom we just tolerate, or others whom we might find nettlesome. We may thus savor the opportunity to enjoy renewed fellowship or to deal out our own forms of justice, perhaps gently tweaking those who irk us even while warmly embracing the ones who’ve add richness to our lives.

Satanists may seize this day to celebrate our prosperity, our joy in existing, and our precious liberty. We can make this a time to thank ourselves for boldly mastering our lives to the best of our abilities, sharing our vital existence with those whom we cherish. Being our own joyous gods, we can readily be beneficent, offering amity to those in our company. Whether you are with friends, family, or enjoying your own splendid company, may those of you who choose to celebrate enjoy a truly indulgent “Gluttony Day”!

—Magus Peter H. Gilmore

Hail Gluttony!
Hail Gluttony!