Church of Satan Sigil of Baphomet

Happiest of New Years!

Tomorrow begins year XLVII, Anno Satanas.

The past year has been one of much testing. Many have shown their true mettle, standing strong thus giving us reason to pridefully acknowledge burgeoning mastery, while others have been deeply unimpressive, factoring themselves out of the equation. Meritocracy is merciless. 

Moving into the second half of the third “Working Year” will continue to provide challenges to which our best shall rise while the lesser will bow out. The human arena rings with the clamor of clashing blades – a carillon of honor for the victorious; funerary tolling for the defeated.

The Church of Satan is increasingly being understood by wider audiences as a vehicle for reason, ranging from purveyors of pop culture to more rigorous academic forums. Our carnal philosophy is providing a sound tool for the bright faithless folk worldwide, who refuse to be shackled by theistic twaddle and its related value systems wherever such anti-rational doctrines might be asserted via theistic thuggery.

I know that Dr. LaVey would surely be smiling were he to behold the extraordinary women and men who now wield with such aplomb the concepts he evolved. They are fulfilling the promise that Satanism offers – that those who are by nature skeptics can take command of their lives and also share their joyous achievements with others who have earned their respect. Such an existence is both thrilling and fulfilling.

As is our tradition, we raise our glasses to the fellows in our meta-tribe in celebration of the advent of a New Year of continued growth and prosperity:

“Here’s to champagne for our real friends,

and real pain for our sham friends!”

Joy to the flesh—forever!

Shemhamforash! Hail Satan!

—Magus Peter H. Gilmore