Satanism

According to certain religions such as Christianity or Catholicism, God created Satan, and they've been battling each other ever since...or at least that's part of what's been taught. Lamentably, a good majority of people, even those whom are presumed to be understanding and broad minded still believe that Satanists are behind the most wicked atrocities, such as sacrificing animals to Satan on Halloween or spilling innocent human blood because the devil requested them too. Stereotypical satanists are said to wear all black and inverted pentagrams, not care for the ones they love, and to practice very odd rituals. This same perspective has been going on for centuries. Back when Malleus Maleficarum,a treatise on the prosecution of witches written by German Catholic clergyman Heinrich Kramer was published in 1486, it's purpose was to describe the lifestyle of the satanist which were known as witches in that time period. It gave details of how they lived a life in Sin and Blasphemy. From then until now, present day, most people have been frightened by what they think they know. Although the concept of Satanism has always been around, it wasn't until the 1950's that the whole concept of it was quickly gaining popularity. It originated both in the U.S. And in the U.K. Its popularity increased greatly because of Walpurgisnacht, a German holiday of pagan origin that started on the 30th of April in 1966. It's also known as the night before May day and the night of the witches. Before 1966, the night of the witches was known as the day the witches and everything devil related came out at night to cause destruction by ruining farmer's crops and livestock. In 1966 however it was viewed as more of a celebration and also as a night to come together with the Evil that was lurking around at night. The night before May day is very similar to Halloween in North America and it's also celebrated in Finland and Estonia. Also in 1966, Satanism was established by Anton Szander Lavey (1930-1997). LaVey was a former animal trainer and carnival organist who had earned his reputation as a ghost hunter. He wrote The Satanic Bible, The Complete Witch, and The Satanic Rituals. LaVey’s

Modern Satanism boasts the ideas of self-assertion, antiestablishmentarianism, and the gratification of man’s physical and mental needs and wants. Since his philosophy was gaining more popularity, he established the first church in San Francisco, California; but it does not hold rituals or gatherings for people. There are however local groups known as grottoes, pylons,and some temples. If people identify themselves as Satanists, it does not mean that they worship the devil. The name was chosen because in pre-pagan Christian forms, Satan was once well respected before becoming a fallen angel. In Hebrew, Satan means “adversary” and Lucifer means the light bearer. The symbol used isn't just and inverted pentagram. In the Church of Satan, the Sigil of Baphomet is used. The Sigil of Baphomet consists of a goats head drawn within an inverted pentagram. The word “Baphomet” dates back to records of the Templar trials. The Templar trials are: “The hearings or trials at which the members of the Order of the Temple, and the Order itself, were charged with various offenses against morality and the Church began in October 1307 when Templars across France were arrested. The arrests were ordered by the French king, Philip IV, although in November of that year the pope, Clement V, took over at least ostensibly the conduct of the interrogations. He ordered the arrest of all members of the Order throughout Latin Christendom, a process which was carried out much more slowly outside France. On the island of Cyprus which was in the Christian front-line against the infidel, or Saracens as they were commonly referred to, the arrests occurred in 1308.”(Gilmour-Bryson ). The goat's face within the pentagram stands for carnality. Starting at the bottom and going counter-clockwise, the...