The Satanic Bible is a collection of essays, observations, and rituals published by Anton LaVey in 1969. It is the central religious text of LaVeyan’s Satanism and is considered the foundation of his philosophy and dogma. It has been described as the most important document to influence contemporary Satanism. Although the Satanic Bible is not considered holy scripture in the way that the Christian Bible is for Christianity, LaVeyan’s Satanists consider it an authoritative text, as it is a contemporary text that has achieved biblical status for them.
It exalts the virtues of exploring one’s nature and instincts. Believers have been described as “atheistic Satanists” because they believe that God and Satan are not external entities, but rather projections of an individual’s own personality, benevolent and stabilizing forces in their life. There have been thirty editions of The Satanic Bible, selling over a million copies.
Book Details
| Title | The Satanic Bible |
| Author | Anton Lavey |
| Year of Publication | 1969 |
| Language | English |
| File Format | |
| Number of Pages | 272 |
The Satanic Bible Summary
The Satanic Bible is made up of four books: The Book of Satan, The Book of Lucifer, The Book of Belial, and The Book of Leviathan. The Book of Satan challenges the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule and promotes Epicureanism. The Book of Lucifer contains most of the philosophy of The Satanic Bible, with twelve chapters discussing topics such as indulgence, love, hate, and sex. LaVey also uses the book to dispel rumors surrounding religion. In The Book of Belial, LaVey details rituals and magic. He discusses the mindset and focus required to perform a ritual, and provides instructions for three rituals: those related to sex, compassion, or destruction. The Book of Leviathan provides four invocations for Satan, lust, compassion, and destruction. He also lists the nineteen Enochian keys (adapted from John Dee’s Enochian keys), provided in both Enochian and English translations.
There have been both positive and negative reactions to the Satanic Bible. It has been described as “sharp” and “influential”. Criticisms of The Satanic Bible stem both from scruples about LaVey’s writing and from disapproval of the content itself. LaVey has been criticized for plagiarizing sections, and accusations have been made that his philosophies are largely borrowed. Attempts have been made to ban the book in schools, public libraries, and prisons, although these attempts are somewhat rare.
The Satanic Bible Review
Called “The Black Pope” by many of his followers, Anton La Vey began the path to the High Priesthood of the Church of Satan when he was only 16 years old and played the organ at a carnival:
“On Saturday night I would see men coveted by half-naked girls dancing at the carnival, and on Sunday morning, when I played the organ for the evangelists from the tent show at the other end of the carnival parking lot, I would see these same men sitting on the pews with their wives and children, begging God to forgive them and purge them of carnal desires, and next Saturday night they would be back at the carnival or some other place of indulgence.
“Then I knew that the Christian Church thrives on hypocrisy and that the carnal nature of man will come to light!”
From that early moment in his life, his path was clear. Finally, on the last night of April 1966 – Walpurgisnacht, the most important festival of the believers in witchcraft – LaVey shaved his head in the tradition of ancient executioners and announced the formation of The Church of Satan. He had seen the need for a church that would reclaim the body of a man and his carnal desires as objects of celebration. “Since the worship of carnal things produces pleasure,” he said, “then there would be a temple of glorious indulgence …”
About the Author
Anton Szandor LaVey (born Howard Stanton Levey; April 11, 1930 – October 29, 1997) was an American author, musician, circus and carnival performer, and occultist. He was the founder of the Church of Satan and the religion of LaVeyan Satanism. He authored several books including The Satanic Bible, The Satanic Rituals, The Satanic Witch, The Devil’s Notebook, and Satan Speaks! He released three albums, The Satanic Mass, Satan Takes a Holiday, and Strange Music.
The Satanic Bible PDF
