Theistic Satanism: Worshiping Satan as a Real Deity

When most people hear the word “Satanism,” they imagine devil-worshipers performing dark rituals to an evil being. In reality, most modern Satanists (like those in the Church of Satan or Satanic Temple) do not believe in a literal Satan at all – for them, “Satan” is a symbol of rebellion and they are essentially atheists. However, there is a branch of Satanism where followers do believe in and revere Satan (or a related figure) as an actual supernatural being. This is known as Theistic Satanism, sometimes called “traditional” or “spiritual” Satanism. Theistic Satanists aren’t pretending or using Satan as a metaphor – to them, Satan (or Lucifer, or other dark gods) is real and worthy of devotion, much like a god in any other religion. In this article, we’ll explore what Theistic Satanism entails, including its beliefs, variations, and practices. We’ll also address common misconceptions (no, not all of them sacrifice animals or engage in criminal acts) and see how this path fits into the broader Left-Hand Path movement.

What is Theistic Satanism?

Theistic Satanism is an umbrella term for any Satanic path that posits Satan as an objective being or force – a deity, a spirit, or a god – rather than a symbol or construct of the human mind. In other words, theistic Satanists believe in Satan (or “the Devil”) as a real entity with whom they can form a relationship, whether that be worship, reverence, or partnership. This is in direct contrast to atheistic Satanism (like LaVeyan Satanism), where Satan is seen as a metaphor or archetype, not a literal being.

However, what “Satan” means can vary among theistic Satanists:

• For some, Satan is the literal Devil of the Bible, but they view him not as evil, but as a misunderstood or righteous figure who rebelled against an unjust god (Jehovah). They choose to honor Satan as a friend of humanity or a liberator.

• Others consider Satan as a more amorphous dark force of nature or the universe, an empowering primal energy that can be tapped into.

• Some identify Satan with pre-Christian gods or concepts. For instance, a theistic Satanist might actually worship Enki (a Sumerian god) or Set (an Egyptian god of darkness), interpreting those as “the true identity” of Satan – essentially saying the Christian Satan was a demonization of older gods of wisdom or night. Satan in this case is an umbrella for various “adversarial” gods (figures who opposed the dominant gods in myth).

• There are also paths like Demonolatry, where practitioners honor a pantheon of infernal beings (demons) including Satan/Lucifer, seeing them as powerful spirits or gods to learn from rather than fear.

Despite the variety, the common thread is a spiritual reverence for Satan (by whatever name). Theistic Satanists often refer to themselves as devil worshippers unapologetically (reclaiming the term), or as followers of the Old Ways if they tie their Satan figure to ancient pagan traditions.

Beliefs and Values in Theistic Satanism

While beliefs can differ widely, here are some general beliefs/values you’ll find in many theistic Satanist groups:

• Satan as a Positive (or at least Worthy) Deity: Theistic Satanists typically do not view Satan as purely evil. Many see him as a father figure, teacher, or liberator. For example, a group might believe Satan/Lucifer freed humanity from ignorance in Eden (by encouraging eating the fruit of knowledge) and thus is actually humanity’s benefactor. Or they might view Satan as embodying values like self-empowerment, inquiry, and rebellion against tyranny – and thus worthy of respect and worship.

• Individuality and Freedom: Similar to other Left-Hand Path systems, theistic Satanism puts a big emphasis on personal freedom and non-conformity. They admire Satan’s rebellion and seek to emulate that spirit of not bowing to imposed authority. This often translates into valuing personal authenticity (being true to oneself) and free will. One might say theistic Satanists consider Satan the god who grants humans freedom and autonomy, and so they exercise that in their lives.

• Occult Knowledge and Power: Theistic Satanists are often deeply involved in occultism and magical practice. Believing Satan and demons are real, they study grimoires, attempt to make contact, and learn various forms of witchcraft, sorcery, or devil’s magic. The pursuit of hidden knowledge (often called occult knowledge) is valued – whether it’s ancient wisdom suppressed by the Church, or modern magical techniques. They may see themselves as inheritors of a secret tradition (sometimes claiming lineage from medieval witches, Knights Templar, or mythical civilizations).

• Empowerment through Satan: A core idea is that by aligning with Satan, one can gain empowerment that the mainstream world denies. This could be psychological empowerment (overcoming guilt, fear, and indoctrination), magical empowerment (gaining abilities or results through spells), or even spiritual immortality. Some theistic Satanists believe Satan will favor his followers and grant them strength in this life and perhaps a place by his side after death, rather than them having to fear hell.

• Morality and Ethics: Theistic Satanists often create their own ethical guidelines. These can range from a very libertarian “do what thou wilt” approach to a quasi-chivalric code. Interestingly, many have a strong stance against harming the truly innocent (e.g., children, animals) – in fact, they often despise those who give Satanism a bad name by doing vile acts. They may, however, condone cursing enemies or seeking justified vengeance (seeing it as balancing the scales). Honesty, loyalty to fellow Satanists, respect for Satan/demons, and self-responsibility are common ethical points.

It’s worth noting that Theistic Satanism is highly decentralized. There’s no single “Satanic Bible” or pope for devil-worshipers. This means beliefs vary not just group to group, but individual to individual. One theistic Satanist might incorporate heavy metal and anarchy in their philosophy, another might be very scholarly and drawn to ancient Persian or Gnostic ideas of a dark god bringing wisdom. This diversity is a feature, not a bug – it stems from the strong individualism in Satanic currents.

Types and Traditions of Theistic Satanism

There have been several organized and semi-organized expressions of Theistic Satanism over time. A few examples:

• Early 20th Century & Fantasy Satanism: In the early 1900s, some occultists and novelists fantasized about Satanic “churches” worshiping the Devil (like in fiction by Dennis Wheatley). These influenced later real groups. The idea of a “traditional Satanism” where covens worship the Devil in mockeries of Christian rites has been around, but evidence of unbroken lineages is scant. Most modern groups popped up in the late 20th century.

• The Order of Nine Angles (ONA): Founded in the UK in the 1970s, the ONA is an infamous (and controversial) Satanic group that indeed practices a form of theistic (or at least esoteric) Satanism. They mix Satan worship with occult Nazi imagery, dark mysticism and extremely transgressive practices. They view Satan as one of many dark gods from outside the human realm and engage in very extreme forms of magick. However, ONA is fringe and highly controversial even among Satanists, due to their advocacy of violence and other criminal behavior. Most Satanists disavow them, but they are an example of a theistic (or “traditional”) Satanism current.

• Temple of Set: While not Satanist by name (they worship the Egyptian god Set), the Temple of Set (founded 1975 by Michael Aquino, an ex-Church of Satan member) is a theistic Left-Hand Path religion. They see Set as the oldest form of the Prince of Darkness (older than the Christian Satan) and work with Set as an actual entity. Temple of Set members practice high magic to achieve Xeper (self-transformation) and believe in an immortal essence. This can be considered a cousin to Theistic Satanism – indeed Aquino split from LaVey’s atheistic approach to pursue a more spiritual Satanism (though through Set).

• Joy of Satan Ministries: An internet-based group founded in the early 2000s blending theistic Satanism with Western occultism and (weirdly) some UFO/ancient aliens ideas. They teach that Satan is a real being (often equated with Enki or a cosmic serpent) and that demons are also real and can be contacted. They encourage dedication rituals to Satan and daily meditations. However, Joy of Satan is also very controversial due to some racist ideology woven into their teachings. It’s a striking example of how different a theistic Satanist group can be from the more rationalist Church of Satan – JoS incorporates everything from chakra meditation to conspiracy theories in a devotional Satanic framework.

• Luciferian and Demonolatry Groups: Some Luciferians are theistic and could be categorized here, though many distinguish themselves from “Satanists.” There are also covens or family traditions of witchcraft that incorporate Devil worship elements, especially in North America and Europe, claiming roots in old witch-cult practices (the validity of such claims can be debated, but these groups exist). Demonolators worship and work with specific demons (e.g., Asmodeus, Lilith, Belial, etc.) and often include Satan/Lucifer as chief of demons. They create prayer, offerings, and rituals to these entities akin to how a polytheist might honor a pantheon.

In essence, Theistic Satanism can be as organized as a formal temple or as personal as an individual witch in the woods making a pact with Satan. Many practitioners are solitary, crafting their own blend from various sources. The internet age (since the 1990s) has dramatically increased the visibility and exchange of ideas among theistic Satanists. It’s now much easier to find like-minded individuals, share rituals, and form small online covens or discussion groups, whereas before many thought they were the only “devil worshiper” in town.

Practices: How Theistic Satanists Worship

The practices in Theistic Satanism are often ritualistic and occult in nature. Here are common practices:

• Ritual Worship and Invocation: Theistic Satanists may conduct rituals in which they invoke Satan or demons to be present. This could be as simple as an altar with black and red candles, a statue or sigil of Baphomet (or another Satanic symbol), and chanting of prayers to Satan. Some use the Enochian Keys or the Lord’s Prayer backwards or original invocations calling Satan’s many names. The goal is to honor Satan, express loyalty, and often to request guidance or assistance. A ritual could be solitary or with a small group. It often includes elements like a chalice of wine (sometimes symbolizing the life essence), incense, a ritual dagger (athame), and recitations. They might end with “Hail Satan!” as a sign of devotion.

• Pacts and Dedication: A significant step for many is performing a dedication ritual or pact with Satan. This is a formal declaration that one is aligning oneself with Satan. It could be dramatic – writing a pledge in one’s own blood, for example – or it could be a heartfelt prayer. The famous idea of “selling your soul” is often misunderstood; in a genuine Satanic context, a pact is more like pledging yourself to Satan’s path in exchange for spiritual growth (or sometimes requesting worldly favors). Theistic Satanists usually laugh at the idea of a literal soul sale like in pop culture; they see it as a commitment, not a financial transaction. After dedicating, one might take on a magical name or mark that date as their Satanic “birthday.”

• Magic and Spells: Believing in supernatural entities means many theistic Satanists practice magic with the aid of Satan/demons. This can involve spells or rituals for personal goals: money, love, protection, cursing an enemy, etc. They might call on specific demons known “specialists” in certain areas (for instance, calling on Lilith for empowerment in sexuality, or Belial for breaking free of authority, Bune for wealth, etc.). Sigil magic (drawing a demon’s sigil and meditating on it), summoning rituals from grimoires like the Goetia, and crafting custom spells are all part of the practice. A key difference from atheistic Satanist magic is that theistic practitioners believe the entities are real and can respond – so their magic is a mix of personal energy and petitioning powerful spiritual allies.

• Spiritual Communication: Theistic Satanists often seek to communicate with Satan or demons. This can be through meditation, trance, or even methods like automatic writing or using a pendulum. Some report experiencing visions or hearing messages from their patron deities. This is akin to how a Christian mystic might pray and feel God guiding them – except here the guidance comes from “the other side.” Many cultivate a very personal, devotional relationship with Satan, speaking to him regularly (in their mind or prayers) and looking for signs of his presence. This devotional aspect – loving or deeply respecting Satan – is a hallmark that distinguishes them from atheistic Satanists, who wouldn’t bother with prayer or devotion (since they don’t believe anyone’s listening).

• Community and Groups: While plenty of devil-worshipers work alone (often out of necessity, given stigma), there have been covens and temples as mentioned. In a group setting, they might perform Black Masses (rituals that symbolically invert the Catholic Mass – this is more common in satire or shock groups, but some theistic groups do a sincere version as a way to reject their past Christian conditioning and honor Satan). They may also celebrate Walpurgis Night (April 30) and Halloween/Samhain as important Satanic occasions, sometimes considered anniversaries of significant events or simply times when the veil is thin and infernal power is celebrated.

• Use of Religious/Occult Texts: Theistic Satanists don’t have one universally accepted scripture, but many draw on occult literature. Anton LaVey’s Satanic Bible is referenced even by some theists, not for its atheism but for the ritual framework and Satanic philosophy bits. Additionally, grimoires (like The Goetia, Grimorium Verum, etc.), occult authors like Aleister Crowley, Michael W. Ford, and even Enochian Keys (originally from John Dee’s angel magic but re-purposed in Satanic context) are used. Some groups produce their own texts (e.g., The Diabolicon by the Temple of Set, or Joy of Satan’s online materials). Studying a wide range of esoteric traditions is common, since many theistic Satanists believe the “truth” was scattered and hidden, so they try to piece together clues from various forbidden sources.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

“Theistic Satanists sacrifice animals or people.” This is a persistent horror-movie trope. In reality, credible Theistic Satanist organizations forbid harming animals or children – not only is it cruel and illegal, it’s considered counterproductive spiritually. For example, the Church of Satan (atheistic but relevant here) explicitly bans harming children or animals. Theistic groups likewise often view such sacrifices as unnecessary or even offensive to Satan. Satan, in their view, doesn’t want unconsenting harm; he wants strong, willing followers. Sacrifice in modern Satanism usually means giving up something of yourself – like your own fears or using your own blood in a small amount – not killing an innocent. Are there disturbed individuals who’ve done horrible things in the name of Satan? Sure, just as in any religion there are criminals. But it’s definitely not a normative or accepted practice among sincere Satanists.

“They all do black magic to hurt others.” While some theistic Satanists don’t shy away from curses (so-called “destructive magic” or hexing enemies), it’s not true that all their magic is negative. They also do positive workings – blessings for friends, healing, self-improvement spells, etc. The key difference is they don’t have a moral taboo on “dark” magic the way Wiccans (RHP) do. They believe in justice and personal retribution at times, so if they feel someone deserves a magical smackdown, they might do it. But they typically have an ethical rationale (like the person wronged them first). Many actually believe in a kind of cosmic balance or honor – for instance, they may avoid hexing frivolously to not invite chaos into their own life.

“Devil worshipers can’t be kind, normal people.” Actually, many theistic Satanists live quite normal lives externally. They can hold regular jobs, have families, and be kind to their friends and neighbors. They just keep their religion private to avoid discrimination. They may do a ritual on the weekend or meditate with Satan’s sigil at night, but by day you might not pick them out of a crowd. They often say, “Satan takes care of his own” – implying that by being constructive members of society and taking care of themselves, they honor Satan. They don’t feel the need to be degenerate or cruel; those are stereotypes. In fact, some feel a certain noble bearing – like representing Satan’s values means they should be proud, strong, and just in their dealings.

Relationship to other Satanists: There can be tension between theistic and atheistic Satanists. The Church of Satan, for example, officially states that “Theistic Satanism” is an oxymoron and those people are just devil-worshipers, not true Satanists. From their perspective, worshiping any external deity (even Satan) contradicts the Satanic principle that oneself is one’s own god. On the flip side, theistic Satanists may view atheistic Satanists as missing the spiritual dimension or even being “pretend” Satanists since they don’t actually believe in the being whose name they use. In practice, there’s a live-and-let-live attitude among many, but it’s good to know that the term Satanist can mean very different things to different people. This article’s focus – Theistic Satanism – is just one end of that spectrum.

Conclusion: A Personal Religion in the Shadows

Theistic Satanism is, at its heart, a deeply personal and often secretive form of spirituality. Those who follow it have made a conscious choice to stand with a figure cast as the ultimate rebel. It’s a path about forging a relationship with Satan (or a pantheon of dark gods) and finding empowerment, wisdom, and comfort in that allegiance. Practitioners often describe feeling that Satan called them or that they always resonated with the “darker side” since youth. Embracing it fully brings a sense of homecoming – they’ve found their spiritual niche.

Walking this path requires courage in a world where admitting “I worship Satan” could bring heavy stigma. Thus, many theistic Satanists walk in the shadows – practicing quietly, perhaps under a different religious guise publicly. Yet, they find strength in the idea that the Prince of Darkness watches over them and values their devotion in a way they never felt valued in other faiths.

For outsiders trying to understand, it might help to see Theistic Satanism not as bizarre or horrific, but as another expression of humanity’s urge to connect with the divine – just through a radically unconventional lens. These believers have chosen to seek the divine in what others abandon: in the depths of night, in the archetype of the Adversary, in the breaking of taboos. And many will tell you: they have found love, meaning, and growth there.

Whether one views Satan as literal or not, theistic Satanists exemplify the Left-Hand Path principle of “finding your own truth, even if it’s in the dark places.” They honor the ancient allegory that sometimes enlightenment comes not from a heaven of light, but from a serpent in a dark garden offering knowledge. In embracing Satan as real and worthy of worship, they reclaim the shadow and make it sacred. It’s a journey that isn’t for everyone – but for those it is, it’s deeply fulfilling and empowering, lived under the wings of the Morning Star who fell, and in falling, became free.