Satansplain

The number 66 may not be 666, but it does prompt us to take a look at the year 1966, with the book "We Are Satanists" offering much insight into the foundation of the Church of Satan. We'll also hear Anton LaVey's later message to the scavengers and detractors of what he established ("Get a life!"), and the meaning of "the black flame". 00:00 - Intro 03:20 - On (not) joining the COS: valid reasons and invalid reasons 09:41 - More lame reasons we hear 12:28 - Anton LaVey: "Get a Life" essay 16:13 - Santecdote 20:48 - Will AI replace comedians? 23:11 - The Black Flame 27:47 - Excerpts from "We Are Satanists" (and misuse of "Anton") 30:15 - "Anton LaVey invented Satanism" 32:40 - All religion founders had their influences 34:21 - More from "We Are Satanists"

A look at Satanism and humanism, their similarities and more importantly their differences. Though to do that, we'll have to first unpack some bigger topics, such as what makes a religion a religion in the first place. Also, some listener mail about Satanists and social media, as well as Satanic baptisms. 00:00 - Intro 01:21 - The Satanic Bible: "Humanism is not a religion" 02:27 - Satanism is a religion. Non-theistic religions exist. Yes, really. 05:16 - Atheism is not a religion. Neither is monotheism. 06:18 - Dogma: Why the Boy Scouts is not a religion 08:32 - The Dogma of Satanism 10:44 - What do we mean by "Humanism" / Renaissance humanism 13:27 - Secular humanism 15:33 - Similarities: Atheism and Freethought 17:24 - How Satanism and secular humanism differ (myth of "The Greater God", etc.) 29:09 - Satanists on (or aren't on) social media 33:40 - Satanecdote: Spam from da Hood 35:35 - Getting a Satanic baptism 40:22 - Bill M. is Marq Torien?

Were the "Good ol' days" really all that "good"? We'll explore Anton LaVey's essay on the topic (spoiler: the answer is, "No!"), and a related college commencement speech from 2024 on the irrationality of claiming collective victim status, paying homage to George Carlin. 00:00 - Intro 00:58 - Satanism and how it relates to this topic 03:56 - "The Good Old Days" by Anton LaVey 20:10 - Satanicdote: Satanism lecture at an ESL class 23:20 - Introduction to the commencement speech 24:24 - "To the Class of 2024: You Are All Diseased"

The Balance Factor! Hear how this concept relates to the more broader concept of "magic" in Satanism, which of course means first addressing some misconceptions about Satanic magic itself. Also, answering some listener mail about the "LaVeyan Satanism" misnomer, a history-confused Wiccan, and other questions. 00:00 - Intro 00:56 - Rust's email 02:06 - What is "The Balance Factor"? Working definition from We Are Satanists. 04:18 - Recap: Satanism is a non-theistic religion and this isn't supernatural. RTFM. 09:50 - The Balance Factor, and greater magic for "that remaining push needed" 13:38 - The Satanic BIble on "The Balance Factor" 18:12 - Bill's "ribbon-cutting ceremony" analogy 26:48 - "My Wiccan girlfriend says you should call yourselves 'neo-Satanists'!" 32:00 - Why the term "LaVeyan Satanism" is a misnomer

Addressing the misconceptions that the QAnon conspiracy theory is the "Satanic Panic 2.0" (it's not; let's keep that way), or that "the Satanic Panic never ended" (it did; let's keep it that way). Also, the difference between personalization and hypocritical self-deceit in the ritual chamber.

There is no "Satanic community". Learn what Satanists mean by this. Also, Bill answers some listener mail about artificial human companions, doctrines of superiority, and an anecdote about one Satanist's conspiracy theorist co-worker. 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - Multiple meanings of the word "community" 05:30 - Why there is no "Satanic Community" 15:50 - Excerpts from "Myth of the Satanic Community" 25:53 - Announcements 28:13 - Santanecdote 30:42 - Artificial Human Companions question 35:15 - Quote from The Devil's Notebook ("inferior man taught a doctrine of superiority")

The 11 Satanic Rules of the Earth! While they're straightforward for most Satanists, Satansplain addresses common questions and misconceptions about things like "lairs", "mating signals", "destroying", "magic", and other details.

Church of Satan Reverend Dave Wallace steps in to interview the team behind the infamous Satanic memes page, "Dr. Vincent Schitz, PhD in Satanic Memes". Hear all about the history of the page, its past and present meme makers, their creative process, and answers to questions submitted by Dr. Schitz fans. Also, visit the new Satansplain store (store.satansplain.com) for Dr. Schitz merchandise!

Bill answers listener mail on elixirs in Satanic ritual, indulgences vs. addictions, Satanists in marriage, and other topics.

Addressing some of the more annoying misinformation out there on Satanic symbols: pentacles vs. pentagrams (no, it's not as simple as which way it points), along with inverted crosses and the number 666 (yes, Satanists can use these).

Occultism of the past! The 7 Hermetic Principles! The cosmic questions of human origin! Hear why none of these things are really applicable to Satanism.

News on the new film "Realm of Satan"! Also, addressing false claims about serial killer Richard Ramirez and the Church of Satan (no, he was never a member, nor practiced what we believe), and answering listener questions about the Universal Life Church and Satanic weddings, membership privacy, and other topics.

Recently, Artificial Intelligence was used to artificially construct a new comedy special of deceased American comedian George Carlin, titled "I'm Glad I'm Dead". Hear a Satanic perspective on George Carlin, this A.I. creation, and A.I. in general, including the limitations of both A.I. and human intelligence.

"Let's you and him fight!" cry the onlookers who'd like to see Satanists spar with Christians for their public entertainment. Let's not. Also: the Satanic calendar year, the concept of I-Theism, and a surprising email from Nigeria.

With the Christmas season comes a lot of popular Christian myths. And they're hardly limited to the holiday's pagan origins. Also, answering some listener mail about fear of other people's beliefs, and Satanic ritual protocol.

To those who would try to use the dictionary to discredit Satanism: Fine, let's play the dictionary game. Also, Bill answers some questions about Satanic altars and selectively dealing with trolls on-line.

What is the Satanic significance of the trapezoid? Hear an explanation of the Law of the Trapezoid as well as the Order of the Trapezoid.

The topic of Satanic ritual continues in part 2, with answers to questions on The Satanic Bible's standard 13 Step ritual, the use of archetypes and ritual mudras, the psychodramatic mindset, and Satanic group rituals.

Despite ritual being an integral part of Satanism, misconceptions still persist, even among some Satanists. Enjoy part 1 of a special two-episode exploring Satanic ritual. Happy Halloween!

The Church of Satan has a long history of being a legally-recognized religious organization. From weddings, to funerals, to the armed forces, to court cases, we'll look at some examples and what they mean. Also answering listener mail asking for Satanism's take on astrology and also the Furry phenomenon.

How should Satanists properly navigate future technological advances in human indulgence? "Capitol of Conformity" is a short dystopian film which may be of interest, as it relates to Pentagonal Revisionism and potential future of technological indulgence. Also, Bill reads listener mail on several topics including a Church of Satan music list and, ironically enough, critiquing commentator podcasts.

A look at Satanic Rules of the Earth numbers 1 and 10. Also, Bill celebrates 20 years of The Devil's Mischief, some thoughts on a recent Satanic baptism performed, and answering questions on criminal records, Satansplain's theme music, and a hair-raising Satanecdote. The Devil's Mischief #678: https://radiofreesatan.com/blog/tdm678/ Reaper's Underground featuring Bill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6O-vaJpHOc

A look at the Church of Satan suggested film list, plus Bill's Satanic salute to the late, great Paul Reubens. Also Bill responds to mail on various topics, including finding better Satanism internet forums, and why adding to the word "LaVeyan" before the word "Satanism" is not only redundant but just adds to the confusion. Church of Satan suggested film list: https://www.churchofsatan.com/sources-film-list/ Film list trailers 1: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBr53_strI8Yz4ZfVxthKCtg77UXleDfJ Film list trailers 2: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBr53_strI8ZbcKeHGitz91bwAMkDfHqw Film list trailers 3: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBr53_strI8b-zSRYl_vr1gYdlnNRGDtt Film list trailers 4: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBr53_strI8ZJIDuHBQb4ds526pb860eH

In a 1971 letter, Anton LaVey declared "Satanism is Americanism". Hear the full meaning of this, as Magister Bill celebrates July 4th and answers some listener mail himself.

While some people love to state "I'm spiritual, not religious", Satanists are instead religious, not spiritual. Hear a long lost essay on the topic, and answers to listener mail regarding the trans movement, social darwinism, collectivism, and other topics.

Bill answers some listener mail about Satanic essays, Satanic sigils, the strange phenomenon of Christian TikTok users "respecting" Satanism, and the absurdity of an "After School Satan" club.

Satansplain #040 - Spotlights, Dimbulbs, and Shine Satansplain celebrates its first anniversary with "Spotlights, Dimbulbs, and Shine", a special talk that was presented only at the Church of Satan's 50th anniversary gathering in 2016. Magister Bill shares his own observations concerning members who've come in and out of the spotlight over the years, the dimbulbs who don't get Satanism, and how Satanists might maximize their potential. 00:00 - Intro 05:13 - Overview 11:22 - Spotlights 20:53 - Dimbulbs 42:38 - Shine

Magister Bill answers listener questions about Satanic weddings, advice for young Satanists, and other topics.

Before The Satanic Bible, before heavy metal, there was "The Satanic Mass". Explore the history and content of this infamous 1968 album, recorded and released by the Church of Satan. Download the album & liner notes for free: https://www.churchofsatan.com/music-by-anton-szandor-lavey/ Hymn of the Satanic Empire (includes sheet music): https://www.churchofsatan.com/hymn-of-satanic-empire/ Satanic Mass essay: https://www.churchofsatan.com/the-satanic-mass/

In 1980, Anton LaVey was brought to the FBI's attention on completely fabricated accusations against him. Some idiots today still make a big to-do out of this obscure absurdity. Bill addresses this and answers listener mail, with some questions on pseudo-satanism, comments on some of the more recent episodes, a crazy Satanic anecdote, and more.

Back in the early 1970s, the Church of Satan experimented with different hierarchy standards, from color-coded medallions to multiple ceremonial titles, eventually scrapping what didn't work and keeping what did. Internal newsletters from the day share some insight into what that was like.

Answering listener mail about Marilyn Manson, marijuana, and other topics. Also, Bill gives his thoughts on his recent appearance on Comedy Central's "Tooning Out The News".

We're living in some crazy times. What is a Satanist to make of it? A look back at Anton LaVey's 1992 essay, "A Medicine for Melancholy", and some surprising insight it offers for today.

Gabriella Swerling of the Telegraph contacts the Church of Satan for an article on the "rise of Satanism", only to completely ignore what we said and print bullshit instead. A look at Satanism vs. the world of incompetent clickbait journalists (including Vice, of course). Also, The Satanic Temple rightfully and expectedly loses another frivolous lawsuit against its ex-members.

Hear why Satanism shouldn't be included in "inclusivity" efforts. Also the basics of the Satanic calendar system, and the folly of trying to exclude certain parts of Satanism from the rest.

Part 2 of a 2-part special on the topic of logic and fallacies, covering further examples of logical fallacies, where they show up in common arguments made against Satanism, and why such arguments fail. Suggested sites: https://infidels.org/library/modern/constructing-a-logical-argument/ https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com Content: 00:00 - Intro / recap 02:48 - No True Scotsman 04:13 - No, that's not the No True Scotsman fallacy 08:24 - Equivocation 11:56 - Moving the Goal Posts / Gish Gallop 15:06 - Bill's LHA Anecdote / Dunning-Kruger Effect 18:13 - Non Sequiturs / Affirmation of the Consequent 20:51 - Red Herring / Whataboutism 23:24 - Slippery Slope fallacy (and what it isn't) 32:58 - Probability fallacies: Intro 34:24 - Appeal to Popularity / Bandwagon 36:24 - Texas Sharp-Shooter / Correlation vs. Causation 38:35 - Anecdotal 39:58 - The stupidity of "deathbed recant" stories 43:51 - More Appeal fallacies: Appeal to Antiquity / Newness 46:09 - Appeal to Emotion 48:07 - Appeal to Authority 50:14 - Ad Hominem 52:06 - Reducto ad Hiterlium / Godwin's Law 53:22 - "No, that's not ad hominem" 54:38 - Tu Quoque 57:02 - Circular Logic / Begging the Question / Special Pleading 01:00:36 - Fallacies of Division & Composition 01:04:24 - Closing Thoughts

Presenting a 2-part special on the topic of logic and fallacies. Here in part 1, we'll be going over what logic is and isn't, why Satanists should care about this topic, and finally an introduction to logical fallacies. Suggested sites: https://infidels.org/library/modern/constructing-a-logical-argument https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com 00:00 - Intro / Why cover this? 06:05 - Why Logic? 08:51 - Logic intro, what logic isn't, relevance to Satanists 15:40 - What logic is 16:58 - Inductive Reasoning 18:32 - No, it's not faith 21:38 - Inductive Reasoning, continued 26:31 - Deductive reasoning: propositions & premises 32:27 - Deductive reasoning: Inference & conclusion 32:46 - Deductive reasoning: summary / example / set theory & circles 40:55 - Deductive reasoning: result types 44:03 - Fallacies: Intro 50:33 - Fallacies: Straw Man 52:58 - Fallacies: Personal Incredulity 53:38 - Fallacies: Black & White / Hoyle's / Argument from Ignorance 59:06 - Fallacies: Shifting the Burden of Proof

Can Satanists celebrate Christmas? The short answer is yes, of course. The longer answer however may reveal some things worth Satansplaining. Bill also responds to listener mail about Satanic book recommendations, Mormons, and Sikhs.

Bill reads some listener mail, covering topics such as Satanists joining non-Satanic organizations, the Church of Satan's policy regarding illegal activity, and oh yeah, why The Satanic Temple sucks.

With Christmas approaching, Bill reflects back on the 2015 Starbucks "red cup" controversy, which may offer a Satanic lesson on the zeitgeist, including the recent media hoopla on "Ye" Kanye West.

Freemasons, Illuminati, and Satanism, oh my! Why do so many idiots continue to conflate these three things? Bill digs deeper into the origins of these mix-ups in this follow-up episode to Satansplain #025. 00:00 - Intro 02:30 - Recap of Nigeria (episode #025) and continuation of "part 2" 04:01 - The "TL;DL" Summary 06:10 - The "Eyes Wide Shut" ceremony... 08:31 - ...was not "a Satanic ritual" 10:20 - A closer look at "Eyes Wide Shut" 12:06 - The problem with the "Duck" test 13:54 - The Hurricane Katrina "Satanic Symbol" conspiracy theory 14:32 - Robes, robes, robes; theatrics, theatrics, theatrics 17:35 - To the holy rollers who are incapable of having an objective conversation on this topic 18:39 - Fraternal orders 20:56 - ...which are not religions 27:13 - Origins of fraternal orders 31:19 - College fraternity experience and why jesus freaks hate fraternal organizations 35:05 - The element of secrecy 42:27 - Skull & Bones vs. (social) fraternities 45:05 - Conspiracy vs. conspiracy theory. Clique vs. secret "Satanic" cabal. 48:10 - The Illuminati 49:58 - "Da Joooos!" 55:19 - Leo Taxil and the origins of Satanic accusations against Freemasons 57:30 - Why the (superficial) similarity in symbols?

Why do so many people from Africa, especially Nigeria, mistakenly believe Satanists are the Illuminati? And that we're hiring? Satansplain investigates. Selected sources: - Nigerian church scams: https://www.forbesafrica.com/focus/2017/06/14/time-tax-nigerias-churches/ - The 419 Scam: https://www.newsweek.com/origins-nigerias-notorious-419-scams-456701 - USCIRF 2020 annual report: https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/USCIRF%202020%20Annual%20Report_42720_new_0.pdf 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - A special message to residents of Africa (especially Nigeria) 03:04 - Joining a Satanic organization will not guarantee you wealth 05:10 - We don't want you if you don't already understand Satanism 05:32 - We do not tolerate scams (and neither should you) 06:36 - We don't have branches/chapters and don't need them 08:23 - Summary 11:59 - Dealing with messages from Nigeria 15:51 - It happens offline too 17:11 - ...and is older than the Internet 18:07 - People conflating Freemasonry / Illuminati / Satanism / wealth 19:53 - Satanism and Freemasonry (and propaganda) 20:16 - Freemasons, the mythical Illuminati, and the defunct Illuminati 23:31 - The ironically Satanic take 24:52 - Why Nigeria? Some not-so-great explanations. 27:00 - "Mud huts" don't have the Internet, dummy 29:30 - The 419 Scam 37:54 - Nigerian "church" scams 42:33 - Why Nigeria? Some statistics 45:00 - Freedom of religion vs. state religion 46:00 - Religiosity in Nigeria 47:05 - Nigeria and language 47:55 - Nigeria GDP vs. Human Development Index 49:02 - Summary

Learn the truth about Satanic baptisms in this episode of Satansplain. Also, Bill shares his reflections on this past Halloween.

Church of Satan responds to Russia officials' call for the "desatanization" of Ukraine. Also, Bill summarizes his recent time as a guest on the nationally syndicated Coast to Coast AM radio show. Special thanks to Bogues; check out his music project Zogthorgven on Bandcamp.

Satanic ritual! Are too many Satanists rejecting its formal practice, based on misconceptions? Is it as daunting of a task as some newcomers to Satanism perceive it to be? Addressing the choice (not) to ritualize, plus Satanic Altar tools 101.

Satanic commentary on conservative Matt Walsh and anime. Also vandalism, "caring what people think", Satanic ritual, and more.

Bill thoroughly answers questions about Artificial Human Companions as well as objective reality, and expecially on how each relates to Satanism.

Hear a full, uncut 2016 interview from Harvard University radio on the topic of Satanism and the Church of Satan, covering the basics and beyond.

On this episode of Satansplain, I'll be answering several questions from YOU the listeners, regarding such topics as: being a closet Satanist in the corporate world, the Satanic Witch, eugenics, along with a bogus claim that never seems to die about about Anton LaVey, and finally some testimony on Satanism improving the lives of Satanists.

People who whine that the Church of Satan "does nothing" seem to have rather anti-Satanic ideas of what constitutes doing "something". I'll address this topic, along with finding fellow Satanists in the real world.