A Brief Overview of Satanist Mythology

Satanism is a broad and diverse set of philosophical, religious, and spiritual beliefs that center around Satan or Satanic themes. While there are different branches and interpretations of Satanism, it is generally associated with individualism, rebellion against traditional religious structures, and the embrace of personal freedom, empowerment, and self-determination.

Here’s an overview of the key forms of Satanism:

1. LaVeyan Satanism (Modern Satanism)

Founded by Anton LaVey in 1966, LaVeyan Satanism is a secular philosophy that rejects traditional religious dogma and advocates for rational self-interest, individualism, and personal empowerment. It does not involve the worship of Satan as a deity but uses Satan as a symbol of human nature, freedom, and rebellion. The Satanic Bible by LaVey outlines the principles of this form of Satanism, including:

  • Self-reliance and the pursuit of personal happiness

  • Rejecting guilt and embracing indulgence, rather than abstinence

  • Rational thought and critical thinking

  • Ethics based on personal responsibility rather than divine commandments

2. Theistic Satanism

In contrast to LaVeyan Satanism, Theistic Satanism involves the belief in Satan as a literal deity or supernatural being. Followers of this tradition may view Satan as a god, a spiritual guide, or a force of liberation, chaos, and individuality. They might worship or seek to commune with Satan as a higher power, often emphasizing freedom from traditional religious structures and the embracing of personal power. Theistic Satanists may adopt practices and rituals centered around Satan as a force of transformation, empowerment, and revolution.

3. Luciferianism

Luciferianism is closely related to theistic Satanism, but it often focuses more on Lucifer as a symbol of light, knowledge, and spiritual enlightenment, rather than a deity of evil or chaos. Luciferians typically see Lucifer not as a fallen angel or devil, but as a symbol of human enlightenment, rebellion, and the quest for personal growth. In many ways, Luciferianism emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom, individual sovereignty, and inner transformation over the worship of Satan as an evil figure.

4. Temple of Set

The Temple of Set is a religious organization founded by Michael A. Aquino in the 1970s, which focuses on the worship and veneration of Set, the Egyptian god associated with chaos, individuality, and power. Unlike traditional Satanism, which often emphasizes Satan or Lucifer, the Temple of Set's philosophy is rooted in self-deification and the pursuit of personal excellence. Followers view Set as a symbol of self-transformation, empowerment, and the overcoming of limitations.

5. Traditional Satanism and Occultism

Some forms of Satanism involve practices related to occult rituals, dark magic, and the worship of Satan as a divine being. These may include rituals to invoke the powers of Satan, demonology, and the use of magical symbols or incantations. This tradition draws heavily from Gothic, medieval, and Western occult traditions, including the works of figures such as Aleister Crowley and Anton LaVey.

Key Themes in Satanism:

  • Rejection of conventional religious systems: Satanism often positions itself against traditional Christianity, Judaism, and other organized religions, embracing freedom from dogma and advocating for personal autonomy.

  • Embrace of individualism: Satanism places a heavy emphasis on self-reliance, personal empowerment, and the pursuit of personal desires without guilt.

  • Rebellion and defiance: Satan is often seen as a symbol of rebellion, challenging authority, especially religious authority, and promoting individual expression.

  • Focus on this life: Satanism often emphasizes the importance of living fully in the present world, as opposed to focusing on an afterlife. Indulgence (rather than abstinence) is often promoted.

Conclusion:

Satanism is a diverse and evolving belief system that ranges from the secular and philosophical to the spiritual and theistic. It is unified by its emphasis on freedom, personal empowerment, and rejection of conventional religious norms, often using Satan as a symbol of rebellion, individuality, and personal growth. Whether as a secular philosophy or a path of spirituality, Satanism encourages the exploration of one's own path and embracing one's true nature without fear of judgment.

Satanist Goddesses & Gods

A-Z

  • Astaroth is a prominent figure in demonology and Satanism, often portrayed as a demon or fallen angel. In various occult traditions, Astaroth is regarded as one of the Seven Princes of Hell, representing laziness, desire, and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. Astaroth is often depicted as a male or androgynous figure, sometimes riding a beast, holding a serpent or a rod, and sometimes described with angelic wings or fiery eyes.

    In many grimoires and ritual texts, Astaroth is associated with temptation, wisdom, and the art of seduction, often drawing individuals toward the pursuit of knowledge and personal power. As one of the most recognized demonic figures, Astaroth is sometimes invoked in Satanic rituals or occult practices that seek to gain knowledge or spiritual enlightenment through shadow work or self-deification.

    Astaroth represents the dark side of intellect and knowledge, symbolizing the pursuit of wisdom outside the boundaries of traditional religious or societal structures. His figure reflects themes of rebellion, empowerment, and the desire to transcend the limitations imposed by authority.

  • Baphomet is a symbolic figure in occultism, most commonly associated with Satanism and modern esoteric traditions. Often depicted as a half-human, half-goat figure with a goat’s head, wings, and a pentagram on his forehead, Baphomet represents the union of opposites, such as masculine and feminine, light and dark, human and animal. This duality symbolizes the balance between opposing forces in the universe and the need for harmony between these polarities.

    Baphomet is frequently associated with knowledge, wisdom, and the transformation of self. The figure gained prominence in Western occult traditions, particularly through its association with the Knights Templar during the Middle Ages (although there’s little historical evidence to support this connection). Over time, Baphomet became a symbol of liberation, spiritual enlightenment, and the pursuit of wisdom, often representing the rejection of traditional religious dogma and the embrace of individual empowerment.

    In modern Satanism, especially in the Church of Satan, Baphomet is used as a symbol of nonconformity and the rejection of authority. He embodies self-realization, personal freedom, and the embracing of one's true nature without the constraints of societal or religious rules. In essence, Baphomet represents the sacred balance of opposites and the potential for transformation and enlightenment through the acceptance of all aspects of existence.

  • Beelzebub is a prominent figure in demonology and Satanism, often considered one of the Seven Princes of Hell and associated with gluttony, pride, and the lord of flies. His name is derived from “Baal-Zebub”, which means “lord of the flies,” a title originally used to describe an ancient Philistine deity worshipped in the city of Ekron. Over time, Beelzebub became demonized in Christian theology, where he was portrayed as one of the most powerful demons or fallen angels.

    In Christian demonology, Beelzebub is considered a high-ranking demon, sometimes regarded as Satan’s second-in-command, and is associated with evil spirits, corruption, and the spreading of sin. In literature, particularly John Milton’s "Paradise Lost", Beelzebub is portrayed as a chief rebel, alongside Satan, leading the fallen angels in their rebellion against God.

    In Satanic or occult practices, Beelzebub is often symbolized as a figure representing excess, materialism, and devotion to one's own desires, as well as a representation of the temptation to indulge in the earthly and sensual pleasures. In some interpretations, he is a figure of empowerment and individualism, serving as a force of liberation from traditional religious dogma.

    Beelzebub embodies the destructive side of excess, self-indulgence, and the corruption of spiritual purity, making him a powerful figure in both demonology and modern Satanism.

  • Belial is a prominent figure in demonology and Satanism, often regarded as one of the Seven Princes of Hell and associated with evil, lawlessness, and corruption. In Christian traditions, Belial is typically seen as a demon of vice, representing wickedness, depravity, and spiritual decay. The name "Belial" is thought to be derived from the Hebrew word for "worthlessness" or "wickedness," symbolizing the absence of virtue and the embrace of chaos.

    In some texts, such as John Milton's Paradise Lost, Belial is portrayed as a fallen angel who participates in the rebellion against God, but he is also depicted as smooth-talking, deceptive, and charming—a figure who leads others into sin through temptation and dishonesty.

    In Satanism and the Left-Hand Path, Belial is often viewed as a symbol of independence, freedom, and breaking free from societal or spiritual constraints. His association with lawlessness makes him a figure of rebellion and personal empowerment, encouraging followers to reject authority and embrace their true desires and individual will.

    Belial represents the destructive nature of unchecked desire, spiritual independence, and the liberation from traditional moral frameworks, making him a significant figure in both traditional demonology and modern occultism.

  • Hecate is a powerful and multifaceted goddess in Greek mythology, often associated with magic, witchcraft, the moon, and crossroads. She is typically depicted as a triple goddess, symbolizing her dominion over the earth, sea, and sky. Hecate is often shown holding torches or a key, reflecting her role as a guide to the underworld and her ability to illuminate the dark and mysterious realms.

    Hecate's association with magic and witchcraft makes her a key figure in the occult, and she is often invoked in rituals related to transformation, divination, and protection. She is also seen as a guardian of thresholds, protecting transitions and boundaries—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

    As a goddess of the underworld, Hecate has ties to both the living and the dead, guiding souls and offering protection in times of transition, especially during moments of crossing over or journeys into the unknown. In some myths, she helps Persephone, the queen of the underworld, navigate her realms.

    Hecate embodies the power of the unseen, the mystical realms, and the feminine power of transformation, making her a key figure in Greek mythology, as well as in modern practices like Wicca and witchcraft, where she is worshiped as a symbol of empowerment, intuition, and mystical wisdom.

  • Isis is one of the most important and widely worshiped goddesses in Egyptian mythology. She is associated with magic, motherhood, fertility, and healing. Isis is depicted as a woman with a throne-shaped crown on her head, often holding an ankh (the symbol of life) or a scepter, symbolizing her power and authority. She is the wife of Osiris, the god of the afterlife, and the mother of Horus, the god of kingship and protection.

    Isis plays a central role in the myth of Osiris, where she mourns and resurrects her husband, Osiris, after he is killed by his brother Set. Her ability to use powerful magic to bring Osiris back to life is a key element of her mythology, symbolizing life, death, and resurrection.

    In addition to her association with family and healing, Isis was also a goddess of wisdom and protection. She was revered as a mother figure and a goddess who provided for the needy, aided sailors, and protected the pharaohs.

    Her worship spread far beyond Egypt, influencing Roman, Greek, and early Christian traditions, where she was often associated with themes of divine protection, compassion, and magical power.

  • Lilith is a figure in Jewish folklore and mythology, often depicted as a demoness, night spirit, and symbol of rebellion and sexual independence. While she does not appear in the Hebrew Bible, Lilith has become a prominent figure in various traditions, particularly in Kabbalistic and occult literature, and later in feminist interpretations of mythology.

    In the midrashic tradition, Lilith is sometimes described as the first wife of Adam, created by God from the same clay as him, and therefore equal to him. However, according to the legend, Lilith refused to submit to Adam and demanded equality in their relationship. When Adam insisted on traditional gender roles, Lilith left the Garden of Eden and chose to live independently, often in the Red Sea or wilderness, where she became a demon.

    In some versions of the myth, Lilith is associated with sexuality and freedom, often seen as a symbol of female independence and empowerment. Over time, she became linked to nightmares, screams, and the deaths of infants, further cementing her role as a demonic figure in folklore.

    In more modern interpretations, particularly in feminist spirituality, Lilith is reclaimed as a symbol of strength, independence, and the refusal to conform to societal expectations. She represents empowerment, autonomy, and the reclamation of feminine power. Lilith is also revered in some occult traditions, where she is invoked as a goddess of sexuality, freedom, and rebirth.

  • Lucifer is a significant and complex figure in Christian theology, occultism, and Satanism, often associated with rebellion, light, and knowledge. In Christian tradition, Lucifer is commonly understood as a fallen angel, who was originally created as one of God's most beautiful and powerful angels. According to the narrative in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, Lucifer's pride and desire to overthrow God led to his rebellion, causing him to be cast out of Heaven. The name "Lucifer" itself means "light-bringer" or "morning star", and in this context, it symbolizes the angel’s brilliance before his fall.

    In Christianity, Lucifer is often synonymous with Satan, the embodiment of evil and the adversary of God and humanity. However, in some occult and theistic Satanist traditions, Lucifer is viewed not as an evil figure, but as a symbol of enlightenment, freedom, and self-empowerment. Here, Lucifer is seen as a liberator, a figure who defies oppression, rejects dogma, and brings knowledge to humanity, much like the myth of Prometheus in Greek mythology.

    In Luciferianism, which often emphasizes individualism, intellectual freedom, and the pursuit of knowledge, Lucifer is revered as a figure who rejects blind obedience and represents the aspiration for personal enlightenment. Rather than the embodiment of evil, Lucifer is regarded as a symbol of light, transformation, and the quest for wisdom beyond the boundaries of traditional religious constraints.

    Thus, while Lucifer's role varies significantly across different belief systems, he is most often portrayed as a figure of rebellion, freedom, and knowledge, either as the fallen angel of Christianity or as a symbol of enlightenment in alternative spiritual paths.

  • Pan is the Greek god of the wild, shepherds, and nature. Depicted as a half-man, half-goat, he is known for playing the panpipes and causing "panic" through sudden fear. Pan embodies the untamed aspects of nature and is a protector of animals and the countryside. He also has connections to fertility and the natural world.

  • Samael is a figure found in Jewish mysticism, Kabbalistic tradition, and demonology, often associated with destruction, death, and severity. In some interpretations, Samael is considered an archangel or a fallen angel, and he is sometimes identified with the angel of death in various mystical traditions. His name is often understood to mean "the poison of God," symbolizing his role as an agent of divine justice or retribution.

    In Kabbalah, Samael is often portrayed as one of the angels of death, tasked with separating the soul from the body upon death and bringing the soul to the afterlife. While he is associated with destruction, Samael's role is not necessarily seen as purely malevolent. In many traditions, he is believed to work in accordance with God's will to bring about necessary transformation and purification through chaos, destruction, and death.

    In some occult and Gnostic traditions, Samael is portrayed as a dual figure, both creator and destroyer, symbolizing the destructive forces needed for spiritual growth. He is sometimes linked with Lilith, as both figures represent forces of shadow and rebellion within the cosmic order.

    Overall, Samael embodies the force of death and destruction, but also the catalyst for change and transformation, with a deep connection to both divine judgment and spiritual purification. His mythological role is one of both chaos and necessary order, a reminder of the natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

  • Set (also spelled Seth) is a complex and often controversial god in Egyptian mythology, associated with chaos, storms, deserts, violence, and disorder—but also strength, protection, and necessary upheaval. He is typically depicted as a man with the head of a mysterious, mythical creature known as the Set animal, with a curved snout and upright square ears.

    Set is best known for murdering his brother Osiris, leading to a legendary struggle with Osiris’s son, Horus, over the rightful rule of Egypt. Though often cast as a villain, Set was not purely evil. He was also protector of Ra, riding on the solar barque and defending it each night from the chaos serpent Apep.

    In Egyptian belief, Set represents the untamed, unpredictable forces of nature and humanity. While destructive, he was also recognized as a necessary balance to Ma’at (order), reminding us that chaos, when harnessed, can play a role in maintaining cosmic balance.

  • Shaitan is the Islamic name for Satan, representing the embodiment of evil and rebellion against Allah (God). The term "Shaitan" is used in the Qur'an to describe all rebellious entities, including Iblis, who refused to bow to Adam when commanded by Allah, ultimately leading to his fall from grace. While Iblis is often considered the chief Shaitan, the term can also apply to other evil forces or spirits who attempt to lead humanity astray from the path of righteousness.

    In Islamic tradition, Shaitan is a tempter and deceiver, encouraging sinful behavior, disbelief, and disobedience to Allah. His role in the Qur'an is to act as the adversary to both humans and angels, and he is a symbol of arrogance, pride, and disobedience. Shaitan is also believed to whisper evil thoughts and desires into the hearts of individuals, trying to divert them from Allah’s guidance and cause them to stray into sin.

    Despite his rebellious nature, Shaitan has no power over those who sincerely worship Allah and remain faithful. His influence is believed to be limited, and Muslims are encouraged to seek protection from his influence through prayers, remembrance of Allah, and adherence to righteousness. In Islam, Shaitan is ultimately destined for punishment in Hell for his defiance of Allah's will.

  • Amducius (also spelled Amdusias or Amdukias) is a demon found in The Lesser Key of Solomon, where he is listed as the 67th spirit of the Ars Goetia. He is described as a Great Duke of Hell, commanding 29 legions of demons. Amducius is strongly associated with music and sound, often depicted with musical instruments heard but unseen when he manifests.

    He is said to cause trees to bend and can produce unnatural phenomena through auditory illusions. In his most common depiction, Amducius appears with horns, often as a human figure with a unicorn-like head, linking him symbolically to both raw power and resonance. In occult practice, he is invoked for artistic inspiration, especially music, and for distorting or influencing perception through sound and illusion.

  • Leviathan is a primordial sea serpent rooted in Hebrew scripture, later reimagined in demonology and occult traditions. In the Bible, Leviathan symbolizes chaos and the untamable forces of nature, often portrayed as a monstrous adversary of God. In Christian demonology, Leviathan becomes one of the Seven Princes of Hell, associated with the sin of envy. In modern occultism and Satanic philosophy, Leviathan represents the element of Water and embodies the abyss, emotional depth, and subconscious darkness. Often envisioned as a massive coiled serpent or aquatic dragon, Leviathan symbolizes destruction, transformation, and the cyclical nature of chaos and rebirth. In Left-Hand Path and Luciferian traditions, it is revered as a guardian of hidden knowledge and a force of internal awakening through confrontation with the self.

  • Flereous is a demonic divinity associated with fire, often referred to as the Lord or Prince of Fire in occult traditions. He appears in texts like The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage and is featured in modern Left-Hand Path systems, including The Demonic Bible by Tsirk Sûl. Flereous embodies the wild, destructive, and transformative aspects of fire, symbolizing passion, inner combustion, and purification through destruction. In esoteric lore, he represents the catalytic force of spiritual awakening through trial. He is often envisioned as a tall, flame-wreathed humanoid figure, radiating elemental power and commanding respect as a potent force of change.

  • Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, desire, and fertility, equivalent to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. She embodies the irresistible force of attraction that binds all living things together—gods and mortals alike. Often depicted as a radiant, graceful figure rising from the sea or accompanied by doves and roses, Venus symbolizes romance, sensuality, and the generative power of nature.

    She held a special place in Roman culture not only as a goddess of love but also as a divine ancestor of the Roman people through her son Aeneas, the Trojan hero and legendary founder of Rome. Venus was widely worshipped in both public temples and private homes, and her influence extended into art, politics, and family lineage. She represents beauty, charm, the spark of passion, and the creative force that brings life and harmony into the world.

  • Satan is a complex and multifaceted figure appearing across religious, mythological, and occult traditions. In Abrahamic religions, Satan is typically seen as the adversary or accuser—a rebellious angel or fallen being who opposes God and tempts humanity. In Christian theology, he is the chief antagonist, representing evil, pride, and temptation, often equated with the serpent in Eden and the ruler of Hell.

    In Judaism, Satan is more a celestial prosecutor in God's court, not inherently evil but testing faith and obedience. In Islam, Shaytan (often Iblis) is a jinn who refused to bow to Adam and was cast out, becoming a tempter of souls.

    In occultism and modern Satanism, Satan is reinterpreted not as a literal being of evil, but as a symbol of rebellion, individualism, and liberation. He embodies the pursuit of knowledge, freedom from dogma, and self-deification in Left-Hand Path systems. As such, Satan can be seen both as a traditional adversary of divine order and as a potent archetype of personal empowerment.

  • Verrine is a lesser-known demon who appears in 17th-century French demonological accounts, most notably during the Aix-en-Provence possessions (1611–1613). He was allegedly one of the demons who possessed a nun named Sister Madeleine and was compelled to speak during exorcisms.

    Verrine presents himself not as overtly malevolent but as a prideful spirit, often associated with the sin of impatience. He sometimes acted as a reluctant witness, revealing the presence and names of other demons. In these accounts, Verrine claimed a higher rank among demons and often spoke in a mocking or arrogant tone, emphasizing hierarchy and spiritual warfare.

    While not part of classical grimoires like the Ars Goetia, Verrine’s appearances in historical possession narratives give him a role as an articulate, pride-driven entity representing inner rebellion and spiritual conflict.

  • Unsere is a lesser-known demon who appears primarily in the Aix-en-Provence possessions—a series of 17th-century French exorcism cases involving allegedly possessed Ursuline nuns. Unlike more destructive demons, Unsere is notable for being associated with lust and temptation, often described as whispering seductive or blasphemous thoughts to the afflicted.

    Unsere was said to speak in a soft, enticing voice, contrasting with more aggressive demons, and was thought to exploit emotional vulnerability and carnal desires. Though not featured in major grimoires like the Lemegeton, Unsere’s role in these possession cases frames them as a demonic force tied to corruption through sensuality, especially within religious or celibate contexts.

  • Eurynomous (or Eurynomos) is a demon mentioned in medieval demonology, most notably in Collin de Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal. He is described as the Prince of Death and Decay, known for devouring the flesh of corpses and inhabiting the underworld.

    According to de Plancy, Eurynomous appears as a black-skinned, wolf-toothed demon, with blue-tinged skin representing the rot of death, and dressed in a panther skin. He is associated with death, decomposition, and the consumption of the dead, functioning symbolically as a personification of putrefaction and entropy.

    Though not listed in major grimoires like the Goetia, Eurynomous holds a unique place as a demon of the grave and the body’s return to dust, often invoked in occult symbolism related to mortality, transformation, and the inevitability of decay.