LaVeyan Satanism is not devil worship, but a philosophy of radical self-interest and egoism.

History · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1966, the Church of Satan rejects the supernatural entirely. Instead of worshipping an evil entity, adherents view Satan as a symbolic archetype of human pride and instinct. It is a secular, atheistic religion that champions individualism, social Darwinism, and the pursuit of personal success through ritualized psychology.

Anton LaVey, an American occultist, established the Church of Satan in San Francisco in 1966. Scholars classify this movement as a form of Western esotericism or a 'self-religion' that draws from diverse, sometimes contradictory influences, including the philosophies of Friedrich Nietzsche, Ayn Rand, and Arthur Desmond. Rather than a literal devil, LaVeyan Satanists embrace Satan as a metaphor for humanity’s natural, carnal instincts and a defiant stance against the perceived suppression of these urges by Abrahamic religions.

The movement is fundamentally atheistic and materialistic, rejecting the existence of gods, souls, or an afterlife. However, LaVey introduced a system of 'magic' that he framed as a natural, albeit misunderstood, phenomenon. He divided this into 'greater magic'—ritualized psychodrama used for catharsis and focusing emotional energy—and 'lesser magic,' which utilizes applied psychology, body language, and manipulation to influence others. These practices are intended solely for material gain, personal success, and the satisfaction of individual desires.

LaVeyan philosophy is explicitly anti-egalitarian, promoting social Darwinism and the belief that humans are inherently unequal. It encourages a life of egoism and self-preservation, viewing the Seven Deadly Sins as virtues that aid survival. While LaVey’s writings often used the language of the supernatural to add theatrical appeal, he maintained that the Satanist is their own god. Today, the Church of Satan remains a purist organization, often dismissing other groups—such as the socially active Satanic Temple—as deviant or illegitimate, insisting that true Satanism was codified by LaVey himself.

The movement’s legacy is complex, with scholars noting its role as a 'cousin' to the New Age and Human Potential movements. By blending pop psychology, Machiavellian self-interest, and a 'carnivalesque' rejection of mainstream morality, LaVey created a framework for what he called 'productive misfits.' Despite his death in 1997, the Church continues to influence modern discourse, maintaining that Satanism is not a community to be joined, but an identity for those who are born, not made.

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