The Nine Satanic Sins
1. Stupidity
The top of the list for Satanic Sins. The Cardinal Sin of Satanism. It's too
bad that stupidity isn't painful. Ignorance is one thing, but our society
thrives increasingly on stupidity. It depends on people going along with
whatever they are told. The media promotes a cultivated stupidity as a posture
that is not only acceptable but laudable. Satanists must learn to see through
the tricks and cannot afford to be stupid.
2. Pretentiousness
Empty posturing can be most irritating and isn't applying the cardinal rules
of Lesser Magic. On equal footing with stupidity for what keeps the money in
circulation these days. Everyone's made to feel like a big shot, whether they
can come up with the goods or not.
3. Solipsism
Can be very dangerous for Satanists. Projecting your reactions, responses and
sensibilities onto someone who is probably far less attuned than you are. It
is the mistake of expecting people to give you the same consideration,
courtesy and respect that you naturally give them. They won't. Instead,
Satanists must strive to apply the dictum of "Do unto others as they do unto
you." It's work for most of us and requires constant vigilance lest you slip
into a comfortable illusion of everyone being like you. As has been said,
certain utopias would be ideal in a nation of philosophers, but unfortunately
(or perhaps fortunately, from a Machiavellian standpoint) we are far from that
point.
4. Self-deceit
It's in the "Nine Satanic Statements" but deserves to be repeated here.
Another cardinal sin. We must not pay homage to any of the sacred cows
presented to us, including the roles we are expected to play ourselves.
The only time self-deceit should be entered into is when it's fun, and with
awareness. But then, it's not self-deceit!
5. Herd Conformity
That's obvious from a Satanic stance. It's all right to conform to a person's
wishes, if it ultimately benefits you. But only fools follow along with the
herd, letting an impersonal entity dictate to you. The key is to choose a
master wisely instead of being enslaved by the whims of the many.
6. Lack of Perspective
Again, this one can lead to a lot of pain for a Satanist. You must never lose
sight of who and what you are, and what a threat you can be, by your very
existence. We are making history right now, every day. Always keep the wider
historical and social picture in mind. That is an important key to both Lesser
and Greater Magic. See the patterns and fit things together as you want the
pieces to fall into place. Do not be swayed by herd constraints--know that you
are working on another level entirely from the rest of the world.
7. Forgetfulness of Past Orthodoxies
Be aware that this is one of the keys to brainwashing people into accepting
something new and different, when in reality it's something that was once widely
accepted but is now presented in a new package. We are expected to rave about
the genius of the creator and forget the original. This makes for a disposable
society.
8. Counterproductive Pride
That first word is important. Pride is great up to the point you begin to
throw out the baby with the bathwater. The rule of Satanism is: if it works
for you, great. When it stops working for you, when you've painted yourself
into a corner and the only way out is to say, I'm sorry, I made a mistake,
I wish we could compromise somehow, then do it.
9. Lack of Aesthetics
This is the physical application of the Balance Factor. Aesthetics is
important in Lesser Magic and should be cultivated. It is obvious that no one
can collect any money off classical standards of beauty and form most of the
time so they are discouraged in a consumer society, but an eye for for beauty,
for balance, is an essential Satanic tool and must be applied for greatest
magical effectiveness. It's not what's supposed to be pleasing--it's what is.
Aesthetics is a personal thing, reflective of one's own nature, but there are
universally pleasing and harmonious configurations that should not be denied.