Occultism and Western esotericism provide an important historical and intellectual background for many forms of modern Satanism, but neither term is a synonym for Satanism. Western esotericism is an academic field encompassing currents such as Renaissance Hermetism, alchemy, astrology, Christian theosophy, Kabbalistic reception, Rosicrucianism, ceremonial magic, spiritualism, occultism, and later…
The High Satanic Church is an independent theistic Satanist religious organization and online congregation centered on the worship of Satan as a real deity. Its public website describes the Church as theistic, devotional, and unaffiliated with both the Church of Satan and The Satanic Temple. The organization maintains public material on beliefs and practice as well as member accounts, lodges, writings,…
Semjaza is a leading figure in the Enochic account of the Watchers’ oath and descent. His role differs from the teaching and punishment associated with Azazel.
Tarot developed as playing cards before becoming an influential tool of occult interpretation. The history of the cards differs from later claims about their hidden origins.
Religious discernment concerns how experiences are interpreted and assessed. An immediate event, a theological explanation, and a claim about another person require different kinds of evidence.
Polytheism involves belief in multiple deities. The existence of several gods does not by itself settle their relationships, moral authority, or the forms of devotion directed toward them.
Milton’s Paradise Lost gives Satan an influential literary characterization. His persuasive speeches must be read alongside the narrator’s account and the consequences of his actions.
A Goetic prince associated with finding lost things and knowledge of past and future events.
A Goetic marquis, also called Gamigin, associated with liberal studies and accounts of deceased souls.
A Goetic prince portrayed with a leopard head and griffin wings, whose stated office concerns desire.
A Goetic king riding a bear, with offices concerning hidden knowledge, treasure, and cosmology.
A Goetic spirit called Morax or Marax, associated with astronomy and the properties of plants and stones.
A Goetic duke associated with wealth, eloquence, and the places of the dead.
A Goetic marquis in phoenix form, associated with poetry, learning, and a hope of heavenly restoration.
A Goetic earl associated with fortification and military supply, often confused with Malphas.
A Goetic earl associated with royal treasure, the destruction of cities, and altered relationships.
A Goetic president with a winged bull form, associated with wisdom and the transformation of substances.
A Goetic duke, also called Procel, associated with geometry, hidden matters, and sounds of water.
A Goetic spirit associated with philosophy and the compelled appearance of deceased souls.
A Goetic president associated with learned subjects and transformations that alter a person's understanding of identity.