Why I Keep Using The Term “LaVeyan Satanism” Along With “Satanism”

Earlier today as of this writing, I just read the chapter “From Hallowed Halls” in Blanche Barton’s We Are Satanists: The History and Future of the Church of Satan.  In this chapter, there’s a section (pg. 339-40) where Barton discussed that when talking about Satanism, using the term “LaVeyan” is basically giving acknowledgment and equal leveling of other pseudo-satanic groups as also being Satanists.

Anton LaVey himself said that that “there are Satanists and there are nuts.”  Magus Gilmore has also stated in his book that no other groups can be acknowledged as Satanic.

I wholeheartedly agree with this.  If an individual or group isn’t abiding by the principles of The Satanic Bible, they’re not Satanists.  There were no Satanic groups prior to 1966.  Anyone else after that isn’t a Satanic group or individual, either.  Anton LaVey’s bible is the one sole authority on Satanism.

So why do I personally keep using the term “LaVeyan?”

I mainly do this on social media as opposed to in-person conversations.  I don’t actively seek out friends and followers on social media, but if someone wants to connect with me and they claim to be a Satanist, I need to know if it’s Anton LaVey’s philosophy and aesthetic that they go by.  I also want any pseudos to know that I don’t follow their fake/theistic ideas of Satanism.  This’ll save everyone from potential arguments and confusion.  And personally, I’m tired of getting followers who mesh different pseudo-satanic hashtags on their Instagram posts and profiles.

I’ve been trying to find other ways for people to know that I follow the one true philosophy of Satanism.  That’s one of the reasons I always sport the Sigil of Baphomet the majority of the time.

I probably shouldn’t care about this and just keep removing these attempted interactions, but it gets old pretty fast.

One day I’ll try to figure things out.  But until then, this is my personal way of showing people that I follow the one legit form of Satanic philosophy.  This blog post, as well as my My Thoughts On The Satanic Temple blog post should make my stance clear.

Hail Satan!

-Manny