Thoughts on Being a Satanist

Most people assume when you say that you’re a satanist that you worship the devil, participate in blood rituals, or even abuse/ sacrifice both humans and animals alike. However, this is very inaccurate and is very hurtful to the community. We are not evil people.  

         We are non-theistic. Meaning we don’t believe in any gods or devils. We believe in just being a good person. The first of seven tenets reads as followed “One should strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures in accordance with reason.”            

         I’ve always been big on self expression. Satanism has helped me find my most authentic self. “Do whatever makes you happy as long as you’re not hurting others.” Is what I believe LONG before I read TST’s sixth tenet (and the one I hold dearest) “ People are fallible. If one makes a mistake, one should do one's best to rectify it and resolve any harm that might have been caused.”

       Social justice is something I’ve always involved with. I remember in 2015 going around my city telling people to vote. How important this election was.  And in 2018 going up to Madison to rally with the DREAMERS to protect DACA. I was out protesting at our local monument square for access to abortions and reproductive rights. Seeing how involved TST really was and reading the third tenet “One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone.” sealed the deal for me to start digging and seeing what they were about. 

          Once I fully learned about The Satanic Temple I realized there were so many other people who thought just like me. Who felt just like me. It was nice to be part of a community of like minded individuals. I now know the comfort that people may find in religion.

• Penned by Daughter of Darkness