"The Nine Satanic Sins" by Anton Szandor LaVey (with commentary by Jimi Grigori)

I. 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.

(The first sin, stupidity, refers to a lack of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. In the context of Satanism, stupidity is seen as a major obstacle to personal growth and self-improvement, as it prevents individuals from making informed decisions and navigating complex situations effectively. LaVey argued that individuals should strive to be intelligent, rational, and aware of their surroundings, constantly seeking knowledge and understanding. This involves cultivating a curious and inquiring mind, being open to new ideas and experiences, and developing a keen sense of observation and discernment. By avoiding stupidity, individuals can make informed decisions, solve problems effectively, and navigate complex situations with greater ease and confidence, ultimately achieving their goals and realizing their desires. 

Furthermore, stupidity can manifest in various ways, such as blindly following authority, refusing to consider alternative perspectives, or neglecting to think critically about one's own beliefs and assumptions. To avoid stupidity, individuals can engage in activities that promote critical thinking, such as reading, learning new skills, and participating in debates or discussions. By cultivating intellectual curiosity and a love of learning, individuals can develop a more nuanced understanding of the world and improve their ability to navigate its complexities.)

II. 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.

(Pretentiousness is the second sin, and it refers to the act of pretending to be something one is not. This can include false displays of knowledge, wealth, or power, often motivated by a desire to impress others or gain status. In Satanism, authenticity and honesty are valued, and pretentiousness is seen as a weakness that can damage relationships and erode trust. When individuals pretend to be something they're not, they create an artificial persona that can be difficult to maintain, leading to feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, and disconnection from others. By being genuine and authentic, individuals can build stronger, more meaningful relationships and cultivate a sense of self-confidence and self-worth. 

Moreover, pretentiousness can lead to a sense of disconnection from one's own desires and needs, as individuals become more focused on projecting a certain image or persona rather than being true to themselves. To avoid pretentiousness, individuals should strive to be authentic and genuine in their interactions with others, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses, and being honest about their intentions and motivations. By doing so, individuals can build trust and rapport with others, and develop a more authentic and fulfilling sense of self.)

III. 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.

(The third sin, solipsism, is the idea that one's own mind is the only thing that can be known to exist. In the context of Satanism, solipsism refers to the tendency to project one's own thoughts and feelings onto others, rather than truly understanding their perspectives. LaVey emphasized the Self-Deceit Herd Conformity Lack of Perspective importance of empathy and understanding in interpersonal relationships, recognizing that others have their own unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings. By avoiding solipsism, individuals can develop more nuanced and empathetic relationships, built on mutual understanding and respect. 

Furthermore, solipsism can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding, causing individuals to become isolated and disconnected from others. When we project our own thoughts and feelings onto others, we fail to truly understand their experiences and perspectives, leading to misunderstandings and conflict. To avoid solipsism, individuals should strive to cultivate empathy and understanding in their relationships with others, actively listening to others, seeking to understand their perspectives, and being open to feedback and criticism.)

IV. 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!

(Self-deceit is the fourth sin, and it refers to the act of lying to oneself about one's own motivations, desires, or actions. In Satanism, self-awareness and honesty are seen as essential to personal growth and self-improvement. When individuals deceive themselves, they create a distorted view of reality that can lead to poor decision-making and a lack of personal growth. By cultivating selfawareness and honesty, individuals can develop a more accurate understanding of themselves and the world around them, making informed decisions and taking deliberate action towards their goals. 

Moreover, self-deceit can manifest in various ways, such as rationalizing one's behavior, denying one's flaws, or avoiding responsibility for one's actions. To avoid self-deceit, individuals should strive to cultivate self-awareness and honesty, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses, and being willing to confront their flaws and shortcomings. By doing so, individuals can develop a more authentic and fulfilling sense of self, and make progress towards their goals and desires.)

V. 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.

(The fifth sin, herd conformity, refers to the tendency to follow the crowd and conform to societal norms without questioning. LaVey argued that individuals should strive to be independent and nonconformist, rather than blindly following the masses. By avoiding herd conformity, individuals can cultivate a sense of autonomy and self-reliance, making choices that reflect their own values and desires rather than simply following the crowd. This involves developing critical thinking skills, being open to new ideas and experiences, and being willing to challenge societal norms and expectations. 

Furthermore, herd conformity can lead to a lack of individuality and creativity, causing individuals to become mere copies of others rather than unique and authentic beings. When we conform to societal norms without questioning, we fail to think critically about the world around us, and may end up perpetuating harmful or unjust systems. To avoid herd conformity, individuals should strive to be independent and nonconformist, questioning authority and challenging societal norms. By doing so, individuals can develop a more authentic and fulfilling sense of self, and make a positive impact on the world around them.)

VI. 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.

The sixth sin, lack of perspective, refers to the inability to see things from different angles or to consider multiple viewpoints. In Satanism, perspective is valued as a means of gaining a deeper understanding of the world and oneself. By cultivating perspective, individuals can develop a more nuanced and multifaceted approach to problem-solving, recognizing that complex issues often have multiple sides and dimensions. This involves seeking out diverse perspectives, being open to new ideas and experiences, and being willing to challenge one's own assumptions and biases. 

Moreover, lack of perspective can lead to a narrow and limited understanding of the world, causing individuals to become stuck in their own biases and assumptions. When we fail to consider multiple viewpoints, we may miss out on valuable insights and opportunities for growth. To avoid lack of perspective, individuals should strive to cultivate a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the world, seeking out diverse perspectives and being open to new ideas and experiences. By doing so, individuals can de

VII. 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.

(The seventh sin, forgetfulness of past orthodoxies, refers to the tendency to forget the mistakes of the past and repeat them. LaVey emphasized the importance of learning from history and avoiding dogmatic thinking. By studying the past and learning from its lessons, individuals can avoid repeating mistakes and develop a more informed and nuanced understanding of the world. This involves cultivating a sense of historical awareness and context, recognizing that past events and experiences can provide valuable insights and guidance for the present. 

Furthermore, forgetfulness of past orthodoxies can lead to a repetition of mistakes and a failure to learn from history. When we forget the lessons of the past, we may end up perpetuating harmful or unjust systems, or repeating mistakes that have been made before. To avoid forgetfulness of past orthodoxies, individuals should strive to learn from history and cultivate a nuanced understanding of the past. By doing so, individuals can develop a more informed and effective approach to life, and make more informed decisions.)

VIII. 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.

(The eighth sin, counterproductive pride, refers to the tendency to prioritize pride over productivity and effectiveness. In Satanism, pride is not seen as an inherently negative trait, but rather as a motivator that should be balanced with practicality and results. By avoiding counterproductive pride, individuals can focus on achieving their goals and making progress, rather than getting bogged down in ego or appearances. This involves setting realistic goals, prioritizing productivity and effectiveness, and being willing to learn from one's mistakes. 

Moreover, counterproductive pride can lead to a focus on appearances rather than reality, causing individuals to prioritize pride over progress. When we prioritize pride over productivity, we may end up wasting time and energy on superficial pursuits, rather than focusing on meaningful goals and achievements. To avoid counterproductive pride, individuals should strive to balance pride with practicality and results, setting realistic goals and prioritizing productivity and effectiveness. By doing so, individuals can develop a more effective and fulfilling approach to life, and achieve their goals and desires.)

IX. 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 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.

(The ninth sin, lack of aesthetics, refers to the inability to appreciate or create beauty. LaVey saw aesthetics as an important aspect of life, and argued that individuals should strive to cultivate their own sense of style and appreciation for beauty. By cultivating aesthetics, individuals can develop a more nuanced and multifaceted approach to life, recognizing the importance of beauty and creativity in personal growth and self-improvement. This involves exploring one's creative side, appreciating art and nature, and being willing to take risks and try new things. 

Furthermore, lack of aesthetics can lead to a dull and unfulfilling life, causing individuals to neglect the importance of beauty and creativity. When we fail to appreciate or create beauty, we may end up living a life that is devoid of meaning and purpose. To avoid lack of aesthetics, individuals should strive to cultivate their own sense of style and appreciation for beauty, exploring their creative side and appreciating art and nature. By doing so, individuals can develop a more nuanced and multifaceted approach to life, and live a more authentic and fulfilling existence. In conclusion, the Nine Satanic Sins offer a unique perspective on personal growth and self improvement, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, authenticity, empathy, self awareness, independence, perspective, learning from history, balancing pride with practicality, and appreciating beauty. By avoiding these sins, individuals can cultivate strength, independence, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.)