Satanic Bible: Anton LaVey's Occult Classic on Satanism and Carnal Indulgence (William Morrow Paperbacks)

The Satanic Bible is the book that turned the quasi-religious, up-its-own-backside, mainstream, Popular Occult world completely on its head - unveiling the entire edifice as simply another form of Christianity. Before Anton Szandor LaVey unleashed this volume (and his Church of Satan) upon the world, Occultism meant "White" Witchcraft cum New Age otherworldniness cum Hippie spiritual (drug-induced) idealism. Occult text books followed such an identical, "safe" template that each one could very well have been written by the same person, with every self-ordained "White" Witchcraft writer repeatedly warning readers about practising "Black" Magic, and to stay clear of the "Left Hand Path" of Devil Worship. The Satanists who were said to belong in this phantom zone were described as totally Evil, monstrous persons, who led heinous, depraved lifestyles, desecrated Christian cemeteries and sacrificed children and animals to the Devil. The only problem for the self-righteous "White" esoteric orthodoxy was that these ghastly Satanists did not, in fact, exist in the real world: The invention of a thoroughly evil path of Occultism was (and remains) a rather pathetic attempt by self-proclaimed "White" Witches to gain social acceptance & respectability. LaVey wrote his Satanic Bible to serve two vital functions: 1)His book was not intended to seduce or "convert" people to Satanism - but to "click" with those who had already been thinking and acting in accordance with the prescription. 2)LaVey decided it was high time that people were informed that 99.99% of what was termed "Occultism" was quasi-Christian, metaphysical balderdash, being the first Magician to write down what every genuine Magus and Occultist already knew: that there was NO "Black" or "White" Magic; no Tolkienesque "Eternal Battle" between Light & Darkness; no absolute "Good" & "Evil" opposites. All of these things were purely religious,Christian concepts which Popular Occultism had unceremoniously plundered from the sphere of Theology, adding them to what was loosely termed "Occult Lore". The Satanic Bible remains the first, genuine Occult tome to outline a system of Ritual Magic that undeniably works. LaVey's system of Satanic Rituals, designed not only for the Conjuration of Compassion & Lust, but also for Destruction, causes as much consternation now as it did when it first was published. But this remains one of the book's main points: The LaVey system is real Occultism - stripped of its age-old Christian philosophical veneer; devoid of "divine rewards & punishments". Read the Satanic Bible and learn that Anton LaVey's Satan is beyond "Good" & "Evil" - even beyond the Christian concepts of God and Devil. Let Objectivity and Intelligence be your guides. 30 years after its publication, the Satanic Bible still stands as a formidable, dynamic challenge that will NOT be ignored: both to all forms of life-denying organized religion and to the persisting, escapist, metaphysical mess that is mainstream, Popular Occultism. The book still, therefore, has the ability to offend all those who wish to stay imprisoned within the constraints of a Mainstream Occult labyrinth, which remains completely unable to disentangle itself from from the arbitrary morals, ethics and values of the Christian faith. Afraid of completely and utterly (to say nothing of Atheistically) empowering yourself to the utmost degree and recognizing yourself as the God/Goddess you truly are? Wary of utilizing proven, powerful, real Magic for the guilt-free fulfilment of all of your desires in this, the Land of The Living? Unwilling to embrace Satan and His Demons as your friends, comrades, Brothers & Sisters? Frightened by Shadows? Frightened by your SELF? Then this book is NOT for you. Hail Satan!

I haven’t finished this book, but I can say for fact that what I actually have read is diabolically different, and diabolically brilliant in its own way. The book has an amoral, sort of survivalist perspective that is really refreshing for a title in its genre and one that i personally have found myself to agree with in part. However, this book isn’t for everyone. It details certain mature topics and contains critical views on established religion as a whole. If either of those trigger you as a person, don’t pick this up - or do, and learn to cope with it, I’m not stopping you. I’m not the best person to learn from about this stuff, so I recommend you do your own research before buying.

In this surprising book replace the word Satanism with Humanism, Free trade, atheism, the law of the jungle, survival, conservativism, self preservation, entrepreneurship, ambition, the natural order of life, honesty, truthfulness, sexual liberation, enjoyment of all the good things in life, responsibility to yourself and those who reciprocate your kindness. This is the natural order of things and it is a fantastic book to inspire and encourage what is normal and makes life a pleasure. Lavay led a colourful life, first and foremost as a musician even having a romance with Marilyn Monroe, immersing himself in the true Satanism - according to his viewpoint. Even his own son is named Satan. Chapter 3, verse 7 'Hate your enemies with your whole heart, and if a man smite you on one cheek, smash him on the other! smite him hip and thigh, for self preservation is the highest law! - 'He who turns the other cheek is a cowardly dog' I like that!!! Is Alan Sugar a closet Satanist too I wonder. It goes on ..........Thus shall you make yourself respected in all walks of life, and your spirit - your immortal spirit shall live, not in an intangible paradise, but in the brains and sinews of those whose respect you have gained. This is not a weirdo book in the usual sense of the word,it does not condone evil actions as certain reviewers seem to believe, it is Brilliant and Lavey was ahead of his time and more in tune with Richard Dawkins, even though he passed away a few years back. If you are genuinely hedonistic, read this.

This book changed my stereotypical media influenced view of what Satanism actually is. It was an interesting read and now I have a more open minded view. I am now aware that there are people out there who actually follow this and carry out satanic rituals and speak Enochian. Eye opening for sure. It's basis is more like acknowledging and accepting parts of animalistic urges like lust and pleasure seeking such as sex. The flip side of this spiritual coin are followers of religions that try and suppress these bestial instincts. It had some interesting and sometimes alternative view points. But now I realise my fear was moulded by a childish and stereotyping media, especially the film industry. I suppose it was really a fear of the unknown but now I have read this I don't feel fearful. Religion eh!

Not what most expect. This isn’t about rituals and robes—it’s more a manifesto of individualism, self-responsibility, and rejecting herd mentality. LaVey’s tone is sharp, unapologetic, and often tongue-in-cheek. The philosophy leans hard into personal power and realism, with a theatrical edge that’s part of the charm. Whether you agree or not, it’s a bold read that challenges conventional thinking. Not for the faint-hearted, but definitely thought-provoking.

When one first hears the word 'Satanist' or 'Satanism', the instant thought of this 'man wearing a spiked-choker', and 'sacrificing several men in order to satisfy Satan' appears. I too had this thought, before I purchased this book. LaVey is wise in his quick effort to point out that Satanism is hugely against pretty much everything that it is generally said to believe. At times it seemed like it was reading my life, and exactly the way that I do things, with emotional-attachment to the situation as well. There was one unnerving bit when he refers to the destructive side of Satanism, but I won't spoil. When you -first- venture into the mind of LaVey, you begin to see such elegant levels of logic unfold. When I received it, I was delighted to learn that it was actually a fairly lengthy book (see pictures attached to the image-thumbnail at top), and not some rip-off that would give only a few paragraphs of useful information. This book is the opposite. Worth the money, and it -is- a value-changer. It is pointed out that this book has changed lives before from the pure truth and philosophy in it. Naturally, I was a bit sceptical of this; however after reading the full book, I can say for a fact that I do look at things differently. It does not teach what you would think 'Satanism' would be about from how Christianity has defined it over the years. To be completely honest- For the most part of the book, you could just hide the cover of the book, and it'd just be a pure book of brilliant observations based on the human way of living. My only criticisms for this book would be regarding the content about 60% of the way through. Once you reach about 60% of the way through the book, it does seem to stray a bit from logic and lean a bit more towards the way of rituals with altars, et cetera. Being honest- I'd say that this is really the only thing I can think of that was disheartening. Also- A warning- This book, especially towards the start has a very, very diverse vocabulary. I found myself reaching for the dictionary on several occasions. Though saying that- It only expanded my own vocabulary.

I highly recommend anyone to read this book same with the satanic temple the tennents are different a little but no we don’t drink blood kill babies or anything of the like our creed is harm none animal child or person unless they are trying to destroy you then have at it but most satanist don’t even practice magick which is because they are atheists a lot of them so it’s not what it seems time for the silly satanic panic to stop ✋ read it and you’ll know you can even listen to it but look at all different sects of satanism as it’s all different depending where it’s come from Anton Levey or Lucian greaves but still it’s always harm non using the word satanic is just a word for adversary as we don’t believe in Christian values

This book is THE satanic bible. The only thing I do not understand about this book is it's objection in content. On one side it explains how satanism is more or less made up by the church and just following your urges and explains how satanism isn't real anyway and that there is no satan. On the other side it explains satanic rituals etc and seems to take it serious. A little confusing if you ask me. Still more interesting to read than actual religious books. If you are totally in to satanism, this book could either be an eye opener for you, or drag you down in to a black hole even more. I bought it just out of interest what the fuzz all is about.

Great book about the way of life and the only God you need, which is You, yourself.

Nice

Absolutely delightful read that helps expand and give support to many of my own long-held beliefs about human nature, societies, and major religions among other controversial topics. His brutally sharp dissections of Christianity and Buddhism (which he terms "Eastern mysticism") in particular helped me reflect upon my own complicated relationship with Christianity and strengthens my relatively newly-emboldened distaste to the tenets of major religion. Namely, the sacrificial nature, the self-deceit and denial of our carnal human natures. I certainly connected most with the Book of Lucifer, which tackles said controversial topics. His writing is darkly humourous and eloquently expressive and gets straight to my human core. I personally don't find much use from the Book of Leviathan (about greater magic aka ceremonial magic aka detailed instructions on various rituals for lust, compassion, and destruction) but it was interesting to read about his magical theory in the Book of Belial nonetheless.

Was not sure what it would be. For someone who believed that Christianity was not a real thing, odd to see made-up rituals being espoused. I grant his point that some Christians are not what they preach.

Nice book