Satan and Suns

Some theistic Satanists, including the Joy of Satan folks, recommend a dedication rite as the first step for a new Satanist.

I, on the other hand, do not recommend such an oath as your first, preliminary self-initiation rite. I would recommend it, or a similar rite, only after you have been a Satanist for at least several years, and after you have explored a variety of other religions and mystical traditions as well. To swear allegiance to Satan as "my one and only God" without first spending quite a bit of time getting to know Satan -- and other gods too -- is a little like getting married to someone you just met yesterday. If you truly intend to take such an oath of exclusive allegiance seriously, don't enter into it lightly. Wait until you've had enough experience to know that an exclusive allegiance to Satan would indeed be in accord with your own innermost Will.

Many theistic Satanists -- probably the majority, in fact -- do eventually leave Satanism, either permanently or temporarily. Some of these people come back to Satanism later, after having explored one or more other religions. Others do not come back. In either case, if you're new to Satanism, the statistical odds are against your being able to keep a permanent, exclusive lifelong commitment to Satan.

Will you notice a change right away after doing a dedication? Probably not. But don't worry. A dedication is not the “solve all” to all our earthly problems. A dedication is a rite that solidifies a bond between your Self and a Demon. It doesn't mean that the Demon is going to start talking to you all the time or manifest around every corner. Instead, your Matron/Patron is your primary guide. No doubt you will find other Demons are stronger along your path. That's because you might need help from a different Demon at a particular time in your life. In instances like this the Matr

Oceanos wrote:Yeah, there really is no reason to completely submit and server another being(s). If thats really how youd rather go about things more power to you, but remember each one of us has our own individual path, you dont have to follow the masses unless it is truly what you wish. I've never dedicated myself to the christian god, but I also never dedicated myself to any other being. I work with and show respect, thats my motto and way of going about things, but I dont exactly pick sides. I'll work with anyone or anything as long as it means me no harm and it wants to help improve my life or teach me on my personal path.

Passchendaele wrote:I feel pretty certain that Lord Satan does not expect such things from us, let alone demand them. Submission, as a purely symbolic act to express depth of commitment and respect toward Him, would probably be received as such. Submission in the form that (I think) you are speaking about would actually displease Him. We are all autonomous spiritual beings. There can be no autonomy in submission. (which is why Christians love it) It negates free will. It also (to put it mildly) sends the message "I don't want to be responsible for my life, so I am making Lord Satan responsible for it."

Uh....thanks a lot? Golly gee whiz, what a thoughtful "gift"

Passchendaele wrote:I feel pretty certain that Lord Satan does not expect such things from us, let alone demand them. Submission, as a purely symbolic act to express depth of commitment and respect toward Him, would probably be received as such. Submission in the form that (I think) you are speaking about would actually displease Him. We are all autonomous spiritual beings. There can be no autonomy in submission. (which is why Christians love it) It negates free will. It also (to put it mildly) sends the message "I don't want to be responsible for my life, so I am making Lord Satan responsible for it."

Uh....thanks a lot? Golly gee whiz, what a thoughtful "gift"

Calin wrote:

Passchendaele wrote:I feel pretty certain that Lord Satan does not expect such things from us, let alone demand them. Submission, as a purely symbolic act to express depth of commitment and respect toward Him, would probably be received as such. Submission in the form that (I think) you are speaking about would actually displease Him. We are all autonomous spiritual beings. There can be no autonomy in submission. (which is why Christians love it) It negates free will. It also (to put it mildly) sends the message "I don't want to be responsible for my life, so I am making Lord Satan responsible for it."

Uh....thanks a lot? Golly gee whiz, what a thoughtful "gift"

I completely agree with Passchendaele here. My UPG - I was kneeling when I first invoked Lord Satan and he told me to get up and do not kneel before him. Demons are a strong and powerful race that as individuals seek to be the very best they can be. Submission is not admired but is weakness in their world. Now submission and defiance are two very different things, the middle ground balance of which is respect. Respect is how you should approach the demons, and any other entity for that matter, and you should receive respect in return. Unless you do something to piss them off. They have free will, and can be friendly or hostile, as can we. Always aim for respectful exchange.