1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
