Satanism is steeped in symbolism and archaic knowledge, with a history spanning generations. The Church of Satan, founded by Anton LaVey in the 1960s, added to this lexicon. Satanic symbols, still used today, hold fascinating backstories - some more malevolent than others. They can be helpful for understanding the basics, like selling your soul, or simply referencing a demonic tune. While some symbols have faded into obscurity, likely due to modern Satanists shifting towards a more straightforward philosophy, they remain a vital part of the sect's dense symbolism.
About this list
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The inverted cross comes from a biblical story. This story claims Saint Peter was slain in Rome.
The inverted cross comes from the biblical-era story claiming Saint Peter was slain in Rome.This happened under the persecution of Nero.Peter requested crucifixion upside-down. People argue if this was an insult to Christ or a sign of humility is unclear. Catholic scholars also cannot confirm if this actually happened.
Both high-ranking Catholic church members and Satanists used the upside-down cross. The Pope's office uses it to show one is unworthy of God. Satanic groups use it to mock Christianity because they see the crucifix as a symbol of power.
The upside-down cross was used by high-level Catholic church members and Satanists. The Pope's office uses the inverted cross to show worthiness of God. Satanic groups use it to mock Christianity because they view the crucifix as a symbol of power.
People see the inverted cross today in several places. It appears on the Jamaican and Scottish flags. It also shows up in the Petrine office and on various papal items. Any pop culture featuring witches, devil worship, or Satan likely includes an inverted cross.
The inverted cross appears on Jamaican and Scottish flags. It is also found in the Petrine office and on various papal accouterments. Pop culture featuring witches, devil worship, or Satan probably has an inverted cross.
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Stories about Baphomet start around 1100. The Knights Templar admitted worshipping an idol called "Baphomet" or "Mahomet" under pressure. This idol is interpreted as the Prophet Muhammad. The modern idol did not appear until 1856, when French occultist Eliphas Levi drew it.
Baphomet stories start near 1100. The Knights Templar admitted worshipping an idol called "Baphomet" or "Mahomet" under pressure. Some interpret this as the Prophet Muhammad. French occultist Eliphas Levi drew the modern idol in 1856.
Eliphas Levi featured the creature in his book.Levi wrote Transcendental Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual.Levi envisioned the creature as a winged, hermaphroditic being.The creature has the body of a human and the head of a goat. Baphomet features cloven hooves, a pointed star on its forehead, and Latin words for "separate" and "join together" on its arms. Baphomet's ideas focus on uniting different concepts and bringing people into one harmonious group.Baphomet has a human body and a goat head. It also has cloven hooves. A pointed star sits on its forehead. Latin words for "separate" and "join together" are written on its arms. Baphomet's ideas aim to unite different concepts and bring people into one peaceful union.
Aleister Crowley used Baphomet's imagery in the early 20th century.
In the early 20th century, Aleister Crowley took Baphomet's imagery.Crowley interpreted the imagery as a symbol of magick. He thought the idol showed the divine joining of opposites, like sperm and egg. Crowley also linked Baphomet to Satan through suppressed knowledge.Crowley interpreted Baphomet's imagery as a symbol of magick. He believed the idol showed the divine joining of opposites, such as sperm and egg. He also connected Baphomet to Satan using the idea of hidden knowledge.
Today, Baphomet functions as a symbol for Satanism. It also represents humanity's "inherent nature" to fight against rules and structures. Baphomet is also called a sign of "enlightened inquiry and personal freedom."
Baphomet today serves as a catch-all symbol for Satanism. It also stands for humanity's "inherent nature" to rebel against structure and rules. Baphomet is also known as a token of "enlightened inquiry and personal freedom."
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Anton LaVey's sigil is more flashy than the standard pentagram, as expected from the founder of the Church of Satan.
Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan, uses a more flashy sigil than the usual pentagram. This logo is a woven, upside-down, five-pointed white star with a red lightning bolt in the middle. It announces the wearer as a High Priest of the Church of Satan.
The Church's website states this description.LaVey was inspired by the lightning bolt from the RKO Pictures logo.LaVey drew inspiration from the lightning bolt on the RKO Pictures logo.
The input does not contain information on how the medallion was used.
The medallion showed the wearer became High Priest of the Church of Satan. A platinum star and a gold lightning bolt meant someone was slightly above the "Fourth Order." The white star with a red lightning bolt was reserved for LaVey; he was the sole member of the "Fifth Order."
People see it today in new ways.
After the Church of Satan stopped using symbols for order, the Medallion of the High Priest lost its style. The logo has returned, though current members display it to show loyalty to LaVey.
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This originated where?
Evil goat lore started in Europe with most Satanic imagery collected here. Malcolm Gaskill, a professor of early modern history at the University of East Anglia, explained this.Gaskill explained toSlate.In many engravings and paintings of a witches' sabbath, Satan appears as "a goat or a goat-like man."
How did people use it?
Goats appear in various Satanic lore forms. They represent either the dark lord or his familiar. Goats remain the only symbol of the devil that has not changed from its first form.
How is it viewed now?
The Satanic goat is a major symbol in modern Satanic religions. Logos for both the Church of Satan and the Satanic Temple include goat heads.Church of Satan.andthe Satanic Temple.Baphomet's head is a goat, which explains why people find the animal creepy and devilish. The 2015 filmThe Witch.The film shows the family's goat, Black Philip, is a familiar of Satan's, maybe Satan himself.
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Where did it come from?
Multiple religions and spiritual seekers have used the inverted pentagram for generations. The symbol predates biblical ideas of Satan; thus, it holds many meanings. Usually, pentagrams represent thefour elements ruled by the spirit.; when turned upside-down, a pentagram shows the body's power over the spirit's.
How was it used?
Mid-20th century users employed the inverted pentagram for dark magic rituals. Both LaVeyan Satanists and Crowley followers used it. Crowley followers see the symbol as a real magical emblem; LaVeyans view it as reflecting their"lone wolf" ideology..
How is it seen today?
Many still view the upside-down pentagram as a sign of evil. Different groups and religions assign different meanings to its design. The Church of Satan sees the Satanic pentagram as a symbol for the individual over the spirit, or a reminder to focus on the present moment instead of the promise of Heaven.
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Where did it come from?
The Sigil of Baphomet first appeared in the 19th century. It looked very different from Baphomet's image in the modern Satanic mythos. Stanislas de Guaita first made this goat-headed pentagram for the bookLa Clef de la Magie Noire,The Key to Black Magic.
Guaita writes that the upside-down pentagram with a goat's head shows a menace to Heaven. It is meant to be blasphemous, unlike other magical interpretations of the symbol. The Sigil of Baphomet intends to cause fear.Guaita states:
[Oriented] in the opposite direction, the pentagrammatic Star is a symbol of iniquity, perdition, and blasphemy. Its two points in the air become the horns of the foul Goat threatening Heaven. The head is framed by the stellar pentacle, its low ears on the side branches, and its beard is messy in the single lower point.
How did they use it?
Anton LaVey used the Sigil of Baphomet as the Church of Satan's logo when he used the version fromA Pictorial History of Magic and the Supernatural -Maurice Bessy's book illustrated the embodiment of Satan through multiple cultures united in one sigil. LaVey applied this logo to the church's main parts, from membership cards to the Satanic Bible, making his church the opposite of Christianity.
How do people see it now?
The Church of Satan still uses the Sigil of Baphomet as its main logo. The Satanic Temple uses a version of the sigil on jewelry and coffee mugs.coffee mugs - though the version on merchandise differs slightly to avoid copyright problems.
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Where did it originate?
The number of the beast represents pure evil. This idea started inRevelation 13:8, which says, "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred threescore and six."
How was it used?
The number of the beast supposedly lets God-fearing people spot the Antichrist during Revelation. Some biblical scholars argue the math in the Scripture is wrong; they thinkthe actual number of the beastis 616.
After finding a scrap called "Papyrus 115," alater version of RevelationScholars wrote it in Ancient Greek, finding the words "exakosioi deka ex," which equals six hundred, ten, and six. Scholars are not sure exactly how the number changed.
How is it seen today?
Though often seen insome pop culture areas, the number of the beast is not as common now. Modern Satanists do not treat the number "666" as a serious or strong symbol. The Church of Satan claims the number of the beast is just, the number of the beast isn't as prevalent as it once was. Modern Satanists do not treat the number "666" as a serious or powerful symbol. The Church of Satan even claims the number of the beast is simply - they think the concept is "quaint," and the numbers have no real value.Where did it come from?
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The Leviathan Cross originated with the Knights Templar during combat. Some think the two crosses show duality and a balance between male and female. The infinity symbol at the cross's bottom shows the endless universe idea.
This symbol was first used by the Knights Templar as they rode into combat. Some believe the two crosses show duality and a balance between the masculine and feminine. The infinity symbol at the bottom of the cross shows the endless universe idea.
How was it used?
Basil Valentine's 1670 book used the Leviathan Cross to show sulfur.This is a Table of Mediaeval Alchemical Symbols.At that time, people called it "brimstone." Its foul smell linked it to the underworld's depths.
The Church of Satan states Anton LaVey adopted the symbol in 1960. He used it as a header for the Satanic Bible's "Nine Satanic Statements." The symbol became a "spooky decoration."It had no meaning..
How do people view it now?
Many modern Satanists think the Leviathan Cross shows universal equality.It also shows the idea that every person has their own life path. Satanists use it as an alternative to the upside-down pentagram.The Leviathan cross identifies Satanists as an alternative to the upside-down pentagram; it shows each person has a path in life.
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The origin of the Grail needs an answer.
The most famous grail is the mythical "Holy Grail."This is an ancient chalice.It is said to give the user a long life—or even immortality. Followers of the Christian faith have sought this cup for generations to improve themselves.
Satanists believe improving life means changing what you dislike about the world. They do not wait for a deity to make changes. So, the image of the grail is a sarcastic nod.
How did it serve a purpose?
The grail image reminds Satanists of the power inside them. Some Christian theologians think the chalice is a real object. Satanists view it only as a symbol of personal energy.
People see the Grail today in this way.
Modern Satanists rarely use the grail image. If they use it, it likely appears in the Tarot or some left-hand magic.
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The origin of the Winged Serpent is a question.
The winged serpent is also known as Quetzalcoatl.The Winged Serpent is also known as Quetzalcoatl.The Winged Serpent symbol dates to the Aztecs. It shows humans should reach divine understanding from above. It represents rising above earthly worries to understand oneself.
People used the Winged Serpent in this way.
Spiritual teacher David Karchere writes that the winged serpent may represent someone proactive with foresight. These people prepare for success instead of getting stuck in daily struggles.
People see the Winged Serpent today like this.
Modern Satanists have dropped this symbol. Still, the idea of people letting go of daily problems to become visionaries fits the Satanic concept of one person elevating themselves above everything.
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The origin of the Eye Of Providence is a question.
The eye of providence, also called the all-seeing eye or the eye in the triangle, represents spiritual knowledge. Though the image started with Christian ties, later philosophies used the eye of providence as a representation of spiritual understanding.It represents spiritual understanding..
People used the Eye Of Providence in this way.
Aleister Crowley used the all-seeing eye as his symbol early in the 20th century. The eye in the triangle sits atop his famous pyramid hat.The eye sits on his famous pyramid hat.It sits next to a pentagram-emblazoned book. This symbol quickly became linked to black magic.
How do people see it now?
Modern views of the eye of providence often argue it stands for the Freemasons or conspiracy theories—sometimes both. Satanists rarely use it; people see it more on dollar bills than in Satanic grottoes.
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Where did this symbol come from?
This Satanic symbol comes from a 16th-century Italian grimoire.The source is the Grimorium Verum.It is thought to be an interpretation of an earlier sigil called the nine-by-nine magic square.This is the inverted triangle.This shape represents both duality and creation.
How did people use it?
This sigil is believed to have been used to invoke Lucifer.It was used to call upon Lucifer.Lucifer, the light-bearer, was invoked, though no written incantation succeeded. Lucifer served as a metaphor in this symbol; the magic used the sigil to bring power and strength.
How is it viewed today?
Black magic circles still use the Sigil of Lucifer today. Practitioners who strictly follow Satan's philosophy use it less often.
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Where did this come from?
Religious scholars claim "Shemhamforash" is God's hidden name, found by combining verses.This involves combining verses.The Old Testament contains the "Name of Seventy-Two Names." Some people think Moses used God's hidden name to split the Red Sea.
The text explains how it was used.
The Christian church rarely uses Shemhamforash. However, the 1960s saw its use in LaVeyan services as a "hallelujah" for closing a sermon.It served to close a sermon.This practice was viewed as mocking God; it was seen as satire.
People view it today this way.
Though organized Church of Satan services are fewer now than in the '60s, the word remains.Satanists use the word colloquially.
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Where did Yankee Rose come from?
Despite its simplicity, this symbol remains one of the most mysterious in Satanism. The words "Yankee Rose" are not just thefinal words of the Satanic Bible.These words were very important to Anton LaVey. He recorded a song called "Yankee Rose" for his album "Satan Takes A Holiday".The album is titled "Satan Takes A Holiday".
The text explains how it was used.
LaVey used the phrase sparingly, but he kept it mysterious when he used it. The Church of Satan says the phrase has "detailed significance," but LaVey wanted it secret.
People view it today this way.
Satanists still view the Yankee Rose as a mystery. Did LaVey mess with his followers by claiming the words had meaning, oris there something to understand?People guess the meaning of the closing words in the Satanic Bible. The symbol's true meaning will probably never appear.
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