These are the questions I am asked most frequently as the official on-line representative of the Church of Satan, along with their answers.
Magistra Peggy Nadramia
Order of the Trapezoid
Church of Satan
1.) What is Anton LaVey up to these days?
Anton LaVey is running the Church of Satan, which has been in continuous existence since
1966 with LaVey as its High Priest. He is writing (his latest collection is _The Devil's
Notebook_, available from its publisher, Feral House (www.csn.com/central/feralhouse) and
serving as Editor of _The Cloven Hoof_ (available for $35 for eight issues from the
address below). He is also raising his son, Satan Xerxes Carnacki LaVey, born shortly
after midnight on November 1st, 1993 CE.
2.) How can I get in touch with Anton LaVey?
Not by e-mail. You must write to him at: Church of Satan, PO Box 210666, San Francisco, CA
94121-0666.
3.) Where can I get a copy of _The Satanic Bible_?
You can't download it, but you can buy a hard copy. Go to the closest large bookstore in
your area, or order it from one of the following outlets:
Hell's Kitchen Productions, Inc., P O Box 499, New York, NY 10101-0499. (Medallions, books, magazines.) _The Satanic Bible_ and _The Satanic Rituals_ by Anton Szandor LaVey, $10.00 each (foreign orders: add $4.00 each).
OR
4.) Can you put me in touch with the Grotto in my area, or a local member or Priest of
the Church of Satan who can talk to me about Satanism?
The Church of Satan does not put non-members in touch with members, for obvious reasons of
privacy. If you are a member of the Church of Satan, you should write to Central and
request to be put in touch with your local Grotto. If there is no Grotto in your area, you
can request a Grotto Master application and if it is accepted, start a Grotto yourself.
5.) I have so many questions about Satanism. Can you help me?
I receive many, many such requests, hence this personal FAQ file. There are lots of
articles available on the Internet, lots of books in the bookstores, lots of Satanic
journals and 'zines to order and peruse. I don't mind answering a question or two UNLESS
the question demonstrates that you haven't bothered checking out ANY of the above. Be
diligent, if you are truly interested.
6.) I'm a Christian, but I'd like to open a dialogue with you about...
Forget it; I'm not interested in discussing theology with you, no matter upon how nice and
polite a level we can keep such a discussion. I was raised in a Catholic school and
educated by Jesuits; I know everything I care to know about _your_ philosophy and _your_
beliefs. I'm here to clear up misconceptions about Satanism and the Church of Satan, and
to direct those interested to sources of more information.
7.) I read in the Army Chaplain's Manual that the Church of Satan has ruled out
cremation for its adherents. Why?
Dr. LaVey's original reasoning against cremation for Satanists was that it was a
traditional way to prevent vampires, sorcerers and wizards from resurrecting themselves,
and so at least symbolically, it was more befitting for Satanists to preserve their
earthly forms from being consumed by flames. But of course, it isn't a dictate -- it's up
to the individual's personal preference as to the disposal of his body when that time
arrives. Some Satanists promote cryonic suspension, while others advocate organ donation.
It could actually be advantageous to be cremated nowadays, as it offers your loved ones
the choice of keeping your remains with them or distributing them in a proper area of your
or their choice.
8.) What is the age limit for joining the Church of Satan?
There is no age limit for becoming a member, however, you must be 18 years of age before you may participate in Grotto activities. Younger Satanists often have a complete understanding of Anton LaVey's philosophy and decide that they need the validation of that membership card and the official "pact" it represents.
9.) Is Marilyn Manson really in the Church of Satan?
Yes, he really is.