Sic dedo me. Sic exeo me. Sic damno me.
Defining Diabolism can be tricky, as it is a highly individualistic and eclectic religion. In the most basic sense, it is the veneration of Satan. Diabolist is a more polite way of saying, Devil worshipper.[1] Different groups and individuals will emphasize their own particular practices and tenets, which may or may not always mesh with the beliefs of other Diabolists. Broadly speaking, however, there are certain traits which can be said of nearly all such people and groups.
- A commitment to seeking and disseminating knowledge.
- Emphasis on self-cultivation and preservation.
- Skepticism toward group narratives and norms.
- Importance placed on developing one’s own moral compass.
- Rejection of altruism for enlightened, rational self-interest.
- Valuing personal liberty and responsibility.
- Affirmation of the world and of life “in the here and now.”
- Rejection of egalitarianism.
- Use of occult ritual to worship and invoke the powers of Hell.
- Positive view of human sexuality and diversity.
These values are exemplified and embodied by the Devil himself and his bride, Lilith, who are revered by Diabolists as promethean liberators and spiritual parents. Rather than seeing the ancient serpent of Eden and the first wife of Adam as the cause of humanity’s downfall, they are seen as some of our greatest benefactors, giving us the knowledge, reason, and moral freedom that makes our species unique. In Satan’s Fall from Heaven, Lilith’s escape from the Garden, and their joint opposition to Jehovah’s tyranny, benevolent enlightening of humankind, intellectual curiosity, world affirmation, demonization by the masses, and roaming spirits, the Diabolist finds guides for their own behavior and a warning of the hardships they may face along the way.
While it is our hope that this small prayer book will resonate with all Satanists to some degree, it should be said plainly that it unapologetically reflects the specific spirituality of the Brethren of the Morningstar, a small and private group of Diabolists in the United States. There is no expectation that anyone engaging with this prayer book will see themselves reflected 100% within it, but it is our sincere hope that fellow travelers will find material herein that is both useful, fresh, and spiritually provoking. Our aspiration was to create something that showed Diabolism as more than simply a Halloween inspired aesthetic, an edgy form of cosplay, or a way to piss off one’s Christian relatives, but rather a true spiritual path, capable of creating beautiful art and revealing real wisdom. If we have been successful in this, may it be to our Master Lucifer and Mistress Lilith’s glory.
Magister Cankerworm
Sic luceat lux.
[1] This separates it in some sense from Satanism (the newer of the two terms), which is largely atheistic, philosophically materialist, and humanistic. While there are theistic forms of Satanism, they often emphasize the individual practitioner’s importance to the point that they are functionally atheistic. We have consciously chosen the label Diabolist to emphasize that Lucifer stands above us in a way we will never equal and is thus due reverence and devotion in a way human beings are not. Additionally, the very name of Satanism has a tendency to attract adherents who adopt the name primarily as a rebellious fashion statement. We wish to separate ourselves from this sort of behavior.
